History Recap / MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E19PuttingYourHoofDown

* AwesomeMcCoolname: '''''Iron Will'''''

* BowtiesAreCool: The nerd pony is seen wearing a fine green one in the market scene. Ironically, Rarity flatters his nonexistent muscles instead.

Finally ashamed at how monstrous she's become, Fluttershy boards up her house and hides inside, for fear of hurting anypony else ever again. Concerned about her, Pinkie Pie and Rarity come by, then try to coax her out by saying she doesn't have to be a bully to be assertive. Midway through their discussion, Iron Will and his crew show up as well, to collect Fluttershy's payment for the seminar. Frightened of what he might do to their friend, Rarity and Pinkie stall him, but Fluttershy accidentally gives herself away with [[SneezeOfDoom a sneeze]], whereupon Iron Will threatens to tear her door down if he doesn't get paid. Fluttershy finally comes out... and tells Iron Will that she ''refuses'' to pay. Calmly but firmly, she explains that he had promised 100% satisfaction... and she's not satisfied with the seminar at all. Unable to argue with that, Iron Will agrees and leaves without a fuss.

* BarrierBustingBlow: Subverted. When trying to collect his fee, Iron Will rips the boards off Fluttershy's front door, visibly winds himself up, then politely knocks on it.

* IncomingHam: Iron Will's entrance involves artificial smoke, dramatic spotlight, fireworks, a well-time cape reveal, a theme music sounding like "Eye of the Tiger", and him flexing his muscles before he's even start talking. The whole work.

* SanitySlippage: Fluttershy becomes more of a complete bitch every hour. The first time she learns how to be assertive by telling off the goat on stage in an imaginary scenario, and after she splashes Mr. Greenhooves who flooded her garden, her actions becomes increasingly aggressive and her interactions more insane. It's made particularly obvious in that Fluttershy knows in that without it, everyone would be seeing her as an easy pushover and target again, and she decides to throw caution to the wind and at least earn back her approval from Rarity and Pinkie Pie again.

* JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope: Fluttershy goes from sticking up for herself against Ponyville's sudden infusion of total jerks to being a complete flankhole as if the line weren't even there.

* AngryFistShake: After kicking the other pony out of the taxi, Fluttershy gives an Angry ''Hoof'' Shake to her unlucky victim
* AppealToFlattery: Rarity's tactics for getting the last bundle of asparagus from the nerdy teenage colt is to flirt with him.

** In fact there's a surprising number of them in this episode. Ponyville seems to suddenly be filled with the inconsiderate, line cutters, and petty extortionists (the most egregious being the cherry stall owner who inflates his price when he hears that Fluttershy needs the cherry). Yes it's to help Fluttershy stand up for herself but sheesh, they just come out of the blue all of a sudden.

* ALoadOfBull: Iron Will is a minotaur.

* JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope: Fluttershy goes from sticking up for herself against Ponyville's sudden infusion of total jerks to being a complete asshole as if the line weren't even there.

* GenreSavvy: Iron Will and his assistants know that the best volunteer to use in an assertiveness demonstration is the one that doesn't want to volunteer.

-> Story by Charlotte Fullerton
-> Written by Merriwether Williams

!!When somepony denies these tropes, you show them the ropes!)

* AbsenteeActor: Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Spike do not show up. Also, this is the first of only two episodes in the series in which Twilight and Applejack are both absent (the other being "Flight to the Finish").

*** Holds the Assertiveness Seminar in the center of a [[Myht/ClassicalMythology hedge maze, being a minotaur and all]].

* AnAesop: Being assertive and standing up for yourself is good, but no license to become a jerk or a bully yourself.

** Angel never suffers any consequences for the horrible way he treats Fluttershy.

!!When somepony denies these tropes, you show them the ropes! (YMMV tropes can be found [[YMMV/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E19PuttingYourHoofDown here]])

* NoCelebritiesWereHarmed: Iron Will appears to be an {{Expy}} of motivational speaker [[{{Infomercial}} Tony Robbins]] with elements of Creator/MrT, Wrestling/HulkHogan, [[Wrestling/RandySavage Randy "Macho Man" Savage]], and [[DwayneJohnson Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]]. He even resembles Johnson's Brahma Bull logo.
* NonStandardCharacterDesign: The Geeky Stallion.

* KickTheMoralityPet: Fluttershy's assertiveness training works too well, and she begins acting like a jerk and treating even innocent ponies terribly. It isn't until her insults cause Rarity and Pinkie Pie to run away in tears that she realizes just how bad it's become.

* [[FacePalm Facehoof]]: Rarity when Fluttershy offers to pay the cherry vendor ''more'' than his asking price of ten bits.

