The Herd

[Jo and the Bush all/any]

Why not just watch it online?

 

EDIT: Nevermind. I remember now.

Edited April 10, 2015 by The Only Joe

[Kobold King he/him]

By Luna's spacey mane. These are incredible.

 

 

I have nothing else to say right now. I have a fondness for species-swapped characters, and these are among the best I've ever seen.

[Jo and the Bush all/any]

Where did you find those? 

[Kobold King he/him]

Where did you find those? 

 

 

Here, specifically.

[Quiver he/him]

Celestial will raise one student to an alicorn, burdening her with the fate of watching her friends griw old and die.

Chrysalis will turn all of them into changeling-alicorn things together.

Which is the good one again?

Anyway, I snark, but those are really good. I love the little details, like changeling Angel Bunny, and Dash still having multicoloured mane and tail.

Also, Pinkie Pie looks crazy. Ier than usual, I mean.

Edited April 10, 2015 by Quiver

[Kobold King he/him]

Celestial will raise one student to an alicorn, burdening her with the fate of watching her friends griw old and die.

Chrysalis will turn all of them into changeling-alicorn things together.

Which is the good one again?

 

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I actually wouldn't mind seeing all of the Mane 6 become alicorns as the show progresses. Just as long as it's not all at once.

 

Anyway, the same artist also drew Twilight as a (very startled) draconequus, which is similarly incredimazible:

 

 

 

And finally, it just now occurred to me how much sense it makes that Rainbow Dash is intensely devoted to the Daring Do fandom. After all, she's the Element of Loyalty--if anypony's going to be the most loyal, borderline obsessive fan Daring Do's ever seen, you can bet your cutie mark it's going to be Rainbow. 

[Quiver he/him]

 

 

I have opinions. I liked it. 

 

It's actually kind of a strange story for a premiere, since it breaks the established patterns of the previous ones. Instead of an ancient threat appearing from the past, it's a danger in the present to Equestria's future. Rather than focusing on Twilight, Cutie Markless kind of splits the difference between Twilight and Fluttershy, with the others as supporting characters and comedy roles (though I think I could count the number of lines Rarity got on both hands and still have fingers left over). There was also more of a 'slice of life' feel to it than usual for a premiere, which certainly fit the whole social ideologies theme better.

 

Also; Edgedancer was right, in that it had no Deus ex Machina endings. But it also is sort of odd in that respect; previously, premieres have had a last impression on the world, either by granting the mane six the elements of harmony, purifying Luna, sealing Discord, freeing the Crystal Empire, or losing the elements again. The main story arc element here - the Cutie Map - is introduced before the end of the teaser, meaning the rest of the episode feels more like a typical episode, with the new formula for this season.

 

If that sounds like a complaint, I'm not. I really, really liked this episode; it might be my favorite premiere (though, admittedly, I think of Discord as a season one finale, rather than season two). If this is the quality of a "normal" episode this season, I'm excited.

 

(Though I do hope they do a better job with some plot contrivances. In the interest of fairness, I have to admit that the way that Fluttershy discovered Starlights cutie mark was a bit too... clunky. I could practically hear the gears of the plot grinding.)

 

Also: I wonder what Derpy would have made of Sugar Belles muffins.

 

The above is just random thoughts on the episode as a whole- but honestly, I want to talk about the villain more. So... Quiver pony analysis!

 

Starlight Glimmer was awesome. So, so awesome. Analysis over!

 

...Okay fine. "Constructive" stuff.

 

I think I agree with what Kobold said; Starlight is possibly the most fascinating villain in MLP. She's another "dark reflection" of Twilight, like Trixie or Sunset, which did have me a little concerned that the trope might be wearing itself out, but I think they did enough with her to make it fascinating instead.

 

Like Sunset, the narrative draws attention to the similarities between Twilight and Starlight. Again, their names are suspiciously similar- enough so that I wonder whether some of my comments regarding Cheese Sandwich as "Pinie 2.0" for fans can be applied here. It might be apt, considering how much of Starlight's dialogue and philosophy is based on "Everypony is equal"; in that context, where creators and fans are "equal", barriers between canon and fanon become a lot harder to discern.

 

Besides that, though, the show goes to lengths to point out their similarities. Starlight's goal (and her boast to show she's right) is that she created harmony within the town- and after four seasons (and with the Princess of Freindship as a mane character) 'Harmony' has been established as a good thing, the thing Twilight and co are trying to get. Seeing it appropriated by Starlight makes the similarities between Twilights mission and her own more apparent. Not to mention the moment at the end when, cornered, Twilight herself draws attention to the fact that they are similar characters.

