CJF's MLP Reviews: Rarity Investigates!

Two Rarity episodes in a row? I guess I'm down with that. A detective story? Sure, I'm hooked. Rarity as a detective? I'm curious to see how it turns out.

In the episode, Rainbow Dash is accused of a crime. What would that crime be? Sending Spitfire away, informing her that her mother is ill, who, in reality, is not. Many think that she did this just so she could perform with the Wonderbolts and her idol, Wind Rider, who we just happen to be introduced to.

Rainbow is tasked by the Wonderbolts to find proof of her innocence, otherwise she will be kicked out of the Wonderbolts forever. This makes me wonder: are the Wonderbolts this disproportionate? Why not just suspend her as punishment? I don't think sending a false letter warrants being discharged forever. This is coming from the people who did a despicable act in "Rainbow Falls" by replacing an injured Soarin with Rainbow Dash.

Such a quick accusation would not stand, so Rarity is on the case for clearing Rainbow Dash's name. It was blatantly set up at the very beginning of the episode where she presents outfits she made that were inspired by mystery stories. Rarity is so fascinated by them, so of course she will be investigating.

The fun begins when the episode pays homage to Film Noir. I'm not too big on the genre, but I'm aware of the various tropes for it: black and white filter, internal monologues, and jazzy music. All of these things really work.

Rarity was a delight to watch throughout the whole episode. She is so invested in what's going on, and will sometimes flirt to get the clues needed. Every time she does those internal monologues, I crack myself up. I laugh even harder when the monologues are subverted when someone actually hears what she is saying. The music stopping in the middle of that may be the equivalent of a record scratch.

Throughout the episode, Rarity gets too into her Film Noir play and all the details in fashion, curtains, and cake. This makes Rainbow Dash think she is not taking this whole thing seriously, accepting that she may have sent that false letter, probably in her sleep. In actuality, Rarity was so focused on these because they became useful clues in figuring out the culprit.

While all these scenes are fun to watch, the pay-off, however, is pretty predictable and disappointing. How many of you guys thought that Wind Rider was the culprit? We've never seen this character up until now, and from his introductory scene, he seemed pretty suspicious when it comes to his mannerisms.

In addition, he was the first to accuse Rainbow Dash of this crime, like he holds a grudge against her. Turns out, he actually does. He feared that Rainbow Dash would break his flight speed record, so he decided to frame her in order to get her kicked out. Rainbow finds Spitfire, Wind Rider is discharged, and Rainbow takes Wind Rider's place to perform with the Wonderbolts. Again, is sending a false letter bad enough to even get kicked out of the Wonderbolts. Whatever.

All in all, this was an enjoyable episode. Rarity was great to watch and the Film Noir stuff is amusing. However, it did not go all way with its execution, resulting in a safe, predictable outcome that prevents it from making me rate this even higher. This was a tough one, but I give "Rarity Investigates!" a...

3/5

That doesn't mean the episode is bad. It's just lacking compared to other episodes this season. Tune in next time as I review... another Rarity episode. The show seems to love Rarity lately.