My main thoughts were 'Starlight NO' 'NO' 'HOW DO YOU NOT SEE THE BAD?' XD It was funny but kinda disturbing how little she seemed to care about the unsettling implication of her actions.
I see this as a Starlight Glimmer backslide mistake. Any bad habit a person is trying to brake is going to have a moment of, or two, of backsliding. The important thing is getting up and trying again. To learn from the mistakes made.
i dont know, but i feel like the apology was too fast. SHE PRACTICLY ENSLAVED THEM!!!! sorry, inner mega rose speaking. (ep gardian angle of tf2, just incase you dont get the refrence) i dont know, i really didnt enjoy the episode that much....
@Ltspongebob3 That was because it's been wasted for the sake of Apple Bloom's progress and learning. In this episode, the loss was needless and didn't really help anyone anyhow.
Libor Kundrát Didn't Pinkie say they "Turned out better than the last batch" even though that was the only batch Apple Bloom made? So if that's the case then... what happened with the batch before that?
What I really like about this episode is that, after the ponies were recovering from the mind control, they actually remembered what they did while under the spell.
It occurs to me, a lot of people are surprised Starlight hasn't gotten her just desserts for using basically a mind control spell, yet Twilight did arguably worse in Lesson Zero.
And Applejack poisoned the town in the first season. And Rarity hexed the town in "Inspiration Manifestation". And lest we forget Rainbows industrial sabotage in "Tanks for the Memories". Ponies are very forgiving
Agreed, DR Wolf. This episode was so much fun, though at the same time a bit disturbing, but still a lot of fun. I can only imagine how entertaining it was for Andrea, Ashley and Tabitha to record their lines for this one.
Yeah, turning an apple into a live bird is basically playing God... It's a good thing that Twilight chooses to use her powers for good, because their implications if she did turn evil could make Sombra wet his pants in fear! Also, Applejack's past can be expressed through famous movie and literature quotes, never would have thought it possible. :P
I loved this episode. It was so fun and so fluid. I fully enjoyed the pony hangover. Yes, Starlight's situation is fairly straight forward, and Dr Wolf explained her focus on magical shortcuts. But I also can relate to Starlight as a half-art student. Starlight not getting the point of the lesson is like an overly-analytical artist. Or student in general. You over think the assignment's requirements so much you lose sight on the freedom of creativity (or in Starlight's case, bigger picture)
This episode really got me thinking on Starlight...Like here are a few things about her. 1. Starlight is really good at one thing but not much else in all honesty. 2. She sees logic over morals (as you see when she was wondering what went wrong with her spell) 3. She has a hard time empathizing with others and can often come across as rude. 4. She has a hard time making friends. Even as a filly she only had one. 5. She has a hard time talking to others, starting conversations, and maintaining them. Does anyone see where i'm going with this? It reminds me of a certain developmental disorder if you ask me.
Anyone notice how much mind-affecting magic there is in this show? Between this, Lesson Zero, Keep Calm and Flutter On (where Twilight tries to find a "reforming spell" to use on Discord), and others I probably forgot, I get the feeling that Equestria is a bit of a disturbing place at times. I did like all of those episodes regardless, though...
Actually, I did a little digging, and one of the names of the spells Starlight used was Latin for "Compels Confidence". So maybe, just maybe, the majority of these spells are meant to be used as a form of therapy. Real Therapists use hypnosis from time to time, so, why not say the say here.
it is also a place where everyone could potentially destroy a human being in an instant and has fucked up magic everywhere. so yeah, idsturbing XD But mind contorl magic does seem ineffective. Remember discord, the most powerful singular entity, outside of hte Tree of Harmony that is, had his mind alteration magic broken by force of will. Also if ou subdue someone's mind enough that they have no self motivaiton they become ineffective. Though pretty sure if in either situation someone tried to make them harm someone they knew, it would not end well.
One thing I couldn't ignore was Starlight's propensity toward controlling others, a character flaw we've seen as a key plot-point in previous episodes. That element, mixed with some overboard magic à la _Lesson Zero_, gave us today's tale.
Nightmare Moon, Discord, Tirek, Changelings; and that's just the stuff we've seen, in the time-span of an year or so. There are plenty of ways things could get pretty bad with very little ponies could do to fix it, much less take care of other species.
Nope. It made me think of that too. I think the only thing else that would have made it for me is if during magic practice, Starlight said "I can do this all day."
Hey Doc, great review. As to the transmogrifications, life is a dream, as Snails would say “Don’t think about it”, Snails is not ignorant, he just doesn’t fill his mind with the superfluous as we are apt to. Have A Happy. PS: loved FlutterZule
I like this episode because of it's pacing. A lot of recent episodes have felt like they lingered on something for too long, or I would look at how far I had gotten into the episode and go "Really? That's all that has happened?" so this was a nice change.
I agree, I was afraid they were going to spend to much time with everypony under that spell. I was grateful for things going bad quickly and for Twilights return
Just watched the episode, and your review... it's 3am in the morning here... and that '1 000 000 years ; DUNGEON!' bit just got me bursting out of laughing. Thanks for that. Great review as always.
I'm still impressed by how awesome Starlight is at magic. She almost seems... BETTER at it than Twilight in some cases. If she could learn how to control her magic and not be so impulsive with it then she could be extremely powerful. Also, I like the fact that they have episodes like this that show a bit of Starlight's old self. As others have said, it makes her sudden reformation more believable. Like she's TRYING to be good but still has a lot of issues to work out and still has trouble getting away from her old habits. It's much better than just, "Oh deary me, I've seen the errors of my ways. I'm suddenly a perfect saint now who can do no wrong." She's still imperfect, and I like it.
My first impression of this episode, "Oh look, it's the Sorcerer's Apprentice scenario, where the student relies on Magic to complete their tasks for them, and ends up making a big mess instead"......(seriously, all we're missing is the music from Disney's Fantasia playing in the background)
Starlight's only character trait has been "I'm a screw up. Please forgive me." And after four episodes of that, I'm getting REALLY sick of it. Yes Starlight, we get it, you're sorry, please contribute something more than your passive aggressive and manipulative self flagellation. I could not laugh at anything in this episode either, just because I felt that Starlight brainwashing every one was such an absolute BETRAYAL of their trust that I couldn't help but be disgusted by it. "One Million years dungeon" sounds like an appropriate responce if you ask me.
Sounds kinda like how some bronies accuse Fluttershy of learning the same lesson over and over again. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of them said something similar to what you said about Starlight here: "Okay Fluttershy, we get it. You're meek and timid. Please contribute something other than eye candy."
