"Shadow Play Part Two" Review

[@Snowmon89]

Anybody else notice the symbolism of when the flashback was over, suddenly both Starlight Glimmer and Spike were in the place where the Pony of Shadows stood during the battle? I know that in children shows they really love to hammer in the message that they're trying to present, but that was something quite subtle. Both Starlight and Spike share qualities with Stigian almost like they were a fusion of both. Heck, even Spike technically turned into a villain in a couple of episodes. Sorry funny thing to focus on. Moving on.

[@chalkwarrior5542]

Snowmon89 good point. Starlight was misunderstood, and spike has kinda been pushed aside! Luna has had a corruption - transformation before!

[@dlegofan]

Honestly, as boring as I found the villain to be, what really carried the episode was the moral choice. It was never about defeating the villain, because the Pony of Shadows would be defeated regardless of how Twilight chooses to aproach the situation. It was about Twilight following her principles as the Princess of Friendship at the risk of suffering the same fate as the Pony of Shadows or risking the safety of Equestria, or accepting the prideful but protectful approach of Star Swirl and not give a chance to understand the PoS' motivations. Either way, evil gets defeated, the Pillars stay in Equestria, the world is saved, yadda-yadda. The villain was always going to lose, but, had Twilight chosen Star Swirl's approach, the PoS' defeat would not have meant a victory for Twilight, who would've let go of the principles she once swore to protect.

[@cameoshadowness7757]

dlegofan Honestly I kinda hoped Twilight would break her principals and have it come back around a plague her. It would have been a much more interesting set up for many more future stories but we got this. It wasn't bad persay it was just... Meh to me. I feel like it wasn't even a proper clean cut. It just felt like, Boom- done. Yes a lesson about talking can solve almost any problem was learned but it felt rushed in a way. To me at least. This is simply my opinion but I would have liked the writers to dive into the deeper subject. Have the end where the pony of shadows was still banished but let the main characters make the mistake of not giving him a chance and then have it so they'll realize it later. ... That would have been cooler to see right?

[@dlegofan]

I agree it would've been cooler to see the other option. That way, the next season could focus on the morality behind that choice more carefully. And that could've led to a return of the PoS, and then, after a better build up, Twilight could've confronted him and solve the matter for good. Rushed reformations rarely lead to good villains. Discord and Sunset had the best reformations mostly because it wasn't rushed. Here, I believe the episode tried to do too much at once. Like, in one swoop they introduce 7 characters, and only one of them (Star Swirl) really gets a reasonable amount of time in the episode (surely, all other Pillars had been mentioned in previous episodes, but even then they didn't had a lot of time to even become interesting characters. The only one I think actually had some good traits shown was Meadowbrook). It would've been more interesting if they had found Star Swirl's journal at the beginning of the season, and throughout the season, the mane 6 would try to rescue each of the Pillars from Limbo, and by the time they saved Star Swirl, none of the Pillars would have stayed in the Limbo to keep the PoS from coming back to Equestria, and then we could get a proper finale focused entirely on Star Swirl and the PoS after having actually met all other Pillars. I guess we can't blame the writers for having too many good ideas. But they could've developed them at a slower pace. It does no good for a character when they can't even get a proper introduction. Like, from the Pillars I only remember the names of Star Swirl, Meadowbrook and Somnambula, and that's because the other 3 only had 5 minute tales all glued together in a single episode, rather than a more detailed look with a better development for their traits and personalities. And even then, neither Meadowbrook, nor Somnambula had very detailed stories either. The only one we've heard so much about (specially those who read books like the Journal of the Two Sisters as well as the Comic books) that it wasn't very hard to imagine his personality was Star Swirl.

[@igorzaychik6280]

Cameo Shadowness , The main goal of the story was to also show us another element that is connected to the map , so Stygians reformation was necessary in a way ! As for the haunting part we may have that in season 8 but the one being haunted will be Starlight because by what we saw in the animatic for season 8 Chrysalis is going to mentally break Starlight and will make her feel what she felt after losing those she protected and cared for !

[@cameoshadowness7757]

dlegofan 1) I completely agree with the first three paragraphs, it would have lead to so much potential and give a chance to understand each pillar and how their elements *really* connect to them. 2) That's the problem, you _can_ blame the writers. With all their ideas, they should have spread it out, which actually would have helped a lot more. This would have had a much more time deticated to what was needed. 3) I agree with the last bit but to be honest, I'm only able to remember Starswirl due to him _being_ in the show prior much more compared to the others and it's a real shame.

[@cameoshadowness7757]

Igor Zaychik That does make some sense but it doesn't hold up well due to story around it not having much and easily being brushed off. The Reformation had no deep connection to it. It was just there. In season 8 it's a different type of haunting and it's directed towards one character, not everyone. The focus will be on specifically Starlight according to you but if we go with the option I suggested, it'll be pinned on all the girls. Starlight feeling like Twilight didn't care about her lessons, Twilight realizing her mistakes, the others feeling and reacting to the impact such a hurting desition and what it means for them now that they have the pillars and the elements of Harmony. Their will be much more emotional impact that way but instead they just stop the story, give it a bad ending and moved on because it was suppose to be more of a one shot and it suffers for that.

[@RaphaelRavenwing]

I call him Starswirl the Grump because let's be honest, his grumpiness was much more notable than his beard will ever be.

[@silveryuno]

I am not alone in thinking that this story would have a better story for the MLP Movie.

[@MxPokirby]

It would not be better. Betterness does not exist.

[@achangelingproduction2858]

I rather enjoyed this finale, it felt like a roller coaster ride from start to finish, some parts were a little predictable but I found them to be parallels to events that we've already seen in the show. Starwswirl being so harsh felt like it could have been a good lesson on how just because someone is more experienced than you or possibly even your own hero, they might not be right when it comes to such serious matters. As for Stygian, I felt like he might have been a parallel to Luna, both felt they weren't being appreciated for their contributions but rather than talk about the issue, they took immediate action instead, which led to them both embracing the darkness. With you mentioning how Stygian could have been a parallel to Spike though... I'm kind of curious if that could tie into future episodes. It seemed every time there's a group of ponies who have a connection to the Elements of Harmony, or the early versions of them in Stygian's case, one of them becomes corrupted. If we were to include Sunset Shimmer in that, both she and human Twilight went bad, makes you wonder if this is a pattern that'll continue with the show.

[@siraran2077]

I actually thought that Starlight was the one that showed Starswirl the magic of friendship and that Starswirl was a big jerk, especially when he says "Once a villain, always a villain". He never really listened to Stygian and he, along with the other pillars abandoned him. That led both Stygian and Starswirl to their downfall.

[@silverdragonwolf1]

I think it would be nice to see an episode, or series of episodes, in season 8 that has the Main 6 helping the legends find places to better acclimate to the modern era, preferably in a way that doesn't overwhelm them. In doing so we get see more interactions with the Main 6 and their predecessors as well as learn a bit more about their personalities and maybe even why those aspects acted as a foundation for what became the Elements of Harmony.

[@pebbleshy]

That would be interesting yes :) Would be a bit disapointing if they do not give each element an episode with their predecessor actually. In some way or form it has to happen. Especially considering how all the legends wanted to go back to see what have come of their homes.... well some of the homes no longer exists or at the very least anyone they used to know there is gone. That realisation gotta hit pretty hard, when it happens.

[@Sir_Budginton]

You know we now actually have a pretty decent indicator as to how old celestia and Luna are. It was said that they studied under starswirl meaning they had to have been teenagers/young adults at the oldest, else their age would mean they would have more knowledge than him, therefore him learning under them not the other way around. And since we know starswirl was trapped for a bit over 1000 years, I'm guessing 1100-1200 years tops,we can deduce that the alicorn sisters are probably in their 12th to 13th century. We know it's not like 2000 years else they would have said starswirl was trapped for "2000 years" or "almost 2000 years" not 1000. Also we know starswirl planted the tree of harmony, but it probably took a few decades or maybe even a century to grow considering starswirl never knew it existed until he saw the castle. He never even mentioned seeing a sapling, let alone a massive tree. So from this we can predict a time line. When the alicorns were in their teens they studied under starswirl. 40s-50s they defeated sombra (elements haven't grown yet, therefore they were not used) Early to mid 100s when discord was defeated. And finally late 100s or early 200s for nightmare moon. This also explains why they weren't around when equestria was formed. Feel free to add your opinion on the matter.

