'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' mostly did very well with its two parters, some are better than others but the best are truly wonderful and none of the two parters really were show low-points. Anybody that liked Seasons 1-3 on the most part, like me, will find plenty to love about Season 4. Which also has some below average episodes but plenty that are good and above that, which was common with all the show's nine seasons, so it was another generally solid season.
Of which "Princess Twilight Sparkle: Part 1" is a very good start to (the second part is even better, have found that the second parts of the two parters tend to be superior). With more than enough to it to make one want to continue with the rest of Season 4. Whether it is one of the best two parters of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' overall is hard to say, but it is better than the previous two parter that started off Season 3, "The Crystal Empire", and an improvement over the rushed and over-stuffed Season 3 finale "Magical Mystery Cure".
"Princess Twilight Sparkle: Part 1" is not perfect. Zecora's role here doesn't serve a lot of purpose and was basically only there for plot convenience.
Too much of Pinkie Pie's humour is rather forced and jars a bit with the mature tone of the rest of the writing.
However, the animation is amazing. Always did like it throughout the show's run, but this aspect has advanced quite significantly over-time and the "Princess Twilight Sparkle" two parter is one of the finest examples of the early seasons. The colours are gorgeous on the eyes and have a lot of atmosphere, the backgrounds have such rich attention to detail and the character designs are a good deal more refined, such as Celestia. The music is typically quirky and dynamic. The writing is for a vast majority of the time excellent, missing only with Pinkie Pie, with the sprinkles of humour elsewhere balancing well with the mostly mature tone. Did appreciate too that continuity was addressed quite early on too.
Really loved the storytelling, which has intrigue and foreboding and also a lot of touching moments. Twilight is very well fleshed out here and feels genuine. As does the character interaction in general. The rest of the Mane 6 are true to character and all serve a purpose, my favourite here was Applejack because she is no-nonsense but tender. Discord steals every part he's in, he is hilarious and one of my favourite supporting characters on the show. The voice acting is superb, with a deeply felt and nuanced turn from Tara Strong.
Summing up, very very good and nearly outstanding. 8/10
