"To Where and Back Again Part Two" Review

[@NavnikBHSilver]

I actually like Thorax and how he looks now. He kinda gives me that feel of a forest spirit stag.

[@MLPDethDealr32]

ikr?

[@Torterra625]

I get more of a butterfly if anything else, but yeah, it looks ok.

[@MLPDethDealr32]

what did you think of the part where Discord got mind fucked by all the Fluttershy Changelings O_O

[@NavnikBHSilver]

MLPDethDealr32 I reckon his expression kinda does the talking for me in that case.

[@MLPDethDealr32]

ik

[@professorsponge1554]

1. VERY glad they didn't redeem Chrysalis. 2. The new designs for changelings will take some getting used to, but it makes sense that they would be able to change forms like they did. If they can change into ponies and rocks, why not their base form?

[@-ponysparkle3-480]

Exactly how I feel!

[@professorsponge1554]

Yeah, in the comics they redeemed Sombra, so if you count that there are only 2 villains who haven't reformed; Chryssie and Tirek. MLP needs some big antagonists. Although, this change in the changelings does mean a lot of my favorite fanfics are now alt reality fics. x3

[@taddad2641]

i think its less of a changing their base form. its more that they were healed. i kept on getting in my head that the changelings were cursed. it just seemed to fit. their ravenous need for love, their apeprances. think thorax had something of an immunity, the love fo the crystal empire made him strong enough to release it, and he then released that love to others. thus purfication wave.......... but chrysalis is sitll cursed. though i think she will be redeemed by next time. she seemed tempted but pride, and maybe hwatever made them into what they are, caused her to reject it

[@ohno8398]

How was Sombra redeemed?

[@professorsponge1554]

+Silent Solitude He returned and had a mare from his past, his only friend, helping him. When things turned sour and his friend was hurt, he sacrificed himself to save her. He was later restored as a normal pony. I'm leaving a lot out but that's the short version.

[@Godzillawolf1]

I actually don't have an issue with the 'quick reformation' and here's why: It's stated the Changelings are STARVING near constantly, and Chrysalis seems to be VERY strict in her 'follow the royal' mentality to them, seeming to be a control freak. Thorax's new form seems to be a Changeling Royal, if him being roughly Celestia's height and having those two stag beetle horns is any indication. With those two things in mind, it makes sense they'd quickly turn to his side from their POV: they've been told by Chrysalis 'obey your leader', but never had ANY choice in the matter because to our knowledge, she's the ONLY queen that exists. But then Thorax transforms into his new, apparently royal form and they have an option. An option that will get rid of that constant starving feeling they've ALWAYS had. I can kinda see why they'd turn around given those circumstances.

[@-ponysparkle3-480]

I agree!

[@tyrant-den884]

Godzillawolf1 or maybe they are really nice, but just don't handle being hungry well.

[@anarchistauthor5475]

that makes sense, I do enjoy of how this added new things to keep surprising us. This actually reminds me of the Son-in-Law of Discord story line, where the changelings became allies after they recovered Chrysalis' heart. This was amazing and I can't wait to see how season 7 follows up on this whole issue.

[@DoctorMinatoArisoto]

Give those changelings some snickers!

[@akanesaotome5924]

So true.

[@dracothedrangonful]

I think that the new Changeling forms are gorgeous. True, some of the color scheme is a bit off for some but it reminds me of a butterfly. I also love Thorax. He's so adorable.

[@dracothedrangonful]

Also Discord's face when he gets mad that his flying pig didn't work will become a meme.

[@generalzeta7000]

Think the Changeling reviewers are going to updater their forms? I know their at least 3 of them. Sketchy, Brony Notion/sawtooth, and That guy with the weird eyeball.

[@dracothedrangonful]

Maybe, maybe not. All depends on how they feel about it.

[@ryancarson6962]

General Zeta I wouldn't it clearly annoyed sketchy to be constantly asked to review the changeling episode for simply having a changeling OC. I think it will annoy him if people do the same with this. So I suggest to not do it.

[@generalzeta7000]

My only interest is to ask it they plan to change with the times. And leave it at that. They each did their own unique design, and I understand if they want to stay the same or change.

[@meraki0w0]

i loved how the changlings pulled that mind game on discord, like holy crap and i loved at the end of the episode when discord sees the real fluttershy and he just hugs her X3

[@mmiw134]

I didn't mind too much about the changelings all being reformed, since they had been starving for so long. It's the sudden mention of never starving again which makes them all suddenly interested in what Starlight is saying. Kind of makes me think they were never really evil, they were just insanely hungry and Chrysalis had taught them that it's a dog-eat-dog world and they would all die if they didn't suck the love out of others. Would be nice to see some of this though... and yes you're right we DEFO need a backstory for Chrysalis.