 

I once described Sunset Shimmer as "pony Darth Vader". Kobold refers to Starlight as the Cutie Marxist (which I love), but I actually get the feeling that she is MLP's version of Amon, from Legend of Korra. The two share similar goals (with equal signs being pretty obvious comparisons to benders being equalised), but there are other cues which kind of make the comparison unavoidable for me.  Just as Amon covered his bloodbending with mystical powers granted by the spirits, Starlight covers her cutie mark by claiming it was the magic of a staff that did it. Just as Equalised benders become apathetic, lsoing some of their color and the light in their eyes, the townsfolk go in the opposite direction, with forced smiles and cheer. Like Amon, Starlight is defeated thanks to her followers discovering her deception.

 

And, like Amon, there is enough ambiguity and doubt about Starlight's motives and intentions that fans can argue over her character for days. She kept her own cutie mark, and when she extracted the mane six's, she made special reference to their talents; there is just enough room there that I thought the finale was going to reveal Starlight was hoarding the cutie marks for her own benefit, stealing other ponies special talents so that she could get ahead. The fact that she doesn't go that route gives her message a hint of legitamacy. yes, she lied to her followers about having her own cutie mark- but as she says, everything else she said was true, and she needed her magic to be able to cast the spell in the first place.It makes a fascinatingly layered character- which almost makes me dread her return, since by peeling back those layers, since the writers will have to assign mroe meaning to her actions.

On the other hand, if they continue to present her as ambiguously as they do, forget best villian; Starlight Glimmer could end up as the shows best character.

 

Anyway, aside from Pony!Amon and Evil!Twilight, there was another feeling I got from Starlight- that of a twisted Cherrilee. Part of that was the actress- I thought their voices were simialr, but apparently they are different actresses, so whatever- but her role also fits that paradigm. Like Cherilee, she presents herself as a teacher, and just as Cherrilee's first appearance had her discussing the importance of cutie marks, Starlights is about discussing the importance of equal signs. There's even a few lines in the 'In Our Town' song that fit that vibe. There is a military aspect to it (with everyone marching), but Starlights cheerfulness, and her line about how "Now Everypony wins!" reminds me my old school. Every year, there would be a spotsday, with different events and such, the winners of which would get medals- and then the rest of the student body would recieve tiny plastic trophies for taking part, which meant "everybody is a winner!". Starlight can come across as an overbearing teacher, or a soccer mom, or a member of the moral police, making sure that nobody feels left out - by erasing everyone else accomplishments.

(Which might be added to by her line about looking to see we're all here, like a parent on a field trip.)

 

It's kind of an interesting subject. I always liked the line in the Incredibles, when Dash responds to his mom's insistence that everyone is special by saying that means that "Nobody is". MLP takes place in a world where your special talent  the thing that makes you special and unique- is on display to everyone. But we've seen the results of that; some cutie marks are, objectively "more powerful" than others (Twilights affinity for magic vs Trixies stage shows, for instance- or being able to Hula Hoop real good). Starlight wants to make everyone equal by taking away the things that make people unique. In pony-terms, that means there being no differences between Earth Ponies, Unicorns or Pegasi; no cutie marks, no differing mane styles, no differing dance moves. In the real world, that  means saying that one person has nothing different about them than anyone else- which is a pretty slippery slope that leads towards erasing different cultures and experiences entirely, and assimilating cultures, which is not a good thing.

 

The reason I say it's interesting is that it's a contrast to something in the Rainbow Rocks film - and believe me, no one is more horrified than me that EQG of all things is contributing to a theme. In their opening song, the Dazzlings sow discord and anarchy amongst the student body- and their lines are telling.

"Why pretend we're all the same/When some of us shine brighter"... "It doesn't matter who you hurt/If you're just proving you're the best".

 

Starlight is advancing a policy where everyone is the same, and there are no differences between ponies; the Sirens inspire conflict by encouraging everyone to be different and assert cultural dominance. And both sides are wrong and opposed by Twilight Sparkle and co.

 

(Of course, the Dazzlings don't care about cultural stuff, and are only trying to cause conflict- but given they talk about the best at singing, while singing and are known as the Sirens, it's pretty clear that they are the best in that field, at least in their minds. Whereas Starlight doesn't equalise herself, but acts as if she has; she directs the town, but that's more because she's their founder, rather than using her position and power to coerce them.)

