"Shadow Play Part One" Review

[@possessedpicklejar4762]

The animation for the pony of shadows seemed a bit different. I’m not sure what it was, but it made him unique.

[@Doomsday-yo7lh]

His animation is the same, his entrance was just a lot smoother.

[@weldonwin]

I think its the way they realised him. When they first mention a 'Pony Of Shadows' I instantly thought of Sombra, but instead they present us with this Lovecraftian Horror composed of animate fluid darkness, like he was made of living oil. It makes The Pony of Shadows, easily the most flat out creepy and scary villain we've ever had on the show and thats after Queen Chrysalis and her Exorcist Neck Turn.

[@ma.jbrony1754]

Possessed Pickle Jar It looked really smooth.

[@DubbleM900]

According to Jim Miller at Nightmare Nights Dallas, the character uses hand drawn animation as well as flash animation.

[@ImaCartoon4ever]

So it's confirmed then. Discord is NOT Starswirl. Headcanon: DENIED! Also, this is by far my favorite season finale now.

[@destroyerblackdragon]

And Sombra isn't Starswirl.

[@dawnforest1506]

Pelcogo *gasp* Starswirl is Starswirl! What a plot twist!

[@weldonwin]

Given that Discord can warp reality itself and the laws of space and time are meaningless to him, I'd say the head canon is still possible. Afterall, its Discord, the closest thing to a God thats been proven to exist in the show. Its perfectly possible for Starswirl to transform into Discord and then Discord travel back in time to screw with people, just because it'd amuse him to do so.

[@BioniclesaurKing4t2]

Whenever I tried connecting the two, I always saw Discord as a Frankenstein's monster sort of "ultimate lifeform" experiment attempt by Starswirl. Other than that, I never suspected a connection.

[@thebeavpercabethftw9604]

You know at first I was confused about the timeline. Celestia and Luna started ruling after finding the Tree of Harmony and defeating Discord. Then they imprisoned Tirek, but it said that Starswirl was there when it happened, which would have been impossible because he disappeared when Celestia and Luna were young. Someone on another video pointed out something to me. Scorpan met a young Starswirl and this one is old. So, what if Scorpan and Tirek came to Equestria to scope things out and Scorpan met Starswirl years before Tirek was banished. Tirek and Scorpan leave to make plans, the Legends plant the seed, they disappear, Discord takes over, the Princesses find the Tree, defeat Discord, defeat Sombra, Tirek comes back and Scorpan warns them, and Tirek is imprisoned. That makes sense to me at least.

[@BlackHeartKitti2]

thebeav this makes so much sense!

[@travissmith2848]

Reasonable chain of events. Though I really got the impression that there is no overarching pre S1E1 timeline established.

[@nyxanix]

o3o

[@DarlCron]

"A thousand years ago" has just become "A really fucking long time ago" to me now. It's not an actually set of years, but just a way of saying it happened far in the past. Meaning the timeline as it's been presented with each new villian is out of snyc with what happened in reality.

[@snowylilacs7952]

thebeav don't forget Luna going all nightmare moon and being banished happen 1000 years ago too

[@leshyaedawnfire]

"A very calm and inviting presence that just radiates wisdom." Oh, so they picked you for the voice actor? Cause that's your voice in a nutshell, at least in these videos when you're not playing a terrifying bone demon.

[@davidweiss2407]

This was definitely a great way to end the season. It had a feel like going back to the opener of season 1 with the story opening and showing each of the Mane 6 (and Spike) showing how each of them is like their corresponding pillar and giving each of them a purpose so it wasn’t all about Twilight or Starlight Glimmer with the others just there for the sake of being there. I also like how they paired Spike with Rainbow Dash. It is a not too often seen pairing and perhaps a callback to Return to Harmony when Twilight made Spike the “New Rainbow Dash.” I would have loved to see them in the Dragonlands as a seperate episode so let’s hope for something like this in season 8. Having Uncommon Bond lead into this with the discovery of Starswirl’s journal was a nice way to get the plot going without making the discovery of the journal come out of nowhere. I can’t imagine this episode coming out as good if they had to spend even a few minutes setting it up otherwise. Stuff like this proves the show is still going strong even after 7 seasons.