[@mysryuza]

I agree with you on that!

[@jaqwon14]

Can we just think about this? Spike is Friends with the Leader of the Dragons and Leader of the changelings now!

[@tommikoistinen2321]

plus Mane 6,Discord and Starlight Glimmer. Thats a pretty powerful group of friends.

[@SamuraiEchidna]

Yep. That is awesome. I've always said Spike is the coolest little kid on the show. He may be the butt of the joke a lot of times, but I still wish my life could have been HALF as good as his when I was that young.

[@tommikoistinen2321]

***** Friendship,forgiveness and redemption are the themes of this show not battles. Seeing Starlight save the day with Discord,Trixie and Thorax was the best thing ever. This finale is easily the best one in the whole show.

[@joinmarch76]

So...he's technically a diplomat now? I gotta say, Spike's come a long way since Season 1!

[@joinmarch76]

While I will concede on some of this to an extent, you're forgetting one thing: The idea of the leads beating the living ftargle out of the enemy through skill and power alone is an annoying cliche. It's actually pretty refreshing to find a show that tries to show that emotions can help sway enemies to your side. Are there those who do that better with a lot more action? Certainly, just look at Steven Universe or Wander Over Yonder for better executed examples. However, I won't fault the series for trying to talk things out first before going to fisticuffs. Besides, it's not like they're allergic to combat; have you SEEN the Season 2 finale?

[@dracohalo117]

Ami I the only one who thinks the Changelings look like Deer in their new forms? So...Dragons, Yaks, Griffins, Changelings/Deer...I wonder what other races they'll be making 'alliances' with? And I wonder...does that mean that the 'natural' creatures, such as Dogs, Bears, Pigs, Cows, etc...were designed by Ponies? And all the other mythical races are considered 'natural'?

[@chaossin7425]

I thought the "Antlers" looked more like a stag beetle's pincers.

[@terrosblue5575]

well there are rumours that there will be merponies and hippogriffs in the up and coming mlp film. so that should be good. and poor old silver quill wont be so alone anymore

[@weldonwin]

I agree and its more than just Thorax's antlers, their body shape and proportions are more deer-like than equine. Also, I think some of them didn't have horns, so, possible indicator of gender?

[@nicolehuman2004]

sammmeee, at least I really hope so

[@Cowboygineer]

This was a solid finale, and a breath of fresh air from the "Mane 6 solves things by friendship magic" trope they done in the past. Good story, 95% spot-on comedy, and loads of spectacular detail, effects, and animation. 9/10.

[@odinoco]

it was a nice character study for Trixie, Thorax, and Discord, and an interesting development for Starlight

[@starvoltnexus3139]

All the changelings suddenly sharing love is a little rushed but it might make sense if they had some love stored in them already. I honestly like the designs I also love how Throax's transformation made him the new king it reminded me of how Alicorn Princesses usually ascend specifically Celestia and Luna who became Princesses after saving Equestria from Discord

[@kamy2425]

I would have liked a better visual through the whole sharing love thing. Like one Changeling's beam connect with one, which means its sharing its love to another one. And then it ends with all of them connecting.

[@starvoltnexus3139]

***** interesting observations but what I meant was he ascended in a way Alicorns do he helped his people find a better way and saved them from Chrysalis. And had they kept going under her rule they'd be always starving and hated. In fact I'd argue the times are a changing is no second Prances done right since originally he was part of the canterlot invasion and even if he wasn't Equestrians had no reason to trust changelings

[@matiasaguayo3175]

Celestia and Luna were already alicorns before they even overthrown Discord, and it's implied that they were rulers before Discord came into power.

[@starvoltnexus3139]

Thanks

[@wingblade6023]

Maybe Chrysalis is going to travel to the goat kingdom to revive Grogar and lead a siege of not only the undead but an army of beings trapped in tartarus. Picture it Sombra Terek and other being banished to that hell hole backed by an army controlled by history's greatest necromancer.

[@DoctorMinatoArisoto]

Maybe not sombra or Tirek, but I would like to see Grogar. I liked the idea of a villain kidnapping unicorns to enslaved and work on his other realm Kingdom.

[@wingblade6023]

***** Lol

[@abisain9340]

The new Changelings seem to resemble moths, who come in a wide variety of, sometimes outlandish, colors and styles.

