Moviefan12: Hello & welcome back to Trotting Through Life, as today we take a look at Daring Don't. A decent action/adventure episode. Y'know, with a title like that, one is inclined to want to include this music throughout the review. I think this calls for the Indy theme. And why not, as Daring Do is pretty much Equestira's Indy. So join us as we travel by map to get the treasure from Ahuizotl.
And please watch out for any rolling boulders. We don't have the insurance to cover damaged readers.
The Second Opinion: That's right, just do what he says and I'll be with you as soon as I finish this sword fight I'm locked in.
Alright, sorry about that. Back again to put some hard-headed realism into the mix, and I'm definitely lookin forward to this review. (And yes, I'm pretty sure it's really me this time.) But if we're putting theme music in, the appropriate tune to start out with might really be a little different. Daring Do, you'll remember, is actually the main character of Rainbow Dash's favorite book series. But it's one series that's about to back up I can go anywhere/I can be anything in spades.
Fangirlism about to reach a whole new level
The Plot
Moviefan12: We open the episode on Fluttershy teaching a pair of chicks teaching how to fly, when Rainbow Dash comes by and asks, if she's excited because the next Daring Do book will be released in 4 months. Hmm, that sounds like me, when the show got closer to season 4 starting up. Is the show trying to say something about Bronies again? In her over-excited state, Rainbow flies into a tree. After the cold open, Dashie goes to Golden Oaks Library, now excited that the book is only three months away from coming out, until Twilight Sparkle gives her the news that the book had been delayed. Yep, been there too. She gets a bit frustrated at Twilight Sparkle for knowing more about the series, then she does but Twilight reminds her that she was the one that introduced Dash to the Daring Do book series. Again, are you guys using this episode to say something about fandom? Because if so, I approve!
Rainbow Dash asks Twilight Sparkle, if she knows, where the author, A.K. Yearling lives, as she's figured that Yearling has been distracted everyday distractions and wants to go there to help her finish the book. Oh god, don't turn into Stephen King's Misery. Ahem, back on topic. Twilight is hesitant about the idea but slowly comes around and so, the Mane Six head off to find A.K. Yearling.
The Second Opinion: So after going ahead with this rather awkward idea, the six arrive at the home of A.K. Yearling, only to find it trashed and empty. Before they can piece together what happened, the author returns home and, surprised, begins searching the house, barely noticing the pony gang as they try to explain. When she finds the golden hoop she’s looking for, Rainbow Dash decides to keep pretending that doing chores for an author to get them to write their book faster is a notion the episode is seriously going to consider. So Twilight Drags her outside to give her the lecture on respecting privacy, when Pinkie Pie interrupts.
“You should tell that to those guys.” She says.
Totally surrounded, A.K Yearling throws off her homely outfit to reveal that she is dressed as Daring Do herself. And yes, it really is because all of her stories are true, and she’s the one and only Daring Do. My bad, I’ll switch my choice of theme music now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KThlYHfIVa8&feature=kp
After a fight sprawling all over the room for the hoop, Daring Do goes down in what I think was supposed to be caused by a concerned cry from Rainbow Dash distracting her. The head honcho shows up and reveals that he intends to sell the hoop to Daring Do’s nemesis, Ahuizotl, despite Daring Do’s pleas that it will doom the valley Ahuizotl occupies to 8 centuries of unrelenting heat. (At this point, I’m glad Rainbow Dash isn’t a fan of the World War Z series.) The 6 then realize that they should probably do something and enter to help Daring Do pick herself up. But the adventurer insists she’s a one pony trick and takes off with her leg in a splint. Twilight is worried they might be in over their heads and should go back to stopping world-dominating, reality altering, darkness spreading armies, but Rainbow Dash flies off, clinging to the hope that she’s worthy of helping her hero against, uh, this guy:
Moviefan12: Wait, so A.K. Yearling is Daring Do. I wonder, I'll be right back. Ah, here's the portal.
In Equestira
Here I go, She has to be around here somewhere. I just know it, Oh, come on where is she.
I'm back, I'm back. I found who I was looking for. Behold, Fausticorn.