 

Anyway, it's a neat contrast to me, since it makes a pretty interesting message. Rather than being "all the same" or equal, it presents the third option; everypony (and thus, everyone) is different. But their also equal. We all have different talents and skills, but that doesn't make one person (or pony) better than another- and trying to deny or take away from the things that make someone special is wrong. It's a message the show has presented before - like with Trixies first appearance, or 'Flight to the Flag' - but this episode reiterates that important theme.

 

And, on another point- was I the only one who got a "This is Halloween" vibe from the song? The Equal Sign town kind of fits the whole "Nightmare before Christmas" Halloweentown pitch by having a place where it's one holiday. The music itself was okay - a little atonal, but I think that's intentional to emphasis there is something wrong with it- but there was just something about the beat of it that seemed odd to me.

[Edgedancer he/him]

 

 

I have opinions. I liked it. 

 

It's actually kind of a strange story for a premiere, since it breaks the established patterns of the previous ones. Instead of an ancient threat appearing from the past, it's a danger in the present to Equestria's future. Rather than focusing on Twilight, Cutie Markless kind of splits the difference between Twilight and Fluttershy, with the others as supporting characters and comedy roles (though I think I could count the number of lines Rarity got on both hands and still have fingers left over). There was also more of a 'slice of life' feel to it than usual for a premiere, which certainly fit the whole social ideologies theme better.

 

Also; Edgedancer was right, in that it had no Deus ex Machina endings. But it also is sort of odd in that respect; previously, premieres have had a last impression on the world, either by granting the mane six the elements of harmony, purifying Luna, sealing Discord, freeing the Crystal Empire, or losing the elements again. The main story arc element here - the Cutie Map - is introduced before the end of the teaser, meaning the rest of the episode feels more like a typical episode, with the new formula for this season.

 

If that sounds like a complaint, I'm not. I really, really liked this episode; it might be my favorite premiere (though, admittedly, I think of Discord as a season one finale, rather than season two). If this is the quality of a "normal" episode this season, I'm excited.

 

(Though I do hope they do a better job with some plot contrivances. In the interest of fairness, I have to admit that the way that Fluttershy discovered Starlights cutie mark was a bit too... clunky. I could practically hear the gears of the plot grinding.)

 

Also: I wonder what Derpy would have made of Sugar Belles muffins.

 

The above is just random thoughts on the episode as a whole- but honestly, I want to talk about the villain more. So... Quiver pony analysis!

 

Starlight Glimmer was awesome. So, so awesome. Analysis over!

 

...Okay fine. "Constructive" stuff.

 

I think I agree with what Kobold said; Starlight is possibly the most fascinating villain in MLP. She's another "dark reflection" of Twilight, like Trixie or Sunset, which did have me a little concerned that the trope might be wearing itself out, but I think they did enough with her to make it fascinating instead.

 

Like Sunset, the narrative draws attention to the similarities between Twilight and Starlight. Again, their names are suspiciously similar- enough so that I wonder whether some of my comments regarding Cheese Sandwich as "Pinie 2.0" for fans can be applied here. It might be apt, considering how much of Starlight's dialogue and philosophy is based on "Everypony is equal"; in that context, where creators and fans are "equal", barriers between canon and fanon become a lot harder to discern.

 

Besides that, though, the show goes to lengths to point out their similarities. Starlight's goal (and her boast to show she's right) is that she created harmony within the town- and after four seasons (and with the Princess of Freindship as a mane character) 'Harmony' has been established as a good thing, the thing Twilight and co are trying to get. Seeing it appropriated by Starlight makes the similarities between Twilights mission and her own more apparent. Not to mention the moment at the end when, cornered, Twilight herself draws attention to the fact that they are similar characters.

 

I once described Sunset Shimmer as "pony Darth Vader". Kobold refers to Starlight as the Cutie Marxist (which I love), but I actually get the feeling that she is MLP's version of Amon, from Legend of Korra. The two share similar goals (with equal signs being pretty obvious comparisons to benders being equalised), but there are other cues which kind of make the comparison unavoidable for me.  Just as Amon covered his bloodbending with mystical powers granted by the spirits, Starlight covers her cutie mark by claiming it was the magic of a staff that did it. Just as Equalised benders become apathetic, lsoing some of their color and the light in their eyes, the townsfolk go in the opposite direction, with forced smiles and cheer. Like Amon, Starlight is defeated thanks to her followers discovering her deception.