[@nathankuhlman950]

This was BY FAR the most complex finale in regards to character interactions. Every character played a major role in the episode, and I just loved it. Plus all the new lore introductions, honestly I think this is one of the series' best finales.

[@destroyerblackdragon]

They played a role in getting the artifacts but each one of them only had tasks that took like 2 minutes. Afterwards they could have been written out of the story.

[@drathick9390]

"A very calm, and inviting presence that just radiates wisdom" Yeah the same can be said for your voice Dr Wolf.

[@Sir_Budginton]

Spoilers for part 2: There's an alicorn in it. Twilight, twilight is the alicorn.

[@RooniToon]

Hanif Shakiba 😧

[@nyxanix]

xD

[@ColtKitProductions]

Hanif Shakiba This made me chuckle

[@enigmachaos4413]

you monster! how dare you spoil that Twilight is an alicorn!

[@gc1823]

Lol

[@KSClaw]

One thing I kind of wish, is that they would have built up the things through the season, like they did back in the season with the Rainbow power gifts, maybe combined with the Friendship quests from the Cutie Map. Didn't have to be all the objects either, but like, Rainbow or Pinkie Pie could have gotten a necklace in the Daring Do episode or something like that. Ah well.

[@LunaDragoness]

I honestly like how they sort of told the story about these legendary ponies throughout season u and now I kind of wish that I was able to read the comics that probably went more in depth with these characters and see what could have been left out. Even though I did watch both parts I won't spoil anything for you Doctor Wolf just so you can be able to enjoy what happens in the next part but I will say it may surprise how these new characters are like.

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

Star Swirl The Bearded and the Pillars (Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Mage Meadowbrook, and Somnambula) well return in season 8 on 2018, I wonder how the ponies of Equestria are going to react when they see that Star Swirl the bearded and the pillars have returned after a thousand years

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

CoolDoominator oh sorry I forgot no spoilers, sorry it's because I saw this episode already before it aired on tv and I know the part 2 episodes of the season 7 finale already, so sorry again 😅

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

CoolDoominator from the video clip from the writers at the BRONY convention

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

CoolDoominator and they confirmed that there's going to be more seasons of MLP, I just like this show so much

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

CoolDoominator I don't know the link, the video was from one of the channels I subscribed and it was a long time ago, just search it in KZbin, type MLP season 8 clip, ok

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

CoolDoominator I don't have the link

[@RichardDong68]

You wonder, is THIS Shadow Pony the same Shadow Pony we saw at the end of Castle Mania???

[@mistydemorrow4955]

Richard Dong nope, this pony of shadows was banished in limbo during that time.

[@thelightningbrony4745]

+Richard Dong Spoilers for part 2 below! I'm pretty sure it can't be, as whatever dark power turned Stygian into the Pony of Shadows was trapped in Limbo during that time. But it could've been made of the same kinda magic or perhaps some of it that escaped. We saw Stygian open the door and transform at the entrance of the Castle of the Two Sisters, so it could be possible some of the dark magic there remained there. (That could've even been part of what infected Luna and used her jealousy of her sister's day to become Nightmare Moon.) The legend of the Pony of Shadows back in Castle Mane-ia was also that it was the remnants of Nightmare Moon's dark magic. That could've just been ponies assuming it was from Nightmare Moon since she was more well known than Stygian AKA The Pony of Shadows, but it actually being from him and not Nightmare Moon. (Or if my theory above was true, from both of them.)

[@davidpescitelli8004]

Can't be, but that means there are now two Ponies of Shadow and one is still out there. This one being Stygian and the other one being created from Nightmare Moon's magic.

[@raptarknaighor3860]

The Pony of Shadows in Castle Mania was Tirek, lurking since he was too weak to fight

[@Secret_Moon]

There was no indication that he really saw the mane 6 in Castle Mania. They just showed him lurking around.

[@Shasskor]

My favourite bit of part one was the bit with the "Magical runes". Those are Futhark runes, and read "Poni rules". It took me by such suprise I fell on the ground laughing.

[@Еленаю3я]

Who else thought that the animation at the finale was a BIT darker than expected....Especially with The pony of Shadow...😐😐

[@SamanvitaSinghania]

Yep! And loved it!

