Ponywatching is the reflections of a grown man, proud dad and newly-minted brony on each episode of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. These full-length episode reflections (which are kind of a mix of recaps, reviews and analysis) are the reason I started writing the site in the first place.

Partly these are the initial reactions of me and my family, watching the show for the first time; partly, they’re me going back to look at them again to figure out why we liked what we liked. Builds week by week into a big pile on your floor.

Fair warning, these are often really long. For a condensed recap/review of any given episode, check out The Shorter Ponywatching instead (or click the pink links under each episode below).

Anyway, here’s all the episodes that have been covered so far – note that these pieces were originally written in the order I watched them, but I’ve put the episodes in the correct order below.

Season 1

1-01: Friendship is Magic, Part 1 / Mare in the Moon

Twilight moves to Ponyville and the Mane Six meet for the first time.
Meanwhile, me and my family watch My Little Pony for the first time.
This is the longest essay on the site… just about.

Short Version: The Shorter Ponywatching on Friendship is Magic, Part 1

1-02: Friendship is Magic, Part 2 / Elements of Harmony

The six new friends venture into the forest on an epic quest to defeat Nightmare Moon.

Short Version: The Shorter Ponywatching on Friendship is Magic, Part 2

1-05: Griffon The Brush Off

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash forge a friendship which is immediately tested
when an old friend from out of town comes to stay.

Short Version: The Shorter Ponywatching on Griffon The Brush Off

1-08: Look Before You Sleep

Applejack and Rarity are trapped at the library in a rainstorm, whereupon
a giddy Twilight Sparkle throws an impromptu slumber party.

Short Version: The Shorter Ponywatching on Look Before You Sleep

1-10: Swarm Of The Century

Fluttershy accidentally starts a chain reaction which unleashes millions of
apparently unstoppable omnivorous bugs on Ponyville. Improbably, comedy ensues.

Short Version: The Shorter Ponywatching on Swarm Of The Century