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A JD Review: MLP Season 9 Episodes 1-2 - "The Beginning of the End Part 1 and 2" · 7:59pm Apr 6th, 2019
The one that spells the end...
Hell of a run, guys... Hell of a run.
I may or may not have gotten a bit emotional watching this premiere, just knowing it was truly marking the beginning of the end. Came into the fandom in 2012, been with it ever since. Some of the best years of my life, and now a part of that is finally going to end. But that's down the line! For now, let's talk about this awesome season 9 premiere!
Princess Celestia and Luna announcing their retirement (um, what have you two ever done beside raise the sun and moon? You don't deserve this retirement). Rainbow even dropped some shade, speaking for the fandom when she said that the princesses never really did anything! 
God, I love you, Rainbow. They left Twilight and the others in charge of Equestria. That could only end well.
All the villains finally came together! May have lost my mind when I saw Grogar meeting them all for the first time. Also, GROGAR! A classic MLP villain, and one that looks to be an actual threat this time around. Tirek may have his money cut out for him...
Sombra actually has a new voice now... Cool. Wait, Grogar is the father of monsters?! There goes Typhon and my headcannon…
My headcannon wasn’t just killed this day… it was MURDERED. 
Whatever.
Wow, Shining Armor and Cadance are becoming just as useful as Celestia and Luna. Sombra just took the Crystal Empire like it was nothing. Could have probably used a fight scene here, and Sombra's "defeat" did seem a little fast, but I'm sure they were cut for time. However, Sombra's third return and the destruction of the Tree, the Elements... that was a shocker. 
Nice continuity with the Everfree invading without the Tree. Also, Celestia and Luna did something! Star Swirl did something! Everyone's doing something! We're not useless after all! Also, that little sacrifice and speech from Discord was so perfect. Really heart-wrenching stuff there. Annnnd Sombra's dead. Again. For real this time, guys. Celestia and Luna are only kinda helpful now, and they're still going with giving control over an entire nation to Twilight and her friends... Sure, why not? 
HOWEVER... I am very excited to see what Grogar has in mind with the other villains. We can only hope they end the series with a bang.
Big premiere! Loved it! 9/10! What were your thoughts, and here's to the final season of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic!
Also also, Infinity Era (Part I and II) take place before Season 9. There ya go. 
Can't believe i freaking anticipated what this Premiere was going to be about XD, with the Villain team up and which villains were going to be apart of it, kind of sad Grogar didn't being Sombra back again and Sombra would have finally realized his mistake, i almost thought Grogar would revive Sombra if he got destroyed again, also, yeah, once Grogar was said to be "The Father of Monsters" I was like "Wait, Father of Monsters? Wonder how Prime is going to react to that with him having Typhon be the Father of Monsters" I also love how Grogar is going to stick around with his League of Villains, I'm so hyped for the rest of the Season, i wonder if Grogar is going to recruit anyone else?
I guessed that there would be a villain team up this season, with one gathering other villains trying to form their own villainous friendship to beat the ponies. The only difference is it is a lot smaller than I thought it would be (I was guessing at least 6 members, one for each element) and that Cozy would be the one to form it. Though Grogar being in charge might be even better!
Typhon: "I am the Father of All Monsters!!!"
Grogar: "Hold my beer."
First your Griffonstone headcanon and now this. I think the canon really likes to screw you and your fanfiction continuity over. But that aside, it's nice to see another classic MLP villain introduced and when the show is just on its final season too. Save the best till last I suppose.
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Well, Applejack asked if Flim and Flam counted.....
There's also a chance they could try and corrupt Starlight and Discord.
Canon is a Bitch isn’t it Prime?
I’m really liking Grogar so far! Personally I wish he looked a tad more intimidating, like the red eyes he had in his original incarnation, but I can’t complain. And this villain alliance is nothing but sheer brilliance. I love their chemistry and Cozy just accepting them all as her friends despite their disdain for her. She’s gonna be fun!
The only complain I have is that once again, Shining and Cadence don’t get anything to do. C’mon, this is the power couple of power couples. They gave birth to a goddamn WMD! Give ‘em some respect, guys.
That aside, this really did feel like the beginning of the end. I’m gonna dreading each week we approach the last episodes. With every episodes of this season marked off, a bit of my heart will wither. Eight years now, I’ve been in love with this show and these wonderful little pastel horsies. I got into it just after season one ended, and by the time season two was about to premier I was more than ready! I believe season two officially cemented my undying love for FiM.
This show has changed in many ways, as to be expected. Some fantastic, others not so fantastic, but overall my love and appreciation for it has only grown. I may not have been here with y’all since the beginning, but I’m glad I’m with ya to see how it ends.
