Friendship is Card Games: Molt Down · 11:12am May 27th, 2018
Huh. Out of all the things in Elementals of Harmony that might be confirmed, I never imagined it would be dragon molting.
Hey, Peewee still exists! And he’s aged! Seems like only pets do that on this show.
Er, pets and children, at least in terms of cutie marks and extra limbs. Let’s put those unfortunate implications to rest ahead of time.
It feels really odd for Spike to talk about phoenixes not being meant for domestication given Philomena. Of course, it could just be that Philomena chooses to hang around Celestia, which certainly makes sense. Who knows? Peewee might make his way back to Ponyville in time.
“Precious pants.” Well. That’s a new term of endearment from Rarity. Still falls under the “precious (noun)” umbrella, but pants? Really?
The shampoo’s fine, Rarity. You just have to make sure you don’t mix it up with universal solvent.
Hmm. Two phoenix feathers. There’s a joke to be made here regarding Final Fantasy and Applejack’s parents.
I’ve seen some ado made about how Spike’s stonescales resemble Rarity’s cutie mark, but that’s just how individual dragon scales look. (See Ember’s bluer highlights.) The question we should really be asking is why Rarity’s cutie mark so resembles dragon scales.
I love how Twilight has this long-simmering resentment towards Celestia’s apparently perfect skin. It’s always nice to see a few cracks in Twilight’s pedestal for Celestia. This one’s especially amusing, since I suspect Twilight thought it was part of being an alicorn, and the resentment only doubled when Celestia (or possibly Luna) told her that no, Tia’s skin is just naturally clear.
Twilight, he’s already in one of the least flammable buildings in Ponyville. The only one less flammable is the one with a waterfall running through it. Which Spike does indeed go to. So I guess that works.
“…but I wonder if you wouldn’t mind taking it off.” 
Uh, phrasing?
Huh. Ponyville’s pulling in tourists. Neat. I suppose between Sparkalon, the School of Friendship, and its famous citizens, it has become quite the vacation destination.
Also, was Pinkie exempt from teaching to manage the tour group? I… suppose that makes sense? If they’ve already cancelled the classes for the day (or, hopefully, gotten a substitute) then that would work.
Smolder was great in this episode. Not only is it nice to see a member of the Student Six do something independent of the others, she actually answered a few questions I had about dragon biology, especially the interplay between greed and time. Also, I spelled out roc about ten seconds before she did, which made me smile.
Terrorizing pony villages is off the table, Smolder. Spike could always find some species that doesn’t have a treaty with the Dragonlands yet.
Spike worrying that his loved ones will abandon him because that’s how dragons work feels a bit contrived… but this a longstanding, deep-seated fear of his. This is what he saw in the worst fear spell back in “The Crystal Empire.” I can hardly blame him for taking this to his personal worst-case scenario.
It’s interesting to note that young dragons are not yet apex predators, though the species that do prey on them are all suitably mighty for those who would pursue the most incendiary game. Especially Pinkie Pie.
I do like how the show justifies Rarity not hearing Spike at Zecora’s despite his volume control issues… though that does raise the question of why we’ve never seen phoenix feather deafness before. My guess is that it’s an allergic reaction that not all ponies demonstrate.
That said, Rarity’s hearing loss seems inconsistent at times. Though I suppose assuming that the deafness cure would be eardrops is pretty intuitive.
Rarity talking to herself as she sews is another lovely bit of characterization. She probably breaks into song at least thirty percent of the time.
Huh. Well, that part of the Everfree got oddly open just in time for the roc to have plenty of diving room. I have to suspect that the trees intentionally got out of the way. Eldritch location and all.
Only now does it occur to me to question a bird of prey that hunts by olfaction. There are a few birds with developed senses of smell, but most of them are scavengers or frugivores. I guess molting pheromones are just that powerful.
Ten points for compassion, Zecora, but minus several million for good thinking.
I do appreciate how Spike isn’t at all concerned about his appearance when he runs into Rarity again. There are much more pressing priorities at work. Also, nice to see that Rarity’s being more careful about the instructions for Zecora’s remedies. And that Zecora is providing said instructions.