There were rumors that Faust was actually an alicorn and is the mother of Celestia and Luna and I got a picture of her. Hey, wait a minute, something's not right...
I'M A PONY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Uhm, uh, while I figure out how to turn back into a human, let's continue... wait a minute, I'm Magic Dust. Oh boy, this is awkward. Let's get back to the review. Wait how am I typing. Oh, horn.
Rainbow Dash flying off isn't the best idea but she is so caught up in wanting to impress her idol that she doesn't realize this. But Daring, doesn't seem to like this idea and just believes that Dash will slow her down. We later see Do and Dash arrive at the campsite of the henchmen, where Daring makes a disguise to try and get the ring but she reveals herself to Ahuizotl. While Dash just watches from the sidelines and we get one of the best one-liners from Do.
"Now, Ahuizotl., you know I love you but I can't give you the ring 'til I've properly proposed."
Alas, Do is captured with the ring by her foe leaving Dashie to feel as though she has disappointed her idol and willing to give up, when the Mane Six catch up to her, Twilight Sparkle knocks some sense to her and tells this isn't the Rainbow Dash, I know. Second Opinion, you take it from her, I'm still trying to find a way to turn back into a human.
The Second Opinion: Ungh, wha? Oh, sorry, I must have fallen asleep during week 2 of sitting here. Anyway… HOLY HECK, HE’S A PONY!!! I… is this normal?! I mean, I know we just got done with Darkfan turning himself into me, but…
Oh, right, the review. Ahem, theme music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y983TDjoglQ
Seriously, I know she’s not Daring Do, but isn’t Rainbow Dash a black belt and an unmatched speedster in the air? Now Ahuizotl just puts his hand around her and she doesn’t even want to try anything? What’s with the helpless routine? I know she’s supposed to be feeling out of her league, but the whole thing’s completely rushed, which leaves the drama feeling unjustified. Still, after spending most of the episode trying to comprehend Rainbow’s nonsensical thought process, it’s here that she becomes identifiable, turning her unbending passion on herself for her perceived failure. She even brushes off the others’ attempts to put her in a better light, until Twilight calls the situation for what it is. Cut to Daring Do…
“I’m going to place him in an easily escapable situation…”
Ahuizotl leaves her in a flooding room filled with piranhas. She struggles, but it turns out her bonds are actually attached to concrete blocks that slide out of the wall. She pries them loose anyway but finds them too heavy to fly with.
“You could flap too, ya know!” Rainbow scoffs at her hero.
And so, Rainbow Dash makes the save and finds her voice, matching Daring Do barb for barb when she tries to brush Rainbow off again. She also returns the adventurers hat with style, finally winning her over. And so, with Rainbow finally herself again and the two of them about to go partake in the team up of the season, we can finally sing the right tune: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G_PB0hk9j8
(Wait, I might be confused... sorry if that's actually the Star Wars theme.) Anyway they make their way to Ahuizotl’s chamber together, while the other 5 attack head on, providing a distraction.
“Drop the ring Owwie… whutever your name is!”
Moviefan12: That was indeed a great moment and the fight between the rest of Mane Six and the baddies was a blast to watch and Pinkie probably gets the best moment (I promise to try and be easier on her from now on).
Do and Dash work together get the rings on and they succeed in causing the fortress to collapse.
After the fortress is destroyed, Do thanks Dash for her aid and puts out her hoof for hoofshake but Dash goes in for a hug. Can't blame her, I'd do the same with Andrea Libman.
The Second Opinion: Yoy, this magic stuff is gonna take some getting used to.
The Second Opinion: I
give the show a lot of credit for what it’s done with Rainbow as the
brash tomboy type. It could have gone the usual route, which is to
present their arrogance as its own justification, as though the lady
being an aggressive jerk is great because it’s atypical. But this show
never tries to make Rainbow’s arrogance a “good” thing. It tries to make
it understandable. Like most competitive people, she wants to feel good
about herself, and she thinks playing offense is the best way to go
about it. But at the same time, she never means any harm (at least
initially). She often causes some without noticing, but it’s never to
the point where she’s unlikable. Usually, it’s more funny than hurtful,
and we still see that she actually takes the needs of others very
seriously. She’s not the first to see what’s right, but she’s the first
to stand up for it. She’s just a big, fun-loving personality that I
really enjoy.