[@Еленаю3я]

Me too!

[@brianlevine871]

Without spoiling anything, all I can say is that this a pretty good season finale. Also, am I the only one that thinks the animation for the Pony of Shadows from 4:37-4:42 was hand drawn? If so, then that's really cool!

[@SaphireKnight87]

I loved this finale. It shows that MLP is growing up even more than when it started. And just like season 4, I was left sitting, and thinking to myself; "This used to be a show for little girls."

[@thebeavpercabethftw9604]

The Pony of Shadows is like the Venom of Mlp and I love it.

[@jabaribloodbane]

Hey doc whats intresting the voice actor for star swirl voiced Mr Sinister from the old 90's xmen c artoon.

[@acemeister1624]

this part one episode is an 9/10, btw Dr. Wolf, one of the voice actresses from part 2 voiced as Mistmane just followed me on Twitter, yesterday

[@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.

[@c-man2475]

Dallin Anderson yeah s7 was epic.Pony of shadows was a great villian.Maybe the shadow(without Stagi)in it may return from limbo or Sombra or that pony of shadows from s4.

[@tvesrb]

when your resident bad idea enthusiast tells you something's a bad idea, you'd best listen. Starlight's actually a great anchor for Twilight's neuroticism despite having trouble applying that good advice to her own problems

[@moonlighthunter5421]

I'll admit. When I found out that Starswirl the Bearded wasn't voiced by Ian McKellen, initially, I was a little disappointed. But after thinking about it, I realized that if Ian McKellen DID voice Starswirl, then he would just be Gandalf 2.0. Here, Chris Britton gives us something new. A new perspective on the "MLP Gandalf". This was a great season finale. In fact, this was one of the only episodes that actually got my heart racing. If an episode can make my heart race like that, then it's a great episode in my book.

[@JDueler11]

The intro is similar to the opening of the first episode, and the music and narration is similar to the animated Beauty and the Beast opening scene.

[@jemlolirocktoyz2516]

When I saw this,Starswirl and his friends are the ancient 6, but in the second part I felt bad for Twilight, :'( and the "legends" are like the mane 6,and I knew that the pony of the shadows was coming.

[@tyrant-den884]

These legends are probably my favorite season framing device so far.

[@shadowwriter4538]

Honestly, if not Twilight or Sunburst, odds are somepony would have tried to save Starswril and the others simply on the cause of wanting to do the right thing; it wouldn't surprise me is Celestia and Luna would do it if given the chance a long time ago.

[@thespiderofhonor3732]

When Dr. Wolf was describing starswirl the bearded voice I couldn't help but think that's exactly how I would described Dr. Wolf's voice .

[@lazlow8788]

I already knew once they released Star Swirl and the others they'd unleash the Shadow pony as well. Somethings shouldn't be messed with and left alone. It was also nice to see the origins of the elements which I thought were all but forgotten since season 4.

[@brittn2410]

Agree entirely Dr. Wolf. If Twilight and Sunburst had had that episode where they find the book earlier in the season, and If the mane six had to find their artifacts 1 by 1, I feel it would have made the suspense of seeing StarSwirl greater, and would have played up Twilight's anticipation to meet him.

[@lavenderrose82]

+DRWolf001 Do you plan to review the MLP movie? I would like to know what your take on it was.

[@connorthompson8376]

The subject of how those sacred objects got back to their original homes is a curiosity. It struck me that the blindfold was found in the drain. And that there was even a drain at all.

[@ThomasGabrielWhite]

I looked it up and Starswirl's voice actor was Odin in an animated movie, and when I first heard his voice I thought of Odin even though I haven't seen that movie.