[@snolls105]

Personally, I really liked Thorax's new design. It bothered me that all of the changelings had the exact same color scheme, and I just . . . don't know how to explain why I like his appearance. With Chrysalis's new appearance, I can determine that she's definitely the most threatening villain in the show. When she first appeared, she almost succeeded. When she appeared in the Season 5 finale, her alternate timeline resulted in her seeming to kill off alternate-future Zecora while Twilight was running away. And now in this episode, she attempted to drain Thorax of his love, which based off of changlings relying on love as a food source, Chrysalis was attempting to murder Thorax (at least the way I interpreted that scene) and the way she appeared like was already said was rather disturbing. She's managed to do so much in so little that when she jumped off the top of the building, I thought she was going to commit suicide (shame on me for jumping to conclusions . . . too much Game of Thrones). There's just one thing about this entire two-parter that bothers me . . . what about that random changling in Slice of Life?

[@dazeymazey3516dr]

I'm pretty sure that was Thorax. Perhaps Cranky met him and helped convince him to try his luck in the Crystal Empire and... I take that back, the cartilage color is off and the holes in their legs are different. Maybe Thorax wasn't the only Changeling who thought like him? Maybe they all wanted to share love, but feared Chrysalis so much that they stayed hungry and miserable.

[@7Seraphem7]

Just the way she tossed Starlight around.... you could FEEL the hits... she really is brutal and as close to sadistic as you could get in a kids show.

[@dazeymazey3516dr]

No kidding, and when she turned her head around Exorcist style; I was bolting for the holy water and salt.

[@joinmarch76]

Considering how she's borderline Yellow Diamond levels of cruel and hateful towards everything that's not her (after all, she was lying to her own people for reasons that aren't revealed because new season)? Hell yeah! I admit, I used to shrug her off as a joke villain; what with her plan coming right out of nowhere in Season 2, and pretty much disappearing for nearly four seasons. But MAN, the writers brought her back with a vengeance!

[@dazeymazey3516dr]

She genuinely scares me... Oh my gosh, she wasn't kidding about making Starlight's life miserable. She could ruin everything she's been building up by posing as her and then doing some terrible things. The ponies would lose their trust in her, adding even more to her anxiety and basically isolating her from any chance of friendship outside of the mane six and Trixie.

[@magnificantmarkiplite5331]

When you brought up the odd design of the "evolved" changelings, this is what I thought; When we think of the changelings, we think of beetles, bugs, flies, etc. All of those creatures are, in essence, very odd. I feel as though the design is meant to make us think of a strange yet beautiful butterfly that used to be a strange and/or off-putting caterpillar. You're right about the fact that they look strange, but I feel like that's meant to reflect the fact that, even though a butterfly is an insect (an animal category that's disliked or even hated by most) and upon closer look it be the slightest bit off-putting to some, to most it is a symbol of beauty and uniqueness

[@Hollowman159]

I have to say one thing about the changling transformation, it felt much like the natural next stage in their life cycle, kind of like a mayflies, where they do have thier own larvel and adult stage they often have a third stage, however this stage is often very short lived, sometimes only being alive maybe a day in this particular form before being eaten, but back to the point. See the changlings feed off of the energy they get from love but to get to the final stage in their true life cycles they need to go from simply feeding off it to sharing it, and I beleive that Crysalis knows this because she is at her final stage in her life cycle, but where as the other changlings seem to become more vibrant and if I'm right seems to have turned half way not into something vibrant and full of life like Thorax did, but something that looked much like the drones and if thats true, she would have likely hid this information to keep her subjects under her looking like her as well, however this part is only a theory since we know absolutly nothing of Crysalis back story.

[@heatherkramer3139]

Think they really need to move to 3 or 4 part premiers and finales to give fully developed stories with less rush tp wrap things together all at once.

[@Nexiusify]

The new changeling look is so it looks good in coloured plastic and not in animation. You'd find that kinda colour and gradient with the sparkle wings would actually look quite good in a toy with many different colour variations for kids to take home. I kinda want one myself. A different personalized changeling for a kids favorite colours.

[@CumstainedBedsheets]

This really sounds like a recipe for a spin-off series. Secondary Characters becoming the main protagonist brings lots potential new ideas. This season has been the weakest so far. So I think secondary characters may re-kindle the fire of this franchise.

[@Dill_Pickle1997]

When chrysalis showed up turning her head a full 360, (shudder) oh Jesus, Jesus Christ. Can we get someone to make a clip of that chrysalis turning her head around bit with dialogue from the exorcist over it?

