Rainbow Dash's Parents!!! | My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Season 7 Episode 7 REACTION + Discussion
Added 2024-09-10 00:04:58 +0000 UTC
Comments
I see what you're getting at now, and it's actually not too different from what I was saying. 😅 I think there might have been a misunderstanding, but I do agree that most of your points are very valid. You're absolutely right - it's better to have parents who are embarrassing but supportive, rather than neglectful or outright abusive. I might not have expressed that point clearly enough earlier. I also mentioned neglect but didn't factor in abuse, which I forgot to bring up... 😓 Abuse is, of course, the worst kind of child-parent relationship and it needs to be stopped right away. I also acknowledged that Rainbow's overall communication was poor - I just tried to explain some possible reasons for why she reacted the way she did, and why her feelings might be somewhat understandable. What I wanted to highlight, though, is that the episode wasn't as strong as it could have been because it focused only on Scootaloo's desires through rainbow parents, without really addressing Rainbow's feelings. So, while we might not agree on everything, we do align on most points. And you're right, we may not always see eye to eye, but we're respectful enough to accept each other's opinions, and I really appreciate that! 😄
DeViruZz.eXe
2024-10-02 19:29:57 +0000 UTCNo not really resonate but you know that I’m not on her side in this episode unfortunately so it’s more just not being appreciative of them. Guess it hit me because of how much I would want that in my life. I understand your perspective of this. I only have to deny this because parents are suppose to be your biggest support system. And they initially did this because in her first year she was last place and felt bad. But as we have briefly spoken about, I wish this episode dove into this deeper because just embarrassing parents and completely shunning them out felt so hollow. I understand the expectation and difficulty that was put into RD but at the same time she has had this nature to perform well and be better. The parents just get out of hand which yeah is embarrassing which simple communication should be had. So unfortunately we’ll agree to disagree but it’s only because I’m much like scoot a lo here where this exact thing is what we want: people interested in our life and pursuits, to cheer us on, motivate us, and support us even when we are last place or first place. It’s just parents being partners and a simple convo would have brought them together instead of denying a great thing you have in life. While I get the notion of too much love, again I’d rather have that then zero love or a much more abusive side of things. Again, wish it would have dove more into RD’s to make this point but it doesn’t unfortunately. And I think this breeds a bigger question about boundaries with both seem to not have accomplished and the lack of communication emphasizes that. Again we won’t agree and that’s okay. And yes! Little detail for Season 7!
Ed
2024-10-02 06:40:51 +0000 UTCSorry, Pinkie_applepie, but I don't entirely agree - it's not that simple. I won't repeat myself, though, as I've explained this in more detail in my conclusion on my other post here.
DeViruZz.eXe
2024-09-23 19:44:35 +0000 UTC- Some notes/thoughts/facts: - Hoh boy... this is a difficult episode... Welp, that doesnt seem secure to me... https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/3/30/Slingshot_aimed_at_Cloudsdale_S7E7.png Who said Scootaloo lives in Cloudsdale? She just went there to finish her report. In the last season we saw Fluttershy's parents and her brother, this time its Rainbows parents, Bow Hothoof and Windy Whistles! We finally get to see Rainbow's father, but wait... there was a flashback in 'Games Ponies Play' (S3E12) that hinted at this moment: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/5/58/Rainbow_Dash_lands_disappointedly_S3E12.png - also he is seen here in "A Hearth's Warming Tail" (S6E08) on the left side: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/a/a9/Ponies_sing_together_in_the_Castle_of_Friendship_S6E8.png - Soo... who is that guy? He's known as 'Rainbow Blaze,' and at first, many mistook him for Rainbow's father. This sparked a lot of theories, ranging from a mere coincidence to speculation about an unfaithful mother. However, it was later officially clarified that he is Rainbow Dash's mentor, as confirmed by this tcg-card: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/b/b5/Rainbow_Blaze%2C_Dashing_Mentor_card_MLP_CCG.jpg - Many fans speculated that he might be related to Rainbow due to his similar color scheme, with some even unofficially dubbing him as Rainbow's uncle. Though this relationship was never explicitly stated, it was strongly implied. Also, I apologize if I misled you in my previous post about that episode - he wasn’t actually Rainbow’s father… 😅 They change the intro-animations only between seasons. It would have been nice to see Maud there. Scootaloo's screaming is unbearable - It left my ears ringing 😅 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/3/3c/Scootaloo_%22I_can%27t_believe_I%27m_meeting_you%21%22_S7E7.png - wow this unhinged face of happiness... 