[@cameoshadowness7757]

Hanif Shakiba 1) Age doesn't equal amount of knowledge. There are plenty of younger folk who can easily know much more then a person over three times their age. 2) This doesn't line up with all of the shows canon. In Equestria Girls Rock, it mentions Starswirl banished the sirens alone. In this newer version, he suddenly did it with a group of peers. This is an inconsistency that's has no reason to be. Twilight is Starswirl's biggest fan and a simple line that she spoke sent this while this off. 3) All though the time gap between planting the tree and it growing makes sense the elements becoming what they are makes no sense. Strength to Honesty? Beauty to Generosity makes more sense but the questions still stand. How and why was that transition made? Why did the tree mutate the way it did? Not all the elements line up properly for their transitions to make sense. 4) That last part does make sense. Sombra first, then Discord and finally Nightmare Moon. That makes so much better sense then most other timelines I've seen thus far.

[@cameoshadowness7757]

btamamura Not exactly. You can be in your early 20s and still be considered too young to understand certain dangers but they definitely couldn't have been past 25. There is no proof that they were his students at that age but it may account for the fact that Starswirl questioned Celestia's hight. By her teenage years she would have had to hit a growth spurt and Starswirl knowing her prior to that does make sense but to say the princesses was picked up at that young of an age is questionable. Hold on, how old do you think Twilight was for her to be picked up by Celestia?

[@cameoshadowness7757]

btamamura THAT'S THE BEST EXCUSE FOR WHY TWILIGHT NEVER MENTIONED THE OTHER LEGENDS DISPITE READING STRIGHT OUT OF THE BOOK! Sorry for all the caps but that comment made me happy.

[@taddad2641]

We could mix up th timeline a bit with sombra. IT could be that during this time a schism had formed between celestia and luna and, thus in disharmony, they could not use the elements and were forced to defeat sombra on their own. which means that this event could have lead to nightmare moon, as both of them would struggle with their faliure.

[@cameoshadowness7757]

Tad Dad Yeah but Celestia would realize the problem and would try to fix it. It may or may not fail but it may also be why Celestia wasn't too shocked when Luna transformed... Hmm....

[@MikeDragon]

To me, season 7's finale has been the _best_ finale of all seasons, so far. None of the previous finales has left me with a strong desire for the next season so badly such as this one. Naturally that I have been left with a desire for more before, but none has left an impact as great as season 7. I mean, seriously... The famous Starswirl The Bearded, who's been talked about and glorified in history for _so_ long has _finally_ been revealed! I never actually expected he'd show up in modern Equestria! Not until they started to talk about him vanishing mysteriously, at least. And on top of that he came back with a whole cast of interesting characters. Oh man, there's SO much to expect for season 8!! Never had I wished for the next season to premiere so soon as I am wishing, right now. /)^3^(\

[@realJoeMavro]

For me it's "To Where and Back Again" because of all of the MLP season finale cliches it managed to avoid. This episode...I'm sorry to say that there wasn't a single thing...literally *NOT A SINGLE THING* that I didn't see coming a mile away and that got me bored, pretty fast...Fairy Tail all over again. I have mixed feelings about Starswirl being back. On one hand it opens the door to some interesting new adventures, but on the other hand, why did he have to disappear into another dimension to rid the world of a villain? Why couldn't he have...oh, I don't know...died of old age? How many delicate little snowflake children could that possibly have traumatized? No more than Bright Mac and Pear Butter, I'm sure...assuming the next generation is smart enough to figure out that they died. There aren't any children in my life, so I wouldn't know.

[@thebeavpercabethftw9604]

If he died of old age, this finale wouldn't have happened and a lot of people liked this finale. You know there are more people than you right? The writers don't go out of their way satisfy your needs.

[@realJoeMavro]

+thebeav I'm adding my two cents the same as everybody else, if you don't like them, too bad. And my only "need" as you call it is to be entertained. This episode--despite its many flaws--did that, although not as well as others.

[@thebeavpercabethftw9604]

I'm just saying that, I don't think Starswirl being alive has anything to do with protecting sensitive children or anything. I would assume that if this story never happened it would have been implied that he died of old age. Children don't need to know about how every character that isn't around died.

[@diegokaqui60]

season 4 is still best finalle....but 7 is good for number 2.....

[@crystalalpaca9859]

I truly loved this finale. The fact that Starlight played such a vital role in this tale and of course as you say there is so much story potential for next season with these new ancient ponies. Their pasts, watching them adapt to a changed world, each of them working with their respective element of harmony. I cannot wait to see what the writers have up their sleeves lets hope it doesn't disappoint.

[@IreneShardaForever]

Actually, I think Stygian's link to the present day cast isn't Spike, but Starlight. If he was able to become a seventh pillar as he had originally set out to do, then there would have been a seventh element, which I'm pretty sure would go to Starlight. Both come from a path or darkness that lead to forgiveness and reformation. I also wouldn't be surprised if they go that way in the story in the future.

[@Jumikana]

It may be a personal thing but i dont see StarSwirl as Wise. He is definitely weary intelligent. but knowledge does not bring wisdom. He seams to have a tunnel vision of His goal completely dismissing other options

[@Sir_Budginton]

While I do agree with you there keep in mind that he probably spent days or weeks trying to find a way to defeat the shadow pony the first time, and this may have been the only/best option. He may have thought "I spent ages finding the best way and this is it" while either not taking into account how magic developed or he believed he didn't have time to study these developments and defeat the shadow pony before he got too powerful. Then again maybe it really is just bad writing.

[@jademuseplays]

Janis Akots Think of Star Swirl's character arc this way: 1. He has lived a long time and done the best magic there ever was. So, he is very prideful in that aspect and not very willing to listen to others he does not know. 2. Twilight to him is seen as one who just destroyed his plan so it is obvious he wouldn't like her. 3. The Pillars planted the seed of harmony for protection while they were gone. Now that they have returned, Star Swirl sees it has no purpose anymore and is willing to sacrifice the elements to solve a problem. They do not hold the same weight in his mind as they do for us and the Mane 6. 4. Realize that he has not learned the magic of friendship and would therefore ser his compatriots as allies, not friends, resulting in his cold attitude. He is a pony based on knowledge, logic, pride, and duty. Twilight and the group are based in their elements, duty, friendship, and compassion. These opposites are going to clash no matter what way you try to get around them.

[@Jumikana]

As i said i dont see him as wise but i do mean it as a negative, i enjoyed that as it fit in the the theme of the story. while the whole "dont meet your heroes" thing is going around personally i think that more applicable is "a legend is grater then any mortal can ever be" as a major theme of this story is disillusion

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

You do not have to be right about everythung to be wise.

[@Jumikana]

Its not about being right about everything. I see wisdom as something more than just knowledge and the reason i do not see him as wise is that he does not seem to look at things from any perspective that is not his own

[@princessaur]

Are we just not going to talk about how Starswirl was Celestia and Luna's mentor? Does that mean since Alicorns aren't supposed to be born in Equestria, Starswirl is the one who cast the spell to give them wings and strengthen their magic? Did Starswirl create the concept of an alicorn? And if so, why not make himself one?

[@cozmicdoodles7167]

I believe he found them as foals, or teens or whatever, then brought them to Equestria as his students. Of course that's assuming the Diary of the Two Sisters is canon to the show.

[@realJoeMavro]

Perhaps Starswirl didn't think he needed or deserved alicorn wings. Perhaps males can't become alicorns. Starlight is on par with Twilight in terms of skill and power, so alicorn wings are probably just a symbol of status and not indicative of alicorns being a different, superior race. In any case, I'm glad that Starswirl being Celestia and Luna's teacher is now absolute canon. Now there is nothing left to deify Celestia and Luna, which is a great way to make them more relatable and interesting.

