Thoughts on Times are a Changeling · 3:25am Oct 30th, 2023

This episode is one that I have mixed feelings about. I do have to admit that when it comes to some of the episodes, I think it would have been better if they split some into two parts to help flesh out the ideas better and help with the pacing. This episode is one of them as this is the first episode where we see a Changeling since season 5's ending and the first time we seen Changelings having the potential to be good. Until then, Changelings was known to be evil and utterly loyal to Queen Chrysalis. Thorax, in particular, is a well-written character as he isn't anything like the other Changelings, being non-violent and wanting what the ponies have. I, in particular, was reading the first three books of the Legend of Drizzt, a fantasy series built from the D&D universe over the past few months, and I couldn't help but see that Drizzt and Thorax have a lot in common. I also have a soft heart for stories about a character living in a society that thrives on evil and trying to learn how to leave that society and live a life that's much more fulfilling.

The exciting aspect is how a character who lived their entire life in a society that thrives on evil and rewards immorality breaks from this and changes. It takes a lot of willpower not to fall into the trappings and go along with what everyone else is doing, not only to fit in but sometimes because your life is at stake. For Drizzt, a drow, it was learned that his eldest brother was murdered by the second eldest and was rewarded for pulling it off. The Drow already had a teacher trying to secretly have him not turn out like many other male Drow who are servants to the matriarchs in their society and are used as mindless killing machines. He faltered in learning right and wrong, going through many forms of indoctrination. But in the end, he decides to leave the Drow in hopes of finding a better meaning for his life. What's interesting in Thorax's case is that he didn't have anyone trying to keep him from becoming like the other changelings. He seemed always hesitant to follow Queen Chrysaslis' orders and just saw the mane six's determination and their friendship and envied that. That's what led to him attempting to befriend Spike. What's even more interesting is that both characters were hesitant to try to gain the friendship of others, seeing how others perceive their races, and so are dubious, and both had setbacks. Drizzt's case is much more complicated as he tried to befriend some farmers who were murdered by faerie monsters and framed for their deaths. He also struggles with his bloodlust born from his indoctrination. Thorax's is trying to hold back his urge to feed off the love of the baby Flurry Heart when he got near her. But what I think makes Thoarx amazing is how, even at his lowest point, he seemed determined to try to change himself and the other Changelings. I think he was the right choice to be the next leader of the Changelings, which I'll talk more about at the season six finale.

Also, I have to give Spike much credit here, as he showed significant character growth in this episode. Throughout the series, Spike is selfish in many of his actions. Even if he does something good, he mostly tries to benefit or get something out of it, either gems, hanging out with Rarity, or getting praise to feed his ego. This episode showed he can be selfless and risked his status as the Crystal Empire's hero on Thorax. That did take a lot of courage, and it showed how he has grown from his season one appearance.

Overall, this episode was touching and special in bridging the Changelings and showing their culture and prevalence, which overall builds the world of Equestria even more. I also think what would've made this episode better is if we saw more of Thorax's past to see how he came to his conclusions and how much he strived to change himself from his siblings. Regardless, I did love this episode, and Spike's song near the end is one of my favorite MLP songs in the entire series.

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