Fic Reviews: The Long Con · 4:09pm Apr 15th, 2019
Okay, been actually waiting to do this one for a bit, ever since I read it actually.
Now, Starlight Glimmer. A controversial figure in the fandom. Then again… Come to think of it, who isn’t really? Even everyone’s beloved Princess Woona. deadpan I like her, but I think Luna’s a bit overrated at times. But I’m getting off-track. Yeah, we all know the story of Starlight so I’ll spare you the recap. Now, now this fic is a bit on the disturbing side for quite one simple reason. Starlight’s characterization, as the believability of a very patient psychopath is on-point here. So, I’ll get right to it, really.
Now, this fic is one of those fics I sorta really love in some areas, but in others, I sorta can’t as it does have to make me suspend my disbelief and engage in a bit of speculation in areas.
Story: 8/10
Now, I’ll start off with the story. Basically, it deposits that Starlight faked being befriended by Twilight, and was just wanting access to her research for a spell to induce total inequality over Equestria crowning herself queen in the process. Of course, as any villain worth her salt, she can’t resist the opportunity to gloat over her triumph.
Now, the obvious question. Is it well within the realm of believability for one to fake being your friend for years on end and only when the time is right to strike and unveil their true nature? It absolutely is! That's an entire characteristic for sociopathy, actually. I consulted with a friend of mine, Vertigo22, on this as I was rather unsure on this aspect but he tells me this is fairly believable behavior. Even provided me with a real-life example. Several actually. To quote:
There was an Ask Me Anything on Reddit that involved a man who lived across from Jeffrey Dahmer. To give a few details, he murdered over a dozen men from the late 70s to early 90s and was a horrifically sadistic man; he was murdered in prison by another inmate for taunting other inmates by pretending his food was a person and he'd play with it as if he were killing someone. He also murdered young teens IIRC.
The AMA, however, mentioned that Dahmer was a perfectly normal person. Personable, if a bit weird.
Now on the other hand, Ted Bundy would gain the trust of women by pretending that he was a Law Enforcement Officer. This is before he'd brutally murder them.
Okay, more real life than I would have wanted, but… Anyways, if you’re genre-savvy enough, you can sorta see the twist of this story coming a mile off. Namely, that Twilight knew all of this beforehand and enlisted the help of an unexpected ally…
Characterization: 5/10
Now, this is where I mentioned you’d have to suspend your disbelief just a little bit or go into some speculation. Namely, because of the unexpected ally. Queen Chrysalis.
Yes, that one. Now… Chrysalis is pretty consistently portrayed as being frankly rather petty in addition to all of her grand designs I don't imagine she'd stay just satisfied with just Starlight, but on the other hand I can see her taking pleasure in that. Even in restoring the Princesses to power, considering the lengths she (Starlight) went to. So, to put it simply it has nothing to do with practicality or anything of the like and everything to do with destroying Starlight's dreams so utterly that not one trace of her efforts remain.
However… Twilight. Yes, she’s dangerous when pissed, as you can just go and ask Tirek but handing someone over to Chrysalis have to their love sucked dry… Well, that’s a bit iffy if you ask me. Hardly Princess of Friendship material if you ask me. And Trixie, she’s portrayed as a willing participant in all of this because of her love for Starlight instead of just being clueless and manipulated like everyone else.
Well done author in portraying lesbians as psychos! Slow clap
Grammer: 10/10
On point here, so absolutely well done.
So, all in all… My final thoughts on this story? It’s actually a rather tough one to call really, namely because of everything I’ve listed above. It’s… Well, I’m placing it somewhere in between 6/10 and 7/10, though I can’t narrow down exactly where.
Might recommend if you’re a Starlight Hater or love dark fics, or love to hug your Twilight plushie and say well done!
The Great and Powerful Trixie is blinded by the Starlight. Revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night.
In all seriousness: nice review. Sounds like an interesting story. Don't quite think I'll read it though. Doesn't sound like my cup of tea. I'm skeptical of Chrysalis actually giving a rats ass about helping though.