>>12511
Background ponies and minor characters galore! Prince Blueblood and Pony Joe! Octavia! Again, I am impressed by how much is stuffed into this episode without it feeling stuffed. I feel the urge to make stupid fanfictions out of some minor character here as I believe there is a (few) other background ponies from which this is there first appearance. Actually, though I am uncertain how relevant this episode is directly on everyone's mind's. This episode's influence is certainly on the stronger side for Season 1. First appearances of several ponies at least! The Grand Galloping Gala as a concept certainly is still referenced. I can think of a fair bit of fanfics that were set around this episode or had it as a major plot point.

It all escalates into Celestia and Twilight walking into the main ballroom and Celestia sums the situation well:
Run
I also quote the princess again, as I think it is a perfect point to close off the main review:
Oh Twilight, the Grand Galloping Gala is always awful.
I really like this meeting at the table and the lesson of friendship here.This ruion felt actually warm and sweet to me personally. Sometimes when the Mane 6 hug it out or whatever I feel nothing. Not negative, but, it's just the plot moving along. Here I did feel a touch of genuine warmth in my heart. Which did surprise me a little even if I know this show can bring this feeling sometimes. I also liked Princess Celestia here. Her distaste of the Grand Galloping Gala I feel like says a lot about her character and establish things that we could somewhat infer from previous episodes of her being someone who is really laid back and disliking of how fussy and strict everything is but is sort of boxed in by her role as princess. She endures and tries to find fun where she can (perhaps in slightly immoral ways, lol).

Perfect in execution but uncertain in my enjoyment level. Which was high, but how high? I am going to be conservative right now and rate this an 8.5/10!