 

And, like Amon, there is enough ambiguity and doubt about Starlight's motives and intentions that fans can argue over her character for days. She kept her own cutie mark, and when she extracted the mane six's, she made special reference to their talents; there is just enough room there that I thought the finale was going to reveal Starlight was hoarding the cutie marks for her own benefit, stealing other ponies special talents so that she could get ahead. The fact that she doesn't go that route gives her message a hint of legitamacy. yes, she lied to her followers about having her own cutie mark- but as she says, everything else she said was true, and she needed her magic to be able to cast the spell in the first place.It makes a fascinatingly layered character- which almost makes me dread her return, since by peeling back those layers, since the writers will have to assign mroe meaning to her actions.

On the other hand, if they continue to present her as ambiguously as they do, forget best villian; Starlight Glimmer could end up as the shows best character.

 

Anyway, aside from Pony!Amon and Evil!Twilight, there was another feeling I got from Starlight- that of a twisted Cherrilee. Part of that was the actress- I thought their voices were simialr, but apparently they are different actresses, so whatever- but her role also fits that paradigm. Like Cherilee, she presents herself as a teacher, and just as Cherrilee's first appearance had her discussing the importance of cutie marks, Starlights is about discussing the importance of equal signs. There's even a few lines in the 'In Our Town' song that fit that vibe. There is a military aspect to it (with everyone marching), but Starlights cheerfulness, and her line about how "Now Everypony wins!" reminds me my old school. Every year, there would be a spotsday, with different events and such, the winners of which would get medals- and then the rest of the student body would recieve tiny plastic trophies for taking part, which meant "everybody is a winner!". Starlight can come across as an overbearing teacher, or a soccer mom, or a member of the moral police, making sure that nobody feels left out - by erasing everyone else accomplishments.

(Which might be added to by her line about looking to see we're all here, like a parent on a field trip.)

 

It's kind of an interesting subject. I always liked the line in the Incredibles, when Dash responds to his mom's insistence that everyone is special by saying that means that "Nobody is". MLP takes place in a world where your special talent  the thing that makes you special and unique- is on display to everyone. But we've seen the results of that; some cutie marks are, objectively "more powerful" than others (Twilights affinity for magic vs Trixies stage shows, for instance- or being able to Hula Hoop real good). Starlight wants to make everyone equal by taking away the things that make people unique. In pony-terms, that means there being no differences between Earth Ponies, Unicorns or Pegasi; no cutie marks, no differing mane styles, no differing dance moves. In the real world, that  means saying that one person has nothing different about them than anyone else- which is a pretty slippery slope that leads towards erasing different cultures and experiences entirely, and assimilating cultures, which is not a good thing.

 

The reason I say it's interesting is that it's a contrast to something in the Rainbow Rocks film - and believe me, no one is more horrified than me that EQG of all things is contributing to a theme. In their opening song, the Dazzlings sow discord and anarchy amongst the student body- and their lines are telling.

"Why pretend we're all the same/When some of us shine brighter"... "It doesn't matter who you hurt/If you're just proving you're the best".

 

Starlight is advancing a policy where everyone is the same, and there are no differences between ponies; the Sirens inspire conflict by encouraging everyone to be different and assert cultural dominance. And both sides are wrong and opposed by Twilight Sparkle and co.

 

(Of course, the Dazzlings don't care about cultural stuff, and are only trying to cause conflict- but given they talk about the best at singing, while singing and are known as the Sirens, it's pretty clear that they are the best in that field, at least in their minds. Whereas Starlight doesn't equalise herself, but acts as if she has; she directs the town, but that's more because she's their founder, rather than using her position and power to coerce them.)

 

Anyway, it's a neat contrast to me, since it makes a pretty interesting message. Rather than being "all the same" or equal, it presents the third option; everypony (and thus, everyone) is different. But their also equal. We all have different talents and skills, but that doesn't make one person (or pony) better than another- and trying to deny or take away from the things that make someone special is wrong. It's a message the show has presented before - like with Trixies first appearance, or 'Flight to the Flag' - but this episode reiterates that important theme.

 

And, on another point- was I the only one who got a "This is Halloween" vibe from the song? The Equal Sign town kind of fits the whole "Nightmare before Christmas" Halloweentown pitch by having a place where it's one holiday. The music itself was okay - a little atonal, but I think that's intentional to emphasis there is something wrong with it- but there was just something about the beat of it that seemed odd to me.

That's a lot of nice stuff Quiver (and a broken picture ). Talking about the ambiguity with the villain you talked about.

Personally, I got a more selfish vibe from her. Especially this part of her breakdown:

 

stil [...] think you're better then everypony else, if it wasn't for my magical ability. I brought you friendship. I braught you equality. I created Harmony!

