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Jan
19th
2013

Season 3 Episode Reviews: Keep Calm and Flutter On · 6:24pm Jan 19th, 2013

…Bring it on.

---

TECHNICAL SPECS:
Season: 3
Episode: 11*
Written By: Terry Antonio (story), Dave Polsky (script)
First Aired: January 19, 2013

* This was the tenth episode aired, but the eleventh in production order.

SYNOPSIS:

Princess Celestia has asked Twilight and the others to meet her outside of Ponyville to do something of great importance. The only late arrivals are Fluttershy and Applejack, who were busy convincing a beaver to move his dam and stop flooding Sweet Apple Acres. But when Celestia arrives, the heroes are horrified to discover what she's carrying with her: Discord, still trapped in stone from “Return of Harmony.” Even worse, she now wants them to reform Discord, as she has use of his magic. Fortunately, she's also smart enough to give them the Elements of Harmony just in case things go south.

Once Celestia leaves, Twilight casts the spell to release Discord, and he immediately goes to work turning rabbits into monsters and acting like a chaotic being should. He's also fully aware of what's going on, having been fully conscious during his stone imprisonment, and is just itching to use this whole situation as an excuse to spread chaos once more. Even worse, Celestia told Fluttershy that she was the one most likely to reform Discord, so she steps up to take him into her house and try to befriend him. The others point out the stupidity of this all, but Fluttershy reassures them that she has a plan.

Discord proceeds to be the worst house guest possible, using his powers to lift the house out of the ground, screwing with Angel, and making a mockery of everything Fluttershy's working for. Twilight tries to cheat things with a reforming spell, but Discord already swiped out all copies of the spell and ate them. Nonetheless, Fluttershy continues to press on with her plan, even inviting the rest of the Mane 6 over to dinner. Discord proceeds to inflict terrible puns and calamities on them all throughout, but Fluttershy remains resolute in her plan, even calling Discord her friend. And just for a moment, the draconequees actually seems startled...

But then Angel comes back with more grim news. Sweet Apple Acres has been flooded worse than before thanks to a quartet of Discorded beavers. Fluttershy knows Discord was behind this, but keeps up the friendship act to try and convince Discord to return things honestly. But instead, Discord tells her to prove she's her friend by promising to never use the Element of Kindness on him again. So she does...and he turns the water to ice. When Fluttershy confronts him on this, she gets placed in another difficult decision: keep trying to stay friends with Discord, or break her promise and help use the Elements. And she...keeps her promise...

For about five seconds. When Discord starts taunting her friends, Fluttershy has finally had enough and says she's not his friend. Discord's reaction is intially bemusement, followed by him sarcastically commenting that she really thought he'd stop doing what he does just because he might lose the only friend he ever had...and then he realizes he actually cares. He admits defeat and surrenders, reversing the damage he caused.

Princess Celestia returns to congratulate everyone on reforming the villain, although she leaves the EoH with the Mane 6 just in case Discord tries anything again. Discord admits that friendship is magic, Fluttershy says that he's a sweetheart when you get to know him, and...Celestia looks away awkwardly.

REVIEW:

...The idea for this episode was apparently conceived by a fifteen-year-old. I'm not going to bring that up anymore than I have to, I'm just...throwing it out there because someone else will.

The episode's opening is a lot of fun, what with Pinkie's mirror hooves and everypony's reaction to Celestia showing up with Discord. But then we get to the actual start, and where things start to get...odd. Celestia wants to use Discord's powers for good, so she asks the EoH to try and reform him. And she didn't do this a thousand years ago because...?

Okay, just talking from a practicality standpoint, there might be some point to this plan. Discord is a selfish, psychotic lunatic, but he's also incredibly powerful and dangerous if left running free. And as we saw in RoH, just turning him to stone isn't going to solve anything in the long-term; he'll just get out again at some point in time, possibly when there are no Bearers to trap him again. Also, his head has moved. This could just be an animation error...or it could be a sign that Discord is already starting to break free. Therefore, trying to reform him actually makes some degree of sense, especially considering the long game many seemingly immortal beings play in fiction.