[@taddad2641]

well its more htan jsut wings. they have the elements of all three ponies. magic of unicorns, flight and weather powers of pegasi, nature connection and strength of earth ponies. could be it is this combination that makes them so powerful. them moving the sun and moon may manifest from their connection to nature through the earth pony aspect, and amplified into something more tangible with the unicorn aspect. to be fair star swhirl is old and extremely experienced while twilight is still a pretty young alicorn still figuring out her powers. she is gonna majorly surpass him in raw power, but in skill, that is a question

[@komradmango2305]

Cate Siebert Well that book is now B canon since it was retconned.

[@realJoeMavro]

+Tad Dad True, Twilight did walk on the clouds in "Cutie Re-Mark," if I remember correctly. Then, for now, I'll just assume Starswirl felt he didn't need to become an alicorn.

[@Doomsday-yo7lh]

STARLIGHT WAS AMAZING IN THIS EPISODE. As much as I love seeing Starlight screw up in new and spectacular ways, I ESPECIALLY love it when her strengths are brought to the foreground. Namely, her willingness and ability to empathise with and understand others. Something we’ve been seeing a lot this season, notably in “Rock Solid Friendship” and “A Royal Problem”. Also this episode gave me a loregasm.

[@MrGabeanator]

findingbuglantis agreed starlight was absolutely amazing here

[@zeddelixisweird2932]

findingbuglantis I think Starlight was forced into this episode. She was forced to be the solution, and in the right, and she has the same worries that *Twilight* should be having, and it's bad. She didn't need to be majour in this episode *at all*. She was just so distracting.

[@zeddelixisweird2932]

btamamura Yes. But that's the only not forced thing in this.

[@JCBro-yg8vd]

I think she had a role to play, but they overplayed it. She of all ponies shouldn't be assuming she knows what's best when she herself is guilty of crimes and many would argue she got a second chance she didn't deserve. I feel like if anyone were to make a better arguement for talking it out, it would be Princess Luna since she had a similar fate to Styngian originally. Heck, even Discord could've made a more compelling case because he had to work for his redemption. Spike could've brought up a lot of Starlight's other concerns, and Starlight would still be able to make a point during the climax about how it's never too late.

[@sonicgen20]

Yeah, if this keeps up Starlight may just become my new favorite main character. I am not kidding.

[@williamcrowe2576]

All I can think of is the old chestnut, "Never meet your heroes".

[@Zodia195]

Seeing how RD and Twilight have acted (Daring Do and Starswirl), I agree. In fact I remember in Daring Don't, I did wonder if Twi would act the same was as RD if she met Starswirl, and yes she did.

[@bluerose235]

Couldn't agree more. People - including ponies - tend to forget that their heroes are people too, flaws and all. It's cool that Starswirl learned something from Twilight instead of the other way around.

[@sadlobster1]

Is it really that bad to meet one's heroes? True, some might lose their heads over such a meeting. But what about those whit a greater level of maturity

[@weldonwin]

There is another saying that comes to mind watching this episode. "We all create our own demons"

[@petercharleskrug]

"Never meet your heroes" That would seem to be the underlying theme of that one Pixar film, UP.

[@thesmolswefur1357]

I cant wait for season 8! B.t.w great review DR. Wolf!!!

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

Here's my MLP idea episodes They should make another background ponies episode like In slice of life, but this time it takes place at Canterlot, like moon dancer and her friends try to get tickets for a concert, but every pony in Canterlot are on the rush to get to the concert, upper crust, jet set, Fancypants and Fleur dis Lee in this episode as well I wish they make an episode where Ember and her dragons and Thorax and his Reformed Changlings are invited to a Galloping Gala at Canterlot, but the ponies of Canterlot starting to be prejudice towards the dragons and changlings, Princess Twilight and her friends try to convince the Canterlot ponies that their not evil they're friendly, would that be a good idea for an episode? they should make an episode where Trixe, Starlight, ember, thorax, spike and the mane 6 perform a magic show in Canterlot, or Las Pegasus, but Trixe is having a hard time to be ready for the big night of her show, so starlight, ember, thorax, spike and the mane 6 tries to help her, would that be a great idea for an episode They should make an episode where Trxie's family come to ponyville to see her best friend Starlight and the mane 6, would that be a good episode? I wish they make an Fleur Dis Lee episode They should make a episode where spike and mane 7 go to Fillydelphia and visit Fillydelphia's Dragon Town, like Manehattan, Fillydelphia is a mostly modernized citu with cement roads and skyscrapers. It has an all-unicorn police force, and it is also home to a thriving population of dragons who live in a separate part of the city called Dragon Town, and the mane 7 and spike are send to Fillydelphia to solve a friendship problem from a pony or dragon, would that be a good idea for a episode They should make an episode of Diamond Tiara throwing a big birthday party, but she ask the help of the CMC to make this the best party in ponyville They should make a princess episode where Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Princess Ember and Princess Skystar get together in Twilight's castle or maybe in Celestia's castle

[@GPischke]

This is my new favorite season finale. And I would LOVE to see Spike and Stygian relate their stories to each other.

[@GundamNinja9]

My only problem with the finale is that once again Starlight had to be the one to figure out the solution, but other than that, I'm just glad that the Main 6 had a more important role this time around. Since Starlight showed up, the Main 6 haven't been getting the spotlight in the season premieres and finales prior to this one. Also, I'm curious to see if we'll see the Shadow appear in the EQG universe since that seems to be where Starswirl inadvertently sends all of Equestia's problems like the Sirens. That would be a pretty interesting story. Anyways can't wait for season 8!

[@GundamNinja9]

I understand that, but, with the past premieres and finales, I feel like the Main six are getting left out in order for Starlight to take lead. The fact that she combined her powers along with the Main Six and the Pillars to save Stygen is a step in the right direction. And I hope to see more of that instead of her saving the day as the solo heroine.

[@chonab420]

I actually would like to see the cutie marks of the 6 pillars

[@rainbowshinelove1208]

If you look close enough you can somewhat see Somnambula's. Though not very well.

[@alenaboettcher7605]

C. Bismonte just go on the wiki you can find them although not good quality

[@chalkwarrior5542]

C. Bismonte lol yee

[@Peppermint88]

It was funny that Celestia and Luna hoped that Starswirled would forget those essays they owed him

[@popstarchamp]

The Pony of Shadows/Stigyen kind of reminds of Nightmare Moon/Luna. Both had good intentions in the beginning. Both understandibly got overshadowed and felt underappreciated. Both got semi-possed by either a dark force or their own darkness. Both wanted to essentially wanted to blanket Equestria in some form of darkness when they turned evil. And both of them had some form of the Elements of Harmony used on them to at first imprison and then presently bring them back to their senses and be good again. The parallels are astounding.😋

[@popstarchamp]

Speaking of Nightmare Moon, how's Starswirl gonna react when he hears in detail who Nightmare Moon actually was considering his "pseudo father - daughther" relationship with those two.😅

[@Jacen32272]

... Am I the only one to notice Stygian and Starswirl have near identical coat and eye color? Do you think there may be a further connection between them? Relatives, perhaps? Maybe even.... Father and Son?

[@rainbowshinelove1208]

Highly unlikely. Similar to Ember's explanation for Twilight and Starlight looking similarly, I think it was more of a similarity than any indication they could be related.

[@jademuseplays]

Jacen 1 read the comics to find out.

[@realJoeMavro]

I agree with RainbowShineLove. Although, if Shadowlock becomes canon, it would be interesting to see him meet his ancestor...the pony he was so terrified of? I wonder who Stygian procreated with to create the bloodline that produced Shadowlock.

[@JCBro-yg8vd]

Eh, the comics would probably suggest they aren't biologically related. But maybe Starswirl unknowingly had a child or relative and never knew?

[@chalkwarrior5542]

Jacen 1 wait a sec, what about clover the clever?! Smart cookie?! Private pansy?! Commander hurricane?! Pudding head?! Princess platinum?!