😂 Adorable photos! Rainbow as a baby must have been quite the powerhouse - no wonder her mom had to keep her strapped in. If you recall, baby ponies can be a real challenge to manage! https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/c/c3/Baby_pictures_of_Rainbow_Dash_on_the_wall_S7E7.png https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/a/a4/More_pictures_of_Rainbow_Dash_on_the_wall_S7E7.png An inspirational poster with a turtle... https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/1/1e/Scootaloo_%22that%27s_so_Rainbow_Dash%21%22_S7E7.png - is that why Rainbow chose Tank as her pet? 😏 All these little details - I absolutely love this ceiling btw.! https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/d/d7/Scootaloo_takes_pictures_of_Rainbow%27s_old_bedroom_S7E7.png - And I want that carpet! https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/8/84/Scootaloo%2C_Bow%2C_and_Windy_in_Rainbow%27s_trophy_room_S7E7.png The angelic sound effect of the trophy-room door was a neat detail 😅 Yeah the parents seem to love their daughter, I do like that. But it seems that they don't speak to each other anymore about recent events? Rainbow doesn't seem to be as happy to see her parents... 🤔 And the problems arise... in very loud and embarrassing manner... 😅 It looked like you were on the verge of tears after Rainbow snapped at her parents. Did that moment resonate with you in some way? 😓 No pressure to share, I was just curious. During Rainbows explanation we also get to see Derpy as a filly again! https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/2641703f-3c02-407c-9ea3-fff8576493f0 - However, it appears she started off as a strong flyer, but something happened that caused her to fall behind... https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/d/de/Filly_Rainbow_in_third_place_at_award_ceremony_S7E7.png - Her eyes seemed to get worse over time... 😨 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/7/7f/Filly_Rainbow_in_second_place_at_award_ceremony_S7E7.png - This must have taken place before the flashback in 'Where the Apple Lies' (S6E23), when she received an eye treatment at the hospital, which sadly didn’t work as well as everyone had hoped. 😥 Scootaloo: "[sighs] Me. Growing up, I never thought I'd be the best at anything, because nopony ever told me. But your parents told you over and over again. Look! Best bath taker ever. Best carrot eater under three. Greatest napper of all time!" - This may be true, but I'll explain in my conclusion why continuing this way might not always be the best approach... Scootaloo: "For your entire life, your parents gave you the confidence to believe in yourself." Rainbow Dash: "You're right. I was always so embarrassed by my parents that I didn't realize their support actually made me the awesome, confident, amazing, awesome, and awesome pony I am! [sighs] And I took them for granted." - It's a moral I can support, but it still misses a key point, which I'll elaborate on later.... The apologetic show was fantastic, and it was even better that the rest of the Wonderbolts stepped in to support her. Windy Whistles: "Oh, honey, thank you. But you didn't have to do all this. It's kind of [whispers] embarrassing." Bow Hothoof: "Eh, it is a bit much." - aha... 😏 And Scootlaoo finally got a fanclub of her own. I loved that! --- Whew… This episode has been a bit of a nightmare for me, and as I mentioned before, I'll explain why I feel this way. I have to admit, though, what I'm about to share might not reflect well on me in your eyes. I say that because I noticed the topic of parental support really struck a chord with you - you became quite passionate about it, and at one point, it seemed like it might have even brought you to the verge of tears. I truly hope this doesn't make you think any less of me… 😅 Meeting Rainbow Dash's parents, Bow Hothoof and Windy Whistles, introduces a new dimension to the show's portrayal of parental figures, revealing who shaped Rainbow into the pony she is today. Their loud, unwavering support is a stark contrast to the quieter, more reserved parental figures of other main characters, enriching the series' depiction of family dynamics. The episode centers on the theme of family support and the importance of not taking it for granted. However, Rainbow Dash's parents take their love to an extreme, cheering her on for every minor achievement with an enthusiasm that, while initially admirable, quickly becomes overwhelming. Their relentless encouragement starts as endearing, but as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that this constant