Episode review: S7E12: "Discordant Harmony"

Wreaking anarchy and all that it brings. Or not

Although Canada and the US have entered a hiatus after episode 11, Australian television has now shown episodes 12 and 13 as well. That being so, I've decided to review them straight(ish) away. I should warn you in advance that E13 in particular is not one you want to know about before viewing. This ep is more ordinary, so you won't be spoiling yourself on any earth-shaking revelations if you do decide to read it. Beyond the break, a shortish look at "Discordant Harmony".

Even I agreed that "Fluttershy Leans In" was a slight disappointment, so I was hoping for a better showing from Best Pony this time round. Happily, I got it, despite the fact that I can often take or leave Discord. This is a sweet episode, amusing without being utterly hilarious and perhaps the best look so far at the friendship between this particular odd couple. Okay, it's superior filler, but so are quite a few of the episodes that give me a smile and a warm feeling inside.

Several earlier reviewers have commented on the pacing, and I think it's a fair point. The first act does seem to drag on a little, with a scene in a tea shop (disappointingly not staffed by Tealove) one that could have been cut down a bit. I'll admit that I was having visions of "Applejack's 'Day' Off" – by the same writing team – in which 22 minutes was spent telling very little actual story. Happily, things pick up once Fluttershy arrives at Discord's cottage.

...you say piñata – let's call the whole thing off

The notion that Discord fades if he's not chaotic enough is intriguing, and one I'm sure several fanficcers will have filed away for future use. Like quite a few things in the show, it may not stand up to intense scrutiny, but let's roll with it for now. Fluttershy, though, steals scene after scene (biased, me?) first with her obvious disappointment at finding the house normal, then with her determination to do something about it. That initial teacup-flip is impossibly adorable.

For an episode featuring not only Discord but Pinkie Pie in (admittedly for a minor but useful role) it's amusing that 'Shy is the craziest character on display by the third act. You can tell that it isn't coming naturally to her – and nor it should – but you can also tell that she isn't going to give up on her special friend. She's truly horrified by Discord's fading (if draconequui can "die" then he came close) and the depth of her friendship shines through.

"Discordant Harmony" closes with another stupidly cute scene in which things in Discord's cottage are back to "normal" and the two friends are chasing sandwiches on the ceiling with butterfly nets. It's a nice way to end an episode that also has a plain yet excellent moral: that differences can strengthen friendships. I've not been a big fan of most Fox brothers episodes, but "Discordant Harmony" is easily my favourite of theirs. A high three.

"Not quite the reaction you had when Pinkie Pie did this, Fluttershy"

Best quote: Discord: "Piñatas hate bats."

Yays

• The special nature of Discord and Fluttershy's friendship is evident
• Some amusing little touches, such as the multiple Discords
• Very satisfying, if simple, moral

Neighs

• Pacing is a bit too slow early on

★★★