The dam scene is mostly there to set up Discord's big actions towards the end, but it's funny in its own right. Applejack coming on strong makes perfect sense considering the beaver's flooding her farm, and the insinuation that the beaver's cussing her out is fairly humorous. But this also helps set up Fluttershy's role as the only one to offer Discord friendship and understanding, something we'll touch on in a little bit. As for everypony else's reaction...well, the only two I got a kick out of were Twilight's and Pinkie's. Twilight actually shouting at her mentor over the absurdity of this was hilarious, and Pinkie...okay, it is kind of funny that she was angry the chocolate rain didn't come with extras like whipped cream.

As for Discord...I'm honestly a bit mixed. On the one hand, John de Lancie is great as always, and a lot of his antics are actually funny. The way he shrugs off the Stare (while kind of forced) is both hilarious and helps set up just how out of her depth Fluttershy is with this task. The rolling eyeballs and giant killer rabbit (all of which are just him warming up) are humorous enough, but after a while, the puns and jokes get a bit...forced. Discord destroying the reforming spells was a good idea, but him eating them was a bit too silly even for him. And the carrot scene was just...eh. I think the dinner scene is where this really started to get old, but we'll talk about that in a minute.

As for that lamp? I want one.

This brings us to Fluttershy's plan: make Discord think of her as a friend so that he'll change. This...actually makes some degree of sense again. Fluttershy knows Discord is no good (she even confirms this later on), but is willing to go the extra mile because Princess Celestia said she could. She's using her doormat status as a means to get under Discord's skin, something we'll (again) talk about in a minute. Still, it's nice that they remember how she felt after last time, where she called him a big meanie and was able to overtake Rainbow Dash just from her anger alone.

And that brings up the rest of the cast...and by Celestia, does Polsky go overboard here. Literally every other line out of their mouths is “Let's zap Discord!” In fact, for all the foolishness of Fluttershy trying to redeem Discord, at least she's trying to do something other than look for excuses to stop the whole experiment and return him to honorary lawn gnome duty. I can get them being on guard; that's just what you have to do. But this just feels like it goes too far in the wrong direction with them. But that's probably just me.

The dinner scene...well, as I mentioned earlier, this is where Discord's antics started to get tiresome. The only one that kind of made me giggle was the gravy boat. Other than that, Discord making a lunge for the Element of Magic was perfectly in-character, and Fluttershy is obviously straining to keep up the plan by this point. But then she calls Discord a friend, and...this is where things get complicated. Discord actually seems genuinely touched that she would still consider him one even after all the crap he put her through. And yet, that's not out of the realm of his character. When you get down to it, Discord is basically an overgrown child with unlimited cosmic powers. That's really what makes him such a psychotic danger; he has no real feeling or empathy, simply caring about his own selfish desires. And even evil can have ones they care about, so at the very least it's plausible that he'd be feeling a little surprised and happy to have a friend.

But then we get to the ending, and the fanbase completely shatters. Discord using the beavers to flood Sweet Apple Acres was funny enough in its own right, but then we get to the real problem with this episode. Discord says he'll reverse the damage only if Fluttershy agrees to not use her Element on him ever again...and she does. Obviously, this doesn't work, as he's now effectively impossible to stop without all six. But then he makes the mistake of pushing an already exasperated Fluttershy too far by taunting her friends and everything she's tried to do, so she finally gives up and says she's no longer his friend.

Discord's first response is to use sarcasm to belittle her, but when he mocks the idea of him not doing bad things because it'll cost him his only friend, he suddenly realizes that he really does give a damn after all and fixes everything.

First, the bad. This ending is rushed beyond compare. Discord's sudden turnaround happens so damn fast that it physically hurts. This really, really needed to be expanded on, perhaps by cutting out some of the pointless zany gags from earlier.

