*MLP Commentary* S7E10: A Royal Problem

[@Narrator007]

If Hasbro doesn't start mass producing Twilight Sparkle music boxes, they are missing out on a gold mine.

[@TPrower]

With some Starlight variants to boot, lol 1. Pfft, classy 2. When an episode starts blowing your mind right at the beginning, you _know_ something big's gonna go down, and boy, did it, lol 3. Heh. Well, Starlight did use it to further her time travel spell _and_ helped Twilight reboot it, but there really must be something in its magic to go beyond just the Mane 6. I mean, one of these days, it may call the Crusaders or Spike (even though he doesn't have a cutie mark himself) 4. Interesting. 5. Which puts his dreams of being a unicorn in 'Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep' in a much more meaningful context, lol. 6. Yeah. I guess my mind just associated 'tired, grouchy face' and 'breakfast' with the idea of needing a wake-up, not a nod-off. 7. No kidding. People complain that Twilight lost a lot of her snarkiness after becoming a princess, and I think Starlight's picking up the slack. That's one of the things I admire about Glimmy: she's still a sweet and adorable pony, but she's not afraid to be blunt when it's necessary. 8. Imagine if the spell had gone further than swapping marks and magic and had pulled a _real_ Freaky Friday, with their minds in each other's bodies as well. Then again, I appreciate the story not going for the full effect. It's been used so many times already. 9. No kidding. Considering what a skyscraper of a pedestal she still puts Celestia on, I'm surprised she didn't outright faint. 10. Good grief, lol 11. Heh. I like that one. =) 12. No kidding 13. I know what you mean. It doesn't help her reputation as a powerful demigoddess when she's constantly outclassed by the villains we've seen her take on. 14. I know, right? I've personally never had dreams of my teeth falling out, but anything dental-related always been a bit of a touchy subject for me, since I had to wear braces for so long. 15. Pfft, I see what you mean. 16. Absolutely. I'm proud of ya, Glimmy. =)

[@Narrator007]

3. How in the world would the map call Spike? Make his scales glow like the dragon lord did? And how would Spike know it wasn't Ember summoning him? 7. Sometimes, cutting straight to the point can be beneficial, especially when you only have 22 minutes for an episode. :)

[@dakotadoyle7573]

As the MLP reviewer known as Firebrand once said "Some problems are simple enough to be solved by a conversation, others require a Sledgehammer."

[@Usagi1992]

I'm so glad you loved this episode! I did too! It's said that in dreams, teeth falling out is symbolic of fear of failure. And Luna felt precisely that when she couldn't go back and fix that school filly situation. She learned the hard way that you can't please everyone, and that you have to put on a brave face and carry on, like Celestia does.

[@TPrower]

Glad to hear! =) While I'm afraid of failure myself, I don't recall ever having dreams of my teeth falling out. Then again, I rarely remember my own dreams, beyond ones of being back in school and being behind in classes I never even remembered I had, lol

[@Usagi1992]

@@TPrower I have that kind of dream too! Where it's finals week and I learn that there was one class I'd never even attended to all year, lol.

[@animasternorris6508]

@@TPrower it's more prevalent in people who grind their teeth in their sleep

[@Randerson2409]

Speaking as someone with 4 older siblings, it is patently absurd to me that the level of sarcasm used by Luna at the start would be unnoticed by Celestia. As such, it is now my headcanon that she is deliberately ignoring it

[@funcoolfunfun]

This, for me, is easily the best episode of the season, and the new second best episode of the series.

[@thesorans]

25:20 Sadly...there are still a lot of people doing just that. >_> >:( Seriously, I wish they'd just give it a rest and move on. She's trying to do better guys. Come on. Give her a break already. Think about it. If someone hated you no matter what you did and never gave you a break even when you try your best to do better, wouldn't it screw you up more? If someone gave me crap every single solitary time I screwed up (big or small) when I'm trying to get better, I'd be a nervous wreck and end up making more mistakes and never get better. On another note though...I did enjoy your reaction and I appreciated that you were so open to understanding her decision and how it could benefit Celestia and Luna and help them realize. And at least it was only for 24 hours. That's fairly reasonable and it's not like she was using her powers for evil. I liked the twist of using her abilities for taking/switching cutie marks (which had originally been a bad thing) for something good for once rather than for evil. And I gotta give props for that. It was only for a day and it was just long enough for them to both realize and understand each other better. And when the day was up, the marks switched back and there was no harm done. Sure they were angry about it at first. But it turned out to be just what they needed and Celestia herself even confirms this. Folks, when you were younger and your parents made you do something you didn't want to do (due to you misbehaving or not understanding), were you angry at first only to later realize that you were wrong and that they did it for your own good to help you and you learned from it? I liken this situation to that in a sense. The sisters were being unreasonable and didn't look like they were going to listen, so much like a parent, she had to put her foot (hoof) down and make them listen. I know that's a bit of a stretch....but that's how I saw it anyways. Obviously, Starlight isn't a "parent" and the sisters aren't "kids" (much less Starlight's), but I hope you get what I'm trying to say.