That said, this episode didn’t always seem sure of how it wanted to play her. At first, she’s hysterically overexcited for the new Daring Do book, all well and good, but then she starts to become obsessed in all the wrong ways. Her ideas to move it along don’t make sense, the jokes on how she doesn’t care about anyone or anything except the books miss the mark, her refusal to listen to reason is annoying, and it’s all so one-note as to override the rest of her character. The way she lets herself become a useless fangirl around Daring Do is actually pretty relatable, but it’s also sort of rushed and overplayed. Again, it’s pretty one-note, and the way Rainbow folds up in the jungle cat fight makes no sense.
Only after the well-played scene in which Twilight puts it all in perspective does she change back into the Rainbow Dash we know and love. Not only does she get to show Daring Do who she’s really dealing with (very satisfying), she gets to play a central role in saving the day. Plus, she’s just a lot of fun as always in this portion.
The Second Opinion: Twilight was great support in this episode, and I really liked the turning point in which she convinces Rainbow to keep trying. If you’ve ever met her type, the way Rainbow turned her disappointment on herself was very identifiable, and the way Twilight brings her back was no heart of the cards speech. It was very truthful and to the point, but at the same time, she kept it in an encouraging light. It’s totally believable that it would have the effect it did. I’m in agreement with Moviefan about her fan moments too.
The Second Opinion: I don’t know, I guess this guy was what he needed to be. They covered the basics, establishing that his motivation was money more than anything else, and he fit the mold of Indiana Jones. (Actually, I just realized that he got away clean with the cash. Shouldn’t somebody be bringing him to justice?)
The Second Opinion: There’s a lot of fun action and funny, entertaining moments to be found here, but it falls short of what it could have been. I know we’re not supposed to like the direction Rainbow is on for the first 2/3, but like I said, this portion is off even on its own terms. And then the big finale, our cathartic payoff, is only about a 6 or a 7 on the awesome scale. [Insert line on how it needed to be about 20% cooler] Overall, I guess that still adds up to a decent episode, and I definitely enjoyed it more than the last one. But I should note that it hasn’t been the easiest thing to get me to question a Rainbow Dash episode. I even liked The Mysterious Mare Do Well more than this.
The Second Opinion: So, Moviefan, it looks like… oh boy…
And please watch out for any rolling boulders. We don't have the insurance to cover damaged readers.
The Second Opinion: That's right, just do what he says and I'll be with you as soon as I finish this sword fight I'm locked in.
Alright, sorry about that. Back again to put some hard-headed realism into the mix, and I'm definitely lookin forward to this review. (And yes, I'm pretty sure it's really me this time.) But if we're putting theme music in, the appropriate tune to start out with might really be a little different. Daring Do, you'll remember, is actually the main character of Rainbow Dash's favorite book series. But it's one series that's about to back up I can go anywhere/I can be anything in spades.
Fangirlism about to reach a whole new level
The Plot
Moviefan12: We open the episode on Fluttershy teaching a pair of chicks teaching how to fly, when Rainbow Dash comes by and asks, if she's excited because the next Daring Do book will be released in 4 months. Hmm, that sounds like me, when the show got closer to season 4 starting up. Is the show trying to say something about Bronies again? In her over-excited state, Rainbow flies into a tree. After the cold open, Dashie goes to Golden Oaks Library, now excited that the book is only three months away from coming out, until Twilight Sparkle gives her the news that the book had been delayed. Yep, been there too. She gets a bit frustrated at Twilight Sparkle for knowing more about the series, then she does but Twilight reminds her that she was the one that introduced Dash to the Daring Do book series. Again, are you guys using this episode to say something about fandom? Because if so, I approve!
