Pinecone & Pony - Lance or Not / Treat Your Creature (S1E2)
Pinecone accidentally breaks her mom's lance and tries to fix it instead of coming clean. Pinecone's competitive nature takes over Pony's special day.
| Runtime (min) | 23 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2022-04-07 |
| Genres | Animation, Family, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y |
| Network(s) | Apple TV |
Storyline
In "Lance or Not," Pinecone accidentally breaks her mother's treasured lance while playing in the house. Instead of immediately confessing what happened, she decides to fix it herself before her mom notices. Pinecone enlists Pony's help to repair the lance, but their attempts only make things worse. As the situation spirals and the damage becomes harder to hide, Pinecone must face the consequences of her choice to cover up the accident rather than tell the truth from the start.
In "Treat Your Creature," the focus shifts to Pony's special day celebrating their friendship. Pinecone wants everything to be perfect for Pony, but her competitive streak gets in the way of simply enjoying the occasion. She becomes so focused on winning games and making the day the "best ever" that she loses sight of what Pony actually wants. Pinecone eventually realizes that her need to compete has overshadowed Pony's preferences, and she learns to step back and let her friend's wishes guide the celebration.
What kids learn
Children learn important lessons about honesty and accountability in the first segment. When Pinecone breaks her mother's lance, she faces a choice that many kids encounter: admit the mistake immediately or try to fix it secretly. The episode demonstrates how covering up an accident often leads to bigger problems and more stress than simply telling the truth would have caused. Young viewers see that parents and caregivers are more understanding when children come forward honestly, even when something valuable has been broken.
The second segment teaches children about balancing their own desires with consideration for others, especially during celebrations meant to honor someone else. Pinecone's competitive nature is not portrayed as inherently bad, but the episode shows how it can become problematic when applied inappropriately. Kids learn that making someone feel special means focusing on what that person enjoys, not what we think is exciting or fun. The episode models how to recognize when our behavior has shifted away from someone else's needs and how to course-correct by listening and adjusting our approach.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How should I respond if my child breaks something and hides it like Pinecone does? | Use the episode as a conversation starter about why honesty matters more than perfection. Explain that everyone makes mistakes and breaks things accidentally, but hiding the problem usually makes it worse. Reassure your child that while there may be consequences for carelessness, you will always respond better to immediate honesty than to discovering a cover-up later. Emphasize that trust is built when we tell the truth even when it's hard. |
| What age is appropriate for this episode's lessons about honesty? | The episode's straightforward storytelling and clear consequences make it suitable for preschool and early elementary-aged children, roughly ages three to seven. Younger children in this range are developing their understanding of cause and effect, while older children are refining their moral reasoning about honesty. The visual storytelling and relatable scenario of breaking a parent's belonging make the lesson accessible across this age span without being preachy or overly complex. |
| How can I help my competitive child be more considerate like the episode shows? | Point out specific moments when Pinecone's competitiveness overshadows Pony's enjoyment, and ask your child how Pony might be feeling. Practice identifying whose day or event it is before activities begin, and discuss what being a good friend or guest looks like in that context. Role-play scenarios where your child practices stepping back and asking others what they want to do. Praise moments when your child successfully puts someone else's preferences first, reinforcing that generosity and consideration strengthen friendships. |
| Does Pinecone face appropriate consequences for breaking the lance? | The episode focuses on natural consequences and the emotional weight of dishonesty rather than punishment. Pinecone experiences stress and guilt from hiding the truth, and her relationship with her mother is affected by the breach of trust. The resolution emphasizes repair and learning rather than harsh discipline, which models a constructive parenting approach. This allows children to see that consequences are about understanding impact and making things right, not just about being punished. |
| What can my child learn about being a good friend from the second story? | The "Treat Your Creature" segment demonstrates that good friendship means paying attention to what the other person actually wants, not just what we think they should want. Children see that celebrations and special days should center the person being honored, requiring us to set aside our own preferences temporarily. The episode shows that recognizing when we've made something about ourselves and then adjusting our behavior is a valuable friendship skill that strengthens bonds and shows genuine care. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Pony wants to enter a cuteness competition, and Pinecone handles it like a true warrior. Pinecone takes rainbow-conjuring to the next level. |
| 1 | 2 | Pinecone accidentally breaks her mom's lance and tries to fix it instead of coming clean. Pinecone's competitive nature takes over Pony's special day. |
| 1 | 3 | Keeping her stuffy a secret creates a problem for Pinecone. The Lil Rumblers learn their everyday skills can be as powerful as their warrior skills. |
| 1 | 4 | Pinecone refuses to call for help during her and Pony's first solo mission. Pinecone meets her archery hero, but he isn't what she expected. |
| 1 | 5 | A well-meaning Pinecone pulls Pony away from his cocoon-sitting duties. Pinecone helps Hawthorn prepare for his Wiz Kids adventure. |
| 1 | 6 | Pinecone is too distracted to help Fauna care for a special plant. A merchant sells the kids fancy new belts in exchange for their treasured possessions. |
| 1 | 7 | Family game night reveals an unusual side of Kimya that Pinecone's never seen. A wood imp stirs up trouble for Pinecone and Annabelle. |
| 1 | 8 | Pinecone insists her Freda the Fierce song is perfect the way it is. A quest to prove her toughness puts Pinecone face to face with a dragon. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Pinecone tries to make a legendary get-well-soon gift for Gladys. Hawthorn trains with his dad to advance his sleepover skills. |
| 2 | 2 | Pony, Pinecone, and Hawthorn set off to uncover the truth behind a Sturdystone legend. Pinecone gives Annabelle a new perspective on family. |
| 2 | 3 | Pinecone will do whatever it takes to attend her favorite shows. Hawthorn and Pinecone meet a kid who doesn't know what he wants to be. |
| 2 | 4 | The Night Knight visits Pinecone in her dreams. Following Gladys around shows Pinecone there's more to her mentor than she thought. |
| 2 | 5 | Magpie curses Pinecone and Pony into an alternate life. Hawthorn's spell to repair an old friendship backfires. |
| 2 | 6 | As Keeper of the Crystal for this year's festival, Sturdystone must host Prince Randolf. Pinecone and Pony encounter a giant. |
| 2 | 7 | Pinecone opens a “help ya” booth that only leads to more problems. The wizard-fencing tournament teaches Hawthorn that it's OK to fail sometimes. |
| 2 | 8 | When a stone monster threatens to destroy Sturdystone, Pinecone tries to protect the town. |
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