Both how she talks about them thinking themselves better and the emphasis on her work (her voice actress really did a good job forming my opinion with her work here) kinda gives me the impression this is less about everyone being equal and more about no one being better than her. Albeit with her justfying it to herself with equality. Doesn't help that it she wanted to use magic, which probably means violence, on the pony that pointed out her hypocrisy. And this is probably the point were others would go into lenghty speculations about what happened in her past, but I'm not a wordy person.

So just let me call attention to this quote, after the Alicorn princess spell-blocked her.

 

I studied that spell for years, how could you-

Ignoring for a moment that this implies everypony could learn to steal cutie marks with enough work, which I'm not sure if it terrifies me more or if it further cheapens the magical heavy hitters of the setting... maybe both, the VA again had an emphasis on the you that I just gives me the impression that Starlight Glimmer had been trumphed before, possibly looked down on it for, and grew frustrated by it.

 

Granted a shorth part from her motive rant and the way her VA emphasised her words, which could differ from the way the writers intended, aren't the best proof but there have been more far fetched interpretations with less to work with, like Luna being Chrysalis.

[Quiver he/him]

That...is strange. The picture appeared on some other computers I've used. Strange.

Anyway...

I agree that Starlight is selfish. My take on that line about her accomplishments was that she wanted recognition for the "good" she did, especially since by that point the situation is turning into a Starlight vs Mane Six situation - she's contrasting what she did vs what Twilight and co are going to do.

True, her equal society probably has her as the first among equals - but again, I kind of think of Amon. Or, if you do want to go the communist route, like Lenin, who was "in charge" despite everyone allegedly being equal because it was his movement. This is Starlights system, so her being in charge (like Celestial I'd for Harmony) makes "sense". Its a shame we didn't see more of her in that role, but during the song, she seemed like a teacher " fixing" students mistakes, and the townsfolk seemed to join her willingly.

Of course, she also uses brainwashing and personality pressure, so its not like she's playing fair. She might have worked better had she placed more emphasis on the rgetoric. - though that might not have worked for the episode.

Still, the mane six joining her temporarily would have been kind of freaky.

Though, Starlights message is kind of undermined by the fact that cutie marks haven't caused any trouble in Equestrian. Korea showed how bending had led to some corruption in the government and an oppressed populace. Cutie marks being more benign does help paint Starlight as more of a villain.

...though I can't comment on the VA performance, since I've only watched the episode once. I need to rewatch it and see if my opinion changes I think.

Edited April 12, 2015 by Quiver

[Kaymyth she/her]

I share today my favorite MLP fanvid of all time.  Some of you may have seen it, but for those who haven't (particularly those who are also Browncoats) here is the link in all its brilliance.

 

 

My Little Serenity:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P3HHpf-fZY

Edited April 17, 2015 by Kaymyth

[Jo and the Bush all/any]

I share today my favorite MLP fanvid of all time.  Some of you may have seen it, but for those who haven't (particularly those who are also Browncoats) here is the link in all its brilliance.

 

 

My Little Serenity:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P3HHpf-fZY

My friend, you deserve all the upvotes.

[Quiver he/him]

 

 Now I want to rewatch Firefly through Serenity.

 

(Though I do find it funny that when I tried to find a good MLP-related Firefly picture, I keep getting this.)

[Kaymyth she/her]

My friend, you deserve all the upvotes.

 

Not as many as the person who made the video, but I don't think they're here, so I'll take 'em.

 

 

 Now I want to rewatch Firefly through Serenity.

 

(Though I do find it funny that when I tried to find a good MLP-related Firefly picture, I keep getting this.)

 

Hah!  Firefly was my favorite pony when I was a kid.  I still have the plushie that I slept with every night for years.  She's rather careworn, but in remarkably good shape, all things considered.

[traceria she/her]

Kaymyth, I too wish I could give you more than one upvote for sharing that.  

[Quiver he/him]

So. Scootaloo gets a dream episode which fleshes out her character. The staff follow it up with a Sweetie Bell dream, which furthers her character and has neat visuals.

So with Applebloom, they decide to go ahead and write maybe the most stormed up stuff since lesson zero?

Seriously. I liked that episode, but damnation. It was kinda messed up.

And am I the only one who thought at first Starlight Glimmer might be involved?

Edited April 19, 2015 by Quiver

[Kobold King he/him]

So. Scootaloo gets a dream episode which fleshes out her character. The staff follow it up with a Sweetie Bell dream, which furthers her character and has neat visuals.

So with Applebloom, they decide to go ahead and write maybe the most stormed up stuff since lesson zero?