But then there's something I think a lot of fans missed here. When Discord more or less surrenders, he says “Well played, Fluttershy.” And that's when it all clicks together. Back in “Return of Harmony,” Fluttershy was the only one Discord couldn't break, the only one who could strip away his layers of power and force him to reveal just how childish and petty he was. And that's happened once again. Fluttershy managed to push through his crap and break away at his hardened exterior, finally piercing him right in the heart. And like a child, he can't bear to give up something he likes, even if it'll cost him his freedom.

The rest of the ending follows the same style, for good and for bad. At the very least, Discord whispers that he'll only use his powers for good “most of the time” and Celestia tells Twilight to keep the Elements close just in case, so not everyone has forgotten who they're dealing with. And then there's Celestia's face right before the credits. Apparently she's had some sort of history with Discord being “a real sweetheart” before...

That, or she's just remembering how he mutilated her and can't believe she thought this was a good idea.

CONCLUSION:

I...don't know what to feel. I really don't. I don't feel rage or anger at the team; in fact, I think the episode was mostly decent on its own merits. Discord's antics got old as time went on and the Mane 6 were kind of pushing things a bit too far with their zeal to abandon their quest, but I really liked that it was Fluttershy who pulls this off, continuing her character from “Return of Harmony.” The ending, while rushed in a way that would make Formula-1 look like a horse-and-buggy race, at least kept things somewhat ambiguous and remembered that Celestia hates Discord. So on its own merits...I don't dislike this one.

But the concept still bugs me. Discord did not need to be redeemed. In fact, it really cheapens his character that it's been done. He was simply effective as a true villain, something only Chrysalis in the comics can keep up with now. While I have nothing against redemption on its own merits, the show should not be redeeming every single villain. We need bad guys, people.

So...I don't hate this episode. I don't particularly like it, but I don't hate it. And that's a lot more praise than I thought I would ever give this one.

---

Well, let's look at the followers...

Wow, they all left. I guess that's what I get for not hating this episode will all my heart. Now if you'll excuse me, I need a long, stiff drink.

Report InsertAuthorHere · 1,403 views ·
Comments ( 61 )

do you have a youtube link? I haven't seen it yet :(.

i liked it, i liked the episode

Hey, I liked the episode! And I'm still following you. :-) But I love the redemption/forgiveness aspect. And I thought it was unusually well written for Polsky; the ending was too rushed, and I didn't like how Fluttershy suddenly went all 'I cannot tell a lie!' but other than that, it was good fun.

And I'm totally taking it as vindication that my views on the importance of forgiveness/redemption/all that jazz in MLP, from all the long comment threads about the Lunaverse Gala fic and such, are officially supported by the show. :-)

After reading you review... why do a I have a bad feeling that there will be a rash of anti-Celestia fics coming out because she picked on poor Discord

Nope, still here. I'm not letting something as silly as slightly differing opinions drive me away from a good author.

I like the concept I've always believed that there was goodness in all creatures sometimes they just lose it and all they need to find it is a little kindness:yay:

I found that this episode was quite good.

I agree that they shouldn't be reforming everyone- and I hope that Chrysalis at the least stays a true villain (aside from NMM she has it). But I also think that the idea of Discord being reformed isn't out of the question. Chaos itself takes sides as it pleases and is both inherently good AND evil. This episode just looks at bringing out Discord's good side rather than his bad side from RoH.

I will also agree that parts were rushed, but the ending also made a lot of sense. Discord's lack of a friend in the past as well as the actual option of being free allows his character to go through a huge shift. The fact that they keep the Elements around as a safety-net is very smart too because again- Chaos is both sides to the coin.

All in all it wasn't the best episode of the season but it was definitely better than a lot of people are willing to admit. I also freaked out quite a bit when he used the Friendship is Magic line, I mean wouldn't? :rainbowlaugh:

Anyways, that's my two-bits on the episode as to how I think it went. :twilightsmile:

I'm in the same situation. I'm not sure what to feel yet. I think I need a day or two to wind down from this and just let it sink in.

I will say, I certainly didn't hate it. And I actually thought the other ponies were well within their rights to be suspicious. There element isn't forgiveness so I'm willing to side on the Mane 6 minus Fluttershy on their approach with what is essentially the devil in this universe.