[@davidweiss2407]

I remember wondering if the Pillars had an equivalent of Spike when I first heard the synopsis in the finale and both parallel one another very well. Stygian is shown to not as strong as others ponies by his build and Spike is smaller and weaker than any other dragon in the show. Spike’s greatest fear is for Twilight to no longer need him and send him away and that was what Stygian experienced from that misunderstanding. Stygian has always been a constant support to the Pillars in their battles as Spike is always the number 1 assistant to Twilight and anyone who needs him. And like Stygian became too strong to defeat normally as the Pony of Shadows, Spike, in Secret of My Excess became too powerful and out of control for anyone to stop. But as we’ve seen, Spike’s role in the group has gotten closer to the Mane 6 so he is more than a sidekick, even getting his own throne in the castle and even being shown that he can be called by the map.

[@BBBHuey]

They did explore Spike's role in the episode "Power Ponies" in season 4. Spike thought he was nothing more than just a useless sidekick to the main heroes, only to realize that he was just as important and valuable to the team.

[@Alo-gp7mk]

I wasn't expecting to not like Starswirl's attitude.. he just assumed everything and didn't listen to anyone else. However... going back to the spell he made that showed up in the season 3 finale, this actually makes a lot of sense. Celestia stated herself that Starswirl did not understand friendship like Twilight did. It was nice to not have Starswirl as the perfect pony that we all thought he might be, and it was especially a treat to see Starlight as the voice of reason.

[@rainbowshinelove1208]

Both episodes brought so much, and honestly Meadowbrook is my second favorite legend, since she's the second of the pillars besides Starswirl that has a connection to the modern time, her descendant Cat Tail. Somnambula has her town, named after her as well as the statue and legacy of hope in her village. Starswirl has the princesses as well, so there's the connection. I would have liked for Starswirl to have been less quick to demonize what Twilight had done, seeing how when he found out that the spell worked for over 1000 years it would have made more sense to me if he had said himself that magic must have come a long way from their time and that it could very well work to try a different solution. But that's just my opinion.

[@djlamar2]

You forgot to talk about how they snuck in that whole "Seapony" spell in there

[@lavenderrose82]

+DRWolf001 I definitely saw Stygian being the Spike to the old mane six. Specially after rewatching the episodes power ponies and Secret of my excess, where spike is either feeling left out or becoming greedy.

[@jademuseplays]

This is the biggest tie in and epic finale in all the history of the show. My thoughts: - Star Swirled and the Pillars - Pony of Shadows - Old Ponish = Old English. Confirmed by what they said in Ep 24. - Indiana Jones reference - Petunia, that archeology pony from the Gabby ep. - the origin on the Element/Tree o f Harmony - more Old english/ponish - the pillars staying in Equestria - lesson for all adults, pride can cloud kindness and logic - reflections of both types of elements - More explanation on how magic works - an epic soundtrack - History of Equestria and Tie-ins - Starlight being the voice of logic and reason - Earth Ponies and Pegasus gave magic and with the help of a unicorn, infuse that magic into something like a normal unicorn. - Celestia and Luna background on age, timeline, etc. - Evidence of how dragons are adjusting to Ember's rule - Seeing how the curved horned asian ponies have evolved - darkness shrines? So there were times where those worshipped the darkness? Cool - EQG world now canon, so Sunset may come over in Season 8? - Hilarious jokes and cool backgrounds - Sooo many VA's and characters in this ep. - Wait, if they moved the flash bee hive, how will you get the cure now? - Daring Do returns! - I want episodes that focus on each of the pillars and how they are adjusting to life in this age now. Like Sonumbula seeing her village, Meadowbrook meeting her decendant, Flash Magnus meeting the Wonderbolts, etc. - The animation looks sooo goood!! - Stigion is alot of villians but in a different way that what marvel or DC does. They reason with the villian, not just kick butt. - wait, so shadow can wipe out memories during the light if it takes over? That explains RD acting different in the Nightmare Moon timeline. Then Nightmare moon was an evolved shadow! And Sombra was a shadow too! Both shadows were sent to the moon after being defeated! A shadow fight in the future perhaps?! Oh the fan fics! - So combined magic can grow and when connected to earth magic, can yield fruit of stored magic. So much analyzing to do! - Ghastly Gorge was Ghastly Caverns? What does that mean for the evolution of the canyon eels? - Evolution of Magic confirmed! My headcanon will now be added upon. - wait, if the pillars existed at tge foundation/emerging world of Equestria, this must mean the world was ruled by the people and Celestia/Luna became the rulers after defeating Discord, finding the elements that their teacher left behind/something he hinted at in his writing. Since the pillars served at the castle, it would make sense they would put the tree near where they believed the center of the realm would be. So many tie-ins!! - the former villian trying to figure out another villians motives. Cool! - magic attuned to a certain pony? This is/enhances my core magic theory! - Shadow realm? Future plot point? - Sea pony ettiette? How do they know that? - Starlight looking at Swirled when he sees the truth, priceless. - When one is facing a darkness like drugs, you can't break free without help. Love the metaphor! - Turning away from others hurts yourself - When meeting your idol, don't forget yourself. - So powerful magic is done with runes, some magic done by using writing, other by reading out enchanted words, simple magic by just focusing on the goal. - Evolution of ponies, seen through the horn, appearance, etc. Explains Celestia/Luna's long horns and tall figure. - Star Swirled may seem like a jerk but remember the S3 finale? Star Swirled's character makes sense. He is prideful and believes in knowledge and logic. Not in friendship and emotions. That is why Twilight could complete his spell. - Woah! The shadow's goal is for everyone to be a shadow too, and feel despair. The bible references are strong in this ep, and possibly a season battle. This ep is full of of so much info! - The shadow has the same invasive properties as venom from spiderman. It will make you stronger and start to control your actions. When you try to escape it, it controls you more. Only through others could you escape. - This finale ties everything together and no everything makes sense. Season 8 is going to be so epic, but Season 7 has all my favorite episodes now. - The tree of harmony was created when they fused their magic into a seed. When it connected to earth magic, it bloomed. The elements are the stored magic of each original element bonded with earth magic. Starswirl's magic is the tree of Harmony's main weapon that can harness and use the other elements. However, it can only hold back darkness for so long without the elements, resulting in the season 4 premiere. When it has the elements, it can harness them to balance nature in favor of light, showing how the world has survived for so long. However, they are meant to be used as healing magic. Banishing Luna caused them to return to slumber until they could regrow power from nature and a banishing spell would do the same. The destination and power of the one they sent and for how long determines the power needed which is why the elements would be destroyed. - Could there possibly be a shadow war in the future? Both shadows were defeated via the elements or a powerful rune and who knows how many other shadows there are trying to claim the realm?

[@rickxhoshinji]

This finale was well written, and should have been the MLP movie.

[@untitleduntitled4740]

rickxhoshinji I totally agree!!!

[@michaelmcjunkin1372]

Maybe if this were an hour and 1/2 long it would’ve been a better movie. But to me it isnt.

[@zeddelixisweird2932]

JLog Lore I agree. Everyone is out of character, too.

[@grimlord3181]

@JLog Lore Thank you!

[@sonicgen20]

I gotta say this was a really great arc, even more so than the season 4 arc with the keys. With the keys alot of us knew that the glowy things were the keys that would do something at the end of the season. But here there were so many things not only of this season like the stories of the heroes of legends but also stuff from other seasons, Starswirl being alive, him and the legends being the ones that created the tree of harmony and therefore the elements of harmony and the map, the Pony of Shadows that was just thought to be a story, and the map served as a locator for the threat, so many things I never thought of before all tied together at the end, I was really surprised. The ponies may not have had the time to each of them, but who know's maybe they'll each get an episode to themselves in future episodes in future seasons. So ya I think this may just be the best two parter I've come across so far.

[@Scarlett-Hofferson]

i loved this season's finale! it was awesome to actually get to see Starswirl in the present, instead of just a book or something. and i never expected them to just blurt out where the tree and elements came from the way they did! also, what you said about spike makes alot of sense and really makes me think.

