The Crystalling Review [Spoilers]

Annnndddd, we are BACK, ladies and gentlemen, other genders, and lack thereof.

Alright, so- watching the theme song, I was a bit surprised to see that not much has changed. I'm grateful that they didn't shoehorn in a singing part for Starlight, and I especially like that Starlight doesn't smile with the rest of the cast in the photo; showing just how unsure she is of this arrangement with Twilight and the other five. Also, no punishment from Celestia? Or even the Royal Courts? Concerning Starlight's messing with the past and future of Equestria? No? Alright then....

The explanation given by Spike about the ceremony concerning The Crystalling was a bit engaging, as well as a solid one, I guess. It was also a treat to see some world building, concerning the Crystal Empire, given that it's been gone for a millenia.

Alright- how did Twilight know where Sunburst has been living? I mean...it wasn't explained very well. Like, at all. The way I see it, there are two options:

- Twilight Sparkle did some 'research' and discovered where he was, i.e. the Crystal Empire
Or
-Starlight and Sunburst were both living in the Crystal Empire when it disappeared a thousand years ago, and returned when it returned, back in Season Three. Which I guess would make sense? Because Starlight had a whole other two seasons to get everything up and running with the village in The Cutie Map? I don't know, maybe it'll be explained later on.

I'm glad they didn't just gloss over the fact that an Alicorn was born, I'm just going to lay that on the table. I'm really indifferent to the fact that the baby IS an Alicorn, and...props to Rarity for calling it out. Also, OP Alicorn baby.

It'll be really interesting to see how the baby grows up/handles being an Alicorn. I hope that the direction they go with her is that as she gets older, she might not want to be a Princess™, even though she's got the wings, as well as the horn. She might not even be a 'full' alicorn, y'know? Like...I'm not an expert on pony biology, but I remember it being said that Alicorns have the magic of unicorns, the wings of a pegasus, and the strength of an Earth pony. This could possibly mean that the baby is just a unicorn with wings, or vice-versa, as we've seen no canon evidence of Cadance or Shining Armor having Earth Pony heritage.

Seeing Spike get some love is always good. I'm actually a fan of Spike, and seeing this just made me all fuzzy inside (though it might be those five cups of coffee I had this morning). Did anyone else catch the straight-edges in the Crystal Ponies' eyes that were listening to Spike? I thought that was a cool effect (what is it with this review and genetics? Damn).

The interaction between Starlight and Sunburst is believable, at least to me. I personally have a hard time talking with new people, and especially ones that I haven't talked to in so long.

So one shout from the baby, broke the Crystal Heart, eh? I feel...conflicted. On one hand, there needs to be a problem, on the other, it...it just seems so unbelievable. (Says the guy writing a review of technicolor ponies)

Having the feeling that something happened with Sunburst during his time at CSGU, combined with his behavior, and the fact that he's been asked to help with the Crystal Heart, all set up to be a Liar Revealed with Starlight, but then they do it again(?). Considering he knew what to do to fix the Crystal Heart, just not apply it, I guess they dodged a bullet?? Plus he got a job out if it, so- yeah?

Everything is fixed because of Sunburst's knowledge, and the power from Twilight, Luna, Celestia, and Starlight, the Heart is repaired, and the ponies celebrate The Crystalling.

All in all this was a good season-opener, even if it might have its flaws. I hope to see more from Starlight Glimmer's lessons, as well as more of Flurryheart.

~Holliday