Season 5, Episode 18 Thoughts and Review · 12:24am Oct 11th, 2015
Spoilers below for the episode!
That... That episode... Holy shit. Just holy SHIT. I was in tears for a good part of it. The songs, the animation, the development for Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. Also, the CMC have come so far and I'm so proud of them all.
The episode opens at the Cutie Mark Crusaders' clubhouse, with the Crusaders discussing their next attempt to earn their cutie marks. Though Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are out of ideas, Apple Bloom assures them they'll make their mark and find their place in the world by not giving up.
Suddenly, Pipsqueak enters and tells the Crusaders that he's running for student president at the Ponyville Schoolhouse. He asks the three to be his campaign managers, and the Crusaders eagerly accept.
SweETIE USING MAGIC HOLY CRAP.
Pipsqueak and the Crusaders begin Pip's president campaign on the schoolhouse playground, and one of his first promises if elected is replacing playground equipment that was damaged during Twilight Sparkle's battle with Lord Tirek. Diamond Tiara appears to run against Pipsqueak for president, having the advantage of her mother Spoiled Rich being on the school board.
Pipsqueak and Diamond Tiara's opposing campaigns take the form of a spirited sing-off, with Pipsqueak promising positive change and Diamond Tiara attempting to elicit votes through blackmail and bribery. At one point in the song, Diamond Tiara rudely ignores Silver Spoon's advice.
The oppositions, the animation, the characterizations... I MEAN, HOLY CRAP.
When the votes are counted, Pipsqueak wins by a landslide. For Diamond Tiara's earlier rudeness, not even Silver Spoon voted for her. In response to this, Diamond Tiara gallops off in a rage. Feeling somewhat sorry for her, the Crusaders follow to make sure she's okay.
The Crusaders follow Diamond Tiara into Ponyville, where she meets with her mother Spoiled Rich. Upon learning that her daughter lost to "that transplant from Trottingham," Spoiled Rich harshly scolds Diamond Tiara and reminds her that social status means everything to their family.
These have some of the best lyrics and I love the music behind it.
As Spoiled Rich leaves, Diamond Tiara wanders through town and sings of her inner struggles, expressing a desire to be a better pony. The Cutie Mark Crusaders feel sorry for Diamond Tiara and decide to reach out to her.
The next day, after school, the Crusaders invite Diamond Tiara to their clubhouse to hang out, and Diamond Tiara begrudgingly accepts. Once at the clubhouse, Tiara admits how lucky the Crusaders are for having so many options open to them before being stuck with a cutie mark they don't understand. Having overheard Tiara's conversation with her mother and singing the day before, the Crusaders offer to help her change, but Pipsqueak suddenly arrives, crying out for help.
Pipsqueak tells the Crusaders that his request for new playground equipment was denied by the school board because there isn't enough money in the budget. Diamond Tiara sees this as an opportunity to reclaim her position as student president and races toward the school.
This entire song had me on the edge of my seat, like the OPPOSING FORCES AND HARMONIES.
As they follow Diamond Tiara to the school, the Crusaders try to convince her to rise above her hostility and be a better pony. Despite their words, however, Diamond Tiara appears intent on sticking to her old ways.
Once Tiara and the Crusaders reach the school, Spoiled Rich comes out of a school board meeting and reprimands her daughter again for associating with common foals. Diamond Tiara ultimately stands up to her mother, casting aside her teachings and accepting the Crusaders as friends. After giving Spoiled Rich a note to pass along to Filthy Rich, Diamond Tiara announces that she asked her father to donate money to the school for new playground equipment.
In a happier reprise of her earlier ballad, Diamond Tiara leads her classmates and other ponies in restoring the playground.
A+ character development for DT.
Apple Bloom realizes that, through all she and her friends go through trying to discover their true talents, lately they've succeeded in helping other ponies discover theirs. The Crusaders decide that whether or not they get their cutie marks, helping others and being together is what matters most.
With this revelation, the Crusaders' bodies light up, and in a flash of bright light, shield-shaped symbols suddenly adorn their flanks.
"We all got the same cutie mark! Cutie Mark Crusaders forever!"
AKA, the exact moment I started to cry.
As the Crusaders sing a reprise of their song from earlier, Pinkie Pie throws them a cute-ceañera in celebration, and Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity express how proud they are.
This entire video had me in tears.
A brief montage follows of the Crusaders' series-long journey, ending with a group photo that Spike sends to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
*GROSS SOBBING FROM HARMONY*
OK, this episode absolutely blew away any and every expectation I had. I was really worried that Hasbro was going to troll everyone and not let the CMC get their marks until the finale, but they didn't. The CMC got their marks, and honestly, to see them achieve something that they have been waiting SO LONG to get made me break down.
Just... Rarity got her shop in Canterlot. Twilight became an alicorn. Rainbow Dash got to fly with the Wonderbolts. All the girls with dreams to have are achieving these dreams and to see them do so is just so inspiring and satisfying. It reminds everyone that even though it might take a while and you'll struggle a bit during it, you'll make it to where you need to be.