Rainbow Dash asks Twilight Sparkle, if she knows, where the author, A.K. Yearling lives, as she's figured that Yearling has been distracted everyday distractions and wants to go there to help her finish the book. Oh god, don't turn into Stephen King's Misery. Ahem, back on topic. Twilight is hesitant about the idea but slowly comes around and so, the Mane Six head off to find A.K. Yearling.
 |
| Hey, I already made that joke. |
The Second Opinion: So after going ahead with this rather awkward idea, the six arrive at the home of A.K. Yearling, only to find it trashed and empty. Before they can piece together what happened, the author returns home and, surprised, begins searching the house, barely noticing the pony gang as they try to explain. When she finds the golden hoop she’s looking for, Rainbow Dash decides to keep pretending that doing chores for an author to get them to write their book faster is a notion the episode is seriously going to consider. So Twilight Drags her outside to give her the lecture on respecting privacy, when Pinkie Pie interrupts.
“You should tell that to those guys.” She says.
Totally surrounded, A.K Yearling throws off her homely outfit to reveal that she is dressed as Daring Do herself. And yes, it really is because all of her stories are true, and she’s the one and only Daring Do. My bad, I’ll switch my choice of theme music now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KThlYHfIVa8&feature=kp
After a fight sprawling all over the room for the hoop, Daring Do goes down in what I think was supposed to be caused by a concerned cry from Rainbow Dash distracting her. The head honcho shows up and reveals that he intends to sell the hoop to Daring Do’s nemesis, Ahuizotl, despite Daring Do’s pleas that it will doom the valley Ahuizotl occupies to 8 centuries of unrelenting heat. (At this point, I’m glad Rainbow Dash isn’t a fan of the World War Z series.) The 6 then realize that they should probably do something and enter to help Daring Do pick herself up. But the adventurer insists she’s a one pony trick and takes off with her leg in a splint. Twilight is worried they might be in over their heads and should go back to stopping world-dominating, reality altering, darkness spreading armies, but Rainbow Dash flies off, clinging to the hope that she’s worthy of helping her hero against, uh, this guy:
Moviefan12: Wait, so A.K. Yearling is Daring Do. I wonder, I'll be right back. Ah, here's the portal.
In Equestira
Here I go, She has to be around here somewhere. I just know it, Oh, come on where is she.
I'm back, I'm back. I found who I was looking for. Behold, Fausticorn.
There were rumors that Faust was actually an alicorn and is the mother of Celestia and Luna and I got a picture of her. Hey, wait a minute, something's not right...
I'M A PONY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Uhm, uh, while I figure out how to turn back into a human, let's continue... wait a minute, I'm Magic Dust. Oh boy, this is awkward. Let's get back to the review. Wait how am I typing. Oh, horn.
Rainbow Dash flying off isn't the best idea but she is so caught up in wanting to impress her idol that she doesn't realize this. But Daring, doesn't seem to like this idea and just believes that Dash will slow her down. We later see Do and Dash arrive at the campsite of the henchmen, where Daring makes a disguise to try and get the ring but she reveals herself to Ahuizotl. While Dash just watches from the sidelines and we get one of the best one-liners from Do.
"Now, Ahuizotl., you know I love you but I can't give you the ring 'til I've properly proposed."
Alas, Do is captured with the ring by her foe leaving Dashie to feel as though she has disappointed her idol and willing to give up, when the Mane Six catch up to her, Twilight Sparkle knocks some sense to her and tells this isn't the Rainbow Dash, I know. Second Opinion, you take it from her, I'm still trying to find a way to turn back into a human.
The Second Opinion: Ungh, wha? Oh, sorry, I must have fallen asleep during week 2 of sitting here. Anyway… HOLY HECK, HE’S A PONY!!! I… is this normal?! I mean, I know we just got done with Darkfan turning himself into me, but…
Oh, right, the review. Ahem, theme music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y983TDjoglQ
Seriously, I know she’s not Daring Do, but isn’t Rainbow Dash a black belt and an unmatched speedster in the air? Now Ahuizotl just puts his hand around her and she doesn’t even want to try anything? What’s with the helpless routine? I know she’s supposed to be feeling out of her league, but the whole thing’s completely rushed, which leaves the drama feeling unjustified. Still, after spending most of the episode trying to comprehend Rainbow’s nonsensical thought process, it’s here that she becomes identifiable, turning her unbending passion on herself for her perceived failure. She even brushes off the others’ attempts to put her in a better light, until Twilight calls the situation for what it is. Cut to Daring Do…
“I’m going to place him in an easily escapable situation…”
Ahuizotl leaves her in a flooding room filled with piranhas. She struggles, but it turns out her bonds are actually attached to concrete blocks that slide out of the wall. She pries them loose anyway but finds them too heavy to fly with.