And then Spike was Dragon Moses. Though any burning bushes in the area were probably the product of poorly aimed burps.
(That said, “let my ponies go” could be an indication that Spike sees his friends as the most valuable part of an unconventional hoard.)
The red glow in the later stages of the molt is quite curious. I suppose it’s Spike’s magic building up for that last bit of self-petrification.
Seems like the dodging teleport took longer to rematerialize Twilight and Spike than normal. I wonder how long she can delay that.
Holy crap, Twilight actually did something! Sometimes the answer really is blasting the problem with magic bolts.
Awesome as Spike’s evolution was, it really does highlight how spoilers can ruin moments like this. I heard about his wings ahead of time, so I never got to appreciate the surprise and delight that the unspoiled would feel when seeing this moment.
Nice touch with Spike getting the hang of his wings. Nice balance between instinctual understanding and inevitable conscious overthinking.
Some people say the new episodes have lost touch with the show’s roots. I say Rarity is still plummeting to her doom. 
Between the color scheme, the materials, and the bipedal model, I can’t help but think that Rarity’s making this dress for Sunset Shimmer.
In all, this was a great episode with an excellent message for a physically maturing primary demographic. Wonderful stuff from start to finish, and some fascinating insight into dragon biology… though I can’t help but feel a little bad for Scootaloo.
Now, let’s see what cards are ready to leave the nest:
Vengeance Blast W
Instant
Vengeance Blast deals damage to target creature or planeswalker equal to the damage that permanent dealt this turn.
”A noble dragon’s flame only burns the unjust. And index cards.”
—Spike
Sundive 1W
Instant
Until end of turn, target creature gets +2/+0 and gains first strike and lifelink.
The best place for an ambush is wherever the enemy can’t look.
Curse of Deafness 2W
Enchantment — Aura Curse
Enchant player
Enchanted player can’t cast spells during combat.
”I’m sorry, my ears are stuffed up. Did you say ‘fun for your wives’?”
Swooping Roc 3WW
Creature — Bird
Flying
Whenever Swooping Roc deals combat damage to a player, exile target creature that player controls until Swooping Roc leaves the battlefield.
Such an enormous stomach can never be satisfied.
3/5
Copious Notes 2UU
Instant
Draw a card for each card a player drew this turn.
Even in the greatest crisis, Twilight Sparkle can’t help but ponder the incredible magics at work.
Library Reshelver 3U
Creature — Unicorn Wizard
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, put a lore counter on Library Reshelver.
When Library Reshelver dies, draw a card for each lore counter on it.
”I know how you feel.”
—Spike
2/3
Twinsnatch 4U
Instant
Assist (Another player can pay up to 4 of this spell’s cost.)
Return up to two target creatures to their owners’ hands.
Coordinated maneuvers aren’t just for Wonderbolts.
Stress Breakout 2B
Sorcery
Put two -1/-1 counters on target creature. If its controller was dealt damage this turn, put three -1/-1 counters on that creature instead.
”The more I hear of Twilight’s awkward years, the more I wish I could have been there for her.”
—Rarity, Bearer of Generosity
Painful Propulsion 1R
Instant
Target creature gets +2/+0 and gains flying until end of turn. Painful Propulsion deals 2 damage to it.
”I’ve seen dragons try to fly before their wings come in. It doesn’t end well.”
—Smolder, friendship student
Firework Show 2R
Enchantment
2R: Firework Show deals 1 damage to any target.
”Audience members in the first three rows may get singed.”
—The Humble and Penitent Trixie’s Equestrian Apology Tour sign
Horn Blast 2R
Instant
Choose one —
• Horn Blast deals 3 damage to any target.
• Target Unicorn you control deals damage equal to its power to any target.
Every unicorn can cast it. Not every unicorn can cast it effectively.
Molting Dragon 3R
Creature — Dragon
Molting Dragon enters the battlefield with two -1/-1 counters on it.
