Retrospective Review: The Return of Harmony

S2E1-2 The Return of Harmony pt. 1 and 2

Here's another episode that ended up being the first appearance of an important recurring character. It's interesting that, according to the Wiki, this episode was planned in Season 1. And in an alternate universe where the series ended after 65 episodes, Discord would just have been some villain that the heroes defeated and later reformed.

It is of course totally appropriate that the Cutie Mark Crusaders' arguing ended up freeing Discord. There are quite a few fanfics where Discord treats them favorably, since they end up serving his chaotic ways.

Seen for the first time: Sweetie Belle the dictionary, the stained glass windows. Not seen: Luna.

Celestia needs to improve her vault security.

I generally like the labyrinth scene. Discord does the villainous riddlemaster thing, he makes a riddle that was easy to misinterpret, he tricks them all to abandon their elements. (Except Fluttershy, of course, foreshadowing her ability to reform Discord.)

In Ponyville, the chaos seen in the first episode is more like a practical joke. In the second episode, the chaos is ramped up considerably, something that no one could actually live through. With both the chaos and her friends acting opposite their elements, it's no wonder Twilight Sparkle is angry. (And Tara Strong does a good job when she voices angry Twilight.)

Again, I like the story here, where the Elements fail to work, Twilight Sparkle abandons friendship, she gains it back by reading her words from Season 1, and then she saves her friends by reintroducing them to their friendships.

When it comes time to track down Rainbow Dash, she's seen in the same pose as in the first episode of the series (the one I've used as an avatar since joining FIMFiction).

We again see Fluttershy being strongest when her friends need her the most.

And our heroes get another stained glass window. I'm picturing the Equestrian version of Forrest Gump, where he talks about going to the White House, again, and meeting the president, again.

Comments

[Alaborn]

Bonus pictures for FanOfMostEverything:

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[FanOfMostEverything]

Ah yes, the first episodes I saw new. And what episodes they were! I was even able to fold signs of Discord's return into the tail end my first story as Twilight's motivation for swan diving off the deep end.

There are quite a few fanfics where Discord treats them favorably, since they end up serving his chaotic ways.

And a few IDW comics as well.

Celestia needs to improve her vault security.

To be fair, whatever Discord did to bypass the defenses, she does figure out how to keep him from messing with the Elements directly by "Keep Calm and Flutter On."

And our heroes get another stained glass window. I'm picturing the Equestrian version of Forrest Gump, where he talks about going to the White House, again, and meeting the president, again.

I remain convinced that when it comes to her faithful students, stained glass windows are Celestia's equivalent to putting their macaroni art on the fridge.

And while I have to object to Discord as Akroma, the Mary Sue of vengeance, the other two card alters are fantastic. Meteorite would work even better for Tom (especially when Twilight throws him out of the library,) but it hadn't been printed yet.

[garfan]

of course a lot of people have some different interpretations, like it was the Elements changing owners that weakened the seal on Discord and it just took a little time to get him out.

I personally don't think Discord actually gave them a riddle to misinterpret. I think Discord cheated. That the elements were nowhere/in both places at once until the Mane 6 decided where to go

[PresentPerfect]

Really hard to consider this anything but one of the most solid episodes of the whole show's run. Even if I will regret Discord's continued existence for the rest of my life. :|

[Herald of Opera]

Not seen: Luna.

The original plan with this episode in Season 1 had it in place of her existence, and they didn't bother writing her in. It also called for a John de Lancie impersonator, but the show did well enough that they decided to splurge on the real deal.

There are quite a few fanfics where Discord treats them favorably, since they end up serving his chaotic ways.

And a few IDW comics as well.

You say that as if there's a difference. (context)

[Alaborn]

5480104
Would you prefer Discord as Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker?
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