I'm now very curious to see if Discord plays any further role in the show. A being like that isn't going to just poof away (too many interesting ponies to mess with!) so I'm looking forward to what the show runners have planned for the rest of the season.

Good review!

Edit: Honestly, I dug the heck out of all the puns, despite how goofy some got. I think I was just in such a state of awe to see Discord back that I slipped into a joyous funk.

And then there's Celestia's face right before the credits. Apparently she's had some sort of history with Discord being “a real sweetheart” before...

I didn't notice anything in particular about Celestia at the end, and the ep isn't up on YT yet for me to double check. I suppose it's too much to expect that you've got a pic of that?

Honestly, the episode did some things well, but it could have really benefited from being a 2-parter. Like, instead of the Crystal Empire and the utterly forgettable villain used there. (Plus, redemption of a major villain with intent to use him for something later in the season would be a pretty good season premiere.)

At the very least, it seems Discord will be showing up later, for whatever Celestia has planned.

I think they should have made it into two episodes, there was just so much to cover ^^
i also noticed celesias face,
and was like
:rainbowhuh::rainbowkiss:
woo There's some back-story here!

If anything, this episode sounds like a Fluttershy tour de force and, surprisingly, shares some thematic elements with the deliberately anticlimactic resolution of Magic Duel. Once again, we see smarter beating stronger by playing on the weaknesses and psychological flaws of the bad guy du jour. In this case, Discord realises that he's been beaten at his own game - psychology. Fluttershy has got under his skin the way he did with her friends once to the point where, yes, he does care that she is angry with him. The first being in millennia to attempt to reach out to the God of Chaos and succeed. How can he not reward such daring and strength of character? A god does not forget his enemies and he does not forget his friends although a part of me wonders if having the attention and favour of Discord is something Fluttershy will want.

Discord isn't 'tamed' or even 'reformed' by any definition of the words. However, he has been given something to think about. This will either make him ultimately a better being or a more dangerous one because he'll come to understand and compensate for the affect of others empathy towards him.

In terms of justification, my suspicion is that Discord is Chaos, or entropy. Without him active, there is a risk of stagnation in both nature and the mind. He needs to be free and active for the natural balance, for Harmony, to be maintained. Maybe his sealing is what ultimately triggered the beginning of Luna's fall due to the unbalancing of the natural order?

In terms of meta-justification, it is clear that The Powers That Be want Discord around, either as an occasional character antagonist (setting 'puzzles' for the Mane Six to solve for his amusement that ultimately turn out to be part of some much longer game. This may not necessarily be malign but if it is benign it is an chillingly inhuman way that reminds us that a god's idea of 'the greater good' can be very different from a pony's. It also gives the show a far more active walking, talking deus ex machina. If they get the characters into too tight a corner, there's now Discord (who is far more interventionist than Celestia) available to sort things out literally with a snap of his fingers. Not necessarily a good reason but a comprehensible one.

Mostly agree with everything you have to say and I also don't feel all that much rage or anger at the team, but in part that's because this episode is just so frightfully ill-conceived I can't even acknowledge it as real. It's like reading a bad fanfiction, and just the same my first instinct is to simply purge the experience from my memory and move on like it never existed in the first place. Or to put it bluntly, Over a Barrel is still my least favorite episode (with Too Many Pinkies in close contention), but only because my brain refuses to accept Keep Calm Flutter On as canon in the first place.

...*sigh*

...

...*sigh*

...that's just about all I can manage concerning this episode. Oh well...

Personally I am kind of glad, because now Discord won't run into a rut of the same plot again and again and again. Also, this allows the writers to come up with different villians and new ways of showing them.

Though the questiion becomes... for those who have watched "aladdin the series" how many fan do you think would have blown up if Mirage redemed?