I just managed to watch this episode this morning, and I felt like it was a fantastic return to form from much earlier seasons. The opening bit with Twilight and Starlight in particular reminded me heavily of Too Many Pinkie Pies, but the whole episode had that uncomfortable feeling that much of season 1 had in its steadfast refusal to address moral problems that were present in the episode such as mind control. Plus, the hangover joke. That right there is what I missed, is what originally lifted up MLP above the cartoon cannon fodder that populates much of children's television, and it was fantastic to see.
You know, it is rather unsettling and disturbing how Starlight's actions doesn't arouse any emotional distress on her part. Just think about this; she essentially casted a spell that subverted other ponies' free will and forced them to do as she said. This sounds basically like the magical equivalent of rape and the fact that this doesn't register for Starlight suggests a complete lack of emotional empathy. Mind control seems to be treated lightly in children's shows.
I feel like this episode is meant to be Starlight's "Lesson Zero" Think about it. IN Lessson Zero, Twilight was so freaked out about not being able to find a friendship lesson that she attempted to make one using magic, it blew up in her face and she got in trouble for it with her mentor. In this, Starlight can't face her friendship lessons, so she uses magic to do it for her, it blows up in her face and she gets in trouble for it with her mentor. I like how understanding Twilight was in the end because it calls back to the fact that she's been through something similar enough to know how to handle it and might be feeling a bit like Princess Celestia scolding herself all those seasons ago. I really, REALLY love this episode for how completely everything came full circle and I hope other people have noticed this as well. :D
"They can take our farm, but they can't take away our freedom!" and the hangover were 2 best moments in that great episode! Also, I like to belive that the transmutation magic is temporary.
This episode king of reminded me of "Lesson Zero" when twilight was late on her weekly friendship letter and she created this huge fight over a doll and princess Celestia had to come in and sort things out
Anybody remember lesson zero? So why is twilight taking a lesson she learned in that episode and literally forcing starlight to do the opposite of what she learned that episode??
I loved this episode when I reacted to it. It is a 10/10 in my heart. Your review was actually very funny which in my opinion is pretty rare coming from you. Excellent review as always Dr. Wolf. /)
My biggest grip is that it wasn't an episode about how controlled friends arn't any better than dolls, and you need differences and conflicts to grow and enjoy life
Honestly the best scene has got to be that pic of Big Mac and that pig hiding from whatever the hell that was. Their whole "Is it gone? Shh, it'll hear you. " reaction is just gold. XD
What really spoke to me in the episode was near the very end when Starlight finally admits to Twilight how nervous she was about the friendship lessons because I felt that I could relate her. Usually when I try to learn something new, I get nervous about failing and being rejected by people because of said failure. That's what really made me enjoy this episode. As for the comedy, my favorite mind control moments would have to be Applejack. The movie quotes! LOL! Great review as always :)
Honestly it felt like the main six were teaching a LOT of in between lessons that tied into the "might isn't right" lesson of the episode. like AJ's line you featured in your review lol.
The mind control was creepy, but what really disturbs me is that Twilight has books about mind-control spells in her library in the first place. Why does she have those?! 0_0
Great crowd control spell, it will come in handy. Any riots against the princess of friendship will be stop in 3 seconds and no one will be harmed, Super Effective!
First, I gotta say, Spike is being written pretty well this season. He's the sarcastic voice of reason and I love it. Second, Starlight's spell had Dark-alicorn magic coloring to it. Mind control is a pretty dark spell type. Perhaps Equestrian magic has light and dark elements in addition to the standard four. Not good or evil, mind you.
McGonnagal was teaching the students how to transfigure animals into water goblets in Harry Potter. I'm pretty sure transfiguring an apple into a nest full of eggs isn't that bad. As for the episode, I thought it was a lot of fun too. While you loved Applejack's book and movie quotes, I actually found that her rambling about a pie tin ending with a backstroking pig was even funnier considering that I can relate to that on several levels. As for the story quotes, I love the Braveheart one the most. "They may take our lands, but they will never take our freedom!"
I may say, you Doc are pretty funny in your own way, pretty quiet and subtle. I really like that constant segway with that scene from the apple turning into living birds :P
Hey Dr. Wolf, I just had a crazy idea for a future episode. What if Twilight, Moon Dancer, and Starlight got together for an episode and magic hi-jinks ensued? It could be like a "Witches of Eastwick" parody or something. What do you think?
I was confused at first after seeing the promo, but when I saw half the episode had a bad feeling about what starlight did. but I enjoyed the whole episode. I have to admit this twilight and starlight reminds me about the relationship Obi wan and Anaikin had in star wars. except unlike Anakin who became Darth Vader starlight joined Tiwlight so she can learn both magic and friendship. twilight and starlight had a master and apprentice relationship it was if they were sisters.
I like to imagine this episode takes place _before_ No Second Prances Just ignore the Trixie mention Makes more sense that Starlight warms up to Friendship Lessons after she actually has a friend of her own she can talk to that isn't a hypocritical princess
I think this story still works even if "No Second Prances" comes first. The real problem she has in this episode, I think, is doing activities with ponies she doesn't know very well. She got along well with Trixie because they had something in common, which is always helpful in making a new friend. This episode is the most interaction Starlight has had with the other main ponies. The whole point of the lessons Twilight assigned were to bring them closer together. BTW: I agree with TheSoulOfDiamonds, your username and pic AWESOME!!!!
Robert Reiss hey first time someone got the spelling right without adding spaces and adding the right capitals... and i've been on here for what 3 years now... lol off topic...
At first I thought this would be a good opportunity to explore the Castle consuming as we have not actually seen that much of it. To quote Jeannie from Disney's Aladdin "mixing magics is very dangerous" for somebody who so smart and surprised she made such a mistake. One should never mix together different elements without testing, even in the most basic science this is a fact. This does however confirm that starlight is a perfectionist and that she and Spike have some fantastic chemistry as characters, they really bounce well off each charter. Also, pony hangover.