and overbearing support might have created difficulties for Rainbow, particularly as she transitioned from childhood to adulthood. Rainbow Dash's upbringing in such a supportive environment clearly contributed to her confident and driven nature. Yet I think that, like any parent-child relationship, things became more complicated as she grew older. The episode touches on the natural tension that arises during adolescence, where children often feel embarrassed or frustrated by their parents behavior. However, this complex dynamic isn't fully explored, leaving us to wonder whether Rainbow distanced herself from her parents solely due to embarrassment or if it was also for other reasons. The episode doesn't clarify whether Rainbow cut off contact entirely or if she maintained some level of interaction, leaving gaps in our understanding of their relationship over the years. One might argue that a pony like Rainbow Dash, who thrives on attention, should appreciate her parents support. However, the episode suggests that this wasn't always the case. Rainbow might have enjoyed the attention as a child because it was all she knew, but as she grew older, her parents constant praise became a source of frustration. This overbearing support likely led to Rainbow developing an unconscious craving for approval, driving her to seek validation from others, often in unhealthy ways. This constant praise from her parents likely contributed to the development of Rainbow's large ego and her deep-seated need for approval, along with a fear of failure. This pattern is evident in earlier episodes like 'Sonic Rainboom', 'The Mysterious Mare Do Well', and 'Testing Testing 1, 2, 3', where Rainbow's self-esteem issues lead to significant challenges. Her parents' intrusive behavior - such as excessive cheering and invading her personal space - alienated those around her, making her an easier target for bullying and causing social difficulties. Their actions go beyond mere enthusiasm - they are intrusive to the point of being inappropriate. Their behavior even becomes a safety hazard, like when they set off unapproved fireworks during a public event. They aren't just being supportive - they're being clingy, following Dash into the locker room and not even giving her space to hang her towel in peace. They've even dedicated a shrine to her, which, while it's one thing to admire your child, it's another to put her on a literal pedestal - it crosses the line from admiration into something more unsettling... Such parenting can lead to serious mental and social issues. Rainbow's huge ego and constant need to prove herself - even when it's not necessary - can be traced back to her parents constantly hovering over her. Telling your child they're awesome is good, but overdoing it can result in self-esteem issues. Like many smart kids who struggle in school because they're constantly told how smart they are, Rainbow breaks down when she fails because she's been conditioned to expect constant praise. This overbearing behavior also led to social problems. Her parents intrusive cheering likely alienated her from others, isolating her socially at flight school. It's not surprising that she struggled to make friends and even encountered bullies, like Dumb-Bell and Hoops, who taunted her at first about her parents over-the-top behavior and later in general (as seen in 'Sonic Rainboom'). Imagine being on stage with two people in the crowd screaming at you so loudly that they draw all the attention toward them and Rainbow Dash - how could she not feel embarrassed? The episode even suggests that Rainbow Dash is in the wrong for being frustrated. Sure, her parents support contributed to her becoming a Wonderbolt, but they're also the source of many of her issues. While their behavior in her childhood shaped who she is today, their actions during the episode show that Rainbow has every right to be frustrated. And just because Scootaloo has her own parental issues doesn't excuse the actions of Rainbow's parents. Parents who neglect their children are no better than those who smother them with excessive cheering and intrusive behavior. There's a difference between healthy support, cute overexcitement, and screaming at the top of your lungs while shooting fireworks into the middle of everything. While there might have been a better way for Rainbow Dash to handle the situation, she was justified in her frustration and secrecy. Yes, you should appreciate your parents, but you should also recognize when they're a negative influence. Yet, the episode paints her as the villain just because she expressed her frustration as just being embarrassed, which is far from fair... The role of Scootaloo in this episode is particularly poignant. Scootaloo idolizes Rainbow's parents because her own are absent, a fact that is subtly highlighted throughout the episode. Her longing for the kind of parental support that Rainbow Dash received creates a powerful