It is always interesting when 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' explores different parts of Equestria and when they show off new lore. Which is the case here with the Griffon Kingdom named Griffonstone and its inhabitants. Having Gilda back was interesting, though she is not high up on my list of favourite 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' characters. Season 5 up to this still early point of it was mostly very solid, with the only disappointment being "Appleoosa's Most Wanted".
"The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone" is another one of the season's best episodes, comparing it to the previous episodes it is most on par with "Make New Friends But Keep Discord" if not quite as good. To me it is a great episode and one of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic's', well up to this point of it anyhow, better excursions in different locations. Gilda's return is very well handled and it was great to see more of a relationship that has been missed for a long time.
By all means "The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone" is not a perfect episode. Some of Gilda's dialogue is a bit grating.
Also felt that the making up was on the rushed side.
Gilda on the most part however is an interesting character and has a very believable character growth that develops at a good pace and is not contrived. The way she redeems herself doesn't feel too out of left field or too sudden and is heart-warming. The Mane 6 characters featured here are great, with Pinkie Pie being the funniest she's been in quite some time and Rainbow Dash (consistently written here) interacts so well with her. Really loved the hilarious opening and Rainbow Dash's impression of Twilight.
Really loved what "The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone" did with its setting. The Griffonstone kingdom looks amazing and the episode contains some of the show's most immersive and vivid world-building, it's interesting, not convoluted or exposition-heavy and is imaginative. The Griffons are also done very well, didn't feel that they were stereotypical at all. A great job is done trying to set them apart visually and in personality so telling who was who was not difficult. The script is funny and intelligent, while the story thrills and entertains completely with flashbacks that are intriguing and touching (also not ones that bog down the pace).
Furthermore, the animation is great. Especially the backgrounds in the Griffonstone kingdom. The music is as dynamic and beautifully varied mood-wise as ever. The voice acting is great, particularly from Maryke Hendrikse.
Concluding, wonderful. 9/10
"The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone" is another one of the season's best episodes, comparing it to the previous episodes it is most on par with "Make New Friends But Keep Discord" if not quite as good. To me it is a great episode and one of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic's', well up to this point of it anyhow, better excursions in different locations. Gilda's return is very well handled and it was great to see more of a relationship that has been missed for a long time.
By all means "The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone" is not a perfect episode. Some of Gilda's dialogue is a bit grating.
Also felt that the making up was on the rushed side.
Gilda on the most part however is an interesting character and has a very believable character growth that develops at a good pace and is not contrived. The way she redeems herself doesn't feel too out of left field or too sudden and is heart-warming. The Mane 6 characters featured here are great, with Pinkie Pie being the funniest she's been in quite some time and Rainbow Dash (consistently written here) interacts so well with her. Really loved the hilarious opening and Rainbow Dash's impression of Twilight.
Really loved what "The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone" did with its setting. The Griffonstone kingdom looks amazing and the episode contains some of the show's most immersive and vivid world-building, it's interesting, not convoluted or exposition-heavy and is imaginative. The Griffons are also done very well, didn't feel that they were stereotypical at all. A great job is done trying to set them apart visually and in personality so telling who was who was not difficult. The script is funny and intelligent, while the story thrills and entertains completely with flashbacks that are intriguing and touching (also not ones that bog down the pace).
Furthermore, the animation is great. Especially the backgrounds in the Griffonstone kingdom. The music is as dynamic and beautifully varied mood-wise as ever. The voice acting is great, particularly from Maryke Hendrikse.
Concluding, wonderful. 9/10