This was probably my favourite episode of season 6. I'm not sure about the whole show but definitely season 6. It had a believable spiral into madness and also a believable conclusion. Twilight and Starlight seem to be improving their magical abilities off each other which could make for an interesting episode all in its own. As for this episode it was a nice segway into the main conflict. I think the staff did a good job at showing just how nuts Starlight could be. Spike basically outright saying that she's more panicky than Twilight puts everything into perspective. We've seen Lesson Zero. Starlight just needs even less of a catalyst and unlike Twilight doesn't actually have anyone she feels she can talk to. Twilight blew up because her friends shrugged her off, Starlight sort of blew up of her own accord because she let everything build up WITHOUT talking to anyone. We also finally get to see Starlight's room! How different it is from the rest of the castle shocked me a little. It was nothing like I imagined. There was almost no crystal and even the door was mostly wooden. I can't help but wonder if she did that herself. She's certainly got the power to. The whole levitating blocks as a stress relieve was oddly adorable too... This whole episode was adorably funny. The shenanigans were genuinely hilarious. That's about all I have to say about them. They were just... so funny. My favourite part was the ending. Twilight coming and fixing everything, then not getting angry was nice. Starlight finally admitting that she was freaking out about the simplest of things. Then her friends giving her a stern talking to but forgiving her anyway, though still being a little abrasive in Pinkie's case. Plus all the adorable moments afterwards, my favourite of which was definitely the failed attempt at baking a cake. "Time travel, piece of cake. Actually baking a cake...working on it." Then the chillaxing shows that she's still herself, and is still obsessive over every last detail. My one little niggle is a line in "Times are a Changeling" where she says "I don't want to fall behind on my friendship lessons back home" If she's been avoiding them then that doesn't make sense. Though one way it could be taken is that she's feeling guilty but only has the confidence to bring it up on the train. She's sort of underhandedly trying to convince Twilight that she is doing them when she's really too terrified to. I dunno that's just one theory I have right now. Overall, loved the episode with just one little continuity niggle. Also... that theory about unicorns transfiguring all life paints a pretty, dark picture. I'm gonna need to digest that a little I think. Anyway, keep up the good work. This comment has went on long enough.
Are you kidding!? There need to be more commenters like you out there. This was like getting a second review. I also agree with your Starlight on the train theory. I'd be lying if I said I'd never used that tactic on my own teachers
It's one of the oldest tricks in the book. Bring something up when it's advantageous to you so it looks like you're engaged but then hope it never comes up again. Hehe, anyway, thanks for reading my rambles and have a nice day.
Doctor, you of all people should know that thinking is never the enemy. I also had a think about this transmutation of an apple into a nest full of live eggs. This particular spell probably only works with organic matter, you couldn't do it with a rock for example, since you are in effect just rearranging the existing organic matter into a new form. If one beleives that all living things, plants included have a soul or spirit, then the new chicks hatching from those eggs are simply carrying the same spirit and life energy from the plant they once were. It really is true transmutation. It also brings up a thought, that if every plant and animal in the old kingdom died, during the Windigos' long winter, then perhaps the spirits of those plants and animals were brought to Equestria and when this spell is cast, they are calling one of those spirits, to give life to the newly transmuted creature. In effect, this is alchemy.
DRWolf001 Depends on what the candle is made from as they can be made from animal or vegitable fats. Admittedly this would not apply to the stick the candle is sitting in.
***** The candle could still be made from vagitable fats or bees wax, so it would still be organic. The holder still remains a sticking point (Pun not intended), but there is the more pressing ethical concearn of this spell. If one could take a plant, IE the apple and turn iit into a nest of live birds eggs, ready to hatch, those birds being hatched as living, breathing, feeling creatures, would turning them back into the apple, be like killing them as you take away that ability to think and feel? This is one of those things that ties back to one of Silverquill's videos, on the ethics of magic and how Twilight and Starlight, both seem to not fully grasp the ethical implications of what they do sometimes.
The spell is probably not permanent. Similar to changing mouses into horses (they revert back by midnight); the time the seeds of that apple spent as living birds should be thinked as a gift from the gods (ponies); that just like life itself it can not be kept forever.
Argamis (SilverComet) STill, it seems deeply unethical to just casually create life like that, without thought about taking responsibility for it. One should not just create thinking, feeling life on a whim and then forget about it or simply take that life away on a whim either. I doubt we'll see that kind of hard ethical discussion in MLP, but thats why we have fanfiction. In fact, this whole episode shows exactly how Starlight struggles with the ethics of magic, given her impulse to just resort to magic as a shortcut to solving a problem, even resorting to something as horrifying and morally repulsive as outright mind control. I know a lot of bronies were shocked and horrified by the implications of the Reforming Spell Twilight wanted to use on Discord, as it sounded like this could be a violation and subversion of a sentient individual's free will.
Must admit, my first thought when the mind control first started is "Hoo boy, Silver Quill is gonna have a hayday with this one." The "turning inanimate stuff into living stuff" doesn't make my head reel nearly as much as the "subjugation of free will" stuff. Can you imagine what would happen if someone managed to get a spell like that off on Celestia when she wasn't expecting it? Or Discord? Heck, even Pinky could cause a lot of problems with her "able to use cartoon physics" abilities.
was I the only one remembering Lesson zeor and Twilight basically enchanting the whole village to fall for smarty pants just to even GET a friendship problem???
Manoman, i was just listening to the #Ghostbusters theme this morning on the way to a meeting before ACDC and the Iron Man 2 soundtrack kicked in. Made me chuckle a lot doc, so thank you. I'm in 100% agreement with your review here. Great observations and the episode was indeed fun. After a string of episodes that I feel were below par and presenting an illusive #StarlightGlimmer, it was great to finally see one with her coming into her own as well as being able to gauge the reactions of the #Mane6 in response to her brainwashing (which somehow achieves a comedic charm at this point). When it comes to transmuting objects into life, the phrase "because magic" solves a bunch of problems in my opinion haha. Thanks again and #Brony on /)
Well, here's my take on the episode from today: I can actually understand Starlight's hesitance to make friends with other ponies, because there are some people in the world who are either just shy or don't do so well in public social situations. I have Aspergers, so I understand all about starlight being nervous with her friendship lessons and wanting to do them because sometimes I feel like I just want to stay home and not mingle with others sometimes. But, sometimes if there's someone we know who gives us the encouragement we need, and just says "I believe in you", sometimes that's all we need to get out there and try new things. Also, I just loved the humor in this episode from fluttershy gathering up all the animals, dash bringing storm clouds into the castle, to pinkie's faceplant into the table after exclaiming she never burns cakes!
Hehe this was a great episode to watch, the animation and comedy was top notch, Starlight had some great character development and the moral was relatable. If I had one nitpick, i think it was predictable in the second act. I give this a 9.5/10 ^^
Man, I wish there was a unicorn in a major role in my fanfiction. Then again, my main protagonist, one of my OCs, has a mental structure unicque to him, making mind control almost impossible without studying his mind in advance...
I give the episode a 9 out of 10. It was a very entertaining episode.. When Starlight began messing with her friends' minds, it was dark and kinda creepy, yet enjoyable at the same time.
This was great. I gotta say as I was watching Starlight's spell going haywire I thought to myself, "She's learning more from Twilight than I thought. Lesson Zero, anyone?" Bringing up that Starlight hasn't learned any friendship lessons since Trixie felt more like the writers making an excuse for why she hasn't been in the last several episodes. I feel like this episode should have happened earlier in the season. But that being said I still loved this one and how Starlight is progressing. I also thought it was cool that we actually got to see her room. I mean I was sure she had one, but you can always tell a lot about a person from there living space. Overall definitely one of the highlights of the season so far.
