Doctor Perseus Reviews: MLP S6E16 "The Times They Are A Changeling" *SPOILERS* · 12:02am Aug 21st, 2016
Isn't it great when an episode you were looking forward to manages to meet and even exceed your expectations? In case it wasn't obvious enough, I really liked this episode.
I have to say that after seeing Spike only get one mediocre episode in Season 5, it's incredibly satisfying to see him get not one but two great episodes in Season 6. Spike really got to shine in this episode. And, if memory serves me correctly, this is the first time Spike has gotten a solo song (and what a great song it was). When I wasn't busy loving Spike, I was really enjoying getting to know Thorax. He was incredibly likable and it gave the show the opportunity to delve a bit into some changeling background info. Of course, the comics have already done this on a few occasions but it was nice to see the show take the time to delve into this a bit. Spike and Thorax's friendship was at the heart of this episode and it was a joy to watch. I hope we see Thorax again. I imagine we'll get a reference in the future with Spike and Thorax actually becoming pen pals. I also imagine many fanfics to come out about these two. 
Of course, with the focus being on Spike and Thorax, most of the other characters didn't really do too much. Still, it was nice to see Sunburst, Shining Armor, and Cadance again. And it was also nice to see another look at Starlight's continuing studies with Twilight. Speaking of Starlight, I especially loved the moment in Spike's song where he drew a parallel between Starlight's and Thorax's situations. And Flurry Heart was there as well...not much else to say about her. She's just filling her role of being the cute baby. Though I did enjoy Thorax's reaction to seeing Flurry Heart. And it was a nice treat to get a flashback to A Canterlot Wedding as well as see a flashback involving Thorax and Queen Chrysalis.
It's not hard to draw parallels between the situation in this episode and racism. And, as far as shows like this go, I think MLP handled the message rather well. During times like these where racial tensions are at an all-time high and there's enough madness occurring this year to fill up several novels, it's nice to see episodes like this come along.
Moving away from morals, I can't help but feel that something big is being subtly set up throughout the course of this season. Dragons in Gauntlet of Fire, changelings in this episode, and a future episode this season will involve the CMC trying to help a griffon obtain a cutie mark. Could we potentially be seeing the groundwork being laid out for a story where all these different species are forced to team up to face a common foe? I think it would be awesome to see ponies, changelings, griffons, dragons, and all other species in Equestria working together to save the world in the finale. But who knows? I'm just speculating right now.
So, overall, I really liked The Times They Are A Changeling and it may very well end up being one of my favorite episodes this season. So what did the rest of you think of this episode? Do you agree with my thoughts? Disagree with them?
Yeah, I have to say this episode exceeded my expectations quite well, considering who was writing it and all.
This special episode dealing with prejudge was given to us by a collaboration of Michael Vogel and two brand new writers; Kevin Burke and Chris "Doc" Wyatt. Like Joanna Lewis and Kristine Songco, these two writers have worked on various shows together. These include the following: The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Transformers Rescue Bots, Ultimate Spider-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012), and Avengers Assemble.
Also, you know how the previous episode was written by a writer from Littlest Pet Shop? Well, this time, we got one of its voice actors making a guest appearance here. Specifically, Thorax is voiced by Kyle Rideout aka Vinnie Terrio.
Lastly, it's nice to get another episode featuring Starlight Glimmer this season where she isn't the main focus. Seriously, the writers for Season 6 have mostly downplayed Starlight despite her being the Seventh Ranger.
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I expect we'll see her play a large focus role in the finale. And if there's a seventh season then I imagine we'll see her develop further there. At this point, MLP could very well continue on past the movie next year. But, of course, I don't want MLP to keep going on and on to the point that it starts to become terrible. Fairly Odd Parents is a good example of being careful what you wish for.
I honestly didn't recognize the voice actor. Maybe I'll recognize the voice when I watch the episode again.
I don't think I've commented about this before but you appear to be quite the connoisseur of MLP's episode directors and writers.
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Yeah, I think it's pretty safe to say "The Fairly OddParents" has gone through worse seasonal rot than "SpongeBob SquarePants". If you're interested, there's another show on Nickelodeon that premiered a few months ago which quickly became popular called "The Loud House". It's about a boy who is the middle child and only son of 11 kids. Here, check out the theme song:
Fun little fact: The show's creator is Chris Savino, who was previously a writer for Season 1 of MLP: FIM where he wrote Boast Busters and Stare Master. Huh, you're right. I do seem to have developed a habit of bringing up MLP: FIM writers in your reviews of the latest episode, haven't I? I guess it's because I just like to share facts about certain things with close personal friends, especially if something new is involved with it.
Anyway, I have a feeling that if the Season 6 finale has Starlight leaving the Mane Cast for some reason, everyone will most likely complain about how adding her to the show only to be written out later was entirely pointless. But hopefully, she'll get to stick around in Season 7 and make more appearances in episodes that aren't about her.
So now 5 out of 7 of the voice actors for LPS's main pets have appeared in MLP: FIM. The only ones remaining are Jocelyne Loewen (Penny Ling) and Kira Tozer (Minka Mark). I'm curious to see if/when they will get used for MLP.
Well, I also enjoyed this episode as well.
I go into why on a molecular level in my own review. 