“You could flap too, ya know!” Rainbow scoffs at her hero.
And so, Rainbow Dash makes the save and finds her voice, matching Daring Do barb for barb when she tries to brush Rainbow off again. She also returns the adventurers hat with style, finally winning her over. And so, with Rainbow finally herself again and the two of them about to go partake in the team up of the season, we can finally sing the right tune: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G_PB0hk9j8
(Wait, I might be confused... sorry if that's actually the Star Wars theme.) Anyway they make their way to Ahuizotl’s chamber together, while the other 5 attack head on, providing a distraction.
“Drop the ring Owwie… whutever your name is!”
Moviefan12: That was indeed a great moment and the fight between the rest of Mane Six and the baddies was a blast to watch and Pinkie probably gets the best moment (I promise to try and be easier on her from now on).
Do and Dash work together get the rings on and they succeed in causing the fortress to collapse.
Our epilogue has Dashie writing in the friendship journal, when the mail arrives with the newest copy of the newest Daring Do book and who should be on the cover other then...
Fluterrshy, oh wait no,
it's Rainbow Dash
All in all, I thought this was a very fun episode. A very great action/adventure episode. Now I know some fans didn't take to kindly to the idea of Daring Do being a real character. Which is an odd hurdle to get over with this episode but once you do, this is a great episode. Let's move onto the characters and hopefully, we can figure out how to turn me back into a human. Ah, here's a magic spell. I'll try this.
The Characters
Main Characters
Rainbow Dash voiced by Ashleigh Ball
Moviefan12: Dash was just adorably awesome in this episode. As I mentioned in the plot, this episode like Read It & Weep before it, is a great analysis of fandom. While Read It & Weep, was more about embracing something new and accepting that it's okay to like this, even if you think it isn't. Daring Don't focuses more on how carried away fans get, especially, when meeting their idols. It almost seems to be a message that we need to remember that the ones, we need idolize are people too, and to not place them on a highly unattainable pedestal.
That said, this episode didn’t always seem sure of how it wanted to play her. At first, she’s hysterically overexcited for the new Daring Do book, all well and good, but then she starts to become obsessed in all the wrong ways. Her ideas to move it along don’t make sense, the jokes on how she doesn’t care about anyone or anything except the books miss the mark, her refusal to listen to reason is annoying, and it’s all so one-note as to override the rest of her character. The way she lets herself become a useless fangirl around Daring Do is actually pretty relatable, but it’s also sort of rushed and overplayed. Again, it’s pretty one-note, and the way Rainbow folds up in the jungle cat fight makes no sense.
Only after the well-played scene in which Twilight puts it all in perspective does she change back into the Rainbow Dash we know and love. Not only does she get to show Daring Do who she’s really dealing with (very satisfying), she gets to play a central role in saving the day. Plus, she’s just a lot of fun as always in this portion.
Daring Do voiced by Chiara Zanni
Moviefan12: Daring Do is a character was a bit rough around the edges at first. She seemed kinda jaded. I do wish that the show had delved into that some more. Do, for her part in the fan/idol relationship seem to show that, hey treat your fans with respect and don't brush them off.
The Second Opinion:
Heck, I know I’m grateful she’s real, if all they could come up with for
Rainbow on her own was pestering an author to finish a book. She has a
nice combination of standoffish and fun, and I appreciated what she
brought to the story. Still though, after putting all your chips with
her and Rainbow in the ending, you couldn’t come up with anything better
than sliding rings off a pole?
Supporting Characters
Twilight Sparkle voiced by Tara Strong
Moviefan12: Twilight Sparkle also had some great fan moments and I love how she was the one that reminded Dash that she was a fan of the books and that she introduced Dash to the series. And the girls just rattling off Do info was fun to watch. And small tangent, but this made me angry at the last issue of the MLP comics, which supposedly took place after Daring Don't and Rarity, Twily, Dash, and Pinkie got sucked into various books and one of them was a Daring Do book and Twilight knew NOTHING about Daring Do.
