Their Little Ponies

      Magic? Mythology? Friendship? Yes. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is the fourth generation of the My Little Pony TV show. Originally, like many tv shows, Hasbro created it to support the sales through advertising for their line of toys, but something unexpected happened. The content of the show, in addition to the ingenious directing of lead writer and illustrator Lauren Faust, the target audience grew to new heights. No longer did the show reach out only to girls age 4-8, but to both boys and girls, ranging in age from 4 all the way to 60. How did the fourth generation break the strong connotation of being a children's show, and touch the hearts of so many viewers?
      When I first heard of it from a friend, I as just a skeptical, and humored by the thought of him watching it. after a few weeks of him mentioning it, I humored him and sat down to watch a few. In this bright and colorful world, the characters seem very applicable to personalities you might find in the real world. Each episode plays these characters off of each other, in a very fun, insightful, and progressive way that lends itself to the development of the plot. Often times they are sent on an adventure to settle matters in haunted forests, or dragon's caves, or deep into a bog, climbing mountains and running from a number of mythological beasts. the adventurous aspect draws the interest of more of the male viewers, while still maintaining the social tension that is present in many chick flicks in the end it is the strengths and support of one another that helps everyone through the task, leaving an optimistic, but not childish, feeling to each episode. A direction that most tv shows have long forgotten.
      This show is something unique, and not to be held to all the childish connotations it holds. All with fantastic animation and appealing design. If you're interested, I would suggest watching the first three or four episodes to get a good feel for the show. you may be surprised what you find.