Seriously. I liked that episode, but damnation. It was kinda messed up.

And am I the only one who thought at first Starlight Glimmer might be involved?

 

I want to give a witty analysis, but somehow this is all I can think about the episode:

 

 

I'm not sure if that is the worst potential cutie mark ever... or the best one.

[Jo and the Bush all/any]

I totally thought it was starlight at first.

 

Was anyone else disappointed that Apple bloom isn't the new Ghostbuster Pest pony?

 

And That Pest pony dude was awesome on so many levels.

[Quiver he/him]

I'm sure I saw them referred to as this somewhere, by someone, because I am not that clever... but I can't find it.

Anyway, the four ponies from the end of Season Five? From now on, my headcanon "group name" for them (like the Mane Six) is the Elite Four. Because Pokémon.

 

(Does that mean Starlight Glimmer is Blue? Because that makes a horrifying amount of sense.)

 

 

 

 

Was anyone else disappointed that Apple bloom isn't the new Ghostbuster Pest pony?

 

Glad to see I wasn't the only one who thought that was familiar lol

Edited April 21, 2015 by Quiver

[Edgedancer he/him]

Alright, I won't spoil the new episode for those that haven't watched it yet but what is the opinion of this esteemed group gathered here concerning Twilightsparkle apparently watching Game of Thrones?

[Quiver he/him]

I suspect she hasn't watched the show; Twilight strikes me as the type of pony who would have read Maretin's books first.

[Jo and the Bush all/any]

Inside this spoiler is a short rant about how I didn't like her quoting  GoT. I don't recommend reading it, but i still have to post it for my own Peace of Mind.

Twilight quoting Game of thrones was completely out of character for her. It doesn't match any of her established linguistics, and it's too long. If a projectile is coming at them, she would say something like "Watch out!" or "Run!" not " Prepare yourselves, everypony! Winter is coming!" After the Commercial break, Twilight even says "Everypony, look out!" That quote is much more in character.

 

The quote doesn't even work in context. Everypony already knows that Winter is coming, they've been actively bringing it in. They're also doing something they've done before, and they know what Winter looks like. A giant Nuclear Snowball isn't what winter looks like. They wouldn't call a giant ball of snow winter.

 

Then there's the fact that they're quoting Game of Thrones. I'm fine with a show referencing other media, but usually when MLP does it, it fits in the context of the show, like the reference to "Who's on First?" That makes sense in Equestria, since those names are common among the Pegasi. But when they're shoehorning in a reference that really doesn't work in the context, it comes off as Fan pandering and ruins the immersion of the show! (of course if it's Discord making a reference, it always works, because Discord does what he wants to.)

 

So yeah, that single quote is the only reason this episode is a 8/10 for me.

Edited April 26, 2015 by The Only Joe

[Kaymyth she/her]

Inside this spoiler is a short rant about how I didn't like her quoting  GoT. I don't recommend reading it, but i still have to post it for my own Peace of Mind.

Twilight quoting Game of thrones was completely out of character for her. It doesn't match any of her established linguistics, and it's too long. If a projectile is coming at them, she would say something like "Watch out!" or "Run!" not " Prepare yourselves, everypony! Winter is coming!" After the Commercial break, Twilight even says "Everypony, look out!" That quote is much more in character.

 

The quote doesn't even work in context. Everypony already knows that Winter is coming, they've been actively bringing it in. They're also doing something they've done before, and they know what Winter looks like. A giant Nuclear Snowball isn't what winter looks like. They wouldn't call a giant ball of snow winter.

 

Then there's the fact that they're quoting Game of Thrones. I'm fine with a show referencing other media, but usually when MLP does it, it fits in the context of the show, like the reference to "Who's on First?" That makes sense in Equestria, since those names are common among the Pegasi. But when they're shoehorning in a reference that really doesn't work in the context, it comes off as Fan pandering and ruins the immersion of the show! (of course if it's Discord making a reference, it always works, because Discord does what he wants to.)

 

So yeah, that single quote is the only reason this episode is a 8/10 for me.

 

I dunno, I can still see how Discord could easily have been the root cause of this.  Observe:

 

 

A loud *whump* rang through Twilight Sparkle's castle.

 

With a squawk, Twilight jumped three feet straight up over her bed, wings snapping out reflexively, her blanket rippling backwards through the air.  "Books!  That sounded like....falling books!  Spike!  Emergency!"  Thankfully, she didn't fall back down.  She was finally starting to get the hang of flying without having to focus on it so hard.