contrast between the two characters. Scootaloo's emotional revelation about her absentee parents deepens our understanding of her character and adds a layer of complexity to the episode. - The episode also indirectly raises questions about Scootaloo's family situation, sparking discussions among fans about whether she is an orphan or simply has negligent parents. This contrast between Scootaloo's experience and Rainbow Dash's underscores the episode's message about the different ways parental involvement - or the lack thereof - can shape a child's life. In the end, Scootaloo helps Rainbow Dash realize that despite the embarrassment, her parents unwavering support still played a crucial role in her success. Rainbow's apology to her parents shows that she acknowledges having taken their love for granted, and the episode concludes with a much needed reconciliation and a little hint on her parents acknowledgment on their overbearing behavior. The Wonderbolts, though not central to the emotional arc, provide an external validation of Rainbow's achievements and even seem to appreciate her family's quirks, further softening the tension. While the episode is still enjoyable, it could have been so much more. It misses the opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of parental support, instead of just casting Rainbow Dash in a somewhat unfair light as an "ungrateful daughter" without fully exploring the reasons behind her behavior. A more nuanced message acknowledging both the benefits and potential drawbacks of such parental behavior would have made for a more rounded and satisfying conclusion. - which possibly resulted due to its focus on a younger audience, as the topic is indeed a darker one. 😓 Ultimately, this episode leaves me with mixed feelings. It presents a complex challenge, offering a mixture of emotions and leaving room for various interpretations. Rainbow Dash's likability suffers due to her harsh reaction, but it's clear that the fault doesn't just entirely lie with her. While the episode succeeds in giving us a glimpse into Rainbow's past and adds to the richness of her character, it leaves some questions unanswered and some themes unexplored. Anyway, I apologize if my perspective hit a nerve, but it always irked me that many opinions place the blame solely on Rainbow Dash, which isn't the case. - This was an interesting reaction, you had a lot to say and still seemed to enjoy it in the end, it gave me alot to elaborate on and it was enjoyable - thank you for reacting to this 💙 P.S.: How come, i only just now realized that you are coloring the numbers in your Thumbnails suited to the episode? Neat detail 😅
DeViruZz.eXe
2024-09-23 19:40:15 +0000 UTCWe’re on the same wavelength. It really seemed tone deaf for her and how she naturally loves support. Same person who forced and wanted Fluttershy to root for her even knowing it would be impossible. So a bit overbearing parents is such a non issue. Everybody gets embarrassed but to sort of remove them from your life? I honestly hate this. As you said, many people would kill for this support system so to become so misunderstood about it is just so…. Dumb? I 50/50 love and hate this episode. Ughhh. Through the parents have instantly become some of my fav ponies!
Ed
2024-09-10 04:54:00 +0000 UTCIn one way I love that we met her parents and I like how sweet and supportive they are! but I sorta don’t like this episode cause my family relationship wasn’t and isn’t very supportive in some ways like scootaloo said some ponies really would dream of that, but RDs is and shes taking them for granted being mad at them too and tbh it kinda doesn’t make sense because I’ve always thought rainbow dash thrives on support remember in the buckball epsiode she said she loves when ponies are counting on her wanting her to win and be the best at things I’ve always thought she loves attention and praise even in the maredowell episode in season one and she really loved being the hero and having fame attention and praise, and basically her parents are giving her hella support, praise and attention, I could understand some ponies being a little embarrassed like I could see fluttershy being more embarrassed about this than dash, so maybe they could’ve gave us some more conflict with her and parents but there was none at all, also how did she not realize they are who helped her be the best that she is ? they made the rainbow dash we know who’s confident and likes winning and competing, it is really messed up that she didn’t tell them that she achieved her biggest dream like If she’s already lived with them for this long a little more embarrassment wouldn’t hurt she definitely should know how they’d act by now, that’s why I also had mixed feelings on this episode, definitely rainbow dashes worst episode so far, although the lesson was very sweet and amazing also I do love how much her parents love her.
Pinkie_applepie
2024-09-10 04:44:09 +0000 UTC