[@AeroRanger100]

I agree with Dr. Wolf that it probably would've added a lot more weight to the flow of the narrative if each of the mane 6 finding their respective artifacts were given their own episodes. As is, though, this is building up to the be the most dramatic season finale since Season 4. It's great to see the current mane 6 come together again, possibly with what symbolizes the mane 6 of the past. It's also pretty exciting to think that if the finale ends on this note, the mane 6 could finally get an official in-show group name - the Pillars of New Equestria. That's probably going to cause every brony to geek out the way Twilight did about Starswirl. I also love how the opening to this finale pays homage to the art style used in the series' pilot. It's as if history is repeating itself again, seeing as how a pony of this generation went rogue and was eventually stopped by six protagonists, just like what happened 1000 years ago. Perhaps maybe there's some sort of connection between the two stories, now that I think about it... As for the episode itself, it was pretty good. Not a lot of action is seen until the very end, so I'm hoping part 2 packs a lot more of a punch. It is pretty hard not to notice how quickly events unfolded in part 1. The time it took for the mane 6 to split up, get each artifact, and bring it back, was surprisingly short. Again, I know they have to move the story along (and again, it might've worked better to divide this part into separate episodes), but this part of the episode still felt pretty rushed, a nitpick I find quite often with this show's pacing, especially with its finales. One other thing I noticed was how Starlight was being the careful, apprehensive one, and not Twilight (which Dr. Wolf also noticed). I remember Twilight being so paranoid and apprehensive in the Season 7 premiere, afraid to take a leap of faith in what she wants to do next concerning Starlight. In that episode, Twilight was scrutinizing every possible thing that could go wrong. Here, for some reason, Twilight decides to completely overlook the consequences of what she's trying to accomplish. I guess that whenever the plan is revolving around something that peaks her interest, something she wants, or something she undoubtedly feels is the right thing to do, Twilight tends to go very light on thinking through the consequences of her actions. She didn't want to let go of Starlight in the premiere, and she had no real idea of what to do with her if she did, so maybe that was why she acted with such scrutiny then. I don't know. Just some ideas. It's also interesting to see Starlight, the use-magic-to-solve-everything-and-think-things-through-later pony, being the one to try and put some resistance to this plan. Maybe she's finally catching on to the mistakes she's made in the past? As for the looks of everything, this is probably the best the show has ever looked thus far. Like, I know the look of the show itself hasn't changed much, but the colors, diverse backgrounds, and improved facial animations were notably improved. I especially LOVED how the Pony of Shadows was animated into the end of part 1. That looked like it was hand-drawn! It also made him look far more menacing and evil than I previously thought. Overall, great set-up for part 2! Can't wait to see how everything turns out!

[@StrikerFX47]

After all these years it is nice to finally see Starswirl in the show.

[@Gungelion]

I agree extracts of would've been nice The one problem I have is the idea that Mr. Wizard created tree of harmony, I never like that when it was a fan theory and now even less so

[@ShadwSonic]

Well, looks like another season wrapped up... perhaps I'll be in the mood to rewatch the series BEFORE the next season comes in this time. Speaking of which, I still need to keep an eye out for the DVD releases of Seasons 6 and 7, as I've already got everything ELSE on disc...

[@Altoryu]

Yeah I could see this ending coming from a mile away once you knew that it was a spell to contain the Pony of Shadows. Easily one of Twilights biggest derp moments cause she didn't even take a moment to consider the possibility of bringing not only Starswirl back but also the Pony of Shadows and I am sure there were many watching who wanted to say the same thing: "I told you so"

[@connorthompson8376]

Did they use ToonBoom for the Pony of Shadows?

[@SuperHurricane]

I just want to know when Applejack had that sort of kicking power. It's like her rear hooves are now registered to smash a apple tree into pulp on contact. Plus, it looks like Spike is about to be persona non grata by having the shield stolen.

[@JacobMKeeneAKADrPepperKing]

I also liked Chris Britton as the voice of Star Swirl, and I also liked Bill Newton as the voice of the Pony of Shadows.

[@sethcarlow8363]

i saw both part on my DVR and it was wow.

[@jlight7446]

perhaps the next season will include a friendship problem in dragon land with spike and rainbow. hoping for more exploration in the other lands and maybe the original protectors of the land working in equestria today as well as the mane six working with their heros.

[@pinkiepoolgamerbrony2789]

This season finale was Awesome Can't Wait for Season 8 And Let's hope for Season 9 and lets hope this show will GO Strong #MLPWillNeverDie

[@fallingstar4990]

How do you think Starswirl and the other legends sudden appearances will effect Chrysalis's return in season eight?