[@Gokuvstheworld]

It seems like for most that still don't like Starlight, it's more of they wanted Sunset to get the spot that Starlight got, and they're taking it out on her to the point where they just don't want to like Starlight, and will jump at any chance to hate on her, even when switching the Princesses' Cutie Marks, since the plan, while crazy, is actually the right call here (the map called only Starlight for a reason.) Some might not like Starlight purely because of her character and Sunset had little to nothing to do with it, but for most it's more about that they didn't get Sunset and less about Starlight herself, otherwise what Starlight did in the Season 6 finale would've be enough to prove that she really did deserve to be reformed and she really made a huge step in making up for her past, and to drop the hate already.

[@mechasaurus]

I love these "day in each others' shoes" episodes, and they didn't need to switch bodies in this case.

[@phibbykaden]

I found it funny how your "No!" and Starlight's were perfectly in sync at 7:40.

[@TPrower]

It's funny how often my thoughts are in sync with these ponies. Also scary sometimes. XD

[@Gokuvstheworld]

I yelled "NO!" at the moment too. That felt so weird, and yet funny, to see another do that too lol! Also, Starlight switching the Princesses' Cutie Marks was VERY risky, it was the right choice this time so we got a VERY rare moment when that pony actually used her magic without it blowing up in everypony's faces!

[@opalescent-diamondstronghe4966]

Cam Miller same here.

[@GaryTheNeutral]

Now for an episode with Celestia and Luna as the focuses... Waiting on THAT Hasbro. An episode with JUST them as the main characters. No Mane 6, no Spike, no Starlight, no Discord etc just a slice of life-esque episode with them being sisters. This was EXTREMELY close though so a home run. lol unfortunately Starlight haters will use "she switched the Princesses Cutie Marks and put away Ballerina Twilight" as more excuses to keep on hating her... Hate just never dies unfortunately... Overall nice video and looking forward to more from Season 7 ;)

[@michaelespinoza432]

What I think makes this one of the best episodes is how the characters ring true to what we’ve seen of them in earlier episodes, and all of that was combined in one great and cohesive story. I’m sure people have talked about Starlight Glimmer being the perfect pony to send on this mission: we know she is overpowered and can take away cutie marks, she’s bolder than Twilight, and she has no mentor bias towards Celestia. And of course, Twilight’s going “Twily-nanas” especially where her mentor is concerned, and the prospect of Nightmare Moon possibly returning. But I want to talk about the royal sisters; it’s primarily their episode anyway. It’s clear to me that Daybreaker is more dangerous than Nightmare Moon. In “The Cutie Re-Mark”, we saw in the Nightmare Moon timeline that she banished Celestia to the moon. But here, Daybreaker is trying to DESTROY (read: “kill”) her sister-and she isn’t even angry at Nightmare Moon, but giddily enjoying every bit of it like a sadist! (Like the Joker, maybe?) Also, it’s established that Nightmare Moon just wants to be appreciated (and we know that Luna loves foals). Thus, it’s at least theoretically possible to have some leverage over her. (I would have liked to have seen more of this in “The Cutie Re-Mark” with Twilight Sparkle, but we did see some of it there.) But with Daybreaker, you’re out of luck unless you stay out of her way. I’ve heard someone suggest that the last bad future in “The Cutie Re-Mark” was one in which Celestia really did become Daybreaker. I don’t know, but I wouldn’t put it past her to have that ability in her (even if she didn’t intend that result). I’ve just spent a lot of time talking about “The Cutie Re-Mark” in talking about this episode….

