Just a Thought: MLP S5 E4

Spoilers ahead!

Dear Princess Celestia,

Your sister's still boring as hell. Praise be to you and your Solar Empire.

Sincerely,
Your faithful brony, Xain Russell

P.S. I AM A SHADOW! THE TRUE SELF!

~~~~~

I've had the argument before over whether or not Cutie Marks were a good or bad thing. Some people believe that Cutie Marks are a limiting factor, that what you get is what you're stuck with, and that if you don't like your special talent, tough cookies. This episode I feel is a good counter argument, and at the same time a message to everyone out there, young and old, who are still struggling to find their lot in life.

First off, I've made the point before that Cutie Marks aren't just pictures that designate a pony's "destiny," They're more like magically infused genetic markers that represent what a pony is genetically predisposed to being good at. For example, Applejack's cutie mark represents her latent ability to care for and produce a thriving crop of apples and to use said apples for apple related baking and festivities. A cutie mark is not a literal interpretation of a pony's identity though. Look at Rarity, most would say that Rarity's special talent is dress making, but her Cutie Mark isn't a dress, it's a trio of diamonds. Yes she has a magic spell that she uses to find gems, but I feel that generally speaking Rarity's cutie mark is more about finding the little details and beauty in just about everything.

I feel that this episode highlights the idea that, just because you get a cutie mark of one thing in particular, does not mean it completely defines what you will be. You're still you, no matter what your ass says. Like Luna said at the end, you shouldn't worry about your cutie mark because no matter what it will fit you to a T. You aren't made to fit your cutie mark, the cutie mark is made to fit you.

Now how bout that Princess Luna eh? Everyone's probably freaking out over her as usual, making a bigger deal then is necessary out of what is essentially a discount Yoda. Ughhh... I'm sorry, but once again I must complain about Luna and gripe over how much better she is in the comic. In the comic, she has the same sort of regal behavior, but it's highlighted with an extreme interest in this new time period she's found herself in and actual enthusiasm for her work. In the show, she's shown enthusiasm once, "Luna Eclipsed," and never again. The rest of the time she's just... there. For goodness sake give me some reason to like you Luna! Crack a smile! Tell a joke! Be something more than just a Sagely Wise Sage person! It's boring, and it's really getting on my nerves! Especially when the fandom fawns over her like she's the second coming of Christ!

All in All, a really good CMC episode, something something Luna, and PLEASE tell me those lightning bugs were more than just a figment of Apple Bloom's imagination! Those things were badass!