 

"Huh?  Whuh?" muttered Spike sleepily.  "It's not even dawn yet!"  The flying blanket floated its way down over his head.  "Mmkay.  That's better."  Much to Twilight's annoyance, the sounds of light dragon snoring drifted out from underneath her discarded blanket.

 

"Oh, Spike," Twilight said with a heavy sigh.  He was right; it was still pitch dark outside, with not even a glimmer of sunlight on the horizon.  They were still in the middle of Luna's nightly reign.  "Fine, I'll take care of it myself!"  She flew downstairs to the library.

 

Ahh, the library.  It was her pride and joy, and since her treehouse had been turned into a castle, it seemed to have sprouted extra bookshelves filled with glorious new tomes.  Even better, there were some empty shelves waiting for the acquisition of new knowledge.  One must always have space for new books.  One cannot stay organized if there is no home awaiting the new books.  And surprisingly enough, the source of the *whump!* was, in fact, not a fallen shelf at all, but new books.  Twlight's hooves clicked on the floor as she landed, staring in bewilderment (and perhaps some note of covetousness) at the pile of unfamiliar works that were lumped in a haphazard pile in the middle of the room. 

 

Correction, a haphazard pile of books that was moving.

 

"What the...?"  Alarmed, she backed away a few steps as the pile heaved and shifted, tumbling over themselves as the center rose up.  It was not unlike a literary volcano had suddenly started erupting in the middle of her library.  The books rose and tumbled, heaved and flopped; Twlight was torn between running for her life and leaping into action to save those poor hapless books from suffering bent pages and broken spines.  She was seconds from making that dreadful choice when finally, a head popped up from the middle of the book pile.  With a big, cheesy grin, the face on that head exclaimed, "Hello, Twilight!"

 

Oh.

 

Him.

 

"Discord?!  What are you doing here?"  Twilight lowered her head, glaring, and continued through gritted teeth,  "It's the middle of the night."

 

"Oh, is it?" Discord asked with faux innocence.  Everything he said these days seemed to be laced with faux innocence.  "I'm so terribly sorry.  I've been hopping time zones, and jetlag is simply just the worst."  One of his horns turned into the hand of a clock and started spinning around on his head counterclockwise, while a string of tiny airplanes erupted from one of his ears, propellers buzzing along as they flew towards and around Twilight, slowing down and yawning as they circled her.

 

Trying valiantly to ignore the strange, sleepy machines that were now orbiting her horn, Twilight said, "I was asleep.  And I would very much like to be back asleep again very, very soon."

 

"Oh, of course, of course!" replied Discord.  "I wouldn't want to keep you from your sleep!  But...you see, I was wandering realms, on vacation, you know, and I thought to myself, 'Why, Discord! You should bring back souvenirs for your friends!'  I may have gotten just a teensy bit carried away with you, my dear."  He gestured to the books.

 

"You...you brought me books?"  A fierce joy rose in Twilight Sparkle's heart, met in battle by an equally fierce distrust.  Something wasn't right here.  Discord was being nice.  He was never nice, unless he had some sort of sneaky, possibly evil, reason for it.

 

"Of course I brought you books!  You love books!"  Discord's horn had gone back to normal by now, and the tiny airplanes were drooping even lower now.  One of them was so bold as to come in for a landing on Twilight's back.  "It just so happens that I found a number of delightful stories about magic from other realms!  I don't know that much of it would work here, but I thought you might find it interesting for your studies."

 

More airplanes were landing now, most of them making for bookshelves.  One buzzed past Owlicious's perch before bouncing down onto a chair, and another managed to nest itself comfortably in Twilight's mane.  "I...I actually would," she found herself admitting.  "That was, um, very thoughtful of you, Discord."  She smiled in spite of herself.  It was awfully nice of him.  Maybe Fluttershy was really starting to rub off on him.  "Thank you!"

 

"Oh, you're welcome, dear Twilight!" Discord crooned happily.  "I'm so happy you like my gift!  It makes me feel so good to do nice things for my friends!  Now I must go visit Fluttershy!  I found her a strange creature called a 'jackalope' that I think she'll absolutely adore!  Toodles!"  He reached with a claw to scritch under one snoozing airplane's propeller and then disappeared. 