[@mutecryptid]

Although I understand the redesign would be good for a toy selling purpose plus the show is for kids, specifically targeting young girls so the new designs are butterfly like and colorful, I think it would have been much more interesting to see the changelings keep their original shape and then try to move in and integrate with pony society under the princesses so we can see how the two cultures mesh. Maybe even a few reoccuring changelings with different features or something so we can tell them apart. I dont despise the new designs, but I preferred the original. It gave them something unique rarely seen on tv shows. Their design was just really cool to me and I kind of wish they didnt just throw it away and change it. Could have made for some interesting episodes with the original design and how ponies percieved them. But that could just be me being sentimental.

[@jacobbading1000]

Maybe they only evolved certain parts of their bodies? Like how Thorax has his crystal like wings, some other changeling could have some sparkly horns, or tail, or maybe different coloured sparkly-ness on their wings, horn or tail!

[@mutecryptid]

Jacob Bading Maybe. That would be interesting. I hope they keep chrysalis the same though. I think a Chrysalis centered episode could be good

[@teamchaos5101]

i actually like the new changeling design. it is very great.

[@jkseraphim4]

Me too! It was unexpected.

[@sasamichan]

it makes sense for bugs. bight colors go well with insects but it does look like the world's worst OC or a really cheep toy made of melted gummy bears,crayons and cheep Chinese labor.

[@vanoskuro-ponyform1714]

Reminds me a lot of the Worms from Kabuto...then again, they were already similar, just, they are more so now.

[@kitkatboard]

While I like the overall new changeling design, I really dislike Thorax's one, too much colors wich doesn't mix well é_è

[@ErikButterworth]

Yeah, it looks great. And with Thorax in charge, Equestria has another ally for if Chrysalis ever returns, or something much worse that requires aid from Rutherford, Thorax, Gilda and Gabriel, and Ember.

[@rickxhoshinji]

The writers really outdid themselves on this finale. Definitely a contender for best MLP season finale on my list. The new changelings remind me of those colorful hercules beetles. I'm extremely excited for season 7 more than the past couple seasons!

[@katmaresparkles9578]

i love the new design for the changelings. i also do like the fact that chrysalis decided to reject the offer of friendship from starlight, and ran away to come back and seek revenge on her. it will allow more character development for her and starlight. i think the quick change of the other changelings is do to the hive mind mentality, but also because they could see for themselves that thorax was transformed and healed and ultimately ascended to royalty, and that they too wanted to be transformed and healed and not starving anymore.

[@PlagueBunny]

I thought it was the funniest thing when Crystalis backflipped off the cliff. I wouldn't have gone after her. I would've been like "That's a sweet backflip."

[@PlagueBunny]

Also the creepy head turn reveal thing.

[@xujintsguardian4045]

While I did find the changeling designs near the end to be a bit odd, there is one other thing I felt was too cool to ignore. They were all... Unique. I found myself hardpressed to see any changelings that actually looked identical in the end. Moreover, there was something else different about them. Something that hasn't been seen since changelings were discussed in the comics, whether flash back to their origins or an alternate world. They were whole. No cheese legs or mangled horns.

[@RosieSievers]

I loved this finale from start to finish, Starlight, Trixie, Thorax and Discord had fantastic interactions, especially when Discord and Trixie bounce off each other. The animation was fantastic, the comedy was on par, great world building for the Changelings, there were some really tense and creepy scenes that really caught me off guard, and the moral was great for Starlight to learn. In my ranking of my top 3 season finales, I put this one below Twilight's Kingdom and above The Cutie Re-Mark. 10/10 for me ^^

[@sadlobster1]

Same here

[@MsAnimeraven]

me too when i saw how they all enter the hive. it was like wow the hive was unique, 'and then we see trixs with her trixs wow that was cool but the part that part at the end was a bit rush,

[@KingTaltia]

I personally ADORED this ending, I agree the "Every changeling decides to share their love in unison" plot point was jarring and overused, and could've used a build up, like a speech from Thorax, and maybe some cheers to make sense of why the ponies thought he was their "new royalty". However, everything else was AMAZING! "A few of those illusions were above average" the interaction of Discord and Trix was amazing, but above all, I didn't like the designs of the "reformed" changelings, and I wasn't supposed to, their "reformed" or maybe "normal" forms are to be seen similar to Fae, or more commonly called; "Fairies" who were known to look incredibly odd, have a partiality to pastel colors, and, have "insect-like features" all checking off the design's choices, and I loved them! Well, more accurately I loved how clear it's inspiration was to those who knew to look for it.

