Random Thoughts: Just for Sidekicks

Finally, a Spike episode! Little guy needs more love. Here's a look at Just for Sidekicks

Plot: 

"Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. I become Godzilla!"

Spike is attempting to make a jewel cake and runs out of gems when Fluttershy stops by and asks him to watch Angel, agreeing to pay him with a large gemstone.  Spike takes the offer and realizing he could have more gemstones, gets the rest of the Mane 6 to let him pet sit while they go off to the Crystal Empire. As soon as they leave, Spike realizes he's over his head and the pets run wild.  He attempts to pawn them off on the CMC, but has to take them back, resulting in him losing his gems. Eventually Angel sneaks aboard a train to the Empire with Spike, the pets and the CMC in tow. Managing to narrowly avoid detection from the Mane 6, Spike realized he should have been more attentive and not so focused on his own needs. Soon after the pets are reunited with their owners and Spike accidentally eats his last gem, leaving him exactly where he started.

What I liked:

Spike's superpower: Being able to resist adorableness at point blank range

• Spike
• I like Spike, especially here. He's selfish and greedy, only wanting to take care of the pets for monetary reasons, yet is still kind and considerate.  He's young so the former tends to outweigh the latter, except where it matters.  Now if he'd only get more episodes like this!
• The CMC
• Nice comparison with Spike and the CMC. He's not a part of them, yet as more in common with them than the Mane 6 in general, given the way they all act and the age differences.  Also, the CMC were the only ones actually helping Spike take care of the pet, albeit poorly, rather than just pissing on the poor guy. 
• The Interwoven Plot
• So this episode and Games Ponies Play share an interwoven plot between them and this one is the stronger of the two since it contains the beginning and ending of the tale. The reference and cross scene are also fun to rewatch after viewing Game Ponies Play and the full context is known. Wish they'd do this type of storytelling more often cause it worked in my opinion.

What I didn't like: 

I'm like Bugs Bunny, only replace the wit and charm with even more dickish behavior

• The Adults
• Seriously, Zecora and Granny Smith act like dicks to Spike.  Sure Zecora at least had good intentions behind what she was doing, but do you know what else has good intentions behind it, HELPING! I know Spike needed to learn how to be responsible, but isn't equal irresponsible to let someone who is clearly over their heads go on as they are?
• Spike gets no Gems
• Can't we cut him a break just once? Also, why doesn't he just make the cake without the gem? I mean at least you have cake now.
• Winona? 
• Why does Winona need to be watched by Spike? What about Big Mac or Granny Smith or Applebloom? Heck we see both Granny and Applebloom in this episode, so why is Spike the one to take care of her? Maybe it's for the same reason Fluttershy is the one who walks her. 

Interesting Points: 

How am I sweating? Reptiles don't sweat

• Recipe
• Why do ponies, who can't eat gems, have a cookbook which features 7-layer gem cake?
• Industrial Hair dryer
• Okay how technologically advanced is Equestria? Having this would clearly require more modern day facilities and equipment than what we've currently seen.
• Pet sitter?
• Where do the pets go when the Mane 6 need to go on other adventure?

Overall: Recommended

Hook, Line, and Sinker!

The better half of the odd two parter and in my opinion one of Spike better episodes, I'd recommend Just for Sidekicks, especially if you're wanting some Spike time.