Leap of Faith

Have always found the Apple family very variable when it comes to how they are characterised, sometimes they're good fun and identifiable and in other episodes they are not too interesting and it is dependent on the premise. The premise here being a pretty good one, despite the presence of the annoying Flim Flam Brothers, which sounded easy to identify with if done right. Applejack has also been variably written and that is very obvious in Season 4.

It was a shame that Season 4 went from one of its best episodes ("For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils") to one of its worst with "Leap of Faith". It is a long way from being a terrible episode, despite some of the season's episodes being very flawed none of them fit in the category of terrible to me. It's just not particularly good either and a good example of a great concept that never fires on all cylinders in execution, which is really frustrating.

"Leap of Faith" definitely has good things. What immediately stood out to me was the writing for Applejack. After disliking her so much in "Somepony to Watch Over Me", she is fully redeemed here. Her conflict and inner turmoil did connect with me emotionally and were identifiable, sadly deserving of a much better episode. Granny Smith also comes over well and it is hard to not root for her here when in similar situations. Loved her interaction with Applebloom, which was very endearing. The moral is great and one of the season's most relevant and rootable ones, as well as sincerely delivered.

The animation is fine as usual, a visual feast when it comes to the beautifully varied colours. The music is quirky and dynamic and there is some nice character interaction (especially Granny Smith and Applebloom). The voice acting is also very good, especially Ashleigh Ball who brings a lot of nuance to Applejack.

Sadly, much more could have been done with the concept. Which is executed very predictably and too ordinarily. The pacing never fully involves with too much padding that doesn't go very far. The Flim Flam Brothers have been worse in other episodes, but they still irritate. It would have been better if Silver Shill wasn't in it at all as absolutely nothing is done with him, he has no development or personality and his motivations are woefully under-explored.

Did think in this regard that Applejack's decision making at times could have been clearer, especially why she couldn't tell the truth. The writing is not awful as at least it didn't make me cringe, it just feels bland and sporadic mildly amusing moments aside it is very subdued in comedy in quality and quantity. With motivations being so lacking in clarity there was an incomplete feel at times. The story is a great idea that never comes to life pace-wise or emotionally and has no imagination.

In short, very average but watchable. 5/10