I've been busy the last few weeks trying to isolate the problem and fix it on a fairly tight budget.Crusaders of the Lost Mark-SPOILER ALERT · 6:42pm Oct 10th, 2015
So, I'm fairly sure this latest episode has made a pretty big splash with the fandom...
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New. Favorite. Episode! 
Seriously, this one hit on so many of the issues I wanted them to deal with when it came to the CMC and Diamond Tiara. For so long we've seen the CMC trapped in this sort of limbo, where they go on great adventures, discover and deal with important things about themselves, but never seeming to advance towards their given goal of finding their Cutie Marks. That the writers managed found a way to develop a common thread between their previous adventures and their Cutie Marks is remarkable; looking back now, I can almost see the steps each of their episodes have lead them to where they are now. This episode managed to turn a seemingly unconnected series of events and episodes into something of a progressive path towards the CMC really finding out who they are.
And their Cutie Marks themselves are rather elegantly designed, demonstrating in simple imagery what sets them apart, what brings them together, and what they can accomplish. All of this in a fairly simple design. It was also rather good to see how the CMC was able to look past their previous animosity with Diamond Tiara, and show enough concern to look in on her and treat her as more than just their nemesis. Compared to their earliest interactions with DT, where they were often just satisfied to ignore DT or enjoy her comeuppance, it's an amazing degree of growth and maturity for them to be showing.
But what I really loved was the opportunity to get a much closer look into who Diamond Tiara is. Many of the questions and theories I've been harboring about my favorite pink filly have been answered in this one episode, and I dare say this episode will change my perspective on some past episodes.
Just starting with the topic that served as the largest blind-spot when it came to Diamond Tiara, we finally got to meet her mother, the...rather unpleasant Spoiled Rich. This has definitely been a point that has seen a lot of speculation from the fandom, with theories ranging from her being a disappeared mom, dead, in an asylum, an uptight business mare, or even a mother that would do anything for her Diamond Tiara.
And, well, she's definitely around, alive, and not legally insane. And I got the rather distinct impression that Spoiled Rich isn't exactly someone that works. I won't say she doesn't care about Diamond Tiara, but...wow. They really didn't pull any punches there.
It's pretty easy to see how Diamond Tiara was shaped into the hyper-competitive bully we've known for so long. That being said, I can see how Spoiled Rich factors into the picture that is Diamond Tiara. I've been holding off on any sort of writing decisions in 'Diamond Tiara goes to Bootcamp' (Yes, I know. I'm working on the update right now. Terribly sorry for how long it's taken
) on the topic of her mother, but I'm already coming up with ideas for incorporating Spoiled Rich into the story. Things that can bring both some conflict and character development about for DT, in my story.
It does seem that Filthy Rich has at least stayed with his limited characterization, with him being a decent parent that is just too busy to be as involved with his daughter as perhaps he should be. He's still a decent enough pony that he apparently had no problem donating the funds for the restoration of the playground equipment, the moment his daughter asked.
Speaking of if ideas that have been reinforced by this episode, I was rather pleased to see so much of my own headcanon backed up by the show. In particular, my interpretation of DT's Cutie Mark (Leadership) seemed to be close enough, as well as the idea that a lot of DT's internal conflict being spurred on by not having a great understanding of who she really is. Her desire to be in-charge and looked up to has been reinforced. Her self-esteem issues revealed. Amazingly, there are more than enough parallels, that my characterization of Diamond Tiara thus far hasn't been completely jossed. Seeing as I'm focusing on DTgtBC as a means of getting back into my writing, that's a huge relief. Also a bit gratifying.
And on a meta-level this episode continues what I think is a good pattern of showing that most individuals aren't just jerks for the sake of it, that will forever remain antagonists. Trixie, Gilda, and now with Diamond Tiara, we've been shown that there was more to each of them than just being mean, that they possess a side of the story too, that we might have not considered. Pretty much no one goes through life thinking that they're the villain, even when they clearly are the bad guy in the situation. They see thing through their own perspective, understanding why they do the things they do and believe the things they believe. It's not alright to let them keep making mistakes or doing things that are harmful to others, but the way to get them to stop is to understand why they are doing what they are doing.
...Not to say that there aren't toxic people out there, that will only hurt you if try to reach out to them. That is a reality.
But one can't just dismiss someone as a jerk either. An important message I would say...
Also, a lot of great songs in this episode. I almost can't wait for the inevitable fan-remixes and such that will pop-up on Youtube.
I'd say my only gripe, and it's a small one, is that it seemed to be over so quickly. Much like with Griffonstone, it just feels like even more could have been done. Though, I suppose if it's only flaw is that there wasn't enough of it, that's not too bad.
Seriously great episode. One that's done a lot to reignite my creative passion in my stories. Expect some updates soon. And ideally a new story for Halloween.
I'll probably have more thoughts to add here, as I continue to digest this episode. Feel free to share any opinions or thoughts of your own.
EDIT: One last thing I wanted to touch on before going off...this episode demonstrated another important point in this show. Namely, the idea that just because a pony has their Cutie Mark, it doesn't mean they understand it's truer meaning or themselves yet. The Cutie Mark isn't the destination, but rather a stepping stone in their growth.
The 'Lost Mark' of this episode's title wasn't that of any member of the CMC's, but Diamond Tiara's own Cutie mark. Pretty heavy stuff there.
: Another important point I wanted to touch on before going off...this episode demonstrated another important point in this show. Namely, the idea that just because a pony has their Cutie Mark, it doesn't mean they understand it's truer meaning or themselves yet. The Cutie Mark isn't the destination, but rather a stepping in their growth.
Agreed
Great points, especially about the episode title.
3458180 I believe the episode with Troubleshoes actually foreshadowed this.
3458314 true, though that was more about misinterpreting what a cutie mark meant....similar but also different.
sigh,
I think this episode pretty much showed me just how much I've fallen out with this show =/
3459116
ah whats up?
did the episode not do it for you?