[@acemeister1624]

This part 2 episode is a 10/10 Super Mushrooms, the 2-parts are now 19/20 Super Mushrooms, Starlight did the right thing for telling Twilight about Stygian’s friendship problem and manages to save him from his other half, The Pony of Shadows and banished it

[@KSClaw]

I think this is the first time I've actually liked Starlight being around. She was a solid voice of reason, while Twilight had to deal with the situation that I can only call "Careful with meeting your heroes", with Starswirl being wise, but as you pointed out, so set in his own ways that he showed nothing but disdain for Twilight's ideas and actions. I just felt sorry for Twilight whenever Starswirl gave her that nasty glare.

[@Lin2Waterfall]

This also showed us first hand why "Starswirl did not understand Friendship" back during Twlight's ascension into alicornhood.

[@Arkus]

I think there could of been enough material for this story to make up a whole season with the Pony of Shadows being an overarching villain (which we haven't had ever in this series). The first half would have an episode dedicated to each of the Mane 6 gathering the artefacts to free the Pillars, the second half could have episodes where each of them team up with their respective Pillar as they explore Equestria in search of the Pony of Shadows and allowing development of these new characters. All the while building up to the final battle against Stygian. Granted this would lose the episodic nature of the show and not leave much room for "Slice of Life" stories.

[@AeroRanger100]

My goodness, what a wild ride Season 7 has been! And it ended on, by far, the best possible note. The Season 7 finale is an absolute GEM. It's the culmination of several things we've seen through the series and its spinoff films. Not ALL of them, but most of them. I pretty much echo the statements and thoughts Dr. Wolf made here. The characters' were utilized perfectly, the narrative flowed perfectly, the ending wasn't completely predictable, and we are left with tons of potential for future seasons! One thing that made me grow the biggest smile was all the references and homages to earlier moments in the show. Seeing the mane 6 sport the original Elements of Harmony again (especially with Twilight's original crown) brought back a huge wave of nostalgia. It reminded me of the days of Season 2, when the brony fandom was probably at its peak, and we were then going gaga for the likes of Discord and Chrysalis. Adding the bit with the sirens was also a very clever way to show (uses Silver Quill's voice) CONTINUITY between this series and its spinoff. It'll be funny and awesome to re-watch Rainbow Rocks just to hear Twilight tell the story of Starswirl banishing the sirens to the human world, knowing what we know now. I really appreciate Starlight's role throughout this finale. If we haven't had a character with the kind of experiences and past that Starlight had, this finale would be nowhere near as strong. The fact that she was the only voice of reason, trying to get the entire story of what happened, and using her knowledge and past experiences to deduce what was inevitably the truth. At first I didn't like Starswirl that much, since he was obviously quite the jerk to Twilight. Once Twilight proved herself, though, I was glad that Starswirl learned the error of his ways and humbled himself accordingly. It goes to show that Starswirl never meant to cause trouble or to belittle others for making rash decisions. He was only doing what he felt to be right, and considering that he's never experienced what Twilight and her friends did, you don't really blame him. As for the Pony of Shadows/Stygian, I appreciate that the show doesn't completely go down the reform and forgive route again. Okay, they do a little, but it wasn't completely predictable. Stygian was misunderstood the entire time, and because of Starswirl's shortsightedness, a rift develops between them, and an ongoing struggle is born. I truly believe, much like Sci-Twi becoming Midnight Sparkle in Friendship Games, Stygian never meant to cause harm. He just happened to stumble upon magical forces he couldn't control or fight against, and it turned him into a monster (This has quite the parallel to the origin story of Venom from Spider-Man, doesn't it?). This darkness that enveloped Stygian must have been some very serious stuff, since it envelops him even while within the shadows he was already engulfed in. And while the Elements of Harmony were present to initially take down the Pony of Shadows, I love how they were then used to literally pull Stygian out and save him, rather than push and banish him along with the darkness. Everything in that final struggle scene was executed perfectly and beautifully (I still can't get over how well the Pony of Shadows was animated throughout all this!). Ending the finale on the note that Starswirl and the other Pillars of Old Equestria were to remain in present-day Equestria was a brilliant move. This opens the doors to incredible amount of potential, with countless stories that could be told or expanded upon. If the writers and other staff for the show keep up the good work, this series is never going to end anytime soon. Just seeing what roles Starswirl and the gang could play in future struggles with threats, whether they might be with Chrysalis or some new threat, is astounding! Just picturing what could be done with the Elements for these future struggles is astounding! My goodness, it's just overload! It makes me all the more hyped up for Season 8, and hopefully, many more seasons to come! Looking back on this, Season 7 has been the strongest season of the show I've ever seen since Season 2! Yep, I'm going there. For me, Season 2 still remains the show's best season, with Season 4 running a close second. Now, Season 7 is the one running that very close second! Almost every single episode in this season was pure GOLD! I love how development was given not just to the mane 6, but to Starlight and much of the supporting/background cast! I thoroughly enjoyed the strides that were made, the triumphs that were reached, and the ultimate payoff it gave. I honestly don't know how the show staff is going to top this! I have some doubts about Season 8 because of how good Season 7 turned out to be, but I'm mostly incredibly stoked for what this next season has to offer when it comes along. One thing is for sure, though. Season 7 will be one to remember! Till next year, fellow bronies! :D

[@Djinsin]

I really wish that this show would have more multi-part stories like in the original My Little Pony show. I’m not asking that it remove it’s slice of life episodes and turn itself into an adventure series, just to give more time for these stories to develop and feel more natural. I understand it’s not the writers’ fault and they’re doing the best they can with the limitations that Habro gave them, while the comics writers get to tell their 4-part stories; I just wish Hasbro would realize that they should loosen their leash a bit.

[@FaunaJoy]

I thoroughly enjoyed this finale too. The reveal of the Tree of Harmony's origins were a bit of a shock, but really didn't alter my theories about the tree and the Everfree forest much. I still believe the tree brought in bits and pieces of magic from ponies over the 1,000 years of its growth and that's why it grew the elements for the Mane 6 and the Royal Sisters.

[@ianmitchell5979]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one who feels like this finale could have been it's OWN movie! With all the added characters and locations, BOTH with lore to tell, it MIGHT have been better paced if it was given an extra half hour or so. Then again, there would have probably been more exposition than adventuring, compared to the movie we got, if it WAS it's own movie. Welp, there's always season 8 to flesh out more of this for us. HOORAY for FANTASTIC season!! ^-^

[@dakotastein9499]

the way i see it this is MLP coming full circle with its history and lore...tieing up most (if not all) the loose ends with equestrian history(at least the focal points).i cant help but wonder if the next season will be the last.

[@Kartoffelkamm]

As for the whole thing with Stygian probably having been an earlier version of Spike, well, look not further than Owl´s Well That Ends Well. I mean, if Twilight hadn´t searched for Spike, but instead just assumed he didn´t want to be with her anymore and left to find his own way, what do you think would´ve happened with him? Maybe he would´ve gotten to the Dragonlands eventually, and when Torch gave up his title as dragonlord, Spike could´ve used his knowledge on friendship to trick Ember into helping him become the dragonlord, before using this very influential position to take revenge on Twilight, who just replaced him and didn´t even care to try and find out whether or not he was ok.

[@TheKanamesama]

@DRWolf001 I see so many parallels between this season finale and the series opener. I misunderstanding led to a pony being consumed with darkness and changing form, becoming improsoned for a long period of time. Breaking out/ being released from their prison and the elements of harmony being used to free the ponies from the darkness. And both misunderstandings come from a friendship problem. Did you think of this or was I the only one to notice this

[@wolfgirl774]

Photo Shimmer I noticed this too, Starswirl is also similar to Twilight in the first episode, we know from Celestia that Starswirl never truly understood friendship(hence why his spell remained unfinished) Twilight did not understand friendship in the first episode. She wants to focus on the task of checking on the preparations as quickly as possible so she can try and defeat Nightmare moon, in a similar fashion StarSwirl wanted to focus only on the task of banishing the Pony of Shadows as quickly as possible. Celestia's letter also asks Twilight to "make some friends." Twilight responds by saying "The fate of Equestria does not rely on me making friends" As it turns out making friends is what saves Equestria and brings back Luna, in comparison StarSwirl rejects Starlight's idea of talking to the pony of shadows (a friendship problem according to the map) again this solution is what saves Equestria and Stygien . Interesting to think about, especially when we know how much Twilight looked up to Starswirl.