[@jacobb4795]

So glad you watched this blind

[@michaelespinoza432]

10:09 “It’s got to be my destiny…and it’s what my cutie mark is telling me!” I wonder if it was episodes like this that led to Starlight Glimmer becoming a guidance counselor at the School of Friendship? It’s real character growth for someone who used to hate all differences to end up helping others to resolve their differences. Then again, maybe her past means she’s better able to empathize-plus more motivated to help others to avoid the path she went down. As I’ve said elsewhere, I don’t know if she’s my favorite character, and she’s definitely not the most like me, but I think Starlight Glimmer is arguably the most interesting character in the series.

[@SpacialRend7]

This is another big episode and my favorite of S7 so far(and it's a Celestia and Luna story too); with something like this, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens later on! With Starlight being another friendship solver for the map, I can only imagine a few others being selected for map missions, let's say the CMC perhaps? I remember back in S5 that Celestia and Luna had a little argument on the subject of wedding gifts for Cranky and Matilda's wedding but, seeing them reaching high levels of boiling water here was indeed scary. The thought of Starlight pulling a "Freaky Friday" scenario towards the royal sisters was...shocking but an interesting path to go down considering their problem. I must say that I was very close to being spoiled on this episode, mainly Daybreaker(which is why I started watching the early Canadian releases to ease my curiosity and keep myself from being spoiled on social media). On the note of Daybreaker, when she revealed herself in that dream sequence, I had found myself in complete awe with the inclusion of momentary body temperature drop and a huge gasp of air. I had seen possible images in the fan art department of what Celestia could turn into if she went bad but, this...this was the biggest surprise that this episode gave me. Again, this was a fantastic episode and a awesome reaction video too! :)

[@proclarushtaonasat]

Well, the map always seemed to be aware of ALL the ponies in equestria, not just them mane six. Its AI had to be aware of other ponies, in order to detect friendship problems, and precalculate possible interactions between ponies, in order to pick the right ponies for the job, like, how it knew, rainbow would fall down a hole, and pinkie would get gilda to help her out.

[@TPrower]

That's true. I'd love to see it call the Crusaders one day. =)

[@proclarushtaonasat]

I also wonder, if the map can be used in conjunction with other spells. Starlight was able to combine the maps processing power with starswirls spell to turn it into a timemachine. The map is connected to all of equestria in real time, so maybe its possible to combine it with a teleportation spell, to instantly reach any part of equestria, or simply call ponies via hologram, kinda like twilight called starlight on her music box.

[@syabilaazri7834]

Oh... just you wait for the next season of MLP...

[@SuperSwordman1]

@@proclarushtaonasat I know this is an older comment, but while it probably could, it would probably be a very BAD idea

[@proclarushtaonasat]

@@SuperSwordman1 If you try to force the map, it probably is, but if you ask treelight first, it should be ok.

[@applejoy4411]

I like this episode and I do consider it to be one of the better episodes of the season I just find it to be an okay episode, for awhile I thought Starlight being chosen by the map made no sense but in a way it does, and since Twilight has given Starlight friendship test I'm beginning to think that the map was testing Starlight, there still alot we don't know about the map, nice reaction.

[@sparkymck1620]

Daybreaker=new favorite villan

[@studioshadowcross]

Did you notice that when Glimmy fell asleep, Celestia put tucked her into her own royal bed? That's so kind and generous of her! ♥

[@TPrower]

I know. =) Especially considering that Celestia was most likely still angry with Starlight for the cutie mark swap, taking the time to make sure she was comfortable's about as sweet as her making pancakes herself. =)

[@Narrator007]

Well, getting an extra day's sleep probably put PC (Princess Celestia) in a rather good mood as well.

[@Gokuvstheworld]

Starlight was even still holding on to the list she was holding before she fell asleep when Celestia put her to bed. Twilight would've probably be more proud of Starlight if she saw that lol

[@Pyr0t3kn1kz]

Amazing that you posted your BR to this episode on its premiere date. =)

[@TPrower]

I got lucky this time, lol. =)

[@baliyae]

I absolutely LOVE this episode!

[@supersonicheroes]

This was a very good episode. I know something similar was done in the comics, but I personally don't consider the comics canon to the show since they tend to cause more questions then answers and are usually contradicted later. I think Daybreaker was manifested in the dream by Celestia's own fears and lack of experience with Luna's magic, notice how Daybreaker addresses Celestia directly despite her supposedly being part of "Starlight's" dream.

[@TPrower]

Good point. I also haven't been keeping up with the comics recently. A friend told me about the fairly recent Celestia vs. Luna storyline.

