I think the inability to plan is a problem for most of the mane six. Twilight plans but doesn't prepare for anything but what she predicts (she probably got it from Celestia - but Celestia is actually smart enough to Chess Master properly, unlike Twi) and sometimes doesn't even properly prepare for that, RD runs in without anything resembling a plan, Pinkie is the same but with the 'wing it' approach as opposed to Dash's 'hit it until it stops' approach, and Fluttershy is too passive to plan. The only ones who would be any good at planning are AJ and Rarity - they've both handled heavy workloads which demonstrates very good time management skills. AJ is too stubborn to deviate from her plans until the last minute, but is good at adapting for unseen changes. Rarity, on the other hand, tends to just work through problems (her approach to getting more work from her friends while making the dresses? Don't find an easier route, just work more!). In other words Rarity and AJ are the only ones with the potential to plan, but while Rarity might make a better initial strategist AJ would be a much better tactician and field leader. In fact AJ is a much better leader to begin with; it makes me wonder why Twi is always the one in charge.

Twilight may be the one in charge, but Applejack is the one she goes to when she needs help.

Twilight isn't so much a planner as she is an Organizer. (look at what she did in Winter Wrap Up)

AJ's definitely a tactitian

edited 19th Dec '11 3:28:31 PM by gingerninja666

Twilight also clearly suffers from Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder. This is someone who makes lists of lists.

edited 19th Dec '11 3:35:37 PM by RichReeders

I still wonder what this "Last Roundup" ep is gonna be about.

hmmm...

Twilight is seen as the group's de facto leader because she's the one who basically brought the circle of friends together. And in that regard it makes sense; she's both relatively level headed and intelligent, so she can handle all the other ponies in a social setting. She'd work wonders a a committee chair, but she makes a pretty field leader because she can't think on her feet; she puts up a plan, and is kinda lost things deviate from it.

Here's how I'd break down the leadership of the group:

1. Twilight - most level headed and intelligent. Capable of empathizing with the other ponies, very good at delegating responsibilities. Primary weakness is her trouble with improvising.

2. Applejack - better at improvising, has plenty of common sense, and can keep the other ponies reasonably in line. She keeps Sweet Apple Acres going, so she must have decent time management and/or organizational skills, even if she stinks at math. Primary weakness is stubbornness; she'd probably butt heads with the other ponies if they don't like her plans.

3. Rarity - Good time management, and is a hard worker, but her priorities get out of whack pretty easily. She could probably pull it off in a hitch if she had to, but would definitely have some issues.

4. Every other pony - Fluttershy is too weak-willed to be a good leader; the other ponies would probably walk all over her because she wouldn't want to ever use her authority. She could probably come up with good plans, but would be unable to put them into effect. Rainbow Dash is too impulsive and probably wouldn't listen to other ponies' plans, and Pinkie...well that should be obvious.

edited 19th Dec '11 3:42:49 PM by JapaneseTeeth

Applejack is going to do a stampede aversion with the help of Granny Smith who is then going to die.

Twice.

Actually, I REALLY hope we see a flashback to badass Young!Granny Smith in the episode coming up next

It'll probably just be stories Applebloom comes up with to make her look less embarrassing.

That doesn't sound like a good moral to me

That'll probably be a gag, not the moral.

what WILL the moral be? Probably something like "old people are people too"

I honestly can't see an ending where it DOESN'T turn out that Granny Smith was awesome back in her hayday

So what was Granny Smith known as before she was a grandmmare? Granny is just her nickname now, it would seem.

OR, Apple bloom will tell all these crazy stories, only for Granny Smith to trump it with one even wilder and more badass then anything Applebloom came up with, only hers really happened.

She was apparently as capable as AB was under the influence of CUTIE POX back when she was a filly

That is, if her ramblings are to be believed

I'm reminded of one episode of Dexter's Laboratory when he didn't want to bring his dad to career day because he didn't think his dad was cool. His dad then showed up and did an awesome motorcycle stunt.

See, commenters? This is how to not be a dick about things you don't like!

Not commenting is also a viable option. I do that a lot.

Can we be dicks about things we do like?

Yeah, me too. But if you're going to comment at all...

Dickery is frowned upon in general. It's not usually a problem with things people like, though.

edited 19th Dec '11 4:21:44 PM by KylerThatch

Well, I know I do. Just look at what happens when I talk about AJ

Oh, I don't think you saw it earlier, but I'm totally an Applejack advocate now.

Nah, this snobbery is nothing compared to a full-raging Ford vs Chevy debate.

...to which I say, "Buick" or "Pontiac", and win a thousand internets.

How did you forget about her stubborness? It's one of her defining traits

Along with overprotectiveness when it comes to her family, I imagine (if Bridle Gossip is any indication)

edited 19th Dec '11 4:26:33 PM by gingerninja666

That's a trait I like in characters (the overprotectiveness) which explains why I like Berry Punch.

Also, her stubbornness never really shows up unless AJ is the focus of an episode, which hardly ever happens.