Talk:Marks and Recreation/@comment-10390252-20170930161252

Now this is how you do a meta episode.

I think that this entire episode is, in part, a riposte to various fans who complained that the Crusaders' cutie marks must necessarily restrict them from other activities in which they've shown an aptitude. The riposte comes in two forms: 1) That the Crusaders love their vocation so much that it isn't a great loss to them; 2) You only need to be 'boxed in' by your true talent if you want to be.

Another interesting factor of this story was the 'you can't avoid growing up' subtext. The 'Blank Flanks' quickly grew bored with randomness and doing nothing. Growing up is painful and it is sometimes a shock to the system but it is, nonetheless, quite necessary.

Finally, we get an ending that fits in with an increasing theme of this season: No final solution. The problem is identified, Rumble is working on confronting it but the solution (and his cutie mark) is still some way away. This has been happening more than a few times in Season 7 and it is an interesting perspective: Sometimes, you need to be satisfied with identifying the problem. The solution will come another day.

Overall, a nicely workmanlike episode. Not spectacular but it was one of the better post-CM Crusaders focus episodes that we've had to date.

BenRG's Rating: 7.5/10