The Times They Are a Changeling, various thoughts · 4:16pm Aug 20th, 2016
So, this was a episode I've been waiting on for a while, particularly after a spoiler randomly popped up in my feed.
I kinda wish this was a movie, so as to allow more time for it to breathe and for things to build up, but I liked this. Well, then, over to my specific thoughts!
—That Spike song was amazing. It was subdued, but perfectly conveys the hidden strength to his character, and everything he's learnt about friendship rings so true and boldly. Granted, I find the execution of the main lesson (namely, not to judge anyone by their family or ethnicity) a bit weak, but just Spike. Spike being responsible, Spike being able to empathise for Thorax easily after the initial fright and remember all his insecurities and cast them aside. I love when Spike is being a proper character. It's a modest song, but the instrumentalisation combined with Cathy Weseluck's emotional singing is just too perfect.
—Seems Starlight and Twilight are getting close.
—Many typical changeling paranoia tropes were used here, but it seems a key trope wasn't at all present; any way to counter the changelings. No convenient spell to reveal disguises, or repelling charms, anything. That somewhat justifies their hysteria. (Because it is: Assuming every instance of a being is the same is not common sense.)
—The episode isn't clear on what makes most changelings sociopaths and borderline psychopaths. I'm going to assume that babies, like most babies are often selfish, and being initially starving for love will make them monster-like and ravenous, and that changeling society is what cements their hatred toward ponies and lack of regard for them. I don't think Thorax is the only kind changeling, and I refuse to believe changelings are always biologically inclined to hate and indifference for ponies. It must be the culture. (Though that being said, Thorax was the only changeling not ravenous after hatching, so maybe he was, or is stronger than other changelings?)
—The track that plays while "Crystal Hoof" is making friends sounds awfully familiar, but I can't remember where it's from.
—Glad they finally remembered Starlight is part of the main cast now, and Sunburst made a cameo. Though it's a bit disappointing he's in the background, like everypony else.
—Since changelings apparently can transform into inanimate objects, could they theoretically collect love by being a beloved heirloom or item?
—The mirror routine between Thorax and Spike suggest that yes, changelings do read emotions in general.
—As someone noted, if naming conventions among changelings can include names like "Kevin" and "Thorax", there could be some sort of caste system in place, and as suggested by Thorax's appaearance and transformation colour, he may be something a bit more than the average drone. Maybe he was meant to be a mate?
This is relevant.
I wasn't aware Spike was in this album, but I think I needed this.
Some good instrumentalisation this episode~
This feels so familiar! Where have I heard this before?
And as said, the song destroyed me. Interchangeably I like to focus on the piano score and let Spike's voice be in the background, allowing me to be more immersed and just feel his words.