Hey Doc, I have a two questions that I would like to know that this episode got me thinking on. do you think that their a chance that Starlight could actually be a Guardian of Harmony? and if she was, then would that mean that she was suppose to be the guardian to the element of magic?
The morale of the episode: Using mind control to make your friends do your bidding, whether through magic or hypnosis, is really bad and Starlight Glimmer is just lucky to have such understanding friends.
I did not know the synopsis of this episode going in. The way it started I really thought the conflict would have something to do with Starlight being a more powerful unicorn even though she is in the student role. I think that would be something really awesome to explore. Twilight has yet to out magic her.
I liked the episode. The plants into animals thing you mentioned? It could be something like building a computer. With the spells Starlight demonstrated she showed that the spells could be stringed together but also have to do very specific things. For example the mind control spell let Starlight control what ponies do according to her very specific instruction yet sadly it didn't allow the ponies foresight to comprehend the instructions without taking it literally. Apply that concept to the transfiguration spell, point A to point B would have been the same thing a specific task but it needed to have set parameters without affecting the world around it in a confusing or environmentally disastrous way since the ponies basically had to terraform Equestria from the ground up. On the other hand, Twilight being the mentor who lectured Starlight about using magic for a shortcut is reminiscent of Lesson Zero and Princess Celestia lecturing Twilight over the exact same thing with the want it need it spell. Wow how the T.V. Show comes full circle.
Dr. Wolf: Ugh. No, no, don't think about it. (meanwhile in the Fallout: Equestria verse, Project Horizions division...) Blackjack: ....why are my ears burning?
That moment where Applejack says "How would you like me to organize them, Starlight?" and she tilts her head. I had an Animated James moment of grabbing a large cross and holding it up to the screen
This is definitely one of the best episodes of the season. It was funny witty, and was just overall enjoyable. At first I thought this would end with everyone just being pissed at Starlight, and they kind of were, but they managed to work it out just fine.
Then again. . . you know what came to mind while puzzling over the bird? Those points in the Harry Potter series where transfiguration magic was used, like when someone turned a . . . something on someone's desk into a gerbil, or the lesson about turning animals into water goblets. And then in "Methods of Rationality" which had that whole thing on the rules of transfiguration. Transfiguration, hmmm. . . Another point I'm thinking of is in "Past Sins" where Nyx turned Fluttershy into a tree, and it was explained that transfiguration is temporary, and the object would return to its original state. . . . Ah, that poor bird! =( And poor Fluttershy too, if she heard of it!
You know, when I saw that the ReMane 5 got mind-controlled, I got flashbacks of an old comic strip where Twilight used the Elements of Harmony to hypnotize her friends as payback for not believing her about the Imposter Cadence. Also, great review, Doc!
Considering how much of a "Sorcerer's Apprentice" vibe I got from the episode, I am a little disappointed that we didn't get to see Twilight fixing Starlight's spell gone wrong. But seeing the so-called hangover made up for it.
It was interesting to see how the different characters (especially Pinkie) reacted to her mind control in the aftermath. Also, Starlight still doesn't entirely get the point, as evidenced by her inability to chillax. As for the transmutations, I'm pretty sure it's temporary, and the birds are pretty much just animatronics.
![[Blind Reaction] MLP:FiM S06E21 - Every Little Thing She Does](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QIAAbb77_j8/mqdefault.jpg)
Yeah pony hangover!
now to see them drunk!!!
Cider.
I loved this episode! I also loved how Pinkie was actually the most reluctant to forgive Starlight. That thew many of us off!
Seriously! For some reason, I really loved that it was Pinkie who took the longest to forgive her!
Hay there was cake. You do not disrespect cake.
the cake is a lye
I agree with only Pinkie
the cake is a lye?
is the cake used to wash yourself?
"ONE MILLION YEARS DUNGEON!"
Unexpected,but hilarious. xD
Lemongrab :P
That made me laugh! X-D And "There is no Dana, only Zuul" was awesome! ^_^
I was hoping to find out once and for all whether or not the Castle of Friendship *had* a dungeon. It already has a dragon.
My main thoughts were 'Starlight NO' 'NO' 'HOW DO YOU NOT SEE THE BAD?' XD It was funny but kinda disturbing how little she seemed to care about the unsettling implication of her actions.
I see this as a Starlight Glimmer backslide mistake. Any bad habit a person is trying to brake is going to have a moment of, or two, of backsliding. The important thing is getting up and trying again. To learn from the mistakes made.
I agree, it's mistakes like this the make her reformation more beleivable
Well it's not like she fixed her overuse of spell thing, remember she did it before with Big Mac.
i dont know, but i feel like the apology was too fast. SHE PRACTICLY ENSLAVED THEM!!!! sorry, inner mega rose speaking. (ep gardian angle of tf2, just incase you dont get the refrence) i dont know, i really didnt enjoy the episode that much....
The speedy reformation is a problem but I've come to expect it from the show. I new they wouldn't hold a grudge, this is FRIENDSHIP is magic
It's also interesting to note that Pinkie pie took the longest to forgive
To be fair, most of the other problems were reversible. But those cakes really did lose their lives...
Didn't Pinkie and Apple bloom burnt some cupcakes in Season 1?
@Ltspongebob3
That was because it's been wasted for the sake of Apple Bloom's progress and learning.
In this episode, the loss was needless and didn't really help anyone anyhow.
Libor Kundrát
Didn't Pinkie say they "Turned out better than the last batch" even though that was the only batch Apple Bloom made? So if that's the case then... what happened with the batch before that?
What I really like about this episode is that, after the ponies were recovering from the mind control, they actually remembered what they did while under the spell.
It occurs to me, a lot of people are surprised Starlight hasn't gotten her just desserts for using basically a mind control spell, yet Twilight did arguably worse in Lesson Zero.
She did. She had to fix her mess and everypony expects better behavior from her in the future. What do you want? The death penalty?
Lily Peet does
And Applejack poisoned the town in the first season. And Rarity hexed the town in "Inspiration Manifestation". And lest we forget Rainbows industrial sabotage in "Tanks for the Memories". Ponies are very forgiving
Robert Reiss But we as the audience often are not
Don't forget about pinkie pie bringing in a swarm of other pinkie pies causing chaos.
Agreed, DR Wolf. This episode was so much fun, though at the same time a bit disturbing, but still a lot of fun. I can only imagine how entertaining it was for Andrea, Ashley and Tabitha to record their lines for this one.
Yeah, turning an apple into a live bird is basically playing God... It's a good thing that Twilight chooses to use her powers for good, because their implications if she did turn evil could make Sombra wet his pants in fear!
