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>  this episode is where I think things perhaps start to really take a turn for the worse with Pinkie Pie’s characterization: not in terms of within this episode specifically, as such, but for a potential precedent being set. 

Wow! Funny that two people can watch the same thing and come with completely opposite conclusions. That is the fun of talking with others though! 

> I think within this episode the paranoia angle is really about playing out overthinking such a low-stakes problem as comedy, and Pinkie Pie’s repeated use of her reality-bending powers to a more extreme extent than usual also I think goes along with the overall comedic theme of the episode, but these both help establish two things that later become much more core parts of Pinkie’s character, namely her paranoia and her ‘powers

For her powers, I disagree, I think here these things would be more of gags in a season 1 context and not be definitively reality bending    and more of a cartoon "gags". Now keep in mind I do look at things from a similar lens where I try to figure out how cartoon gags work in canon and certainly latter canon did imply more to this. I would aruge that Feeling Pinkie Keen still is what broadly established Pinkie Pie having said powers that they would run with later. 

On paranoia, you have a point there for sure. 

> Furthermore, this kind of paranoid thinking is the kind of thing I’m very used to doing, and it leads me to be more isolated and I was an introvert to begin with, 

You're not the only one.

> I think if it weren’t for the comedy potential of having this situation happen to Pinkie, this would have been a Twilight episode.

100% agreed. 

>  and Pinkie Pie doing all the voices for her imaginary friends. I rate this episode 7.4, solidly enjoyable and funny.

Our ratings are close despite our wildly different takes. This does give me something to think about in future appearances going forward with Pinkie's appearances.

...wow, has it been over a month since I was last in this thread? Goodness, though I know IRL stuff happens to both of us more in a PM sooner or later. I am just happy to be back. Will try to get to some of the other stuff soon!