The episode in general, while it can be analysed with a very deep perspective, follows a pretty spontaneous flow in terms of pacing and a very casual tone. Just that this episode offers enough material to be judged seriously but it can be taken as a very casual pick too.

So, does this episode need to be watched with the previous ones that precede it? Given its slice of life nature and the fact that the plot device is actually the context that Thorax has been dealing with his brother (shown in Triple Threat), it doesn´t require much context in order to be enjoyed on its own. You need the context in order to warm up with it and reinforce everything that one gets to watch over here. Nonetheless, considering that the plot device for this conflict (a familiar one) turns out to be really standard and given that it relies on comedy pretty often, it doesn´t prevent from its enjoyment independently within its 22 minutes.

I must say that this episode doesn´t depend on the nostalgia factor. That is to say, the cast of characters featured over here is relatively new and that might turn off the people who are looking for the main characters that one has been used to seeing throughout the entire show. In addition, the changelings don´t act like minions (nor look like that, not even Pharynx does with his colour combination with the old design) and put at the forefront a very individualistic mindset/values in comparison with the previous regime. Basically, I am stating here that this episode is anti-nostalgic in the sense that there are no old elements to rely on for this whole episode, trying to test the waters in the sense that you are watching FiM without resorting to the safest options that would make it easier to prove that this is actually Friendship is Magic.

This episode was chosen because, despite its reliance on comedy for the most part, it transcends that spontaneous feel with some undertones and detail worth analysing, especially when it comes to Pharynx and his role within the hive. The episode stands out the most when it comes to building up a very divisive conflict where both parts are right but at the same time, are far from idealistic until those views are combined and come to an agreement in the end.

The title suggests that the whole objective was the process of changing a changeling, Pharynx. However, I beg to differ because while said objective was accomplished, it might not have been because of a change in his attitude but more like trying to find the right balance and a feedback of his own role.

In the end, if they finally managed to change him, wouldn´t that process imply that other changelings (and a couple of ponies too) changed their mindset towards him (and Thorax to an extent) as well?

I guess that not everything has to target strictly at one side alone...