Whenever Molting Dragon attacks, remove a -1/-1 counter from it.
Molting Dragon has flying as long as it has no -1/-1 counters on it.
4/4
Predatory Tatzlwurm 4RR
Creature — Wurm
Menace
Predatory Tatzlwurm must be blocked if able.
Tatzlwurms are as greedy as their draconic prey, often passing up easy meals for riskier but more substantial fare.
6/4
Ponyville Tour Guide 1G
Creature — Pony Scout
When Ponyville Tour Guide enters the battlefield, another target creature you control explores. (Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise, put a +1/+1 counter on that creature, then put the card back or put it into your graveyard.)
2/2
Dracovore Hydra 3GG
Creature — Hydra
Reach
If a Dragon source would deal damage to Dracovore Hydra, prevent that damage. Put a +1/+1 counter on Dracovore Hydra for each 1 damage prevented this way.
Burning the stump isn’t always the answer.
4/4
Phoenix Plume 1
Artifact
4, T, Sacrifice Phoenix Plume: Return target creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield. It gains haste. Exile that creature at the beginning of the next end step.
Burning one can bring anything back, but the flame will consume both.
Noir Couture 2
Artifact — Equipment
Whenever equipped creature deals combat damage to a player, investigate. (Create a colorless Clue artifact token with “2, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.”)
Equip 1
Rarity quickly taught Spike the importance of looking the part, no matter what that part may be.
Shouting Closet 2
Artifact
2, T: Copy target triggered ability you don’t control. You may choose new targets for the copy. (A triggered ability uses the words “when.” “whenever,” or “at.”)
Some echo chambers are for other people’s voices.
Phoenix Frock 3
Artifact — Equipment
Fabulosity 4 (4: If this artifact isn’t fabulous, put a gem counter on it and it becomes fabulous.)
Whenever equipped creature dies, you may return that card to its owner’s hand. Then, if Phoenix Frock is fabulous, attach Phoenix Frock to target creature you control.
Equip 3
Leave the Nest (gw)(gw)
Sorcery
Put a +1/+1 counter on each creature that entered the battlefield this turn.
Draw a card.
Everything that grows will inevitably grow up.
Amplitude Flux 1UR
Enchantment
Whenever a player casts an instant or sorcery spell, that player flips a coin. If that player wins the flip, they may copy that spell and may choose new targets for the copy. If they lose the flip, counter that spell.
”The acoustics here are weird.”
—Vinyl Scratch
I was fortunate enough to not be spoiled. But I'm unsure just how big a deal this is. Spike's lack of wings has never really been a noteworthy part of his character before, so it's not like this is the culmination of a character arc. And of course, there is another character who does care a great deal about having functional wings. And while I'd like to say I think this opens up new possibilities, the truth is that they've introduced a lot of new elements recently but they've been very bad at using them for anything afterwards.
Anyway, I found the episode to be enjoyable overall, albeit with a lot of gratuitous humiliation thrown in that didn't do anyone any favors. I was hoping we'd get to see Spike and Smolder bonding as dragons in a pony land together, and then we did get a small scene of just that. But it could have been a lot longer, and I'm pondering if there's a one-shot in that idea.
...Wait, Smolder is a girl?
Same here, though it was a combination of a fanfic writer referencing Spike having wings in the future in one of his fics (which at the time I read it could've simply been conjecture on the writer's part, though mention of an unaired episode's title in a later blog post of his made me especially weary), and someone in particular uploading that vital scene as a clip on youtube and titling it "Spike gets his wings".
Which Youtube then decided to throw in my face while browsing recommended videos. Didn't even need to watch the video to get the spoilers.
Five months very nearly completely spoiler-free since the leaks in November, and then that happened like less than a month ago.
Hmm.
I certainly liked her inclusion, but found her "That's when your parents are gonna send you off to the wilderness where hungry predators are trying to eat you" kind of ...... not exactly nice.
Sure it's a metaphor for growing up and "go and get a job", but still. I guess I could go with "That's just how dragons roll", but... that still seems a bit too messed up, like their parents suddenly stop caring if their children get eaten.
