About that finale... · 10:32pm May 10th, 2014
Excuse me a moment while I play appropriate music.
Three years. That's how long I've been waiting for this episode.
Ever since I discovered ponies in the summer of 2011, I thought they should bring back the villains from the pilot of the '80s cartoon. And I always wanted to see a full-bore rip-roaring fight like we just saw. But I was sure those things were too cool to ever happen. I thought that those of use who liked epic battles and such would always have to be content with fan fiction.
Speaking of which, I found myself surprised by how similar this was to a story idea I was considering writing between seasons two and three--the one at the bottom of this list. Tirek and Skorpan would be released from Tartarus and take over Equestria. The final act would involve Skorpan betraying Tirek. And the climactic fight would be an impasse between Discord and Tirek, which would have ended with them both being shot by the Elements of Harmony. Tirek would disintegrate, and Discord's last words before he returned to stone would be, "Well, at least I got to see that." As it is now, I'm glad I never wrote it.
As with last season's finale, I find myself at a bit of a loss. Where do you even go from here? How can this conflict possibly be topped? I mean, I guess we could find out what happened to Skorpan. Or visit a foreign country, like Saddle Arabia or wherever Zecora's from. There's a certain Crusade that's not over yet. And Discord's story obviously isn't over either. Hey, we already have a glimpse of Tartarus; why not a more in-depth exploration?
Actually, that all sounds pretty cool. Bring on season five!
Oh yeah, forgot to comment on your last blog.
Yay, you're back! Much rejoicing shall be had!
Now get off your lazy arse and write some fics, gobdamnit.
Wuv u 4ever, Horsey!
Also if you were to get a Skype that would be totally rad and stuff.
I agree, properly epic battle!
And I did write a story that was kinda similar to this. Big epic battle to open, fighting against a mountain-sized demonic alicorn-ish thing that had returned after being banished in ancient times, and was draining magic from ponies and the world. He uses discord as an ally, but discord (because of his friendship/love for fluttershy) comes through in the end and turns the tide. There's even a giant tree that grows near-instantly.
That said, loved to see it done now. Obviously it's not quit the same plot, but the one objection I got to my story when I did that was that big super-powered battles like that didn't really fit the tone of the show and stuff. Now they're totally canon!
I hope they keep it up in season 5, and have high hopes with M.A. Larson rejoining the staff. There are so many "epic" things they can do still, no reason to save all the cool stuff for finales.
You clearly meant to post this music:
2097808
I've been really interested to see just how many people have referenced DBZ in discussing those episodes. I've even done it myself, and I've never actually watched DBZ. I get the feeling there's a large consensus about the epicness of that fight scene.
2097896
I watched that show obsessively as a youngster, and have since watched it a few times in my late teens and twenties. I also used a heavy DBZ influence for the fight scenes in my book-length pony work, so this scene was a huge moment of vindication on that front.
Everyone I've spoken to thus far regarding the scene has thought DBZ.
2097778
We both have Skype.
2097778
Good to see you.
I think I've arranged my life so I can do pony stuff again. I plan on starting another story just as soon as I've recaptured the zeitgeist that drew me into the whole thing.
2097802
That's even closer than mine. Odd, isn't it, this artistic synchronicity that sometimes happens?
And I think 2097808 will be very pleased to hear about Larson's comeback. As am I.
I liked the story. The fight was a bit too DBZ for me (hated that show) but it was alright for what it is. I was all for the storyline.
Then the Main 6 got recolors because why the fuck not and those designs were awful.
Overall, a pretty good finale. The story was nice, the betrayal/forgiveness was a bit quick but that's what you get for 45 minutes I suppose. Also, Twilight getting and using her key was also fast but same reason applies. Just wish they had someone with some actual design sense on the team because oh my god those ... Friendship-enhanced versions suck.
I'm hoping for further backstory on one Mi Amore "really 1000 years old" Cadenza.
2097808 2097896 2098150 Yeah, everyone seems to compare it to DBZ. But I think a lot of "epic" fights, especially in anime or comics end up looking that way. DBZ just did nothing BUT that, and did it in a more hokey way I think, so it became known for it. However, unlike DBZ, I really liked the MLP battle. As such, I much prefer to think of it as similar to other good shows, like Avatar: The Last Airbender. That had a great finale battle that is VERY similar. And also about combining all the "elements" (for a different definition of element) to defeat the bad guy.
2098150
It could have been worse. While that box was being opened, I was thinking, "Oh, please-please-please don't let them all become alicorns."
2098297
Ha. I was actually thinking something similar, except it was 'oh PLEASE let them all become alicorns! The fandom will collectively flip it's shit and everything will be a glorious trainwreck.'
2098240
Yeah, I was wondering about that. If Tirek didn't know about Twilight, how did he know about Cadence? Cadance? Whatever. Maybe the Crystal Empire is ancient and has always had an alicorn - it just happened that Cadenza was this one? Or the show producers forgot.
2098150
In-story, I blame the Tree of Harmony for the designs. It tried its best, but it has no eyes and the only thing it knows how to do with color is attract pollinators.
Out of story, yeah, whoever came up with that should be fired. Out of a cannon. Into the sun.
2098297
Nah, that's not until next season.
Personally I am partly in agreement with this comment I found on Youtube about it, I wasn't overwhelmed by the finale but it was an excellent episode. I wouldn't say completely in agreement, many fine points I disagree on, but the time jump would be interesting:
Still, if they can find a way to continue this without seeming anticlimactic, I'll be happy too, but I really can't figure one out, the ending was just to final and world changing for them to go back to their mundane existence. Lets hope season five goes on to be just as good. Personally, rather than Twilight having new friends as suggested in the post, I'd say pass on the titles to a new generation, but again, happy with what I have.
But... uh, yeah, timeskip may be in order, new cast may be in order, new bearers may be in order. Have Twilight take on the mentor role of Celestia would be an interesting turn of events, as well as the bearers guidance to the new adventurers.
Lot of open doors for Equestria's future here, lets hope they don't fuck up.
I greatly enjoyed the unspoken threat when Tirek brings out his bargaining chips. Give me your magic, or... what?
And this is the episode Discord desperately needed to have his redemption feel natural. I only wish he was quicker to take Tirek up on his offer, and only afterwards realize what he just threw away. His two other episodes felt unnatural, but when he cages Fluttershy, and when he begs for forgiveness, it felt right. Fluttershy and Discord deserve an episode together.
2098704
I wouldn't worry; this studio's MO has always been the spinning of straw into gold. Besides, guess who I heard is coming back...
fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/027/e/e/i_believe_in_ma_larson_alpha_by_pixelkitties-d5swws5.png
2099022
It's also perfect because it's consistent with his character in the '80s cartoon. It was blatant back then, with him threatening G1 Spike with a beheading. Seriously.
And regarding Discord--hell, the reasons for loving this episode keep adding up!
And then the Smooze eats everything, end of series.
Don't forget to add this to the list of fitting music
:
I require the music of a hellish choir
2100994 Bao bao bao!