Although Season 9 was somewhat up and down in quality, though better than Seasons 6 and 8, the first part of "The Beginning of the End" was a great and big potential-filled start to it. Even after the show's run ended it remained one of the better episodes of Season 9, if not up there with the best of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic'. So there were high hopes for the second part which sounded from the synopsis even better. With the season still running when my reviewing for all the episodes began and with rewatching episodes, it took me until recently to watch Season 9.
"The Beginning of the End Part 2" is not only better than Part 1, it is to me even better. It does what a second part of a two parter should do, continue from where the previous part left off and build upon what was present and introduced before. It does that brilliantly. It isn't perfect or a show classic, but as far as the final season goes "The Beginning of the End Part 2" is absolutely great and deserves the positive fan reception.
Once again, there is very little to criticise. It does contain though my only major issue with the two parter. To me, the climax was somewhat rushed, not an uncommon problem in the show's two parters in general, and needed more time devoted to it especially with a lot happening.
Every single one of the brilliant things present in Part 1 are here in "The Beginning of the End Part 2", and executed even better here. The animation went from strength to strength with each season and it is excellent here. The colours are vibrant and atmospheric and the attention to detail in the backgrounds is so rich and varied. One is very immersed in this vividly rendered world, built up beautifully. The music once again is dynamic, with a lot of character and also in good keeping with the tone. Sombra's music agreed really stands out. The voice acting is without complaint all round.
While the Mane 6 are more interesting and fleshed out in other episodes, they still carry the plot beautifully and have enough shining moments (especially Twilight). Celestia and Luna play a bigger role and are helpful, Starswirl is likeable and a great moral compass and Discord is great fun, once again redeeming himself. Again the villains, and thank goodness this is not an example of there being too many villains, steal the show. Grogar is even more sinister here, and even better is Sombra, actually having personality and not being a missed opportunity like he was in the Season 3 opener.
Moreover, the writing always intrigues and has entertainment value and emotional investment. The story is nearly always involving, despite starting a little slow, and doesn't feel like there is too much going on or like the episode was trying to cram in too much. Unlike the Season 8 finale, there is drama and it goes somewhere with enough intensity and urgency.
Concluding, great and even better than the great first part. 9/10.
"The Beginning of the End Part 2" is not only better than Part 1, it is to me even better. It does what a second part of a two parter should do, continue from where the previous part left off and build upon what was present and introduced before. It does that brilliantly. It isn't perfect or a show classic, but as far as the final season goes "The Beginning of the End Part 2" is absolutely great and deserves the positive fan reception.
Once again, there is very little to criticise. It does contain though my only major issue with the two parter. To me, the climax was somewhat rushed, not an uncommon problem in the show's two parters in general, and needed more time devoted to it especially with a lot happening.
Every single one of the brilliant things present in Part 1 are here in "The Beginning of the End Part 2", and executed even better here. The animation went from strength to strength with each season and it is excellent here. The colours are vibrant and atmospheric and the attention to detail in the backgrounds is so rich and varied. One is very immersed in this vividly rendered world, built up beautifully. The music once again is dynamic, with a lot of character and also in good keeping with the tone. Sombra's music agreed really stands out. The voice acting is without complaint all round.
While the Mane 6 are more interesting and fleshed out in other episodes, they still carry the plot beautifully and have enough shining moments (especially Twilight). Celestia and Luna play a bigger role and are helpful, Starswirl is likeable and a great moral compass and Discord is great fun, once again redeeming himself. Again the villains, and thank goodness this is not an example of there being too many villains, steal the show. Grogar is even more sinister here, and even better is Sombra, actually having personality and not being a missed opportunity like he was in the Season 3 opener.
Moreover, the writing always intrigues and has entertainment value and emotional investment. The story is nearly always involving, despite starting a little slow, and doesn't feel like there is too much going on or like the episode was trying to cram in too much. Unlike the Season 8 finale, there is drama and it goes somewhere with enough intensity and urgency.
Concluding, great and even better than the great first part. 9/10.