[@Theseekerofinfinite]

I feel like there was actually a really big missed opportunity with this episode. Throughout the whole thing, despite Celestia and Luna basically tasking the mane six with retrieving Starswirl, they never thought to notify the princesses or bring them in on this one. It could have both included touching moments with the two reuniting with their mentor as well as a chance for a student teaching the teacher moment. If you think about it, the situation was actually very close to what happened with Luna becoming Nightmare Moon. Celestia could have told Starswirl about her feelings and regrets in failing Luna and banishing her, leading him to conclude that there might actually be another way, and Luna herself could have been the one to talk down Stygian more realistically since she experienced an equivalent situation.

[@DragonxFlutter]

When I first saw the episodes, I saw Stygian's story as an alternate take on Nightmare Moon and giving us more details than just "Jealousy Turned Her Evil". But comparing Stygian to Spike is actually pretty spot-on. It's like if they took Spike's feelings in _Power Ponies_ to their logical extreme. Having a series of episodes where each of the Champions of Harmony have a special moment with their equivalent Pillar of Old Equestria, including Spike and Stygian, would be awesome. And they don't even need to be friendship lesson episodes. They can be "let's get into shenanigans" episodes or "listen to my tale and learn from my mistakes" episodes. Celestia knows we need some of those now.

[@WolfEntertainment]

I liked the design for the Pony of Shadows and what could've been done with Stigeon and his backstory. However, the execution didn't come off all that well to me. It was too fast and tried to throw in so much all at once. Also I guess Applejack's family out in that area is dead now since we don't see anyone come back after Stigeon and Starswirl's making up. Also, I can't see Starswirl working together with the other legends so easily. Anybody remember how Celestia said that "Starswirl didn't understand friendship" (paraphrasing from Magical Mystery Cure)? The other legends just seemed unfinished and thrown in so that the episodes about them weren't just waste.

[@komradmango2305]

Wolf Entertainment Well, Stygian was the one who gathered them for the legendary deeds

[@Doomsday-yo7lh]

Well, while he didn’t understand friendship like Twilight did, he wasn’t completely devoid of compassion. I mean, he cared about Celestia and Luna. I think he saw the Pillars as more co-workers or fellow soldiers than actual friends though.

[@byronbrooks6366]

This made for one of the best season finale's for bringing things to a head with Starlight and his compatriots.

[@thecrazcat5858]

I'm going to be honest here; I absolutely loved all the build-up we've gotten for this particular episode over this season and there's a lot of interesting things here. The thing is though, I don't think we did enough with that build-up. I mean, the Pony of Shadows was introduced, he came out, the ponies went looking for him, and then they fought and reformed him, and then they were done. There really wasn't much more of him than that and I don't think we've gotten enough time with him for the build-up to truly pay off. To be fair, I really liked the idea of how misunderstandings between the both of Star Swirl and Stygian (someone give me the exact spelling because I'm not sure) were what brought forth the villain. We just didn't really get enough time to roll with it and see where it could go before we got it resolved, so a lot of the potential I saw was kinda wasted in honesty. So while I'm looking forward to seeing how all the ponies we brought out here- and everything else incoming for Season 8- and we have a lot of interesting things coming in, I just don't think this was the ideal way to bring in the proto-mane 6 here. I appreciate what we got here for sure, but it leaves something to be desired from my tastes. But that's just my take of it.

[@Amlet345]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thought this would've been better done as a movie (or atleast done in more than 2 episodes)

[@andymcneilly]

I found Starswirl as Celesta described him, someone who didn't understand friendship. He looked at the protection of equestria. When he saw threats that were possibly coming, he acted with what was best for equesrtia, no try to figure out why they are like this.Yes, taking down the villeins is needed, but those who have a chance to turn back can be an option. The pillars of Unity were more as a great guard then what the Elements of Harmony being a peaceful force that can bring peace. I am also hoping that we might get an episode or episodes looking at the Pillars of Unity getting used to modern life of Equestri, as well get more lore of the past such as magic as well their past lessons they had learn. Also fun fact I have seen: Unicorns of the one those years back have sharper horns then modern day unicorns, rather something to show the change in evolution.

[@animeguykurosaki1]

Honestly i would've loved to see the season finale as the movie, it has enough info about the other guardians, and explaining a bit about Starswirl for those who haven't watched the show would be good, and it all would fall right into place, nothing would need to be changed, just some things added to make the story a bit longer. Both episodes without the commercials come out to just over 40 minutes, so adding an extra 40 to make it an hour and a half would be enough to explore some places without leaving much out, and having the mane 6 connect with their element counterparts

[@sambeckettcat]

I imagine the next season will have at least seven episodes relating to these new characters, with the main characters teaching them lessons and helping them get used to this new time they're in, and possibly Spike teaching Stigion that he doesn't need great power to be useful and noticed. Outside of that, the premier, and the finale, I imagine the rest will be the usual MLP fair.

[@redgeoblaze3752]

I agree this should have been the plot of the movie. Overall, this episode was Epic. I can't think of a better way to describe it.

[@autumnlatus3429]

I agree with you DrWolf! Season 7 Finale would be AMAZING as a MLP Movie! Could make a huge chase of the Pony of Shadows, more on Stygian, and lots more!

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

Since the cast is so huge now I also truly wish we would get 3 or 4 parters in the future. Since the premiere two parter was skipped you would think this would be more possible too. But another option is separate cast such as for example if Twilight, Starlight, Celestia, Zecora and Spike travel to zebra land and deal something there in a premiere. And then another two parter what the reMane 6 and Luna did in the mean while with some other treath.

[@StellaMagic37]

I have two questions. 1. Who's shadow was it that got control of Stygian? 2. Who built that temple in Hollow Shades and why?

[@sokesamurai]

If they had more time to work with I'm I actually would have wanted to see the character's culture shock as much of a trope as that is I find it enjoyable. I wonder if that'll be something they'll touch on next season.

[@KeeperOfUntoldDreams]

I hope in the next season we learn more about the pillars, but, from their own mouths, we know their legends and stories, but, I wanna hear about it all from their points of view, especially Star Swirl, I want him to talk about what it was like to teach Celestia and Luna and study magic in the past. Also, I'd like it if foes from the past came back simply to see how Star Swirl would react to/deal with them, along with how he would feel about Discord _now_.

[@BillyTBum]

I think this finale was good enough and tied everything together well enough that it could have ended the show and I'd have not complained. Still, good to see it going on and definitely growing a beard. I particularly like the level of maturity that Starlight brought with her when she joined the cast.

[@Zodia195]

I am surprised you didn't mention the connection to Rainbow Rocks. I did enjoy this finale and while it had a lot of objectively good things about it, subjectively wise, I feel it didn't live up to its potential due to two factors- 1: Twilight herself being the one to cause the issue and her tunnel vision and lack of perception tends to get under my skin. It's really something I don't like seeing in general. The reason why I don't have an issue with Starswirl's tunnel vision is simply because of his intentions, I didn't feel they were selfish, like Twilight's. Only part I was upset on though was his disregard for Twilight when she offered another option. 2nd Factor- The pony of Shadows did not feel like a threat to me. In this sense, actions speak louder than words and simply saying how 'bad' this villain was, the fact that he was so easily taken care of made him the physically weakest villain in the show to me to date. Everyone other major villain up to this point has at least done stuff to be a viable threat to Equestria because of their actions. Regardless, I am curious to see how the series will handle these new characters next season. What with Crystalis returning, I wonder if we'll see any of these Pillars and Stygian in the premiere. In all honesty, I actually see Stygian as the 'Starlight' of the group of Pillars, rather than Spike.

