Finally, my internet is working again :)

Alright, I watched the first two episodes. It's clearly a well-written and well-animated show, I just don't see the huge buzz over it.

Is there a certain point in the series where it really takes off?

I could already tell that I was probably going to enjoy it after the first 2 episodes, but it was really after I watched the 5th that I really started watching them. Now that you know the basic plot, you can jump around a bit and watch some of the recommended episodes - you don't need to watch them in order :p

After the first two episodes, you can pretty much watch the rest of the season up until the finale in any order you want. Everyone has their personal favorites, but here are a few personal suggestions based on the character focused upon.

Applejack: "Applebuck Season"

Fluttershy: "Dragonshy"

Pinkie Pie: "Party of One"

Rainbow Dash: "Sonic Rainboom"

Rarity: "Suited for Sucess"

General: Cutie Mark Chronicles

In my opinion, season 2 is better. Twilight gets a better episode or two, Applejack proves how awesome she is, the characters show subtle displays of growth from prior episodes, and Luna actually shows up. But I would recommend watching at least some of season 1 first.

Try one more, focusing on a character you liked. If still no, it's unlikely you'll like it.

Also try out the show music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyd_Mm-jDh4 , it's most of the reason why I watch it.

My recommendations: Sonic Rainboom (for cute), Lesson Zero (for awesome), The Last Roundup (for good writing)

Managed to convert some friends that were completely anti-ponies a few weeks ago- I'm a missionary :D

Must...Contorl...urge...to hug...!

It's spreading D:

But I'm pretty sure I still have my soul... And Equestria is nothing like Helghan. I mean, it's so bright and colourful!

I think others have it covered pretty well. After I watched the first two, I was thinking that the show was good, and it was well done, but I didn't understand why people liked it so much either. It wasn't until Dragonshy that I really started to get it.

The music that you saw, Pinkie Pie singing her No Fear song, is one of the big reasons that the show is so fun. If you liked that, you'll probably like the others that they have (and there are quite a few). Soleron posted Winter Wrap Up, and that's a fan favourite.

If you're looking for episodes to try, Salnax has a great list. Those are great Season 1 episodes, and if you still don't like the show after those, it's probably safe to say that the show isn't your thing. But if you do like them... I'd encourage you to watch all of both seasons. Some episodes aren't quite as good, but I have yet to really feel meh about any one. Also, Discord is the coolest villain ever.

@Blacksaber: Dawww! That's cute!

I found a brilliant thing on youtube, that if you like Phoenix wright (who doesn't) and like ponies (if not, why are you here!?) it's a must see!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUDfoZGhLjE

It's still in progress, but I enjoyed watching it so far :)