Expectations were a bit mixed for this double bill. Rarity in 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' was the most consistently characterised of the Mane 6 and had the highest number of great episodes. Did quite like the concept for "Whoof-Dunnit", love mysteries. Applejack however was one of the most inconsistently written, sometimes funny and likeable and at other times too stubborn and aggressive which made the Applejack-centric episodes hit and miss. Also liked the concept for "Dear Tabby".
Both episodes could have been better executed though. Neither of them are bad and have their moments, though "Dear Tabby" is the much better one of the two because of its good intentions and that Applejack is more likeable than most of her appearances in 'My Little Pony: Pony Life'. There is not an awful lot to "Whoof-Dunnit", did find the story rather lacking, and Rarity has had much more interesting material, though did like her role here.
"Dear Tabby" is thinly plotted and unimaginative, with no real surprises and it could have had more energy. It also felt a bit disjointed in the latter stages. Applejack is likeable and really liked how willing she was to help and eager to rekindle a friendship, doing so without being pushy or too stubborn. The moral is a simple one and not original, but it is sincere and the intentions are noble, while the humour is not as childish as it has been in most episodes.
"Whoof-Dunnit" is pretty bland though not unwatchable. Rarity should be in detective roles more often, as she is great with her intuition and cleverness put to good use. She is also not as melodramatic as she has been in previous episodes of 'Pony Life'. The mystery however is very predictable, with pretty much everything being obvious too early (early on actually), is far too simplistic and has no real twists or turns or suspense.
Coming onto the individual elements, Ashleigh Ball and Andrea Libman give their all with the voice work and there are sporadic moments of amusing humour. Loved the good intentions in "Dear Tabby".
The animation continues to look cheap and in both episodes, while the music grates in too much of a high school way. The writing generally is too simple and has little real spark and the rest of the characters have very little to do and what they have is very forgettable. The chemistry feels disconnected. The storytelling is too obvious and lacking in imagination, as well as rather dull from feeling too thin.
Overall, could have been worse but pretty lacklustre. 4/10.