Also, Applejack's past can be expressed through famous movie and literature quotes, never would have thought it possible. :P
I loved this episode. It was so fun and so fluid. I fully enjoyed the pony hangover. Yes, Starlight's situation is fairly straight forward, and Dr Wolf explained her focus on magical shortcuts. But I also can relate to Starlight as a half-art student. Starlight not getting the point of the lesson is like an overly-analytical artist. Or student in general. You over think the assignment's requirements so much you lose sight on the freedom of creativity (or in Starlight's case, bigger picture)
"Don't use magic spells on your friends!"
-possibly quoted in D&D as well
This episode was hilarious! Kinda dark, but so much fun to watch!
Yup this pretty much sums up my thoughts.
This episode really got me thinking on Starlight...Like here are a few things about her.
1. Starlight is really good at one thing but not much else in all honesty.
2. She sees logic over morals (as you see when she was wondering what went wrong with her spell)
3. She has a hard time empathizing with others and can often come across as rude.
4. She has a hard time making friends. Even as a filly she only had one.
5. She has a hard time talking to others, starting conversations, and maintaining them.
Does anyone see where i'm going with this? It reminds me of a certain developmental disorder if you ask me.
Anyone notice how much mind-affecting magic there is in this show? Between this, Lesson Zero, Keep Calm and Flutter On (where Twilight tries to find a "reforming spell" to use on Discord), and others I probably forgot, I get the feeling that Equestria is a bit of a disturbing place at times. I did like all of those episodes regardless, though...
now thinking about it I can agree
To quote Brawny Buck "OH GOD THE IMPLICATIONS!"
Actually, I did a little digging, and one of the names of the spells Starlight used was Latin for "Compels Confidence". So maybe, just maybe, the majority of these spells are meant to be used as a form of therapy. Real Therapists use hypnosis from time to time, so, why not say the say here.
MasterSwo wow, good research... and again this show wows me (and makes me laugh) at it's reference you have to research to get...
it is also a place where everyone could potentially destroy a human being in an instant and has fucked up magic everywhere. so yeah, idsturbing XD
But mind contorl magic does seem ineffective. Remember discord, the most powerful singular entity, outside of hte Tree of Harmony that is, had his mind alteration magic broken by force of will.
Also if ou subdue someone's mind enough that they have no self motivaiton they become ineffective. Though pretty sure if in either situation someone tried to make them harm someone they knew, it would not end well.
I found the new magic spells to be one of my favorite parts of the episode. It shows just how powerful Twilight and Starlight are.
Doc, your Josh Scorcher is showing...
All he needs now is a "Ka-BOOOOOOM!"
I think they've been hanging out a bit too much. Lol.
or maybe you all take it too seriously^^
Kaaaa-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
I like the mane style on your OC.
Fluttershy: there is no fluttershy, only zule
Me: what a lovely singing voice you have.
When I realised what was happening in this episode, I thought.
"Yup, of course she would." Old habits die hard, right?
One thing I couldn't ignore was Starlight's propensity toward controlling others, a character flaw we've seen as a key plot-point in previous episodes. That element, mixed with some overboard magic à la _Lesson Zero_, gave us today's tale.
Well, at least Equestria will never have to worry about extinction
MULTIPLE. TERIKS.
"Terik" is Dr Wolf's brother, TIREK is the magic-absorbing villain.
Nightmare Moon, Discord, Tirek, Changelings; and that's just the stuff we've seen, in the time-span of an year or so. There are plenty of ways things could get pretty bad with very little ponies could do to fix it, much less take care of other species.
+DRWolf001 did starlight glimmers sheild remind you of Captain America's sheild or is that just me
Nope. It made me think of that too. I think the only thing else that would have made it for me is if during magic practice, Starlight said "I can do this all day."
Lol
Either Captain America's shield, or Steven Universe's shield. Take your pick. :D
starlight glimmer=captain America confirmed.
Sunburst Eh... she's more of a Scarlet Witch if anything. I know you may have a huge crush on her, Sunburst, but let's not pick favorites here.
Hey Doc, great review. As to the transmogrifications, life is a dream, as Snails would say “Don’t think about it”, Snails is not ignorant, he just doesn’t fill his mind with the superfluous as we are apt to. Have A Happy. PS: loved FlutterZule
I like this episode because of it's pacing. A lot of recent episodes have felt like they lingered on something for too long, or I would look at how far I had gotten into the episode and go "Really? That's all that has happened?" so this was a nice change.
I agree, I was afraid they were going to spend to much time with everypony under that spell. I was grateful for things going bad quickly and for Twilights return
OMG Doc I didn't expect the beginning of the episode to make you nearly crack for a bit in this review XD
Just watched the episode, and your review... it's 3am in the morning here... and that '1 000 000 years ; DUNGEON!' bit just got me bursting out of laughing. Thanks for that.
Great review as always.
A well written and hilarious episode. One of the best in this season!
I'm still impressed by how awesome Starlight is at magic. She almost seems... BETTER at it than Twilight in some cases. If she could learn how to control her magic and not be so impulsive with it then she could be extremely powerful. Also, I like the fact that they have episodes like this that show a bit of Starlight's old self. As others have said, it makes her sudden reformation more believable. Like she's TRYING to be good but still has a lot of issues to work out and still has trouble getting away from her old habits. It's much better than just, "Oh deary me, I've seen the errors of my ways. I'm suddenly a perfect saint now who can do no wrong." She's still imperfect, and I like it.
My first impression of this episode, "Oh look, it's the Sorcerer's Apprentice scenario, where the student relies on Magic to complete their tasks for them, and ends up making a big mess instead"......(seriously, all we're missing is the music from Disney's Fantasia playing in the background)
Starlight's only character trait has been "I'm a screw up. Please forgive me." And after four episodes of that, I'm getting REALLY sick of it. Yes Starlight, we get it, you're sorry, please contribute something more than your passive aggressive and manipulative self flagellation. I could not laugh at anything in this episode either, just because I felt that Starlight brainwashing every one was such an absolute BETRAYAL of their trust that I couldn't help but be disgusted by it. "One Million years dungeon" sounds like an appropriate responce if you ask me.
Sounds kinda like how some bronies accuse Fluttershy of learning the same lesson over and over again. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of them said something similar to what you said about Starlight here:
"Okay Fluttershy, we get it. You're meek and timid. Please contribute something other than eye candy."
Goldenfox is gonna have a field day with the mention of super speedy
I just managed to watch this episode this morning, and I felt like it was a fantastic return to form from much earlier seasons. The opening bit with Twilight and Starlight in particular reminded me heavily of Too Many Pinkie Pies, but the whole episode had that uncomfortable feeling that much of season 1 had in its steadfast refusal to address moral problems that were present in the episode such as mind control. Plus, the hangover joke. That right there is what I missed, is what originally lifted up MLP above the cartoon cannon fodder that populates much of children's television, and it was fantastic to see.
