It's pretty late here on the East coast; time to reminisce about season one! The Show Stoppers was the first real CMC episode, and was pretty divisive among fans. I've seen a number of people consider it to be one of the worst of the series, as well as some who call it one of the best. I like the episode a lot myself—but don't take my word for it:! Have a look at this analysis by Bronycurious from his FiMpressions series after the break, and we'll start the discussion there.
I like how Bronycurious ties in real-life examples of people who have obvious talent, but don't seem to realize it, or are in denial about it. I run into these kinds of people constantly—and I suspect some of you readers are this way as well! However, it's hard to say whether this episode really stunted the growth of the CMC as characters. As BC agrees in the youtube comments, the CMC have continued to develop, just not towards any kind of interesting goal, the way each of the mane 6 does. I liken this to adolescence and, given the length of my own adolescence (and, I suspect, that of most people), it's kinda spot-on for the CMC to take a while to figure these things out.
Additionally, youtube commenter Skye Silverling pointed out how interesting it would be if the talents of the CMC, while related to what they do in The Show Stoppers, involve a more specific application of those skills. For instance, just as Rarity uses her gem-finding powers to make sparkling dresses, maybe Applebloom's talent as a worksman will lead her to become a mechanic, or Sweetie Belle will realize that she hasn't found a genre of music she was passionate about singing until she discovers soul music.
What do you think? What would be the most interesting talents the CMC could discover for themselves? Do you think the CMC need to find their marks to become more interesting characters? And how do you feel about The Show Stoppers in general? (inb4 "worst song"). Let's discuss it in the comments!
