S6E5 Episode Gauntlet of Fire commentary · 9:34am Apr 17th, 2016
-Okay. I've had the titled spoiled for me thanks to the guy who gave me the link.
-I've seen a couple still images thanks to youtube.
And my artist watch shoved some fanart in my face. Which implies that the official cartoon now is trying to dispose of any bond between Rarity and Spike by giving him a new girl friend. -_- No offense, but this sort of thing, intentional or not, carries racist undertones for me against mixed couples. (My dad got in trouble for even RENTING to a mixed couple back in the day.) I know it's not at all what the writers intended, but it's what comes across to me.
And I know this will likely summarily execute some of my own fanon for the dragons. At least now we know more about why they wanted changes in the Spike/Luna Friends Forever comic. They didn't want any disruptions for this.
Disillusionment Moments counter on stand by.
---
Well, it's established that yes, unicorn magic isn't just for the audience to see it in use. And that yes, Rarity does do down and dirty mining to get her jewels sometimes.
And it seems the Dragons DO have some form of authority in the Dragon Lord, and to make sure dragons answer a summons, their scales start glowing and itching like crazy (given how independent dragon are, it's not that unreasonable form of enforcement).
Wonder if the Dragon Lord was the one who gave Celestia and Luna Spike's egg to begin with. And the question is, HOW have Luna and Celly seen this before? Unless there indeed have been previous Spikes.
Also, Rarity's mining helmet doesn't just have her mark, but also a big blue bow on the back. Also, Rarity isn't screaming like a maniac in spite of spending this entire scene half covered in dirt. Nice to see Rarity in a non-cliche way. After all, her concern for Spike overrides her sense of cleanliness.
This time Rarity and Twilight go for a rock costume instead of as Cragles' cousin.
And again, Spike is the only dragon without wings. Odd.
And the bully dragons are here, having been summoned as well.
And Garble makes clear he doesn't like Spike, and asks mockingly how "You sure your PONY friends didn't give you a PONY name?" Implying that yes, Spike is a dragon name.
And we see the Dragon Lord... he's the size of a small mountain. The dragons are as big to him, as normal ponies are big compared to an adult dragon.
Dragon Lord Torch.
And we're introduced to Princess Ember. -_- Okay. I can bloody see where this bloody going. -_-
I wonder if this is how Timothy feels whenever Amy Rose exists in the same universe as Princess Sally.
Torch declares that according with dragon law, he's reached the end of his reign.
Gauntlet of Fire: time to pick the new Dragon Lord.
Get the scepter from the volcano, and become the lord of dragon.
The summons stops once the prize is in place.
Here's hoping Twilight isn't hit with a memory erasure or her notes are destroyed or some garbage like that.
Torch declares what he's designed the course to test: strength, ferocity, determination.
Interesting that left out good old fashioned dragon GREED.
For the record I imagine along with The World Serpent, that Torch is one of Bahamut and Tiamat's direct offspring.
Spike's not interested in being dragon head of state, and has fulfilled his obligation he figures. The dragon lord figures different. Ember figures that forcing a whimp who doesn't even want to compete is a waste.
Though I wonder why THESE dragons were all summoned, including Spike, unless they're all related somehow, or carry traits that the dragon lord specified for his summons. What do Spike and Garble have in common?
After Spike pleads his case, Torch, annoyed by the whole affairs, tells Spike he's free to go. Spike hits on Ember and that is that.
Ember is ticked that her father will not let her compete, she insists she's smarter than most of these piles of scales and ego, but her father designed his course for STRENGTH, which a dragon NEEDS to be a leader. "And besides, I SAID NO!" For the record, Ember is roughly twice Spike's height at most.. and that's still trivial in size compared to most dragons there. But at least she has bloody wings and her horns.
One dragoness says her plan to make burps a formal greeting (not that a stretch).
Another dragon says that he'll raid Equestria for ALL of their pillows (why should only ponies be comfy?).
Garble's policy once he's commander in chief of the entire dragon species? REVENGE! "Take all that we want from Equestria, and burn the rest!"
The worst part is that if Garble has an army of dragons he can actually command, he could actually pull that off.
... Spike decides to stop these lunatics, by becoming Dragon Lord himself.
Twilight points that it's too dangerous, and even if Spike wins, he can't exactly dictate dragon policy from Ponyville and dust Twilight's book shelves. But Spike believes he has to.