You know, it is rather unsettling and disturbing how Starlight's actions doesn't arouse any emotional distress on her part. Just think about this; she essentially casted a spell that subverted other ponies' free will and forced them to do as she said. This sounds basically like the magical equivalent of rape and the fact that this doesn't register for Starlight suggests a complete lack of emotional empathy. Mind control seems to be treated lightly in children's shows.
I feel like this episode is meant to be Starlight's "Lesson Zero" Think about it. IN Lessson Zero, Twilight was so freaked out about not being able to find a friendship lesson that she attempted to make one using magic, it blew up in her face and she got in trouble for it with her mentor. In this, Starlight can't face her friendship lessons, so she uses magic to do it for her, it blows up in her face and she gets in trouble for it with her mentor. I like how understanding Twilight was in the end because it calls back to the fact that she's been through something similar enough to know how to handle it and might be feeling a bit like Princess Celestia scolding herself all those seasons ago. I really, REALLY love this episode for how completely everything came full circle and I hope other people have noticed this as well. :D
"They can take our farm, but they can't take away our freedom!" and the hangover were 2 best moments in that great episode!
Also, I like to belive that the transmutation magic is temporary.
This episode king of reminded me of "Lesson Zero" when twilight was late on her weekly friendship letter and she created this huge fight over a doll and princess Celestia had to come in and sort things out
Anybody remember lesson zero? So why is twilight taking a lesson she learned in that episode and literally forcing starlight to do the opposite of what she learned that episode??
It works like this. The spall teleports the object targeted away and replaces it with something ease randomly.
I loved this episode when I reacted to it. It is a 10/10 in my heart.
Your review was actually very funny which in my opinion is pretty rare coming from you.
Excellent review as always Dr. Wolf. /)
Imagine if Starlight uses that spell on the CMC. Guess what hilarious things would happen to them like what the five ponies did in the episode.
My biggest grip is that it wasn't an episode about how controlled friends arn't any better than dolls, and you need differences and conflicts to grow and enjoy life
That last part got me good. XD "What a lovely you have"
Honestly the best scene has got to be that pic of Big Mac and that pig hiding from whatever the hell that was. Their whole "Is it gone? Shh, it'll hear you. " reaction is just gold.
XD
in the being it was a wow ep.
then near the end it was " what could go wrong " part.
i was happy and fun ep.
What really spoke to me in the episode was near the very end when Starlight finally admits to Twilight how nervous she was about the friendship lessons because I felt that I could relate her. Usually when I try to learn something new, I get nervous about failing and being rejected by people because of said failure. That's what really made me enjoy this episode.
As for the comedy, my favorite mind control moments would have to be Applejack. The movie quotes! LOL!
Great review as always :)
Honestly it felt like the main six were teaching a LOT of in between lessons that tied into the "might isn't right" lesson of the episode. like AJ's line you featured in your review lol.
It seems they made that spell like a heavy alcoholic beverage. When they were hypnotized they were drunk and the next day they all have a hangover
One question: What the hell was Big Mac hiding from in the photo?
Well seeing how he was hiding covered in mud I will assume it is something like the Predator from Predator.
He's hiding from the timberwolf. A plant based wolf from Evertree forest.
I was waiting for Starlight to say, "Would you kindly" throughout the whole episode.
The mind control was creepy, but what really disturbs me is that Twilight has books about mind-control spells in her library in the first place. Why does she have those?! 0_0
She has to keep Flash Sentry under somehow
I approve of your hilarity sir
Robert Reiss thank you
Great crowd control spell, it will come in handy. Any riots against the princess of friendship will be stop in 3 seconds and no one will be harmed, Super Effective!
Lambdadelta Two words, Princess Spike
First, I gotta say, Spike is being written pretty well this season. He's the sarcastic voice of reason and I love it.
Second, Starlight's spell had Dark-alicorn magic coloring to it. Mind control is a pretty dark spell type. Perhaps Equestrian magic has light and dark elements in addition to the standard four. Not good or evil, mind you.
5:28 I wonder if the Unicorns tranformed the Wildlife into Oranges and the like to have some food.
I also couldn't help but notice that the after effects of mind control in Equestria is the same as a hangover...
McGonnagal was teaching the students how to transfigure animals into water goblets in Harry Potter. I'm pretty sure transfiguring an apple into a nest full of eggs isn't that bad. As for the episode, I thought it was a lot of fun too. While you loved Applejack's book and movie quotes, I actually found that her rambling about a pie tin ending with a backstroking pig was even funnier considering that I can relate to that on several levels. As for the story quotes, I love the Braveheart one the most. "They may take our lands, but they will never take our freedom!"
I may say, you Doc are pretty funny in your own way, pretty quiet and subtle. I really like that constant segway with that scene from the apple turning into living birds :P
Hey Dr. Wolf, I just had a crazy idea for a future episode. What if Twilight, Moon Dancer, and Starlight got together for an episode and magic hi-jinks ensued? It could be like a "Witches of Eastwick" parody or something. What do you think?
I was suprised when they took the mind control route when, just minutes before, Starlight used a duplication spell.
I was confused at first after seeing the promo, but when I saw half the episode had a bad feeling about what starlight did. but I enjoyed the whole episode. I have to admit this twilight and starlight reminds me about the relationship Obi wan and Anaikin had in star wars. except unlike Anakin who became Darth Vader starlight joined Tiwlight so she can learn both magic and friendship. twilight and starlight had a master and apprentice relationship it was if they were sisters.
(sarcastically )Thanks for analyzing the transfiguration stuff, Doc.
This morning's broken china, this afternoon's chikenlegs, tonight's nightmare fuel everypony! (Grintch's themesong plays.) :D
I like to imagine this episode takes place _before_ No Second Prances
Just ignore the Trixie mention
Makes more sense that Starlight warms up to Friendship Lessons after she actually has a friend of her own she can talk to that isn't a hypocritical princess
I can agree
and also love your username the name/picture
I agree that this episode and "No Second Prances" should've switched places. Would've made more sense.
I think this story still works even if "No Second Prances" comes first. The real problem she has in this episode, I think, is doing activities with ponies she doesn't know very well. She got along well with Trixie because they had something in common, which is always helpful in making a new friend. This episode is the most interaction Starlight has had with the other main ponies. The whole point of the lessons Twilight assigned were to bring them closer together. BTW: I agree with TheSoulOfDiamonds, your username and pic AWESOME!!!!
Robert Reiss hey first time someone got the spelling right without adding spaces and adding the right capitals... and i've been on here for what 3 years now... lol off topic...