[@nightjackal366]

Was a really good season finale! i loved the pony of shadows design 💀 cant wait for season 8!!!

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

I hope Ember, Gabby, Coco Pommel,Derpy, Babs Seed, Iron Will, Daring Do, Diamond Tiara,Silver Spoon, The Diamond Rogs,Amethyst Star, Fleur Dis Lee, Fancypants, Suri Polomare, Lighting dust, Wind rider, Sassy Saddles, Maredowell,Upper Crust,Jet Set, Tempest Shadow, Capper, Captain Celaeno, Princess Skystar, Queen Novo, Songbird Serenade, and Grubber return in season 8 or 9 of MLP in the future

[@rcecile]

Hinting? It was pretty obvious that seed was the tree of harmony.

[@mikewong6773]

When Starswill appeared , did anybody think about Luke and the vision of Ben Kenobi?

[@sasamichan]

if you want all the artifacts to have there own episodes, that's how Netflix's Adventures of Puss in Boots plays out. Multiple seasons of McGuffin gathering just to reach and defeat the big bad.

[@ColtKitProductions]

I'm working on a fan fiction that works through my headcanon that Sunburst is Starswirl

[@MLPDethDealr32]

Wisdom? He was a dick to Twilight XD. No one talks down to my waifu .

[@jordanpete1970]

He wasn't really mean until part two. In part one, he was just really freaked out be the shadow pony being released

[@austinkasmeier6707]

has kirins been already introduce in this show?

[@davidharrington4828]

so is this the same pony of Shadows we saw at the end of castle mania?

[@lpsjewel324]

Honestly, I think that the story they planned for this finale was too huge for a two-parter. I'd say they could make a whole movie about this.

[@Revkor]

yeah, better then the movie they came out with. Which makes me ask, where in the timeline is that movie?

[@c-man2475]

Revkor i think they said it was between s7 and s8. It might be mentioned in s8.

[@rockmintswirl5616]

You know, the way they animate Starswirl's flank it looks like he could have a pair of wings under there... Who's rooting for Alicorn Starswirl? ~ Mintstar

[@Xolcm]

Starswirl's voice actor also voiced Sorichio Yagami.

[@changelingkingcocoon5029]

I do have something to say about Starswirl's portrayal. But I'll wait till part two, since that's where my comment would truly apply.

[@creativeartstudios6792]

One of the things i enjoy about star swirl is that he strokes his beard a few times during this finale

[@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

[@sadlobster1]

After hearing Star Swirl's jest on how much the princesses have grown. Who else but me wants to see canon filly versions of Tia and Luna now

[@Sunspot9522]

And finally, the last nail in the coffin for the discord starswirl theory.

[@Crimson-kt7fd]

I liked the ending of this season, but I was hoping Star Swirl would sound like either Ian McKellen or The Three-eyed Raven.

[@wanderinghuntress8645]

I never expected any of these guys again except Starswirl

[@connorthompson8376]

I noticed the book about Sea Pony etiquette. A little nod to the movie. I guess it takes place somewhere in Season 7. Probably the same with the Equestria Girls specials, but probably earlier.

[@connorthompson8376]

I'd forgotten that was in the second episode. I hope I didn't spoil anything.

[@Shearper2]

i'm seriously thinking that the S7 finale was the best one yet. not as action packed or high octane as season 4, but, overall story wise, the best

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

You ought to have given more predictions how you feel the villain is going to handled an so forth with this set up. But maybe you can do it later in any case.

[@arnabkumarsanyal8847]

I think the leftover magic of the pilars tested the mane 6 to prove that they are worthy of the magical artifacts

[@destroyerblackdragon]

I wonder how Star Swirl is gonna take it since his apprentice Clover the Clever's been dead for over 1000 years.

[@char6821]

Anyone notice the Indiana Jones pony? Edit: 2:04

[@djlamar2]

I loved both parts. Much stronger than season 5

[@matthewdinode]

"Calm and inviting presence". Pffff. You'll see.

[@SudokuBro]

Starswirl is voiced by the same guy who played "Chief" Yagami from Death Note.