 

Twilight was left with a room full of mysterious books and sleeping anthropomorphized aircraft.  She used her horn to levitate the plane in her hair to an empty spot on a shelf and peered at it curiously.  Were Discord's creations ever permanent?  Probably not, but you never knew.  If it was still there in the morning, she'd have to ask Fluttershy if she knew how to care for such odd little creatures.  In the meantime...  "I have new books to organize!"  she exclaimed with glee.  She started sorting them, reading titles as she went.  "Hmm.  Advanced Particle Physics?  Ooo, that looks complicated.  The Minnesota Driver's Manual.  Erm.  How-tos, of course.  A Game of Thrones, Book 1 of A Song of Ice and Fire.  Wow, this one's long...  Well, it couldn't hurt to read just a chapter or two, to make myself sleepy again."

 

Over the next three days, Twilight Sparkle read George R.R. Martin's remarkably twisted and violent masterwork.  Nothing remotely like it existed in Equestria.  Several times, she was tempted to stop; every horrible death made her cringe, and most made her sob her dear little heart out.  But with every heartbreak, the characters' true danger loomed still closer.  She had to know.  In all this horror and madness, there had to be a happy ending.  There just had to be.

 

And then she reached the end of A Dance With Dragons.  "That's it?!" Twilight exclaimed.  "No, silly me, I must've missed the last book.  I'm sure it's here somewhere!"  But no matter how hard nor long she searched, those five books were all she could find.

 

"Aaaauuugh!"  She burst out of her castle, and shouted, "DISCORD!"

 

"You called, O Dearest Twilight?" 

 

He popped into existence less than three feet from her, and Twilight jumped and squealed with surprise.  She hadn't exactly expected that to work.  He was waiting, she realized suddenly.  He was just sitting and watching, waiting for me to call for him.  "The books!  There were some missing!"

 

"Oh!  Were there?  Which ones?"  His eyes widened soulfully.

 

"A Song of Ice and Fire!  There were five books, and I read them, but the story didn't end!  There must be more!"

 

"Let me think, Ice and Fire, Ice and Fire..."  Glasses appeared on Discord's face and a card catalog in front of him, and he started flipping through it thoughtfully.  "Hmm.  Iceland, Ice cream, iced frog legs...Ah, here we are!  Ice and Fire!  Oh.  Oh, dear."

 

"What?!  What is it?"

 

"I'm so terribly, terribly sorry, Twilight, my dear.  But the author hasn't finished the books yet."

 

Twilight Sparkle blinked.  "Oh!  Well, I suppose that's not totally surprising.  I mean, it's a lot of books, and not every author can have been finished with all of their books yet.  Do you think...  Discord, do you think that you could get me the next book when it comes out?"

 

"Oh, of course, my dear!"  Discord grinned and wrapped a companionable claw around Twilight's shoulder.  "Of course!  It may be a while, though.  Mr. Martin, he's just a tad bit slow when it comes to writing."

 

"Slow?"  Twilight felt a sinking feeling in her stomach.  "How slow?"

 

"Well, I do hate to say it, but it took him, oh, let me see....twelve months in a year, 525,600 minutes to a year, carry the one...ah!  Yes.  Well, that's not so bad as I thought.  It only took him eight years to write the last one."

 

"Eight...years?"  Twilight's ears drooped.

 

"Yes.  Oh!  And he is planning on two more books to finish the story, not just one."

 

Twilight drooped even more.

 

"But I'm so glad that you enjoyed the books I brought you!"

 

Edited April 27, 2015 by Kaymyth

[Jo and the Bush all/any]

Yeah, that's definitely something Discord would do. Also, Excellent Fanfiction. Do you have an account on FimFiction?

[Kaymyth she/her]

Yeah, that's definitely something Discord would do. Also, Excellent Fanfiction. Do you have an account on FimFiction?

 

Thanks!  And no, that is, quite literally, the first FiM fanfic that I have ever written.

 

It's like working on writing Swift as Steel (I finally have a real title!) flipped a switch on in my brain....

[Quiver he/him]

Octavia is the Arrow. The poor picture quality is entirely due to the fact that it is hard to get good pictures of well-trained vigilantes, and not because I have the photoshop skills of a cutie mark crusader.

 

Anyway...

 

I liked the episode. Joe's right in that, maybe the quote seemed out of place... but I kind of took it as "Winter-which-we-haven't-carefully-crafted is coming"... which might have borne out a little more if the resulting winter seemed worse than a usual one which... didn't seem to be the case?

 

Either way, I am happy to overlook it, because I loved Rainbow Dash in this episode; from her "grinch face", to the fact that this episode is basically about Tank dying... it wasn't the greatest episode ever, but it was enough that I'll overlook that wierd moment.

 

Also, the "Clear Skies, Open Skies" part was just the best.

Edited April 27, 2015 by Quiver