It’s honestly so weird that this will be the last two parter season premiere. I’m really glad it ended on a great one. Not sure it’s my fav (return of Harmony will always have a special place in my heart) but it’s definitely up there.
The Crystal Empire being taken over was a bit rushed and Sombra’s first defeat was too. Though that made sense since that was Sombra’s plan.
I like Sombra in here. He’s both powerful and smart. I loved that he faked his defeat to destroy the Tree of Harmony. That’s what I liked about him in season 3 he is actually smart. Not too crazy about the voice but it works I suppose.
I’m really liking the interaction between the villains. I’m so glad they are going to have an episode dedicated to them outside of the series finale. They are going to be a lot of fun. Though I am a little dissapointed Tirek is cowering under Grogar since I figured he would be the BIG BAD of mlp, but Grogar has to have his time to shine so whatcha going to do.
Sad to see Shining and Cadence were useless in this. They really need some time to shine.
The princesses got to do something and be helpful for once. I guess Shining and Cadence were the sacrificial lambs to bring this to us. This is what the princesses need to do in these two parters. Hopefully this happens in the series finale.
Discord was great in here. Funny and even heartwarming. While I didn’t get him beating the villain like I wanted I’m glad they make it clear he could have stopped Sombra at anytime he wanted to, but that would have been too easy. Though his speech did get to me.
Grogar seems very interesting. Definitely interested in him being the father of monsters. He seems pretty powerful just a little bit of his magic was enough to power Tirek pretty decently. Interested in seeing what he brings to the table.
Really good two parter and a great one to end the two parter opening. Not sure where this ranks with the but it’s definitely high.
Well, while it is true neither Celestia or Luna have done much to help the Mane Six throughout the series-matter of fact, they've done more in your stories than the actual canon-Celestia DID rule Equestria for a thousand years prior. If anypony has earned some "me-time", it's definitely her.
Luna, on the other hoof, was *cough* absent for a thousand years, so I think she could stand to rule over Equestria a little longer. On the bright side, it would give her a chance to work on her smile.
…
I was surprised that everypony, except Twilight, was ready to accept ruling Equestria. I mean, they've all got responsibilities that take up enough of their time as it is.
Applejack has to help run Sweet Apple Acres. With Granny Smith getting up there in age, Bic Mag spending time with Sugar Belle, and Apple Bloom working with CMC's to solve cutie mark issues from time to time AND tutor at the school, the bulk of the farm work rests on AJ's withers,
Rarity has three boutiques she has to keep track of and manage. Even with Sassy Saddles and her other assistants, it's more or less her responsibility to make sure everything's in order, and keep up with the latest fashions.
Rainbow Dash is a full time Wonderbolt. Helping rule Equestria would mean possible missing out on performing in a few air shows now and again, denying ponies a chance to witness her awesomeness.
Fluttershy's got a full time job as it is caring for the animals in and around her home and at the sanctuary.
Pinkie Pie got her hooves full, not only helping the Cakes run Sugar Cube Corner and babysit the twins, but she's pretty much Ponyville's permanent party planner. Celestia forbid she miss throwing a surprise party for a friend, or a foal's birthday party because she had royal duties to do.
PLUS, they teach classes at Twilight's school, and they still get called by the Cutie Map to solve friendship problems.
Seriously, did they forget about those things?
…
I was hoping that there would be a villainous team up in this final season, but I did not expect it to happen from the get go. Grogar being the big baddie was a shocker. I mean, I had imagined him being involved, but to actually see it happen? Wow!
BTW, he may be the Father of Monsters in canon, but I think Typhon is much more deserving of the title!
…
I gotta give Sombra kudos. Destroying both the Tree of Harmony and the Elements was a smart move! Didn't matter in the end, but still, not bad for his, once again, brief return.
I was also surprised that Grogar didn't bring Sombra back to life at the end. When he said, "But when you fail, you will submit to me.", I figured he would bring Sombra back and force the fallen king to serve him. Oh, well, maybe he'll bring him back for the season... or rather, the series finale.
…
Like you, Prime, I'm sad to see this amazing series coming to an end. But it has been quite the journey. If this season premiere was any indication, this series may very well go out with a bang.
Final rating for the premiere: 8/10!
I liked the fact that a villain finally sees what makes the six strong in the first place.
Not video I was hoping but it works.
I found it funny that Sombra's return was only questioned once. I mean what the heck!? And it seems bringing Sombra back was just to give the other villains proof what the girls could do. Also loved Discord although I am curious on why he is so eagered to have Twilight ascend and we get to see what the girls would do if Discord had gotten injured. Not saying what you did was bad or lackluster, JD, but it was neat to see it on the show.
