>>12512
>The Grand Galloping Gala as a concept certainly is still referenced.
I wonder how significant exactly it actually is in-universe. It seems relatively analogous to the Royal Garden Parties that the Windsors hold irl, the purpose of which is to recognise and reward public service (which we see Celestia doing here herself) - and of course it is also a significant event for the debuts of debutantes, which is what is essentially happening with the Mane Six in the episode. The caveat would be that rather than being one of several parties organised by a nominal head of state through the Crown Estate, the Grand Galloping Gala is only once every year, and is held within the actual seat of government as a directly state-sponsored event. If anything, in fandom and fanfics and stuff even the event itself should be referenced more, I think.
>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.
After 1000 years of hosting this annual party, I'm not at all surprised that she's sick of it!
>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!
Very similar score to mine!

More replies on their way: for now I'm getting ready for work again. But once that's done, and once anybody else has chimed in if they wish to, that's more or less /thread, when we get to it. I'm strangely reluctant to finish things, now that it's in sight! But season 2 will be exciting to get to!