Now, onto the things that I loved about this episode:
-The songs were wonderful. This was a very musical episode, and while it did remind me of Magical Mystery Cure, the songs didn't feel out of place or congested together, at least not to me. The lyrics were wonderful in all the songs and to see the opposing styles that showed in songs with opposing forces was AWESOME.
-The animation was GREAT. The details, the fluid movement, the new character designs. I loved watching this episode.
-The character development for SS and DT were wonderful to watch. I think the best part about it is that DT is still somewhat the same, if her manipulation of her own parents at the end is any correlation. She still has a ways to go, but she's better than where she was before. Also, SS gained characterization outside of being DT's bestie. (However, I still think that Spoiled Rich was introduced as a surefire quick way to get
-"If Mom and Dad were here, they'd be so proud of you." I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING. OK, but seriously, that shout-out to their parents was so blatant and explicit it took me so off guard. This isn't the only prod we've gotten towards AJ's parents being deceased, but it was much more explicit than implicit.
It's been confirmed by the writers that this was symbolic of her parents passing on.
-The cutie mark designs were lovely to see. They all got a mark in helping others get their marks, pertaining to their overall goal, but they also had symbols within them that represented them as individuals.
Sweetie Belle's mark has a star with a music note in it, relating to her talent for singing. AB's mark is an apple with a heart in it, pertaining to her love of her birth family and where she comes from. Scoot's mark is a lightning bolt within within a Pegasus wing, which shows her need for speed and her relationship with Rainbow Dash. Thought went into these designs and it made me happy to see that. Also, I wasn't expecting the designs to look like that or for their talents to be that way, but that's a good thing in my book.
-Although the pacing was a bit fast, like Magical Mystery Cure, the comparisons between these episodes were kinda neat to see. I mean, most TV shows have the simple goal to feel these two emotions (and any emotions that fall under these categories) for a character: happy or sad. However, in this episode, like in Magical Mystery Cure, we don't feel HAPPY or SAD: we feel PROUD of Twilight/the CMC. Seeing them achieve something so wonderful is GREAT. Also, that transformation with the CMC getting their marks is very reminiscent of that, too.
-Welcome to the Reformed Villains/Antagonists Club, Silver and Diamond! Sunset will walk you through the process while Luna tries to stop Discord from species-swapping Trixie and Gilda.
-BUTTON MASH. He didn't have any lines, BUT HE WAS THERE AND THAT'S ALL THAT COUNTS.
Now, I wonder what episodes we'll get for the CMC and what kinds of things we'll learn from them! This isn't a goodbye to the Crusaders, but rather a new opportunity for them. Think about how much they can do with stories now that they have their marks! Sweetie could embrace her singing abilities and get over her stage fright! Scootaloo could learn how to accept her limitations as a flier, or maybe break them down and defy gravity itself! And Apple Bloom, sweet Apple Bloom, could spread her love and loyalty to those around her and change things for the better!
My girls have come such a long way and I can't say I'm not proud of them. Sure, they're not blank flanks like me anymore, but I don't doubt that they can help me with whatever questions I have about my future and talents. They haven't hung up their capes quite yet.
The Crusade for their cutie marks has ended... but their journey to changing Equestria has only just begun.
Now, for everyone out there struggling to find who they are and what they're meant to do just like me, I'm gonna let you all know that you're not alone in this. And, it may take a long time, but you will get to where you need to be and find out who you are. So, to put it quite simply:
Get your capes on, everyone. We got work to do.
(I wanna watch the hell out of this show, it looks boss as hell)
And, for the last order of business in this review...
Happy five year anniversary, everyone. When that book opened up, I had no idea what I was getting into.
This is Harmony Charmer, and I wish you all a good night.
That episode certainly was amazing. Possibly the best of the series, and well worth the five season wait.
I just want to say again how much I love the amount of continuity they've been throwing in this season. They're recognizing things that have happened all over the series.
And I totally saw the CMC's newest mission coming! And I love it! Headcannon fulfilled. I always imagined that once they found their talent, they'd go on with the CMC as a sort of Girl Scouts sort of organization to help others find their talents. For once, something that I predicted from miles away felt awesome, and not disappointing that I saw it coming.
Those songs were pretty great too. Ingram did a wonderful job with the score for this episode, and the animations were top notch, as they've been all season. I hope that means the show's only headed up from here with how much they've continued to improve. For people saying that Season 1 and 2 were the best we'd get, well now we have season 5
I agree, very little wrong with the episode. From the music, the character development without really changing the CMC completely, and the creative animation, this episode is up there with my favorites.
By the way, in the promo for the Super girls show, I see Wondergirl, Supergirl, Batgirl, Bumblebee, and villains Poison Ivy and Harlequin. Anyone know who the last one is?
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Katana. I only recently learned about her as well.
Definitely the best episode of the series.
It actually caused Diamond to bump up from being the only character I hate to a pony that I actually love now, and that's impressive. Although saying the sentence "Diamond Tiara is likable" still feels weird to say.