[@Orthus100]

I am 100% with you that an 80m version of this finale would be great and would have worked much better as the movie. No plot holes, lots of expanded characterization with semi-new ponies rather than weird animals with 2m of screen time, logical premise. Vastly superior.

[@possessedpicklejar4762]

I liked how they told what the original elements were and how the six we used to know were just spin-offs. Sorcery, Strength, Beauty, Courage, Hope, and Healing seem to... correspond? A bit better than the elements we know. At least in my opinion.

[@theberrby6836]

I cannot believe Starlight has grown so much to where she can be seen as one of the most important decision makers in many episodes! I loved how this finale played out. The writing was solid, the characters, entertaining and believable! And the animation, little details with the characters' actions, and voice acting was top-notch!! =^^= I adore the sounds of Starswirl, the Pony of Shadows, and Stygian's voice. They match the characters well. The other legends too! And Stygian. He's now one of my favorite male ponies! He seems so sweet and kind, and I'm happy he's himself again. Though, I love the Pony of Shadows as an intimidating villain! :) I hope we could get a couple episodes focused on him. Or him and the 6. He seemed to have had a close bond with Somnamula maybe? Did she say "He dashed even MY hoof, of saving him."? She... has a thick accent... hehe

[@alenaboettcher7605]

Dr.Wolf I have a theory that flash Magnus is an ancestry of flash sentry and they just might use that in later episodes as an excuse yo develop his and twilights relationship. Oh a side note I TOTALLY ship flash Magnus and rainbow dash 😄 I'm also really hoping starlight becomes an a alicorn one day. At th is point she deserves it. I'm not sure whast she would be the alicorn of but it has to have something to do with empathy

[@Sir_Budginton]

Dude if starlight becomes an alicorn I'm certain that the fandom will go more crazy than when twilight became an alicorn. It honestly wouldn't surprise me if some chose to stop watching the show because of it.

[@alenaboettcher7605]

Hanif Shakiba that's true. I think she needs alot more development before that happens but considering she is twilights student like how twilight was celestias student I don't doubt it could eventually happen

[@baraness24]

I hope we see interactions between Starswirl and the Princesses, as well as Discord. Its hinted that Starswirl knew Discord, or at least knew OF him. Discord seems to be deeply entwined at the root of Equestrian lore, just like Starswirl. Everyone seems to know him, and everyone is wary of him. And given that he hasn't always been the adorkable, smug Ensemble Darkhorse that he is now, it would be interesting to see the two of them interact. Idk, I just love Discord interacting with anyone that is outside the Mane 6.

[@LinkSanti]

Amazing review Doc! I was so excited when i saw this two final episodes just like you, because everything was unexpected (The creators of the Elements of Harmony especially Starswirl, the Pony of Shadows, Starlight and Twilight´s role.... WOW) Let´s just wait for season 8, i´m sure it will be awesome.

[@bluerose235]

Excellent review as always, Dr Wolf :) Personally, I loved this two parter - so much world building! Although I do wonder about Starswirl and how he sees the other pillars. I mean, Celestia said in MMC that Starswirl didn't understand friendship like Twilight does, and this episode confirmed that...but she also said that Scorpan befriended him, and then there's the pillars...did he not see them as true friends? Or do you think it's like with Twilight and her friends in Canterlot, maybe he saw them as friends but didn't understand how much that friendship meant? I also liked how there wasn't really a villain per se, because the 'bad guy' was a victim as well...of the same corrupting influence that led to Sombra, perhaps? Not to mention his name, Stygian - referring to the River Styx in the Underworld of Greek mythology, it is now a synonym for darkness and shadow...I can't help but wonder what his parents were thinking when they named him, but that happens a lot with pony names :)

[@MrsSpyro01]

Hey, Drwolf, I have an idea for a possible future episode you could talk about. We never had an episode centering around the Equestrian version of Thanksgiving. I don’t have any ideas on how the episode could play out, but maybe you do.

[@jonathanredacted3245]

i'd also like to note that it was stated that Starswirl didn't understand friendship, which goes a lot to explaining why he overlooked Stygian so much, and how he seems to value the opinions of the pillars as peers instead of friends

[@gallendugall8913]

This sort of story telling is far less about taking characters through an arc and more about taking the audience through an arc. Awesome sauce.

[@CalliopePony]

I had the same thought, that this story is more suited to a cinematic movie than the actual movie was.

[@KawaiiCritic]

The preset was messed with to make this work. The actual episode was muddled and had baffling choices like pinky mentioning a reformed villain is right there and having Star Swirl pay no mind to it. And how they ruined some stories like Mist Mane and They other one with Pinky Pie. While I'll say the ending was really good everything else was a mess. They really needed to flesh this out more.

[@gadman85]

I did like how Starswirl was in a way what we were told he would be like. I still remember how Princess Celestia pointed out to Twilight in the past that while Starswirl was a brilliant unicorn in many ways he wasn't exactly the best at friendship and it turns out he was part of the problem. I did find it a little odd at first that Starlight was the voice of reason during the finale, but it did make sense because Twilight was too busy trying to impress and be accepted by Starswirl. I really will be very disappointed if we don't see the pillars as returning characters in the next season. It just makes too much sense to have episodes of them getting used to life in present Equestria and how other ponies will react to seeing them. There is just too much potential for the staff not to use them again.

[@davidpescitelli8004]

While I liked this season finale, I'll admit I'm not as crazy about it as everyone else. I feel it has a few problems that keep it from being one of my favorites. Part one is pretty solid and had some nice build up. It was also nice to see each of the Mane six contribute and especially Rainbow tricking Garble proving she can be clever if she wants to. Though there is one problem that REALLY bugs me. No one brings up the possibility that they may also free the Pony of Shadows. Like seriously it was pretty obvious how that would happen and no one saw it coming not even Starlight. I would have been fine if someone brought it up and Twilight just said it was risk she was willing to take. Part 2 my problem was with the villain. The pony of shadows had a good backstory, but as a villain I honestly thought he was kind of lame. He didn't really get to do anything and I didn't feel like he was that much of the threat. The heroes were pretty much going to take care of him no problem until Twilight went to save Stygian. Even Sombra had a bit more presence and danger to him. It's a shame because the pony of shadows had a really cool design. Though like I said I still liked this episode. Each of the mane six contributed something, it was nice to finally see starswirl, It was nice to see the sirens and prove that Equestria Girls was always cannon, It gives Sunset Shimmer more of a chance to show up in an episode, and I liked the scene where Twilight and Starlight talked to Stygian.

[@gc1823]

Starlight said in part one they shouldn't mess with star swirl's spell but twilight didn't care

[@Reeces]

So did the shadow creature get sent to High school now? The portal used looked very similar to the one used for the sirens, lol. Also with the new "well of shades?", I wonder if something will be mentioned about Luna and Sombra finding the same place as Stygian did. And the similarities between Stygian and Spike's position in the group, I wonder.....

[@Rickettson]

What I just noticed from this review is that Stigion has the same coat color as Starswirl, and both are unicorns. Could they be related? Like uncle/nephew? Grandpa/grandson? How else could a for all accounts nopony get Starswirls attention to come join the MLP:Advengers? It was neat to see a developed call back to the episode of the castle of the two sisters, where everyone thought Pinkie Pie was the "Pony of Shadows"...but Q: were the eyes at the end ever accounted for? Also wanted to throw out a few ideas, (prediction?) concerning the Pony of Shadows: He's a black alicorn-shadow-shade...Anyone else remember the Alicorn Amulet that gave the wearer what they wanted, but in a corrupted way? Sound familiar? And then there was King Sombre, another black shadow themed foe. AND there was what ever possessed Princess Luna to become Nightmare Moon. Wouldn't it be epic continuity if it ALL was due to the shade they banished in this season finally, or some cult to it?!