The Second Opinion: Twilight was great support in this episode, and I really liked the turning point in which she convinces Rainbow to keep trying. If you’ve ever met her type, the way Rainbow turned her disappointment on herself was very identifiable, and the way Twilight brings her back was no heart of the cards speech. It was very truthful and to the point, but at the same time, she kept it in an encouraging light. It’s totally believable that it would have the effect it did. I’m in agreement with Moviefan about her fan moments too.
Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy voiced by Tabitha St. Germain, Ashleigh Ball, & Andrea Libman
Moviefan12: If there is one issue, I noticed in the early episodes of season 4, a lot of the episodes seem to think that you need all of the Mane Six in an episode but other then Twilight, the rest of the Mane Six, once again took a back seat to the story. I think, you could've cut the cast down to three, say Dash, Twilight, and Rarity, if you want to do a Dragonquest follow up type episode and you would basically have the same episode.
The Second Opinion:
Well, I actually sort of like that they don’t always need a
Twilight-centric conflict of epic proportions to all go on an adventure
together. It’s nice to see that someone else can be at the center of the
group if necessary, as we’ve seen before, and while adventures with
only a few can have their own advantages, this one did get the nice
scene with the other five taking on Ahuizotl’s army. You’ll have to fix
the fact that Rainbow is the only one who doesn’t get to take on any of
them directly, but otherwise, nice moments all around. Wait, Rarity was
in this episode, right?
Villains
Dr. Caballeron voiced by Michael Dobson
Moviefan12: If there was one weak link in this otherwise pretty good episode, it was the villains. Say what will you will about Sombra or Sunset Shimmer but at least, they are memorable. Dr. Caballeron, was obviously inspired by the Indy villains such as Rene Belloq from Raiders but he didn't really bring anything new to the table.
The Second Opinion: I don’t know, I guess this guy was what he needed to be. They covered the basics, establishing that his motivation was money more than anything else, and he fit the mold of Indiana Jones. (Actually, I just realized that he got away clean with the cash. Shouldn’t somebody be bringing him to justice?)
Ahuiztol voiced by Michael Drummond
Moviefan12: While Ahuiztol does have an interesting design, I again feel that the villains took a back seat to the whole fan/idol storyline with Dash and Do. He's not bad, and if were to be fleshed out a bit more in a future appearance, I think he could be a rather entertaining baddie but as it stands right out now, he leaves something to be desired.
The Second Opinion:
Again, he was what he needed to be, nothing less and not much more. I
agree that the design is cool, and he plays off Daring Do pretty well as
the Snidely Whiplash that he is, but he wasn’t the point, and he
doesn’t do anything particularly memorable. That’s all just fine, but
they should probably note that there’s potential to bring out here if
there’s a next time.
Our Final Thoughts
Moviefan12: Before I give my final thoughts, I want and try see if this spell works to make me a human again. Let's try.
I'm starting to feel different. Hopefully, this works. I think I can go ahead and give my thoughts now. I liked this episode for the fandom message, that it was sending. Don't go overboard and remember that the people, you idolize are people too. I think this is working.
The Second Opinion: There’s a lot of fun action and funny, entertaining moments to be found here, but it falls short of what it could have been. I know we’re not supposed to like the direction Rainbow is on for the first 2/3, but like I said, this portion is off even on its own terms. And then the big finale, our cathartic payoff, is only about a 6 or a 7 on the awesome scale. [Insert line on how it needed to be about 20% cooler] Overall, I guess that still adds up to a decent episode, and I definitely enjoyed it more than the last one. But I should note that it hasn’t been the easiest thing to get me to question a Rainbow Dash episode. I even liked The Mysterious Mare Do Well more than this.
Moviefan12: Well, I feel different. But I look smaller. Join us next time as we take a look at Flight To The Finish. Those Blank Flanks.
Moviefan12: Did I just say that? Uh oh!
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