** Pinkie's [[DuckSeasonRabbitSeason method]] for bargaining with others is [[WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes pretty]] [[BugsBunny familiar]]. Especially when she does it with Iron Will, who sounds like Yosemite Sam.

->'''Iron Will''': Don't be sorry, be assertive! Never apologize when you can criticize!

* AdamSmithHatesYourGuts: A non-videogame version. The cost of tomatoes seems to increase every week. And one pony deliberately raises the price of a single cherry because Fluttershy was so desperate to buy one. She allowed the seller to gain a huge advantage in bargaining. The free market is not kind to the likes of the -shy.
** And then, apparently just to be a JerkAss (or possibly because he thinks Fluttershy has confused herself to the point where she wouldn't be able to actually pay his ridiculously inflated price) he sells the cherry for 2 bits to some other pony.

* AesopAmnesia: Despite what Fluttershy [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E17StareMaster was able]] [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E7Dragonshy to do]] in Season 1 (where she showed ''genuine'' moments of assertiveness), for some reason all of it was thrown away for the sake of this episode. Justified in that those instances were to [[MamaBear protect those she cares for]] or to put disorderly animals in line (while Angel ''was'' one of the latter here, he seems more intelligent than her chickens). Some fans speculate that, with Twilight missing from the episode, there's nothing to conclusively prove that it doesn't occur ''before'' the first episode, meaning that it's not necessarily a case of Fluttershy being handed the Aesop Amnesia Ball. For example, Angel is much more bratty and mean to Fluttershy here than he ever is anywhere else. Other fans speculate that it happened after [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E3LessonZero Lesson Zero]], since Fluttershy is narrating a letter to Princess Celestia at the end.

* YouFailBiologyForever: Angel acts like he's going to vomit when he tries the salad at the start of the episode. Lagomorphs (ie, rabbits) can't vomit.

* AwesomeMcCoolname: '''''Iron Will.'''''

** Rarity and Pinkie Pie run away in tears after enduring several insults from Fluttershy, including personal attacks and calling their lives' purpose "frivolous."

* TheCameo: This episode's [[OncePerEpisode Derpy cameo]] is just her at market and at Iron Will's seminar[[note]]Don't worry folks, she's got her derp eyes back. And a muffin bag![[/note]]. The notable cameo is Pipsqueak, who appears for the first time since "Luna Eclipsed", and without his costume. He's in a blink and you miss it moment when Fluttershy is checking her shopping list.

* CallBack:
** New Fluttershy's behavior is [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E2TheReturnOfHarmonyPart2 awfully familiar.]] For bonus points, the one who leads to her behavior is in a maze.

* ContinuityNod:
** Fluttershy briefly shows some of [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E2TheReturnOfHarmonyPart2 Flutterbitch's]] facial expressions.
** A small one, but the mailpony who appears pulling a cart and takes away his colleague for 'delivery' is the same one that delivered Applejack's letter to the Mane Six during [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E14TheLastRoundup The Last Roundup]].
** In a rare case of continuity with background ponies, [[AllThereInTheScript Golden Harvest]]/[[FanNickname Carrot Top]] is seen hanging out with [[FanNickname Noi]] again, her little sister from "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E5SisterhoovesSocial Sisterhooves Social]]".
** The tourist pony that Fluttershy uses as a discus is the same pony that appeared in "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E8TheMysteriousMareDoWell The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well]]" during the run-away tram scene.

** "As Celestia as my witness..." Hmm, [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E5SisterhoovesSocial where have we heard]] [[GoneWithTheWind that line before?]]

*** She had her head turned and got dizzy [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E16ReadItAndWeep watching a pegasus with Rarity.]]

* ADayInTheLimelight: This is the first Fluttershy centered episode since A Bird In The Hoof, and the first one of season 2.

* DidntThinkThisThrough: Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Iron Will all try to teach Fluttershy how to be more assertive. None of them ever stop to consider the possibility of her starting to stand up to ''them'' as well. All three were pushing for ''her'' to change while still expecting their respective ''relationships'' with her to remain exactly the same as before.)

* [[FromNobodyToNightmare From Nopony to Nightmare]]: A heroic version with Fluttershy. It's {{downplayed|Trope}} in that she goes from an ExtremeDoormat to a full-on raging jerkass who lashes out on the smallest of things.
* FunnyBackgroundEvent: During the market scene, we see Lyra Heartstrings sitting at a table, bored, reaching for a drink as if wishing she had hands. She is soon joined by Bon Bon, and they strike up a conversation. Later, when Fluttershy tries to get the last cherry from the cherry stand, we see Derpy walk up to the asparagus stand, only to look disappointed when she finds they're out of stock.
* FurryConfusion: Not from the Minotaur but from his assistants, the herd of goats. One was seen in "May The Best Pet Win!" as a pet Rainbow Dash could choose. None of the goats speak, so they may just be highly intelligent pets like Angel. Although Iron Will seems able to understand their bleating just fine.