Off Topic? That NEVER happens in comment section (sarcastic tone}
At first I thought this would be a good opportunity to explore the Castle consuming as we have not actually seen that much of it.
To quote Jeannie from Disney's Aladdin "mixing magics is very dangerous" for somebody who so smart and surprised she made such a mistake. One should never mix together different elements without testing, even in the most basic science this is a fact.
This does however confirm that starlight is a perfectionist and that she and Spike have some fantastic chemistry as characters, they really bounce well off each charter.
Also, pony hangover.
This was probably my favourite episode of season 6. I'm not sure about the whole show but definitely season 6. It had a believable spiral into madness and also a believable conclusion.
Twilight and Starlight seem to be improving their magical abilities off each other which could make for an interesting episode all in its own. As for this episode it was a nice segway into the main conflict.
I think the staff did a good job at showing just how nuts Starlight could be. Spike basically outright saying that she's more panicky than Twilight puts everything into perspective. We've seen Lesson Zero. Starlight just needs even less of a catalyst and unlike Twilight doesn't actually have anyone she feels she can talk to. Twilight blew up because her friends shrugged her off, Starlight sort of blew up of her own accord because she let everything build up WITHOUT talking to anyone.
We also finally get to see Starlight's room! How different it is from the rest of the castle shocked me a little. It was nothing like I imagined. There was almost no crystal and even the door was mostly wooden. I can't help but wonder if she did that herself. She's certainly got the power to. The whole levitating blocks as a stress relieve was oddly adorable too... This whole episode was adorably funny.
The shenanigans were genuinely hilarious. That's about all I have to say about them. They were just... so funny.
My favourite part was the ending. Twilight coming and fixing everything, then not getting angry was nice. Starlight finally admitting that she was freaking out about the simplest of things. Then her friends giving her a stern talking to but forgiving her anyway, though still being a little abrasive in Pinkie's case. Plus all the adorable moments afterwards, my favourite of which was definitely the failed attempt at baking a cake. "Time travel, piece of cake. Actually baking a cake...working on it." Then the chillaxing shows that she's still herself, and is still obsessive over every last detail.
My one little niggle is a line in "Times are a Changeling" where she says "I don't want to fall behind on my friendship lessons back home"
If she's been avoiding them then that doesn't make sense. Though one way it could be taken is that she's feeling guilty but only has the confidence to bring it up on the train. She's sort of underhandedly trying to convince Twilight that she is doing them when she's really too terrified to. I dunno that's just one theory I have right now.
Overall, loved the episode with just one little continuity niggle. Also... that theory about unicorns transfiguring all life paints a pretty, dark picture. I'm gonna need to digest that a little I think. Anyway, keep up the good work. This comment has went on long enough.
Are you kidding!? There need to be more commenters like you out there. This was like getting a second review. I also agree with your Starlight on the train theory. I'd be lying if I said I'd never used that tactic on my own teachers
It's one of the oldest tricks in the book. Bring something up when it's advantageous to you so it looks like you're engaged but then hope it never comes up again. Hehe, anyway, thanks for reading my rambles and have a nice day.
Starlight , to me, is best pony
Dr> Wolf just have a cookie and you'll feel a whole lot better when you've finished.
"with a whole lot of power, comes a heck of a lot of responsible" thank you spider-mac
Doctor, you of all people should know that thinking is never the enemy. I also had a think about this transmutation of an apple into a nest full of live eggs. This particular spell probably only works with organic matter, you couldn't do it with a rock for example, since you are in effect just rearranging the existing organic matter into a new form. If one beleives that all living things, plants included have a soul or spirit, then the new chicks hatching from those eggs are simply carrying the same spirit and life energy from the plant they once were. It really is true transmutation.
It also brings up a thought, that if every plant and animal in the old kingdom died, during the Windigos' long winter, then perhaps the spirits of those plants and animals were brought to Equestria and when this spell is cast, they are calling one of those spirits, to give life to the newly transmuted creature.
In effect, this is alchemy.
Did you notice that they changed a Candle into a Carrot? How does that fit with your theory?
DRWolf001
Depends on what the candle is made from as they can be made from animal or vegitable fats. Admittedly this would not apply to the stick the candle is sitting in.
*****
The candle could still be made from vagitable fats or bees wax, so it would still be organic. The holder still remains a sticking point (Pun not intended), but there is the more pressing ethical concearn of this spell.
If one could take a plant, IE the apple and turn iit into a nest of live birds eggs, ready to hatch, those birds being hatched as living, breathing, feeling creatures, would turning them back into the apple, be like killing them as you take away that ability to think and feel?
This is one of those things that ties back to one of Silverquill's videos, on the ethics of magic and how Twilight and Starlight, both seem to not fully grasp the ethical implications of what they do sometimes.
The spell is probably not permanent.
Similar to changing mouses into horses (they revert back by midnight); the time the seeds of that apple spent as living birds should be thinked as a gift from the gods (ponies); that just like life itself it can not be kept forever.
Argamis (SilverComet)
STill, it seems deeply unethical to just casually create life like that, without thought about taking responsibility for it. One should not just create thinking, feeling life on a whim and then forget about it or simply take that life away on a whim either.
I doubt we'll see that kind of hard ethical discussion in MLP, but thats why we have fanfiction. In fact, this whole episode shows exactly how Starlight struggles with the ethics of magic, given her impulse to just resort to magic as a shortcut to solving a problem, even resorting to something as horrifying and morally repulsive as outright mind control.
I know a lot of bronies were shocked and horrified by the implications of the Reforming Spell Twilight wanted to use on Discord, as it sounded like this could be a violation and subversion of a sentient individual's free will.
DRWolf, when it comes Twilight's animal-transformation spell, "just don't think about it"...
Pretty much: analysis is only a fine line away from over-analysis. 7@=e
"Seriously, I don't think about anything.
*"EVER."*
In hindsight juggling those on shaped pieces of wood would be a pretty decent exercise for using telekinetic abilities
LOL, Love the Ghostbusters joke at the end. XD
Must admit, my first thought when the mind control first started is "Hoo boy, Silver Quill is gonna have a hayday with this one." The "turning inanimate stuff into living stuff" doesn't make my head reel nearly as much as the "subjugation of free will" stuff. Can you imagine what would happen if someone managed to get a spell like that off on Celestia when she wasn't expecting it? Or Discord? Heck, even Pinky could cause a lot of problems with her "able to use cartoon physics" abilities.
was I the only one remembering Lesson zeor and Twilight basically enchanting the whole village to fall for smarty pants just to even GET a friendship problem???
Say Dr. Wolf, do you think that could be sorta the same setup for the two-parter season finally episode in which Starlight has to assemble a team?
