...and that 9 of those episodes are going to air before the New Year, I figure one may as well grab some new pony whenever one can. Hopefully the evidence/speculation that points to a 3-episode long direct-to-DVD film following that is accurate. I suspect that might be where Discord makes his return. Why air those episodes for free if you can charge the adult fans to see them first?

I think a 3 episode long story would be great, as I tend to feel like the 2-episode ones could always use just a bit more room to breath and flesh out the themes/characters a bit. Still, I quite enjoy them and this one was no exception. I understand a fair amount of fans were let down by the villain, who was more looming presence ala Sauron than fleshed-out character, but I didn't much mind. I really enjoyed the stuff with Spike, the little hints at some larger continuity to come, and a bunch of little bits throughout.

Ultimately, where else can one hope to see ponies replicate the Colossus/Wolverine "Fastball Special" by throwing a half-comatose, newlywed, princess bride?