It's also the only episode that actually had a moment that made me squee. That being, of course, when the CMC got their cutie marks.
And somehow, "Light of Your Cutie Mark" managed to be the most intense moment in the show, which feels odd, but in a good way.
A little trivia note: Diamond and Spoiled Rich both have the same voice actor.
Lastly, I think this video sums up the majority of people's feelings on it:
I'm all choked up. That was beautiful. Bravo. Wonderful review. This episode was all emotions. And yeah, it was clear that the mom was created for the instant noodles redemption, but given restraints and limitations and the need to market Diamond Tiara and SIlver Spoon products without being pro-bully supporters in the eyes of parents, Diamond's mom had to come in. It was not the story we wanted, but it was what the show needed to do to put out all the fires they set.
Diamond Tiara embraces her role as a leader. That five tear drop moment where it shines five lights on each point, I'm hoping that her cutie mark leads to a style of mane 6 destiny. Sure felt like that was the setup given how it began with Diamond and ended with Diamond, only to open a new chapter in all their lives.
Lovely episode. Many feels. And so much better executed than MMC. I never thought I'd see the day, but it happened. We got a full on, legit, Diamond Tiara comic and a Diamond Tiara episode all in the same year. I'm so glad Diamond went to Silver's aid to be by HER side this time around as opposed to Silver in S1. So many small things. Happy happy coincidences or not, it was all very touching.
The story purest in me was fighting with my emotions. This episode damn near broke me. But I'm thankful for it and SO proud of Diamond and the CMC. While I would have loved to see the season having focused more on them individually, this was the only real way as a medium to justify marketing needs and entertainment since the demand for giving the CMC their marks was clearly at its peak and long overdue.
Whatever, all the fillies were wonderful in this. Voting song, Pony I Wanna Be+Reprise, that ending song with the CMC... yup. I could see no better way to celebrate the 5th anniversary then to have these five fillies mend fences, or in this case mending a school yard.
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Diamond Tiara earned herself a place, at last, in a photo shot to be sent to Princess Celestia. She's now, about time, eligible to be a real part of the intro cast. I hope we get a new intro next season. Oh gosh it's so overdue, the Americas need to start emulating the good parts of Japanese animation and put out that extra effort to at least alter it enough to feel new. But just give us this. Snips and Snails never made sense given they've virtually had no presence at all this season or the last.
Anyhow, wonderful review Harmony. You're simply huggable to the max.
This episode is my new favorite episode, and I don't think the show will ever top it. It hit all the right notes, and did everything wonderfully.
My only concern now is, will the rest of Season 5, and all of Season 6 and beyond be able to at least not get stuck in this episode's shadow? Because when you set the bar this high, it's practically impossible to top it, and very hard to come even close.
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I have high hopes for episode 24, which is the episode with that song "I'm Just A Pony", and I'm honestly so ready to cry. I will LAY DOWN AND VOMIT AS I SOB, BECAUSE THIS SEASON HAS MADE ME CRY MORE THAN I WOULD LIKE TO ADMIT.
I think from now on we should all be wary of musical episodes. First Twilight's ascension, and now this. Heavy stuff goes down when there's music in town.
...I'm n-not crying. I-I'm not! I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING! S-shut up!
I can't help but feel with all the pony's achieving there dreams they are wrapping up every thing like it's gonna end.....
.
or lead to something bigger that we don't expect. i really hope it's the latter
ether way it was a moment we waited a long time for and i think it was worth the wait
stayclassy
Anyone notice Fluttershy did something RD would normally do in that picture they sent to the princesses? Also, I loved the ep, woo!
SAME
Where last episode appealed to the siblings, this episode appeals to the parents. It's like watching your child graduate or win an award.
I pause and took a picture every time Sweetie was next to Button Mash. My hopes rise every time I look at them.
But this episode was amazing! I am so glad I took the time out of my day to see that. Is it me, or is Button only around when Sweetie is singing? Hmm..... Very interesting...
Oh, and screw redemption. Diamond touched the hat, so she will die, and dies TONIGHT.
3459653 Ok, thanks so much! I think the superhero show seems confusing right now. It's interesting, don't get me wrong, but it seems to be an academy for villains and superheroes. The art is much better than certain other shows based on teen superheroes, and I'll watch it. Great message, and you really tied it in nicely to the CMC's capes. I also love how the heroines are all just extensions of their mentor, but the others stand alone(except Harlequin).
I agree that a lot of thought went into what their cutie marks would be, however the setup was even more ingenious. We have seen throughout the series that they do have many talents, and while some would stick out, there was never anything truly concrete. Until they became flag-bearers at the games. They showed a particular talent that I believed was surely going to be their special talent. While they may have symbols within the shield to show their individuality the fact that they have the same mark shows their true talent, unity. To bring together and show the way. At least that's my opinion on the matter.
I fear that we might see these events might be altered in some form of time loop, however. I think this season's finale is going to be quite something.
I want that.