[@coffiecats]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who drew connections to Sygian and the pillars to Spike and the mane 6

[@OrangeBotton]

Stydgian and StarSwirl look strikingly similar. My theory is it is either coincidence, a family tie, or Stydgian is StarSwirl from the past (one of them must have time-traveled) and StarSwirl has a form of amniesia due too some magical mishap, began taking the name 'StarSwirl,' and does not recognise his past self. They have the same face shape, the same coat colour, the same eye colour, and a similar, lanky, body-type. We also don't get too see their cutie-marks.

[@breadleymcthicc5444]

I have an idea for season 7 that I like a lot. I think that twilight and the rest of them should have wanted to open the portal, as already shown. When the ponies come out, and the pony of shadows arrives, all of them successfully get rid of the shadow pony. Only thing is, Starswirl knows that the shadow pony can't be ridden, so he, along with his own friends, absorb some of the shadow each. They come together, and twilight and her friends think that everything is all well and good. Later, the ponies come to town, seeming like they're bonding much more than before they defeated him, and they assume it is just a great friendship. What is actually happening is the ponies shadow essence inside wants to collide back into one. They are actually trying to fight it. The shadow is too strong to fight off, but too weak to combine itself. In that, Starswirl and his comrades are aggressive towards the other ponies, and the mane six get suspicious. Twilight stares at all of them, trying to find something off, but she can't. As the ponies walk out of the palace, twilight sees a black spot on each of their cutie marks. The first part ends. Second part The mane six run to them, and try to ask what happened to them, they can't respond, but Starswirl blasts magic onto the floor, the magic turns black, and twilight realizes what is happening. The mane six attempt to coax the shadow out of each of their bodies, and they contain the shadow in separate magic locks. The easiest is Mage Meadowbrook (sorry if misspelled) and the hardest is Starswirl. They can't destroy the shadow, but it is contained and moved to a safe space where the elements of harmony once resided. The twelve of them seal the door, and the chapter ends in a tense but happy season finale. Just my idea, anyone willing to elaborate or change it, go right ahead!

[@mtnetsurfer]

I for one hope we get at least one episode where one of the pillars returns to their homeland to see how its changed over a millenium.

[@mastermold10]

i actualy have a little story idea that started ratteling in my head after watching these episodes...what if somewhere on down the line the mane 6 encounter a villan that is not only immune to the power of light, but somehow 'feeds' on it...so that all there magic save perhaps a few shadow spells that twilight knows, not only doesnt do anything to it, but makes it stronger...even the elements of harmony just make it worse...then starlight gets a desperate idea...and returns together with a few others to a dark corner of equestria for a make or break attempt to gain the power to stop it.

[@nerdydude1.882]

some things i want to point out 1) butterflies are known to cause chaos 2) storm-king used sombra's magic to freeze derpy 3) are we going to ignore the fact that zacora moved to a foreign country in a spooky forest that even the resident pony in charge with nature avoids ,learned the language and refuses to speak unless is in rhyme ? that is alicorn material right there 4) we still dont know what happen to the mirror in which morality is reversed 5) the reason why discord wasn't on the movie is that he was "tiding up" after pinkie messed around his home dimension 6) silver quill is probably a immigrant/detractor/refuge 7) emotions are a real force in this world i wonder how does that affect mod 8) the lutece twins of bioshock have shown up in ponyville 9) criminal ponies have cuty marks / mentaly ill ponies turn into nightmares/umbra's i wonder how does that reflect in the field of psychology 10 ) fluttershy ,pinkie and rainbow dash have used the canterloth royal voice take that as you want

[@Aereto]

I had quite the time to think things over, but I realized that banishing is one thing, but where to banish is more concerning. Sirens were banished, but only in the EG line the deeper consequences show. Starswirl, being the way he was, happen to make sense from past info about hin, further aggravation that his last resort plan was later undone in the future.

[@TheSpaceKnights]

I’d like a video about the future of mlp. This episode gives us content for season 8, maybe even 9. Forget Hasbro, if the series finale ever happened, would Brony’s let the show die? So much music, fan fic, fan videos, etc. I don’t think my little pony, generation 4, will ever truelly end

[@SuperGodzilla2]

this was a great season final, it was great to finally meet Starswirl, tho not gonna lie was a bit annoyed with him at first, looking down on Twilight, yes she made a big mistake, but still you then help them learn not make them feel worse. i really hope in the next season we get to see and learn more about the Pillers, we could get some pretty amazing stories from them alone. and now we can all say EQG is officially canon to the MLP series. this was a great season for reviews Doc, cant wait for season 8. keep up the great work. Until Next Time

[@auzrael]

With a name like Stygian, poor colt was destined for villainy. When will the mares of Equestria learn to be more careful with their names!

[@CybeargPlays]

But was there any reason why the Princesses or Discord were not called upon to help?

[@pickledshoe]

I am really enjoying the diversity of the character designs :D

[@leonavarro183]

How you do it

[@wednesday1875]

In my opinion I would had like it if each episode was actually about them finding the objects then it would lead up to what basically part two is

[@raptordaraptor7861]

My biggest problems are that they didn't tell Celestia and Luna, and that The Darkness was so physical. I don't see why Twilight and others didn't speak to the much wiser (and more powerful) princessess. Also, Stigian was pulled from the Shadow. I don't like that. It lessens the impact for me when the villian is forced into submission and THEN gets the emotional talk. That's what makes Starlight's and Discord's reformations special. They couldn't be changed by force, only friendship could solve the problem.

[@amandaslough125]

I quite enjoyed it even if I thought Starswirl was really stingy. I don't think it fits as a good finale if the show wasn't getting a Season 8 as that would leave way too many stories untouched. However, everyone got at least a little time in the spotlight even if some had to be more important. Honestly, it would have been way worse if this finale was taken to the big screen. The movie already had that issue which too many characters and needed an extra 30-45 minutes to flesh them out better. While i agree the story could have been stronger we don't need these major characters for it. Think of the exposition dumb required for all the non-fans coming in. That would have been terrible. I much rather have it be in the show where we only need a basic exposition dump for refreshers than trying to explain everything from 6 previous seasons to the common folk. Plus, we got our lore expanded from some new angles so that's really good I don't understand why people say the continuity writing is inconsistent. If you only mean by the tree's fancy multi-color super forms, I say thank Celestia they didn't bring those back. I prefer the necklaces and Twilight's real crown than those atrocious designs that were already smartly shown for minimal seconds. In terms of the tree's history being changed, I see it as "this is information from this other perspective added to "this is how we understood it to be' ".

[@chalkwarrior5542]

This season finale was like watching the first eight episodes of mlp ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!!!

[@gobokinje9183]

I'm really glad no one was around to see me spazzing out about how much Lore there was in these two episodes. >_>

[@PirateForHire314]

Once again, Applejack is the first to Twilight's defense XD Loved how she stood up for Twilight and told Star Swirl to "G-Rated **** You, Mr. The Bearded."

[@PiokoMew]

I want to know more about the ponies that built that well of shadows temple

[@albatross1688]

I also think this finale is better than the movie, but I understand why this setup wasn't used for the movie. It would have definitely required more explaining in the first act as it builds so much on what we already know, but a new audience doesn't know anything about Equestria. By assuming the audience knows about Equestria and things like the Elements and Tree of Harmony, as well as the map and all of the main and supporting cast featured in this episode other than maybe the Pillars, the episode could just focus on setting them up as well as the main villain.

[@Jamesc5531]

I'm wondering about the elements of Harmony, are they back in play as an end-all be-all solution like they were earlier on in the series? Is Twilight's line about the Tree dying leading to Equestria suffering mean that the tree is somehow suppressing or stopping other evils in the world, or is she just referring the Plunderseeds? If it's just the plunderseeds, why not actually mention the plunderseeds specifically? Why not bring up the fact that they Discord whom can solve the problem in a literal snap of the fingers. It's nice that they didn't de-power anyone this finale, but given how overpowered Discord is, the options are either de-power him or just have him absent from the episode(s). Aside from those tangential thoughts I had during the episode, I really enjoyed the episode. It's nice to see Starlight stepping forward in a role that is more about empathy, much like how Sunset has in Friendship Humans.

[@untitleduntitled4740]

Wonder what’s gonna happen with the shadow form? Will it end up in equestria girls?