It's even stranger to think that I've been reading and writing fanfiction for eighteen years, starting on sites like Gametalk. IVote Apple Bloom for mayor · 9:54am Nov 13th, 2019
You know that face Big Mac makes while Applejack is congratulating Apple Bloom on her new cutie mark? How his big face squiggles up and his lip quivers, while liquid pride jettisons from his face?
Ayep, that's the one.
That's the face on my face every time I face the "Crusaders of the Lost Mark" episode. Now, about-face to what this journal is really about:
Apple Bloom's cutie mark.
I've seen some debate over the years as to the true nature of the CMC's marks. Some folks disliked the episode, because instead of finding their individuality, the CMC found an intrinsic sameness. Some folks felt it was just a marketing ploy. Others felt it dodged the issue of the CMC getting their marks at separate times, which was a friendship problem they'd been aching to see onscreen.
The most common complaint was that Scooto and Sweetie had defined talents. One was great at athletic stunts on a scooter, and she even saved a few days on that scooter. The other was an inspiring singer and songwriter, which is saying something in a world where nearly everybody can spontaneously break out into song and dance.
Meanwhile, what did Apple Bloom get? The potential for growth? No, it's deeper than that.
Throughout the show, Apple Bloom is the driving force behind the CMC. She's the founder, and an innovator. She's able to learn various talents to journeyman levels, such as potion making and carpentry, but what does that matter? Applejack and Big Mac are also expert carpenters, but that's just stuff they learned on the farm. Apple Bloom isn't a gifted architect who can build anything plumb. She's just studious and surrounded by the best teachers.
No, Apple Bloom has a better talent. And her true talent is even greater than Sweetie Belle's or Scootaloo's.
Apple Bloom is a community builder. She sorts through tangled knots of relationships, and by the time of "Crusaders of the Lost Mark" she's become a diplomat. She's not afraid to take a stand. She's also willing to compromise and give people chances to redeem themselves. And she's the one who first proposes that the CMC should take a break from cutie-mark-seeking, so as to focus (if only briefly) on helping other ponies. That's what leads to the others following suit. And moments later, BANG, butt tattoos.
At the end of the show we see the CMC are teachers. Sweetie is probably a music teacher. Scootaloo, a gym teacher and coach. And Apple Bloom... Well, who can say? She's downright a Renaissance Mare of talents and knowledge.
That's why I think Apple Bloom will eventually be Mayor of Ponyville. Thank you for coming to my TEDxTalk.
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