Now that I can speak again, allow me to do so.

Ever since the season finale back in February, I was very careful to avoid spoilers for season 4. That mean staying off of Reddit for three months, which was something I didn't think I was capable of. It also meant I came in to this new season fresh and totally unaware of what might be in store. Guys, let me tell you:

It was worth it.

I watched the episode with my mouth hanging open half the time. I was utterly blown away - just when you think the writers can't top themselves, they do! Giving us actual scenes of subjects that we've been speculating on since season 1, bringing back characters we were certain we'd never see again, overturning one of the major plot elements of the universe in a reversal I certainly didn't see coming, setting up what has got to be a season-long arc and, as is natural for new episodes, utterly destroying headcanons and fanfics. Everything pertaining to Luna's transformation is going to have to get an AU tag, now that we know what really happened. The transformation and banishment business and how it went down must have become fanon at some point, which Megan McCarthy might have become aware of through pop culture osmosis. Or maybe she just extrapolated from the series premiere like the rest of us did. Or maybe she's been sneaking peeks at fanfics. Who knows? I don't care, I am happy.

On the other hoof, keeping aware from spoilers and anything season 4 related has had an interesting side effect. I swore I was going to keep away from Reddit to get this one story done, and I did. The rough draft is 95% complete and I was so proud to get that far before the season started.

What I did not expect was for the new episode to steal my idea. Seriously - the Everfree Forest going crazy, right around the time of the Summer Sun Celebration and all pony magic/abilities are out of whack? Those were my ideas! I had plans! I had outlines! I had a prologue! Three months of work, for nothing! STAY OUT OF MY HEAD, MCCARTHY!

And you know what? I ain't even mad. The episode was that good.

Besides, what kind of ungrateful, self-centered whiner would I be if I got all pissy because an episode ruined my headcanon and stomped all over a fanfic I had planned? I mean, it's not like fans get mad at the people who write their favorite show when they write something different than what they hoped, right?

-Arch

P.S. This isn't the first time this happened, either. The night before Return of Harmony, Part 1 aired, I wrote this neat little scene of Celestia leading the gang through Canterlot Castle, and they are startled to find themselves immortalized in stained glass. This was way back before the Hub was all about spoilers and releasing early clips, so that one really surprised me.

P.P.S. I put too much work into said story to abandon it. It just needs a little retooling. Unless the show takes another direction that I'm in favor of. Then we'll just have to see.