Heck, you think some of these people have never heard of MAgneto, Riddler, or Sinestro before. How about Q

I can see why people might not agree on this one, but I liked it! Honestly, the whole thing went a whole lot better than I anticipated. I'll agree that the ending was a bit rushed, but not enough that I thought it was detrimental to the episode. The only thing that really bugged me was Twilight immediately trying to brainwash Discord with a reformation spell, even though Celestia specifically wanted him to turn of his own free will. Nice job following orders there, Twilight. :ajbemused:

727582
Didn't notice it at all until he pointed it out.:twilightoops:

727602
>In terms of justification, my suspicion is that Discord is Chaos, or entropy.
I would argue the exact opposite! This episode makes more sense, and is less ruinous, if Discord is just an extra-powerful 'mortal' creature, and not a godlike avatar of Chaos.

727602

a part of me wonders if having the attention and favour of Discord is something Fluttershy will want.

May you live in interesting times.
May you come to the attention of powerful people ponies entities.
May all of your wishes be granted.

Seems appropriate. :fluttershyouch:

727653
I think that Twilight was afraid, desperately afraid, of Discord. She remembers very well what he did to her and she doesn't really believe that it is possible to change him. Twilight has shown before a worrying need to take magical short-cuts to solve her problems (which usually back fire in nightmarish ways). If I were Discord, I would have taunted her about her lack of faith in Fluttershy but, then again, if I were Discord, I wouldn't have even hung around for the battle of wits that he seemed determined to fight with everyone's butterfly-flanked veterinarian.

For Discord, it seems that the Game is always the thing. It cost him in Return of Harmony and it cost him here. Fluttershy beat him at his own game and I think that impressed him. However, I still have no doubt that he will be able to twist his parting promise to do 'mostly' good into a form with which nopony will be happy. A god's idea of the 'greater good' may not match that of a mortal pony's, after all.

mr>>727545 i need one two but it will not be up til tomarrow

I also noticed Celestia's face at the ened. Looked kind of out of place on her. I wonder if it's actual foreshadowing, or a subtle shout-out to Dislestia.

I wasn`t dissapointed or impressed with this episode. It was... ok. Yeah.
Also

While I have nothing against redemption on its own merits, the show should not be redeeming every single villain. We need bad guys, people.

"You need people like me. You need people like me, so you can point your fingers and say 'That's the bad guy'"

It just reminded me of that.

Quick! Fans of Star Trek, Green Lantern, and Batman

Tell me how you all felt when

Q- turned into more a michevious mentor god figure to the crew from some antagonist

Sinestro- Became good despite causing the war, releasing the Anti-Monitor, and Enslaving his whole sector

Riddler-became good.

I will like to know the difference. Yeah rushed, but I still equate it to Q

727817
I've just got this mental image of Discord doing something pretty Biblical, just to remind Celestia he can. When Fluttershy confronts him he smirks and says: "Oh, my kind-hearted little filly, didn't you know? I'm a bad guy. I hurt ponies. The sun shines, the grass grows, pegasi fly and me? I hurt ponies. Never forget that my warm-hearted friend."

Comment posted by Movie Reel deleted Jan 19th, 2013

I know a lot of people are having problems with this episode, but I liked it.
I thought it was pretty funny and creative, although it was forced, and Fluttershy got her chance to shine this season.
Yes, I'm still following you. :twilightsheepish:

that... ending... Brace yourself, Fluttershy x Discord shipping fics are coming. Really, she was holding his paw, and when she said such a sweetheart, not only Celestia looked awkward, but the rest of the mane 6 looked incredibly awkward. really liked this episode though. :twilightsmile:

I like the episode, but I agree that it was too short. We also learn now that Fluttershy can do the :flutterrage:'STARE':flutterrage: at any time, and not just when angry, in danger, or some other restriction. Thus it is going to be flooded into Fanfics everywhere now...

I think they should have made reforming him a 2 part ending episode to the season. Or even an entire season with him staying in Ponyville with the Mane 6, each episode being a different lesson for him to learn, grow, and so on. Would be awesome, but will never happen.

When you suddenly realise that you'd prefer to read fanfics than watch the series, you know there's something wrong.