I gotta say so far Grogar is one of those villains that you "love to hate" kind and not just hate, at least for me.
I look forward to this series. Seen a lot of series end now.
Gravity Falls, Eureka, Warehouse 13 and now this.
Oh and of course the end of an era for Marvel.
Kinda funny that your story will come before all of this. Defeating Thanos would be nothing compared to Sombra or the others.
My biggest issue with Grogar is that he is too... attractive... to be threatening. He looks young, fit, and has a look of head and hair that make him look like a militaristic jock rather then a dark necromancer. The Old Goat is definitely improved in his looks. He also has issues of a lack seeming 'necromancer lord' type of dealy. This version of Grogar could actually be in a good match for Sombra in terms of looks.
Definitely prefer the more hulking, monstrous, threatening Grogars I've read depicted in other stories.
The whole 'Father of Monsters' is doable. But when compared to things like say... the Weedverse? Canon Grogar comes up short.
5039592 I may have briefly... shouted the F-word when Grogar said he was the father of monsters.
5039598 Hopefully we get new members to this legion of doom!
5039640 I think the MLP staff have a vendetta for me.
5039886 The worst kind.
5039898 Very true! Flurry Heart really is a nuke, isn't she?
But yeah, I'm really excited to see the rest of this season. Gonna be a hell of a ride. 
5039966 I'm really hoping for a badass final battle between Grogar and the Mane 6. Like, Tirek vs Twilight levels of badass. I would die happy for that.
5040008 Typhon IS much more deserving. Thank you.
Also, yeah, the Mane 6 never have a dull moment, do they?
5040145 Gotta see how Endgame ends to see if any of these events will be reversed. If not... serious continuity issues.
5040183 I'm just hoping Grogar becomes the biggest threat we've seen.
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Part of the journey is the end...
Some bronies... move on, after all the friendships and all the magic they've been through. Some do.
But not us...
(Pls repeat this phrase above)
I have two questions:
1. I forgot about Grogar. He's a classic, but haven't heard or seen him since that last episode in G1 or G3 is it? Mind refreshing my memory?
2. In Infinity Era will there be a post-credit scene a-la MCU that takes place here in season 9?
5040808 Grogar is a classic MLP villain. Also, I may drop a Grogar teaser at the end of Part II. We'll see.
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To give the 9th season the Avengers feel to it, you were supposed to repeat "Not us..." but, oh man. Well I ain't gonna repeat again, whether you say the phrase or not is fine.
1. I know he's the classic guy. But I forgot nearly everything about him. Mind unscrolling the details a bit, like the big guy's powers and abilities? I know he's big, dark and creepy, and a muttonhead (cuz he's a goat) but I forgot what he does.
2. In your headcanon, will Grogar serve as Typhon's successor as King of Monsters?
5041294 I don't actually know what Grogar does. I guess we'll just have to see if Grogar inherits anything...
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I would imagine but in your headcanon Grogar might be the successor to Typhon if he was defeated. Would you think?
They may move on.
But not us...
i really love flurry heart i wanna cuddle her
also sombra you better not hurt her 
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(Apologies for ripping this off your story's comments JD)
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If I'd want him to be intimidating, then I'd imagine Grogar saying to Sombra.
The only matter I do not take seriously, colt... is you.
Your aspirations bore me, your demeanour is that of a pouty child, and apparently, your defeat at the hands of a banal and paltry reptile had made yourself such an embarrassment to my grand design.
You shall honor our agreement... Equine. You eradicate these Elements and their wretched little users. But return to me again empty-hoofed...
And I will BATHE the hallways in your blood.
Thank you, Mr. Grogar
(Grogar smiles)
"Submit to me" was bland in my opinion.
Cozy Glow
While I did feel that Princess Cadence and Shining Armor's easy capture was one of the moments I did not enjoy, a thought came to my head. To be fair, their daughter was used as a hostage by Sombra because he 'knew' they would never attempt to do anything without risking the life of their most precious treasure. Otherwise this one scene showed that Cadence was more than ready to fight, if only to prove that all this excitement and the thrill of danger is like an ultimate adrenaline rush. Plus, while it seemed Sombra was merely in the episode to serve as a reminder as to what happens when you defy Grogar (Not like Sombra was 'that' popular anyway), he was smart in luring the Mane Six so they could unleash the Elements of Harmony he 'probably' heard about, then it was merely about following them to where they keep the elements and destroy them. In that moment, he actually was clever in taking out their major source of power... He just didn't think the whole thing through or suspecting they could still have a fighting chance.
To be honest, I'm avoiding Season 9. I do not want to see the end. As fimfiction will outlive the show, and the fandom outliving that too.
It's only truly over until fimfiction closes the site.