--> '''Fluttershy''': [finishing her rant to Pinkie and Rarity] ...when they are throwing their own lives away on pointless pursuits that ''nopony else gives a flying [[UnusualEuphemism feather]] about''!

* HairTriggerTemper: New Fluttershy will 'blow her fuse' if you cross her/thinks you crossed her.

* {{Jerkass}}: Bon Bon shows off her nastiness again along with other ponies and stall-owners, and the "New Fluttershy" becomes one after Iron Will's motivational seminar. Angel Bunny is also particularly horrible to Fluttershy, to the point of slapping her when she doesn't make him the right food, and throwing her and his food out of her own cottage when he doesn't get it made the exact way he wanted it.

** Most of the JerkAss ponies from the marketplace go unpunished.

* MakeMeWannaShout: Assertiveshy has some powerful shouts, literally knocking small critters over. Iron Will can do this as well, and was probably her inspiration.

* NoCelebritiesWereHarmed: Iron Will appears to be an {{Expy}} of motivational speaker [[{{Infomercial}} Tony Robbins]] with elements of Creator/MrT, HulkHogan, [[RandySavage Randy "Macho Man" Savage]], and [[DwayneJohnson Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]]. He even resembles Johnson's Brahma Bull logo.

* OutOfCharacterMoment: When New Fluttershy is getting angry with Pinkie and Rarity, she hovers around them, while she's normally the most earth-bound pony around. It looks like her self-confidence also re-inforced her confidence in her flight capacities.

* PickyEater: Angel will only eat his salad with whipped cream and a cherry on top. He also dislikes cucumbers until Fluttershy uses The Stare and he eats them...and soon devours his whole salad!

* ProtagonistCenteredMorality: [[PlayingWithATrope Played with,]] and ultimately [[DefiedTrope defied]]. While Pinkie Pie and Rarity try to blame Iron Will for Fluttershy's wrongdoings in an attempt at making her feel better, Iron Will at no point acts like a real villain (ignoring a bluff or two) and Fluttershy takes responsibility for taking Iron Will's teachings too far.

* RhymesOnADime: Iron Will's catchphrases.
--> '''Iron Will:''' When somepony tries to block, show them that '''YOU ROCK'''!
--> '''Iron Will:''' Never apologize when you can criticize!

---> '''Fluttershy:''' Maybes are for babies!
---> '''Fluttershy:''' You cut in line, I take what's mine!
---> '''Fluttershy:''' You make me lose, and I blow my fuse!
** Pinkie Pie
---> '''Pinkie:''' Fashion is her passion!

* SchizoTech: The cutie mark for the nerd trying to buy asparagus is a robot. Also, Iron Will and his henchgoats all sport headsets and microphones, and their seminar stage has large loudspeakers.

*** Holds the Assertiveness Seminar in the center of a [[ClassicalMythology hedge maze, being a minotaur and all]].
*** Has moves that are reminiscent of another muscle-bound, ego-driven lunkhead, JohnnyBravo, especially the quick shuffle he does when confronting Fluttershy at the end.

--> '''Fluttershy:''' "Nopony pushes New Fluttershy around, '''''NOPONY!'''''"

* [[ValleyGirl Valley Mare]]: A couple of rude ponies would like you to move back; cuz, you're like.. in their personal space.

* WingdingEyes: Happens to Iron Will, with bits (currency used in Equestria).

* [[WouldHitAGirl Would Hit A Mare]]:

** And then, apparently just to be a JerkAss (or possibly because he thinks Fluttershy has confused herself to the point where she wouldn't be able to actually pay his ridiculously inflated price) he sells the cherry for 2 bits to some other pony

** In fact there's a surprising number of them in this episode. Yes it's to help Fluttershy stand up for herself but sheesh, they just come out of the blue all of a sudden.

* AesopAmnesia[=/=]PlotHole: Despite what Fluttershy [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E17StareMaster was able]] [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E7Dragonshy to do]] in Season 1 (where she showed ''genuine'' moments of assertiveness), for some reason all of it was thrown away for the sake of this episode. Justified in that those instances were to [[MamaBear protect those she cares for]] or to put disorderly animals in line (while Angel ''was'' one of the latter here, he seems more intelligent than her chickens). Some fans speculate that, with Twilight missing from the episode, there's nothing to conclusively prove that it doesn't occur ''before'' the first episode, meaning that it's not necessarily a case of Fluttershy being handed the Aesop Amnesia Ball. For example, Angel is much more bratty and mean to Fluttershy here than he ever is anywhere else.
** It must have happened at least after [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E3LessonZero Lesson Zero]], since Fluttershy is narrating a letter to Princess Celestia at the end.