[@b.r889]

im waiting the 2nd episode

[@juliettasyoutube]

i saw it a long time ago

[@Jumikana]

The thing about Starswirl that rely stuck out for me (and the reason that i think that in some aspects Twilight has surpassed him) is that he may be smart but he is not wise

[@generalzeta7000]

The villein looks like it was cheaply animated. And I like him like that. And Castle Mania gets a call back.

[@caramelcorn6777]

TL;DR Starlight should've taken a back seat in the season finale, and there was a little too much cheesiness for my liking. Also, this was an opportunity to have one (or both) of the royal sisters to play a meaningful role in the plot (that didn't involve being kidnapped, absent, or shoved in the B plot), and they wasted it. If I'm being honest, I felt that Starlight was not so much being the voice of reason as she was a huge hypocrite when it came to warning Twilight against saving the pillars. No one else comes close to Starlight in notoriety for recklessly, even arrogantly, wielding unstable or dangerous magic. It's hard to imagine that she's somehow wizened up when literally last episode she was more than willing to use the mirror pool, despite its risks (being discouraged from it by Maud), and turned Sunburst (be it illusory or in reality) into a child, regardless of what he might have wanted or been comfortable with. Starlight overall feels very forced in these two episodes. In conjunction with what was previously mentioned, she was written to be pretty much 100% right about everything (even when it might be considered out of character), and I can't help but feel it made her look like a bit of a Mary Sue for it. So when she milks the peaceful resolution at the end at Starswirl, she looks more like a jerk than someone who was honestly trying to spread wisdom. Besides that, making her completely right hurts the moral at the end, where Starlight's learning value as a student is at the expense of the audience's respect for the professional/elder/teacher, Starswirl. It feels even more forced when you realize that there is another character (or even characters) who would've fit her role in the episode better: one of the royal sisters, specifically Luna. Having one of them participate in the return of their old mentor would have put more weight on bringing Starswirl back, and having someone who would show affection towards Starswirl, which he could requite, would have provided the legendary sorcerer with an opportunity to better appeal to the audience, rather than make him look entirely like a grumpy old stranger who talks down to our beloved main characters. Heck, considering that they studied under Starswirl, they would even fit the gag about his handwriting being terrible, and the immortal princesses (especially the mare out of time) probably have a good grasp of Old Ponish. Starswirl's insult about how villains don't return from the dark side would have also left a bigger emotional impact if they had been said in Luna's presence, rather than Starlight's. Unknowingly insulting an old friend, especially one who has spent a lot of time struggling with the belief that she is, at her core, a monster is a lot more hurtful and meaningful than just having Starswirl make yet another insult towards a stranger he did not know. Also, when you have a demon of darkness on the loose, especially with feelings/motivations like being unwanted, unneeded, or cast aside, there is a certain night-attuned character that might be well-equipped, in terms of magic and being emotionally empathetic, to dealing with him. Also, towards the end, the plot becomes covered in a giant layer of cheese. Whether it was the pony of shadows wanting to eradicate all hope (it doesn't even fit his character's motivations) or Twilight yelling about how he should turn away from darkness and take up friendship, I felt like my eyes could roll right out of their sockets. Also, while Stygian did get a backstory, it felt like they did little with it in terms of how it influenced how his villainous form behaves (at least to the degree that they explain it), and the moment of redemption feels extremely forced and shallow. Sorry for the wall of text. If you read this far, thank you. I just feel that this episode had a lot of good things going for it (I love the lore and backstory), but the missed potential had me more disappointed in this episode than anything.

[@jehovaservant_591]

Spoilers for part 2 below! Honestly, this finale explains alot, especially how the main 6 are always surpassing their peers in every way. Of course they would, they have an ancient power in them that multiplies their abilities! I know this is alot in a very jumbled paragraph. But if you think about it, it all makes sense now!

[@SuperHurricane]

Also, if the Pony of Shadows was released when the spell was broken...who the heck was at the castle with the glowing eyes in the previous episode when they visited as a group in pairs?

[@SuperHurricane]

Come to think of it, did anyone else wonder why the heck those chunks of rock were also snatched up when they sealed the Shadow Pony away? Had the Mane 6 not been there, the Legends would have gotten seriously wounded when they crashed down.

