Episode spoilers (The Parent Map) · 10:20pm May 9th, 2018
Well we have another Starlight episode and I can tell you all right now, it was pretty good. That was a given really when it came to Starlight. So far I have to say I've really enjoyed all of her episodes thus far without exception. I wish I could say the same thing for Rarity, but It Isn't the Mane Thing About You ruined her good luck streak. (I really did not like that episode) As well, with the last two episodes, it seems that season 8 is finally kicking it up a notch. The first several episodes of this season were okay at best and I was sort of worried that this season would be mediocre. Thankfully, it will probably end up good by the end but I don't really expect amazing or anything close to it.
Now as for this episode, let's begin. It starts with Sunburst being called to the map. This basically means the map can just call anyone it wants. Opening up a can of worms, but okay. I don't think it will be too bad. You know, going how we haven't done a lot with the map and the original Element Bearer six will be basically getting, what, 2 or 3 episodes this season, why did they put in the school? We've only seen the kids twice thus far and the second time they didn't even talk. It's so far been pointless and will probably only get, what, about 4 more episodes devoted to it this season. I honestly wish they focused more on the map and Element Bearers and getting them adjusted and exploring their existences but whatever. I'll take what I can get.
So Sunburst goes, meets up with Starlight, and it turns out its their old town. Neither of them are enthused about going home and meeting up with their parents, and I was really excited. This episode would really help flesh out both of these characters and how they became who they are. I was worried they would mess this up but it actually works out well.
Sunburst's mother is a bit of a control freak, always going on about plans and future and putting a lot of stress on her son. This accounts for why Sunburst was keeping to himself for so long and why he beat himself up so much for failing.
And Starlight's dad treats her like she's a foal. In his own words, he's trying to make up for her lost childhood so it's very much clear he feels guilty for how Starlight acted as she grew up. Given that it was said that she was a latch-key kid, it's very much obvious that he was the only one she had growing up and as a kid, he barely interacted with her. Then as she grew up, he didn't really take her maturity to heart and tried to make up for it. It leads to her frustration and acting out, even as she went through a goth/emo phase. (Hilarious and accurate on so many accounts.)
Both of them actively hinder their children in one way or another even though they love them. This explains so much of the pair. As well, I notice both of them only had one parent present. It makes sense for Starlight given that her father was barely there for her, but it is interesting to see with Sunburst. It might be that between then and now, his parents separated possibly due to how controlling she became after his failure.
Now that's a secondary conflict, the first conflict that takes up half the episode is that both of their parents want their wishes to come true for the town. Sunburst's mom wants to renovate and take the town 'into the future' as it were. While Starlight's father wants to keep it in the past and quarters off pretty much everything. Both of the kids have to actively show how bad these extremes are and surprisingly, the parents listen and accept it, moving on from their hatred. I was.... surprised by this level of maturity by the characters present. Usually they would act childish, but this was refreshing. However, I do have just a mild gripe with how quickly it happens but I still like it.
Then the episode moves on to the two trying to figure out what is the problem, getting advice and 'help' from their parents. I do have to note how Starlight's father seems to be a bit of a historian. Helps really illustrate how he will not keep his head out of the past and look to the present. Eventually the kid's frustration has them lash out and give their genuine grievances. They of course realize that they were in the wrong... somewhat, and go apologize. I really did not think they were in the wrong to handle it the way they did given that the parents did need to hear that. One of my favorite moments is how Sunburst fully admits he did not regret his actions but he still wants to make amends. Kudos to him.
So the parents come to actually realize how much their kids have grown and how they are their own people, taking that into account in how they treat them. It does ring a bit like Parental Glideance but the message sticks much better to the parents here then it did with Dashies own. (Still love that episode regardless.)
Overall, this was a great episode that explored some character aspects of Starlight and Sunburst that really did need to be addressed. This and Celestia's episode were a blast to watch. Hope you all enjoyed it as well and until next time, take care.
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hehehe, although we probably won't get to see any of said jokes with these two. I doubt the writers will want to do much of any shipping with a lead character. Big Mac though, perhaps.
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Then we'll be ones to write about that joke! To the fanfic-cave!
... d'oh!
As someone who
hatesdespiseloathe entirelydidn't like Parental Glideance, I found this episode to be decent and overall an improvement over previously mention episode. The parent's here actually acknowledge that they went overboard with helping out their respective kids.