In a couple of week there'll be an episode I think you'd like... that is if it shows how AJ, AB and Mac's folks died like I think it does.
Manoman, i was just listening to the #Ghostbusters theme this morning on the way to a meeting before ACDC and the Iron Man 2 soundtrack kicked in. Made me chuckle a lot doc, so thank you. I'm in 100% agreement with your review here. Great observations and the episode was indeed fun. After a string of episodes that I feel were below par and presenting an illusive #StarlightGlimmer, it was great to finally see one with her coming into her own as well as being able to gauge the reactions of the #Mane6 in response to her brainwashing (which somehow achieves a comedic charm at this point). When it comes to transmuting objects into life, the phrase "because magic" solves a bunch of problems in my opinion haha. Thanks again and #Brony on /)
Well, here's my take on the episode from today: I can actually understand Starlight's hesitance to make friends with other ponies, because there are some people in the world who are either just shy or don't do so well in public social situations.
I have Aspergers, so I understand all about starlight being nervous with her friendship lessons and wanting to do them because sometimes I feel like I just want to stay home and not mingle with others sometimes. But, sometimes if there's someone we know who gives us the encouragement we need, and just says "I believe in you", sometimes that's all we need to get out there and try new things.
Also, I just loved the humor in this episode from fluttershy gathering up all the animals, dash bringing storm clouds into the castle, to pinkie's faceplant into the table after exclaiming she never burns cakes!
Hehe this was a great episode to watch, the animation and comedy was top notch, Starlight had some great character development and the moral was relatable. If I had one nitpick, i think it was predictable in the second act. I give this a 9.5/10 ^^
This has probably been my favourite Starlight-focused episode so far
Man, I wish there was a unicorn in a major role in my fanfiction.
Then again, my main protagonist, one of my OCs, has a mental structure unicque to him, making mind control almost impossible without studying his mind in advance...
I give the episode a 9 out of 10. It was a very entertaining episode.. When Starlight began messing with her friends' minds, it was dark and kinda creepy, yet enjoyable at the same time.
This was great. I gotta say as I was watching Starlight's spell going haywire I thought to myself, "She's learning more from Twilight than I thought. Lesson Zero, anyone?" Bringing up that Starlight hasn't learned any friendship lessons since Trixie felt more like the writers making an excuse for why she hasn't been in the last several episodes. I feel like this episode should have happened earlier in the season. But that being said I still loved this one and how Starlight is progressing. I also thought it was cool that we actually got to see her room. I mean I was sure she had one, but you can always tell a lot about a person from there living space. Overall definitely one of the highlights of the season so far.
Hey Doc, I have a two questions that I would like to know that this episode got me thinking on. do you think that their a chance that Starlight could actually be a Guardian of Harmony? and if she was, then would that mean that she was suppose to be the guardian to the element of magic?
Doctor Wolf used an Adventure time quote! EEEEEEEE! ^w^ (Also, excellent review as per usual. X) )
1:36 Um. Didn't Twilight ALSO use a rather untested spell that affected her friends greatly? Look at what SHE got out of it.. HMMMMMMM?
The morale of the episode: Using mind control to make your friends do your bidding, whether through magic or hypnosis, is really bad and Starlight Glimmer is just lucky to have such understanding friends.
I did not know the synopsis of this episode going in. The way it started I really thought the conflict would have something to do with Starlight being a more powerful unicorn even though she is in the student role. I think that would be something really awesome to explore. Twilight has yet to out magic her.
everything you know us a lie, every object is now an animal
I liked the episode. The plants into animals thing you mentioned? It could be something like building a computer. With the spells Starlight demonstrated she showed that the spells could be stringed together but also have to do very specific things. For example the mind control spell let Starlight control what ponies do according to her very specific instruction yet sadly it didn't allow the ponies foresight to comprehend the instructions without taking it literally. Apply that concept to the transfiguration spell, point A to point B would have been the same thing a specific task but it needed to have set parameters without affecting the world around it in a confusing or environmentally disastrous way since the ponies basically had to terraform Equestria from the ground up.
On the other hand, Twilight being the mentor who lectured Starlight about using magic for a shortcut is reminiscent of Lesson Zero and Princess Celestia lecturing Twilight over the exact same thing with the want it need it spell. Wow how the T.V. Show comes full circle.
Dr. Wolf: Ugh. No, no, don't think about it.
(meanwhile in the Fallout: Equestria verse, Project Horizions division...)
Blackjack: ....why are my ears burning?
THERE IS NO FLUTTERSHY, ONLY ZUUL.xD Easily your best outro gag yet!
That moment where Applejack says "How would you like me to organize them, Starlight?" and she tilts her head. I had an Animated James moment of grabbing a large cross and holding it up to the screen
If Starlight ever became an alicorn Equestria is doomed.
Yeah... you have completely broken my brain... thank you VERY much Dr. Wolf.
0:50 it was said that Darth Twilight the Wise could manipulate the magic of Equestria to create life.
A spell that makes a pony completely obedient .... oh great Celestia, I can only imagine the kind of fanfics that are currently being written. D:
I was reminded of bits and pieces of Lesson Zero and Sorcerer's Apprentice in this episode
This is definitely one of the best episodes of the season. It was funny witty, and was just overall enjoyable. At first I thought this would end with everyone just being pissed at Starlight, and they kind of were, but they managed to work it out just fine.
Then again. . . you know what came to mind while puzzling over the bird? Those points in the Harry Potter series where transfiguration magic was used, like when someone turned a . . . something on someone's desk into a gerbil, or the lesson about turning animals into water goblets.
And then in "Methods of Rationality" which had that whole thing on the rules of transfiguration.
Transfiguration, hmmm. . . Another point I'm thinking of is in "Past Sins" where Nyx turned Fluttershy into a tree, and it was explained that transfiguration is temporary, and the object would return to its original state.
. . . Ah, that poor bird! =( And poor Fluttershy too, if she heard of it!
The Transfiguration was totally a Harry Potter reference.
You know, when I saw that the ReMane 5 got mind-controlled, I got flashbacks of an old comic strip where Twilight used the Elements of Harmony to hypnotize her friends as payback for not believing her about the Imposter Cadence. Also, great review, Doc!
Considering how much of a "Sorcerer's Apprentice" vibe I got from the episode, I am a little disappointed that we didn't get to see Twilight fixing Starlight's spell gone wrong. But seeing the so-called hangover made up for it.
It was interesting to see how the different characters (especially Pinkie) reacted to her mind control in the aftermath. Also, Starlight still doesn't entirely get the point, as evidenced by her inability to chillax.
As for the transmutations, I'm pretty sure it's temporary, and the birds are pretty much just animatronics.