[@c-man2475]

SuperHurricane Some say it was Tirek but i dont think so bc he would have sucked up Mane6 magic. Some say it was another Pony of Shadows that might be a growing background villian like Tirek from s2-s4finale.

[@cyberflight3079]

Exactly!!! Twilight didn't think it through

[@untitleduntitled4740]

The legend 7 are like the avengers but ponys

[@NoobFish23]

I disagree with the idea that each item should have been given its own episode. They tried something like that in season 4, and the whole thing felt very forced and predictable. I make appoint of never reading the synopsis of any future episodes, so as to enjoy any surprises, like with the Perfect Pare. When I saw that they were using all of these historical characters introduced over the course of the season, I wouldn't say it blew my mind, but had this sort of "Oh, I see what you did there." moment that I can best compare to linking parts of the map together in the first Dark Souls game. If they had taken the items, it would be like just filling a check list, but simply introducing these characters via flashbacks never really hinted at anything to me. Then again, I might just be rather think headed. Also, StarSwirl radiating wisdom? Prepare for disappointment.

[@draigonx32]

I'm just wondering, can the pony of shadows be considered an alicorn? More importantly, can he be considered a male alicorn?

[@diamondtiara2062]

The finale would seem pretty underwhelming for anyone that hasn't been keeping up with the show till now. I have luckily so I thoroughly enjoyed it ^^

[@princestarcraft7443]

The episode is really good but the only problem I have is the pacing, it also the same to what they did to the movie.

[@mudpie6927]

so much pony coming

[@mikewong6773]

Well yet again the royal guard is a no show. Then again, there's a lot of ponies on screen. I agree, this could have been a whole lot More! The royal guard needs a good sergeant and there needs to be a Battle! No, not a few ponies and magic, but let's see good ponies defending what they care For!

[@rolay7730]

It's like the creators said "you want ships week give you ships Mwahahaha.

[@evanthebourne]

Starswirl has the same voice as mister.sinister from xmen tas

[@BPJD2004]

Love the episodes, hate the new Starswirl design. I much prefer the old fan art of him with yellow eyes, a darker coat, the faded beard and overall more impressive stature. The canon Starswirl design looks like a scrawny nerd with too long legs.

[@connorthompson8376]

Overall, this was a really great finale! :)

[@AdagioAMV]

I didn't really like the finale it wrapped up the series with the legends and stuff but the whole thing was a little to far-fetched.

[@toyguy119]

... far fetched? Care to elaborate? Oh also you’re missing an o on the word “too”

[@AdagioAMV]

the whole thing unravelled a bit *too* quickly i think sir.

[@toyguy119]

Oh, you mean the part with the holograms? Yeah I’ll agree with you there.

[@mrexists5400]

twilight was at her most adorkable this finale the pony of shadow's voice just didn't seem to fit

[@austinkasmeier6707]

You know if any of you heard of the pony of shadows that was gonna be the villain of this season finale you thought the pony of shadows was gonna be Sombra didn't you? cause i certainly thought he was when talking about a pony of shadows.

[@c-man2475]

Austin Kasmeier So did i,but now if the pony of shadows (without pony in it)returns from limbo then it might help recharge Sombra and Sombra could return.I just want Sombra to return but it seems like it can work.

[@jlight7446]

honestly after seeing the movie then this first part by itself...it feels like twilight is forgetting lessons? like wants is over ruling judgement.

[@monkey-network]

Part 1 felt predictable. Like, even as I kid I would've guessed/screamed at the Twilight shouldn't have went out of her way to summon Starswirl.

[@roughseas3455]

DrWolf, did you notice the Indiana Jones Pony? Please tell me you did. Haha

[@rainbowshinelove1208]

This style of season finale review doesn't quite suit you to me, Dr. But it is an interesting way to look at them as separate episodes, even though they are of the same arch.

[@bluetie2177]

THAT IS WRONG IT WAS CLOVER THE CLEAVER AND HER FRIENDS THE SHOW IS RIPING ITSELF APART 1:42

[@kithongsam4994]

No. Episodes based on those five sequences would make HORRIFIC episodes.