Best. Spike episode. Ever. Oddly enough, when I watched it for the first time, I wasn't very impressed, but the second time I LOVED it. That happens to me quite often. I've even learned to appreciate some bad episodes like MNFBKD more over time. I actually think certain RD and Pinkie episodes are worse than most Spike episodes, so I'm glad that this one seems to be so well received by so many bronies.



There are many reasons why this episode was so good. Besides world-building (kinda), we also learned more about dragon lore, met two interesting new dragons, saw Garble get what he deserved and most of all, Spike was in top form. He was the best he's ever been in this episode - selfless, brave and loyal. He was ready to become the Dragon Lord just to protect Equestria even if it meant that he'd have to stay in the Dragonlands forever, he risked his life competing in the Gauntlet of Fire, he stopped to save Princess Ember from drowning, he stood up against Garble multiple times and even helped him even though he fully knew it wouldn't do him any good and finally, after he'd won the Gauntlet, he gave away the Scepter to Ember because he knew he could trust her to be a great Dragon Lord after seeing how different she was from other dragons. In other words, Spike was badass. I've always liked him and now I have even more reasons to like him.



Also, even though he didn't seem to think of Ember as more than a friend, she is still the first female dragon he's ever made friends with and she certainly seems to like him. I definitely want to see Ember again in future episodes. I know MLP is not a romance show, but I can dream.



Twilight and Rarity didn't do much, but I think it's a good thing they didn't. After all, the Gauntlet was for dragons only, so if they had helped Spike, it would have been cheating. Then again, I believe it would have been safe (and satisfying) for them to blast Garble in the face after he threatened them, but they probably knew they weren't in any real danger. Twilight could have teleported herself and Rarity away from Garble any time she wished, like she probably teleported them past all those obstacles the dragons had to suffer through. Dragons are tough, but I don't think they could actually win a war against ponies without magic of their own.



Like many have already theorized, adult dragons most likely weren't summoned to compete in the Gauntlet because Dragon Lords seem to reign for an extremely long time and I don't think dragons are immortal in MLP. Perhaps the Dragon Lord's job is mostly teaching young dragons and keeping them in line until they are fully grown and can do whatever they want. The two adult dragons we saw in season one lived alone and didn't seem to want any company. I doubt adult dragons are interested in anyone besides themselves, so it's possible that they don't even have to obey the Dragon Lord.



I'd say this episode was the best episode of season six so far. I can't think of a single thing wrong with it at the moment, so I suppose my score is 10/10.