[@joshblackwell8632]

SuperSonicHeroes Well most of the comics aren't canon including that particular comic. The recently released comics are canon and i know the comic where Fluttershy & Rainbow go to their Flight school reunion during "P.P.O.V" is canon.

[@dragmaXE]

First of all great video. And second....I am your *100th* like!! XD

[@yoshifan3077]

it's like Freaky Friday except for switching their bodies or souls whatever Starlight just switch their cutie marks of the two princess like you have no idea how hard my work or life is scenario. best episode ever

[@dakotadoyle7573]

Nowhere was it ever said that the map could only call the Mane 6

[@hunterhq295]

3:30-Twilight also had the going into the book spell too in amending fences, wasn't that impressive enough?

[@FarthingFury]

All I say for this reaction is, thank you. For going in as blind as you could. For seeing the rationale behind Starlight's actions (even more understandable when you remember it was a panic response). For not considering her OP for it like virtually every other reactor (Starlight's been capable of messing with an alicorn's cutie mark since her first appearance, why are people giving her crap about it now?). For that care you display toward everypony. For all the reasons you're my favourite reactor. This episode only ranks in 4th this season for me (mostly due to Twilight) but your insights are pushing it closer to 3rd. I'm not sure if you've heard but, it's been implied that at least two more episodes will be coming out early in Australia on the 20th/21st. If I may hazard a suggestion to minimize spoilers, maybe you could record your reactions when they come out and upload them in time with the US releases.

[@TPrower]

Thank you. I really appreciate that. =) I heard from a friend. I'm not sure what I want to do, but for now, I'll just have to tread carefully.

[@dakotadoyle7573]

To be fair it was never said that the map could only call the Mane Six

[@nguyentaihuy6048]

Love your reactions! :D

[@codyweathers352]

A really good episode

[@jackfrost7819]

Twilight needs to stop "helping" Starlight she keeps making it worst first 'no second Prance and now this. Saying hearing "princesses aren't the best" makes her nervous. it's not like she was so perfect. in "bats" she cast a spell to stop bats from ating fruit even though she shiuld have learned her lesson with the perasprites. also I don't think many thought of this but what did the bats eat. the spell lead them to starvation . then there was attempting to force Discord to reform by using a spell in keep calm flutter on', accusing Discord of spelling her friends in "what about Discord. "no second prances" where she tried to stop Starlight and Trizie's friendship. and not listeng to what Spike had to say in "sometimes they are a changling. ok so Spike messed up there but I bet he was going to explain the truth before they pulled him away from Thorax. she needs to stop thinking the princesses are the best at everything

[@izunadara1894]

Starlight was called by the map because she is the only one who can handle Celestia and Luna since she is stronger than them and she knows it, which is why she was so bold.

[@Savannah_Simpson]

Quick question. Will you be reacting to the Equestria Girls specials? I really hope you at least do a blind reaction to the last one.

[@TPrower]

I'm not sure what I'm going to do for them, but from what little tidbits I couldn't avoid seeing or hearing about, the last one would be the one I'd want to go into blind beyond what I know. =)

[@ljp878]

This was a treat to listen to. ^^ Do you think that Day Breaker was just something that Starlight came up with in her nightmare, or is there something deeper going on? Who knows? Awesome commentary. /)

[@TPrower]

Thanks =) (\ Yeah, considering she was focused on Celestia during the nightmare, perhaps Her Royal Sunniness had some influence on it without meaning it.

[@SuperSwordman1]

I like to think that it's an entirely unknown 3rd party. An evil force of the Dream World. Perhaps Luna ran into a similar one and wasn't so able to ignore those dark whispers

[@joshblackwell8632]

Great commentary as usual.

[@yoshifan3077]

Nightmare sun

[@Astral_inkwell]

As much as I love this episode I gotta ask how does the flowing hair work because Luna’s hair stopped flowing when she put her head on the table

[@TPrower]

It seems to be a conscious effort and tied with how much powerful the princesses' magic is. In the Season 4 finale, their manes went still when they gave their magic to Twilight. Plus, Mistmane also had a flowing mane.

[@Astral_inkwell]

TPrower oh ok makes sense thank you

[@railroadmillion681]

Watch shed 17!!

[@bobflame5679]

You made a big mistake you said shoes instead of hooves You're My Little Pony fan you cannot make that mistake

[@BUGFlower413]

Pls somebody tell me I'm not the only one who legit wants to taste the pancakes Luna made at the end of the episode TwT