Spike declares he's staying. Garble mocks his inability to fly.
Torch declares all dragons can TRY... but they do so at their own risk.
Just getting to the island is just step one.
I just hope Twilight and Rarity don't cheat and help Spike along... that would not only make his claim invalid, it would also leave a power gab for all the dragons trying to fulfill, and suddenly there being no dragon lord to keep the rest of the dragons in line!
Turns out there are some angler fish like eel beasts in the dragon seas that can use Hydro Pump. One dragon is knocked out of the sky and begins to sink. Spike saves their life, instead of leaving him to his fate as your average dragon would in a race for supreme power.
We all know what happens next. Armored helmet goes off, and green dye to hide her blue scales... yeah, it's Ember.
And Rarity blows their cover by scolding Ember for her lack of gratitude. Ember is NOT happy to see ponies here.
"They're my friends."
"Friends? Dragons don't DO friends."
"Well this dragon does!"
Ember shrugs this off, she's going to become Dragon Lord and prove she's not a dainty princess and there's more to it than just "being big and dragon."
Garble isn't having much better luck, as a gray aple like beast throws a boulder at him, and pins him to the ground. Ember and the ponies disguise themselves in time.
Garble shows he's not too proud to beg. And Spike being Spike, helps. Garble laughs at Spike, "Knew you'd do it!" saying that ponies have made him soft.
Garble picks up the ponies' scent, but Ember covers for them.
Spike then covers for Ember as Garble begins to suspect.
The mountain monsters are called sling tails for the record.
Garble talks smack and flies off.
Ember is confused at Spike's generosity, but he points out she did the same. (Well he DID save her life, dragon code, she was repaying a debt IMHO).
Spike supposes a team-up. And Ember sees the logic in it. And Ember ditches her helmet as they fly up as MANY dragons are eliminated from the race.
Twilight notes Ember behavior is not typical dragon behavior, while Ember says, "This DOES NOT mean we are going to pick flowers, exchange candy necklaces, or whatever it is ponies do."
Spike makes a decent spotter.
Garble makes it the next length of the race, a cave, ahead of the pair as does two other dragons... who get scorched and retreat...
WHAT THE *NOT PRINTABLE IN ANY MEDIUM* COULD BURN HOT ENOUGH TO SCORCH A DRAGON!?
Gotta give Garble credit for making it this far. He even used treachery, and was willing to let go of his ego long enough to get back in the race, which for a dragon are not necessary negative traits.
Rarity and Twilight can go no further. And Ember, intimidated by whatever did that, requests that Spike continue to work with her.
No sign of what started the fire, but there are stalagmites and stalactites punching up and down like teeth.
And again more dragons are eliminated and or simply lack the guts to continue.
The pair fly forward, getting ahead of Garble who apparently stalled before. He gets stuck. But by sheer will and strength manages to squeeze through unlike the others.
Spike saves Ember again.
And Garble seems the only one left still following. And he get smacked by sideways crystal smashing pillars.
And... Twilight and Rarity are somehow ahead of them and waiting. Spike collapses after saying it was a piece of cake. Ember however, asks the question we're all asking, ... just how'd they get through? >:-(
A quake happens before they can answer and Rarity almost falls in, but Spike saves her.
Spike, "It was nothing."
Ember, "Nothing? You risked everything to save her. And they're risking their lives here, just to support you."
Spike, "That's just what friends do." Spike asks, doesn't Ember have any friends?
Ember says 'no', unless she counts Spike, which she ISN'T, she makes clear this was an alliance of convenience.
Only one dragon can be dragon lord.
Spike, "So we're not friends?"
Ember, "Maybe if we were in Ponyland. But like I said, dragons don't do friendship."
Ember takes off.
Rarity says Ember is just like the rest. Spike insists that Ember is different from the rest.
... After seeing Zootopia, and hearing Mina's speech in the comic... those remarks feels racist.
The group realize they're going in circles in the maze of identical tunnels.
Spike notices one that's different and he reaches the finish line.
Spike is amazed at being the only dragon to make it. Jynx.
Cue Garble. (I hate to say it, but... He's strong, ferocious, determined, everything, Torch WANTS in a successor. Who cares if he declares war on Equestria?)
Garble is reach to drop Spike onto the Spikes... Ember saves Spike. And Ember... apparently having had time to think about it... says, yes, she and Spike are friends.
