What did I think about S5 E18: Crusaders of the Lost Mark? (MASSIVE SPOILERS, sorry.)

Alrighty, so we got another Crusader episode today. I wasn't expecting much- Crusader episodes often feeling subpar to me, with the sole exception being Flight to the Finish in season 4.

Boy was I surprised. More after the break.

I made a blog post back in the spring on the topic of Diamond Tiara. I held no love for her- why would I have? All we'd seen was a snotty little brat and a bully.

Funny what a little context does for a character, huh? Filthy Rich seemed like a decent enough guy, so I'd always attributed Diamond's behavior to being entitled and bratty. Well, this episode we found out about Spoiled Rich. Diamond's mom is a personification of everything that's ever been bad about rich people. No wonder she behaved like she did! She was being pressured to! This episode does wonders for her as a character, and I'm glad to have her on the cast now.

Plus I gained some respect for Silver Spoon while it all happened. Well done, Silver.

But the biggest thing in this episode... you know what I'm about to say.

The Crusaders got Cutie Marks!

And we were wrong! We were all wrong! All this time, they've been helping ponies figure out what they're meant to do! It's about time, girls! WOO HOO!

...ahem.

I think it speaks for itself how long overdue that moment is.

And the music! Oh dear god the music!

I'm a sucker for musicals done well. It's why I liked Magical Mystery Cure despite rampant pacing issues. It's why Pinkie Pride is in my top 5 favorite episodes of the show! Diamond's vocal performance was great, and the Crusaders were no slouches either! I really loved the buildup throughout the episode- it's imperceptible until just the right moment.

Guys. I think Wonderbolt Academy has some competition for my Favorite Episode slot. I'm so glad I can say that, though we've had some underwhelming or bizarre episodes this season, the show is still amazing at doing what it does best- telling stories. Creating vivid characters. And most of all, being inspiring enough for an asocial nerd like me to make some real friends!

I know it sounds cheesy when I say it, but you guys have made the ride worth it. I know I'm not some FimFiction big shot, I'm not even the slightest bit horse famous. But I don't care. Being part of this fandom is the best thing that's happened to me in my life, and I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world.

Imagine all the Dash merch I could buy with all the money in the world, though...

Anyway, that's all for this week, guys. Thanks for being awesome.