Ponywatching is the reflections of a grown man, proud dad and newly-minted brony on each episode of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. The 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, but not everyone has the time, patience or inclination to wade through ten thousand words of some guy’s thoughts on My Little Pony, and that’s where The Shorter Ponywatching was born.

So, these are more traditional reviews, setting out what me and my family liked about the show on first viewing and my reflections on each episode in hindsight – all the good stuff from the full-length Ponywatching essays, but much, much shorter and easier to read.

If you ever want to look at the full-length essays, check out the index instead (or click the blue 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

The Shorter Ponywatching on Friendship is Magic, Part 1

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.

Full Length Version: Friendship is Magic, Part 1 / Mare in the Moon

The Shorter Ponywatching on Friendship is Magic, Part 2

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

Full Length Version: Friendship is Magic, Part 2 / Elements of Harmony

The Shorter Ponywatching on 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.

Full Length Version: Griffon The Brush Off

The Shorter Ponywatching on 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.

Full Length Version: Look Before You Sleep

The Shorter Ponywatching on Swarm Of The Century

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

Full Length Version: Swarm Of The Century