I guess it could be considered a rite of passage? Something left-over from the "ancestral environment" of dragons? And maybe the worried mother is standing back hiding behind a rock the whole time as their child fights off a monster, biting their claw-tips off while the father is telling them "It's alright, it'll be okay, she's strong, we taught her how to fight, she'll be fine, it'll be okay you'll see".
...Now I kinda wanna see how Smolder's molting-rite went. From hers and her parents point of view.
Cue the inevitable sound-edit in the next Ponies: The Anthology.
That's because it was yet another one-off contrivance jammed into the soulless husk of what used to be an excellent show. :V
4870604
...I'm imagining a pair of absolutely titanic dragons trying to stalk their meter-tall offspring and "whispering" to each other.
Perhaps the Roc issue is a minor one considering that most young dragons would be in the dragon lands. Rocs may like the smell, but they'd have to fly through airspace that's got a lot of mature dragons in it. Even if they aren't protecting a particular teenage molting dragon they'd still be getting in the way of the Roc's hunting
Bet there is also the groups of 'disaster tourists' or just plain adrenaline junkies that are hoping to get a front row seat to one of Ponyville's famed monster attacks or other town wrecking calamities.
4870600
I don't think it was ever confirmed in the show whether Smolder is a girl, but everyone seems to be thinking that. Maybe because they have the same color scheme as Tender Taps?
4870600
4870751
It's because of Word of God statement from Big Jim, as seen here:
derpicdn.net/img/view/2018/2/8/1651305__safe_smolder_school+daze_spoiler-colon-s08e01_spoiler-colon-s08e02_answer_female_jim+miller_meta_text_twitter.png
Luckily for me, I didn't see anything about Spike's M.A. Larsonization, so it was a very welcome surprise for me. Much better handled than the CMC getting their cutie marks as well.
Did you just call the Castle of Friendship "Sparkalon"? "Sparkle Avalon"? I have to admit, that's a new one.
4870913
Well, it sure beats Namepending Castle.
The school seems more like a College now, with how all the tourists and everything. It seems a little too big for just six teachers
4870881
Actually he went on record shoetly after the episode aired and said flat out "it wasn't me this time" because he knows how we think.
Yeah. Ever since Youtube decided to shove spoilers right in my face about a month ago I've just been like "Is this the episode where Spike gets his wings? Huh, it isn't. Is this the episode? Wait no it's an AppleDash episode. But this is the one, it has Spike in the first few minutes. Oh, okay, not it. Ah, Spike has acne? That's the one."
You know, it only really hit me today - this was another "CMC get their cutiemarks" moment.
And it took me two whole days to even notice how special it was meant to be.
Meant to be. And it wasn't.
And it wasn't the fault of the episode.
4870600
The way I look at it, every interesting idea the show creates and abandons is another one we can use in ways it never could. Spike's wings and his interactions with Smolder are likely both examples of such valuable components.
Plus, if nothing else, we have another indisputably concrete chronology marker for determining when episodes happen in relation to each other.
4870604
Same, now that you've put the idea in my head. Though dragon culture does strongly emphasize self-sufficiency, so it makes sense that they take the tough love approach.
4870693
Very true. I imagine dragons relish the opportunity to turn the tables on those species that preyed on them during their molts.
4870704
Imagine the complaints Twilight and the mayor have to field from that crowd. ("Nothing's happening! We're bored! Go mess up a spell or something!")
4870913
I've been calling it Sparkalon since it sprouted. See FiCG: Twilight's Kingdom.
4870947
And she apparently skipped "Hearthbreakers" and "The Mane Attraction" as well. No offense meant to your sister, but she doesn't seem to be the best predictor of episode quality.
4871150
Given how much time they spend actually teaching, I'd say they've found a few more.
4871731
Sad but true.
So, is it fair to say a dress made from phoenix feathers is an outfit you wouldn't be caught dead in?
4870604
Same here, except sooner, I got it spoiled at least a couple months ahead of time. There really should be a rule or something.