When you don't feel anything after watching an episode, just empty and cold, and stay staring at your monitor for several minutes in disbelief that they did something so idiotic as this? Then you're in my world. I already said in my own blog that I'm taking a hiatus from pony. Hope to see you all again if the wind turns warmer. :pinkiesick:

728253

I'm sorry to see you go. Here's hoping you come back soon. :twilightsmile:

Taken on its own merits, this was a decent episode.

Taken as part of the series as a whole it sucked worse than several badly written fanfics. I think several bronies will quickly come to the conclusion that S3E11 never happened.

727830
Q never stopped being a problem. Any time he shows up, something interesting happens.
Sinestro got retconned into a Knight Templar figure, unless DC has changed the background again

I kind of liked it, but there were parts that did not feel quite right. Over all, it was not bad. I do like that it more canonized my view of Discord. I am curious as to if this will be important latter. It seems that it should.

728330 Yea, the more I think about it Discrod is talking Q's character arc almost exactly. It's a little too fast, but he clearly isn't all that good, and maybe even worse than he appears. We know now that Discord is aware inside the stone. That seems like something you might do a hell of a lot to avoid.

I had some mixed feelings too, but now I'm sure of one thing. For Discord this is an iffy episode, and might be bad long term, but it's an amazing Fluttershy episode. Just like Smile, Smile, Smile sums up Pinkie's out outlook on life Fluttershy's little speech after talking to the brainwashed beavers defines her. That she isn't some clueless mare that knows nothing about how the world works, she just wants to treat everyone with kindness, regardless of whether they deserve it.

Personally, I have my fingers crossed that he was lying the whole time, and some later episode he'll be like "lol I lied I'm still evil *chaos, chaos everywhere*"

And then we can have a later episode's moral be something like: "Sometimes, there are people out there, that no matter how kind you try to be to them, just aren't going to change for the better." Which, I think, can be a good lesson, actually.

But that's just slightly cynical me. :P

Now that I think about it, this story may or may not completely demolish a great deal of stories that are favorites of mine :applejackconfused:.

I'll join you in that drink and I'll do it right now so it has a chance to burn off before work

Considering the amount of tinfoil hat wearing that went about over this episode, I'm glad it went the way it did. A pretty good episode, albeit with a rushed ending (which, let's face it: a lot of episodes this season are suffering from).

Discord was well written, and yet his regular stuff did get tiresome since he couldn't go full baddie due to the threat of being turned back into an over sized garden gnome. I have the feeling that he wasn't fully "reformed," given his reaction to Celestia warning Twilight about him. I think we have some setup for the season finale, especially since those "leaked" lines (if they are true) never showed up in this episode.

even though the episode was... "good", and its good to see discord back, I solidify my standing that season 3 is sub par compared to the others.
for everyone who made a fanfic of discord beig imprisoned or is planning on it, (I myself am included in this) we are going to need to turn a blind eye on this episode, or as I am doing, pretending that season three doesent exist in my headcannon.

Personally, by expanding on discord, they are limiting out interpretations and imaginations on the methods of his mischef, does he mutiliate and kill ponies, making earth ponies jump off cliffs and try to save themselves by flying? or does he trap our ponies in insane asylums on earth where they must figure out what's real and what's been made up?

all I know is that because of this, there are going to be 20 bajillion clop fics about Discord in his formal evening wear "redeeming" himself by having sex with the mane 6.

728855

all I know is that because of this, there are going to be 20 bajillion clop fics about Discord in his formal evening wear "redeeming" himself by having sex with the mane 6.

Do you know what the sad part is? Even without this episode, there were already 20 bajillion clop fics about Discord "redeeming" himself by having sex with the Mane 6. Oh, this fandom sometimes... :pinkiesick:

Discord's sudden turnaround happens so damn fast that it physically hurts.

I liked the sudden turnaround. In a game of chess, the game ending blow sometimes just sneaks up on you and before you know it, you're in Checkmate. Game is over. Fluttershy outsmarted Discord and he was hit by a train with the realization that he liked having a "Friend". You could see it in his face.

I also think the overdoing of the gags (Like the dinner) was done on purpose, to kinda show how much Fluttershy is containing herself. I think she knew what she was doing the entire time... Clever girl...

