The Super Network

Starring: Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Princess Celestia

The Series: The MLP Friendship Is Magic incarnation has become extremely popular, most notably with adult males who go by the name Bronies. So what is it about this animated series aimed at kids that appeals to the older audience as well? It is actually a really fun and enjoyable show, with such amazing main characters and it is really well written. The show aims to teach kids about the importance of friendship, and how everyone is different but that doesn’t mean you should treat them any different and that all sorts of personalities can get along. There are many life lessons learnt here, each episode takes on a different approach to things, and on the surfaces these messages may not seem apparent to younger viewers, it does stick with them.

I watched this Season 1 set with my 3 and a half year old niece, and one episode saw two of the ponies become competitive. At her young age she picked up on what the show was trying to say and she turned to me and said “it doesn’t matter if you don’t win, it’s about having fun, isn’t it?” I was stunned but she picked up on such an important element with this episode. It was trying to say winning isn’t everything and you should have fun along the way. It isn’t done in a preaching way either, the show is very carefully written and done well in that respect.

The first episode sees Twilight Sparkle, going to Ponyville under the guidance of Princess Celestia. She must check on things there for the Princesses arrival, and most importantly make friends. This task doesn’t seem so important to Twilight Sparkle but slowly as she meets a group of very different ponies they wind up on a journey together to stop Nightmare Moon and save the Princess. There is a lesson here about not judging a book by its cover so to speak, and Twilight while unsure of these ponies at first sees that they do have special qualities and she becomes friends with them. At the end of the day it is their new bond that saves the Princess and order is restored. This episode is a lot of fun, we get to meet the main players, and see their special bond form. It is a slice of things to come as these six friends have all sorts of adventures and even have to learn and work out how to be friends without through all kinds of situations (including an hilarious episode about a slumber party).

Friendship Is Magic really is a great show and the appeal is so strong with all ages, and it’s great for kids because it does have positive things to say. Each character is very distinctive, with their own qualities and personalities. There is something in each of the main six Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie that we can all relate to, and it may sound weird but I do see my own traits in these characters. The affect it has had on my niece is extremely positive, she understands a lot at her young age and she has taken away a lot of good from watching the show. It is easy to see why this has such an enormous fan base and deservedly so too, it’s great!

This is a show I highly recommend to all ages, jump on board the MLP train and have a blast! Best of all the merchandise isn’t insane and it’s affordable. There isn’t an insane amount that kids have to chose from, and my niece loves that she has all the ponies and that’s all she wants. I on the other hand, don’t have them all yet and I kind of do want them because I do love what this show and the Ponies represent.

The Australian DVD 
The audio and video are excellent on this release, it’s all very clear and crisp and there really isn’t anything to fault here.

Overall Rating

Thanks to Ben from MadMan for his support.