* [[AngryFistShake Angry Hoof Shake]]: After kicking the other pony out of the taxi, Fluttershy gives one to her unlucky victim

* BewareTheNiceOnes: See TheDogBitesBack.

* BreakThemByTalking: See the first example for BreakTheCutie above.

* DestinationDefenestration: Angel does this to Fluttershy, over a ''salad'', no less.

* ExactWords: Iron Will's workshop guaranteed 100% satisfaction, or no payment. Fluttershy uses this to avoid having to pay Iron Will, because she wasn't satisfied.
** Pinkie Pie also relies on this to enforce her [[DuckSeasonRabbitSeason haggling techniques]].

* ExtremeDoormat: Fluttershy in the beginning of the episode. [[LampshadeHanging Lampshaded]] by both Rarity and Fluttershy.

* [[FromNobodyToNightmare From Nopony to Nightmare]]: A heroic version with Fluttershy. {{Downplayed|Trope}} in that she goes from an ExtremeDoormat to a full-on raging jerkass who lashes out on the smallest of things.

* FurryConfusion: Not from the Minotaur but from his assistants, the herd of goats. One was seen in "May The Best Pet Win!" as a pet Rainbow Dash could choose. That said, none of the goats speak, so they may just be highly intelligent pets like Angel. Although Iron Will seems able to understand their bleating just fine...

--> '''Fluttershy''': [finishing her rant to Pinkie and Rarity] ...when they are throwing their own lives away on pointless pursuits that ''nopony else gives a flying [[UnusualEuphemism fea]][[PrecisionFStrike ther]] about''!

* GollumMadeMeDoIt: Before New Fluttershy takes completely over in the third act, Fluttershy alternate between her old, kind self and her new assertive side within moments, whenever she's being treated unfairly. Most noticeable when she leaves Sugarcube Corner.

* JerkassBall: New!Fluttershy, especially in the second phase of her rage.

* JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope: Fluttershy goes from actually sticking up for herself against Ponyville's sudden infusion of total jerks to being a complete asshole as if the line weren't even there.
* KarmaHoudini: Most of the JerkAss ponies from the marketplace.

* KickTheSonOfABitch: All of Fluttershy's earliest victims of her wrath are {{anvilicious}}ly so the victim of this trope. Especially Bon Bon and Cherry Berry.

* MeanCharacterNiceActor: In-universe. Iron Will, who acts tough for his seminar and to try and get his payment, but he doesn't mind ''too'' much about the money if Fluttershy isn't satisfied. He guaranteed after all.

* TheMirrorShowsYourTrueSelf: Twice. After Rarity and Pinkie Pie run off, Fluttershy sees her angry self in a puddle and realizes what [[JerkassRealization she has become.]] The second time, she tells Rarity and Pinkie Pie that she's afraid of becoming a monster again if she were to attempt to assert herself. She then looks in the mirror and her reflection shows her with horns. Actually just the horns from Iron Will's torn photo taped to the mirror.

* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: "New Fluttershy" gives a brutal one to Pinkie Pie and Rarity.

* SanitySlippage: Fluttershy becomes more of a complete bitch every hour. The first time she learns how to be assertive by telling off the goat on stage in an imaginary scenario, and after she splashes Mr. Greenhooves who flooded her garden, her actions becomes increasingly aggressive and her interactions more insane. Made particularly obvious in that Fluttershy knows in that without it, everyone would be seeing her as an easy pushover and target again, and she decides to throw caution to the wind and at least earn back her approval from Rarity and Pinkie Pie again.

* S{{he Who Fights Monsters}}: After Fluttershy insults her friends and realizes that she's become the monster. Also alluded to when she sees her own reflection in the mirror with Iron Will's horns transposed on top of her head.

* [[TeachHimAnger Teach Her Anger]]: Iron Will teaches assertiveness by teaching anger, passion, and aggressive rhymes.

* [[ThatManIsDead That Pony Is Dead]]: New Fluttershy insists Old Fluttershy isn't coming back.
* [[ThirdPersonPerson Third Pony Pony]]: Iron Will talks this way. Fluttershy does this too when she begins to assert herself.

* UnstoppableRage: Fluttershy, especially towards the pony who hops unto her intended taxi.

* GrewASpine: Iron Will tries to help Fluttershy do this. It works a little ''too'' well.