728893
there were already clop fics about this episode before it even aired. :trollestia:

Anyway, I agree with what you said at the end of the article, we need villans, Sombra was weak, trixie's redemption was poorly done, but we also can't blame her on the basis that she was going bonkers because of the amulet, (but the fact that she lost the duel because of rule 63 made me laugh my ass off).

anyway, back on track, who here would love to see an episode where Celestia, no elements, no Luna, no platoon of guards, and no holding back, goes after a resurected Night mare moon, and in the end she( as we say in Michigan) "takes Old Yeller behind the barn and puts the bitch down."

Oh wait, this fandom is about friendship, magic, parties and clop fics.:raritycry:

I just watched the episode and I agree with what you said for the most part. My personal main problem with this episode is how far Fluttershy goes with trusting him. There is a thing to be said about the benefit of doubt but to put so much trust someone who could easily ruin everyone's lives in a heartbeat is simply crossing the line into downright idiocy. It turned out in Fluttershy's favor but if it hadn't, everypony's lives would have been ruined. To be blunt, it would be like if the president betting the entire budget on the possibility that oil prices could skyrocket.
Unfortunate Implications of Fluttershy's actions aside, the characters aren't acting outside of character and their is the humor a Discord episode should have so it was overall pretty good, but far from my favorite of the season.

I liked it! Although, someone needs to tell DHX that you CAN have two part-ers that AREN'T finales. They keep coming up with pretty ambitious storylines that really can't be shown adequately in 22 minutes. //dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/shrug_Celestia.png

One of my lasting thoughts after this episode is Discord, stuck as a statue for over a thousand years, unable to move or see, but conscious and hearing everything around him. Remember from the Return of Harmony:
"It's quite lonely encased in stone... But you wouldn't know that, would you, BECAUSE I DON'T TURN PONIES INTO STONE!"

Normally, I'd say that would drive someone crazy. In this case, who knows...

Because of this episode's nature and the reactions surrounding it, I'm actually going to attempt to respond to one of your reviews for once.

First, the bad. This ending is rushed beyond compare. Discord's sudden turnaround happens so damn fast that it physically hurts. This really, really needed to be expanded on, perhaps by cutting out some of the pointless zany gags from earlier.

Actually, I disagree. First off, Discord didn't really "turnaround." He's still a being determined to spread chaos. He simply has a new aspect of life to consider: the possibility of friendship. In that moment when Fluttershy yelled at him and said she no longer wanted to be his friend, he realized just what it meant to have a friend. That sort of sudden realization is a very real thing. After all, you don't know what you got 'til it's gone. And he realized he didn't want to lose that friendship, so he compromised. It makes a lot of sense if you think about it that way, thus making the ending rushed but in a manner that's supposed to be rushed. That's how that sort of thing works in real life, so it works like that in the show.

But then there's something I think a lot of fans missed here. When Discord more or less surrenders, he says “Well played, Fluttershy.” And that's when it all clicks together. Back in “Return of Harmony,” Fluttershy was the only one Discord couldn't break, the only one who could strip away his layers of power and force him to reveal just how childish and petty he was. And that's happened once again. Fluttershy managed to push through his crap and break away at his hardened exterior, finally piercing him right in the heart. And like a child, he can't bear to give up something he likes, even if it'll cost him his freedom.

Someone else realized this too? Huzzah!


...Huh. I expected I had more to say, but maybe if this continues on to an actual discussion, I'll find more things to say. Actually, I take that back. I know I'll find more things to say. As it is, though, there isn't much else to respond to, so that's that, I guess. :twilightoops:

the thing that kinda disturbed me about this episode was how domestic abusey it felt.

IAH, I totally agree that Discord's antic got old pretty fast. They felt too... mundange and boring. The only good bit I really liked was the 'roll my eyes' bit. It felt like a very uneven and subpar episode.

728566 I'm gonna agree with you there. FANTASTIC Fluttershy episode, HORRENDOUS Discord episode. It just...confuses the heck out of me.

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