(I wonder if Rarity and Twilight being ahead is more changeling foreshadowing for later.)
Ember, "Please don't make me talk about my feelings."
Twilight and Rarity are exposed, and Garble is ready for blood.
Ember throws away her chance to become dragon lord, and tells Spike to grab the scepter while she battle Garble.
Spike rushes in to help.
Garble declares his disgust at Ember and Spike helping each other. Ember echoes Spike's words and forward flips Garble.
More dragons are on their way.
Spike picks up the scepter. The scepter reacts to its new master. The signal goes out. The race is over. Spike is the winner. And Spike uses the Royal Dragon Voice to get Garble to back off from Ember.
Ember, "Dragon Lord Spike."
The dragons kneel, include Garble much to his indignation.
Spike orders Garble to head home, and give every dragon he encounters on the way home a hug without telling them why... Well, that'll utterly destroy Garble's reputation and any respect he has among the flight.
And then Spike, unceremoniously, gives the title and position to Ember instead, Spike likely now having the shortest reign in history.
Ember refuses at first, but Spike says that the Dragon Lord is whoever bring the scepter back to Torch.
And Spike explains he was doing this to protect the ponies, Ember actually WANTS THE JOB.
And he knows she'll be good at it.
Spike's home is in Equestria with his friends, but Ember says he'll have a friend here.
Ironic, Garble knew what a hug was, while EMBER didn't, irony. Ember says she isn't she likes it, but blushes and pats Spike on the head.
Torched is ticked off that Ember ignored the orders of her father and Lord to NOT compete, but she won, and that is that. Maybe brains matter after all? The dragons nod with their new Lord.
Torch says that that Ember may not be big, but she is strong, and admits he was mistaken, and she will make a good leader.
Ember says the 'AGREE WITH ME!' won't be her thing.
Her father laughs, and Torch formally presents them with their new Dragon Lord.
Garble hugs Torch, and CAN'T tell him why. (Seems even Garble won't disobey the command of the dragon lord, even one who is no longer even in office.)
Twilight is proud of Spike, and they now have an alley of the Dragon Lord, and Ember has granted Princess Twilight permission to send her letters asking about dragon culture. This is a big win for Equestria.
And as a closing joke, Rarity says she's been inspired for a new camo line of clothing, "Camomaud!" And episode ends.
... Not a bad episode. I like it I guess.
Someone else pointed out an obvious way how Twilight and Rarity were able to keep ahead of Spike: Twilight can teleport and take others with her. Why they didn't just use this excuse is weird.
I'm going to express an upopular opinion, I think anyway, and say that I'm glad the constant Spikity tease is going to (hopefully) stop.
First: It was a legacy joke, gone on waaaay too long.
We get it. Spike's CV voiced Princess Rarity in the last gen, and Spike himself was Princess Rarity's assistant/servant.
Second. It's a nice bit of character development to see Spike growing out of his crush on Rarity. Status quo is god be damned, Twilight and her pet redeemed villain shouldn't be the only ones who get to have it. Hopefully we'll get to see some Spikesodes that aren't just him trying to win her affections or being a doofy screwup
Unrelated but, Thirdly. It's nice to see a former villain actually get trounced again and stay a villain.
I think that Ember was meant (for the suits to see) as Spike's future "real' love interest (given that it rings all the Interwar Era / Golden Age cliche bells of hero travels to alien land, wins the love of the King's daughter, and is more of her "kind" than he is of his previous (if any) Shallow Love Interest), but I think that the writers and animators totally subverted this by showing in the very same episode that Rarity really does care for Spike. First, in the bat poop scene -- Rarity totally IGNORED her usual issues of hygiene and presentation the moment that she thought Spike was in danger. Secondly, all through the scenes between Spike and Ember, Rarity was displaying mounting unhappiness and jealousy -- look at the expression in her eyes coupled with the things she's saying. I think that they obligingly created a triangle (which was likly to happen for in-universe reasons in any case) for the suits, but then deliberately didn't resolve it, or even resolved it in a way which doesn't kill Sparity. After all, Spike is going back to Ponyville; Ember is remaining in that Dragon colony.
