No Ticket Master's episode 3...episode 9 is....Bridle Gossip. Awesome because Flutterguy.
I prefer the way the show is now. I.e., episodes are relatively self-contained, but with little continuity nods. E.g., Twilight mentioning Zecora in Stare Master. Hasbro wanted it to be so that anyone can watch any episode at random and not need to watch them in order.
Also I posted that link because I agree that while Lauren Faust deserves oodles of praise, she wasn't the only reason this show is so good. You look at the subtle detail in the animation, the way the voice actors breathe life into their characters, and the clever music and writing.
You can see that everyone on the team actually
enjoys their creativity in this show, and it shows in the quality. Daniel Infram responded to a Q&A about the background music he does throughout the show, several animators have been known to comment on Youtube videos thanking the brony community. It's this give-and-take between the community and the creators that's so awesome. It's kinda like TF2, where Valve works closely with the community, releasing updates 4 years after release when all the good money has gone. It makes you feel like they care, essentially.
Also my second chapter of my fanfic got approved. And more brony tears were shed.