I also very much think that the problem the suits have with Sparity is entirely about the age difference, with the Dragon x Pony issue barely registering on them. Remember, they're conventional thinkers. They don't see "Pony" as equivalent to "Human," and they do see our c. 2016 attitudes on ages of consent as being set in stone for all eras, with non-conforming eras past, future or sideways simply not being as "enlightened" as us.
Cute episode, the most engaging of the season so far. I think this is where Season 6 will start to pick up. And, Interesting development to the Daughters of Glimmer timeline. Very interesting.
3876385
Spike would still get the summons. And he'd still take part in the race to prevent Garble from becoming Dragon Lord. And he'd still help Ember. The question is if Spike would go alone, and if Ember would have as much a change of heart without the ponies there to show an example of friendship. Thankfully the ponies didn't help Spike AT ALL through the challenges.
3876397 Yes, which would mean Dragons and Ponies would still be allies.
3876442
Assuming Ember still became friends without the ponies there. Interesting thought to see if anything was different.
3876031
True.
3876047
I think Spike's feeling Spike are GROWING.
3876290
Thanks for the commentary! I always love hearing your thoughts on my material. I'm just sad I don't hear it more often.
3876853
I'm guessing you mean "Rarity's feelings for Spike," and I agree. She's suddenly awoken in reality (not just theory) to the fact that he could fall for another, and while I'm sure this has occurred to her before (she never thought of Spike as anything less than worthy of someone's love), this may be the first time she's been confronted with the specific possibility.
I think based on the evidence in this episode, she really doesn't like this development.
(Yes, Mina, but (1) secondary canon, (2) Rarity wasn't there and (3) I think Ember is more serious competition).
As usual, I wait for your detailed commentary Alex to get the best take on an episode.
I want to give you props for being the only person I've read who didn't immediately say "oh, of course Celestia or any other alicorn would just magically swat an army of dragons with no trouble." I wonder if the dragon Lord can actually command all dragons, or just the teenagers? 'Cause the big older ones we've seen from the dragon migration would be a serious threat, but 100 teenage dragons? I'd give pretty good odds on the EUP squashing them.
I think Ember might be the start of an interesting romantic triangle for Spike, and I'd be curious to see how it plays out...
Ok, crazy idea: 400 years from now, the prosperous and harmonious dragon empire is firm friends with Equestria, since dragons have overwhelmingly embraced friendship. Though Dragon Lord Ember encouraged this, the accomplishment is actually due to the the actions of another dragon, who taught friendship and affection to hundreds of his fellow dragons, and taught that its ok for dragons to be kind to each other: I'm talking of course of Saint Garble the Compassionate, who hugged over 300 dragons in his long march across Equestria (ending at his home). Garble was so humble he never told anydrake why he was hugging everyone, and to this day he stays inside his lair and refuses to talk to anyone. But his brave act of kindness has transformed dragonkind once and for all!
3877905
That would hilarious, and a fitting punishment at least on a poetic level for Garble!
Plus, if she wants her gems, she has to do some dirty work.
Hey, that costumes rocked. I'm not sorry.
Oh so I'm not the only one who made the joke.
I guess that works.
Anything provided it's funny enough. Plus, it looks like it only scorched the scales, not anything under that.
Oh yeah, credit where it's due, he's persistent.
Twilight can teleport.
Ember's? TO be fair, with how she's been raised...
Equestria for one. Me, and pretty much most of the fandom.
Sounds epic, doesn't it?
Methinks that was the idea.
My guess it's a psychological thing, he can't bring himself to disobey the command of a dragon lord because that Lord got their claws on the scepter so they're worthy of it.
What's this? What's this? He's being positive! What's this? Can it really be him? What's this?... Yeah I got nothing else. I'm not good at parodying songs on the spot so, imma just go with what I was planning to say in the first place. Alex being POSITIVE?! It's the apocalypse!
(Jokes aside, did you ever write a crossover between Medabots and Digimon some years ago, because I vaguely remember attaching your name to that crossover.)
3877983
Meant Rarity's with 'the rest' remarks.
3877983
Don't think so. But I did do a cross over of Digimon/Pokemon/Monster Rancher.
3877991
Ah, right. To be fair, she hasn't had very many god experiences with dragons other than Spike.
3877993
Interesting. And I think I know which one you're talking about, it's over on fanfiction.net, you know what, never mind, I'll look it up myself.
3877995
https://www.fanfiction.net/u/63679/Alex-Warlorn