[@Wiiguy1606]

Remember what Thorax said in his backstory when he first met Spike? "I didn't want to steal love, I wanted to share it." From the moment he was inspired by the Mane 6 working together to repel the evil changelings, he was foreshadowed to become a much better sharing leader than the selfish Queen Chrysalis! Brilliant! To satirize a quote from a certain sci-fi series directed by a pair of brothers(one of whom is a transgender): "Changelings need love, like everything does!" Thumbs ups if you got it!

[@SobiTheRobot]

I think the Changelings' instant reformation actually makes sense. In following Chrysalis, they were always starving for love; following Thorax, they would never go hungry again. Wouldn't you jump at the chance to finally feel full?

[@FanGirlStephie]

Did Lightning Bliss throw up on the changlings? Cause their new looks look like a rainbow threw up on them.

[@FanGirlStephie]

XD lol thats funny. And that actually kinda makes sense in a weird somewhat gross way.

[@Danielpall3]

I like the new changeling look.

[@annaliornica4801]

I'm not the only one who likes it. Yay!

[@blazefire1938]

I like it, too! :)

[@annaliornica4801]

*Fluttershy voice* Yay.

[@FanOfManyShows]

I've always been trying to figure out what a symbiotic changeling looked like for a fanfiction, and show just delivered it to me.

[@thomaswilkinson3241]

The solution was pretty fast, but we have been getting far to demanding in the last two or three seasons, so I guess it maybe not the solution or the story in itself that seems to be below average but our perception and demand that is over the top. I for myself liked the episode and it had a really good tension building up in the first twenty minutes. The solution at the end was a feeling a bit hastened to me, like the bowstring tore at being drawn back. But all in all it was very good and I would like to see more of Trixie interacting in the group and especially with Discord.

[@IceLena]

well they'll probably have an episode of them trying to find a new home and how hard that will be

[@thomaswilkinson3241]

That would be very nice

[@TheFoolishSamurai]

Thank Celestia they didn't give Chrysalis a rushed redemption. Side Note: The new Changeling designs are okay, but Thorax does look stupid.

[@charemchavrutah]

I was quite impressed with the writers being able to create a legitimate "Are we screwed?" moment. Kids' shows often have a hard time building suspense and making it look like the heroes might lose, but this one pulled it off.

[@LetzyPerez]

I like the new designs for the Changelings, they now look like evolved and beautiful butterflies! ^_^

[@acemeister1624]

I give these two part episodes 20 Super Mushrooms out of 20, 10 Super Mushrooms for the first part and 10 Super Mushrooms for the second part, Starlight saves the princesses, the Mane 6, and Shining Armor, including Discord and Trixie, and Thorax becomes the King of the Changlings, and dethroned Chrysalis for good, these episodes are awesome

[@kathana_da]

I like the new changelings design, I liked that Chrysalis is still evil, I liked everything in this episode. But it's a shame that new Thorax didn't speak...

[@kathana_da]

I don't think so. But maybe...

[@kathana_da]

They could use some other voice actor for that.

[@Juria316]

I really liked this finale. It's not as good as some, but not as bad as others. It was fun, and I found Chrysalis' entrance to be flat-out disturbing. Overall, I am looking forward to the next season more and more, and for the first time in a while, I am eager to see where they go from here. To be honest, I was kind of getting a Kung Fu Panda 3 vibe from the whole love transformation sequence with Thorax, and once the other changelings did it as well, I was almost expecting Chrysalis to explode. That, or be completely converted. must admit, the new changeling design will take a bit of getting used to, but by the same token, I got used to Twilight's castle, so I will eventually get used to this.

[@ToeIn2194]

I love the risks the writers took with this finale.

[@Wiiguy1606]

I ended up seeing them after all. It was so much fun! Dr., whatever's going to keep you busy for a while, I wish you the best of luck!

[@Lars_E_Mou]

Nah! It could be worse! Starlight could become an alicorn and a Princess.

[@realrealwarpet]

Personally, I want that to happen to sunburst :3 it'd be WAY more intresting to have a male alicorn prince. WAY more intresting. *holds up flurry heart* WAY MORE INTRESTING!

[@jeffreywebster4388]

I thought the finale was great, I do like the new Changeling design and the final act reminded me of The Cutie Map Part 2, and maybe Chrysalis will find other villains and form some sort of MLP version of the Leigon of Doom

[@GojiraSteve2019]

I kinda like the new forms of the changelings

[@e1iteyoshi998]

I liked the new changeling designs on both Thorax and the others. They sort of remind me of this old movie I watched when I was a kid. Also fantastic episode from beginning to end! It's the only episode from this season that i'm giving the 10/10 mark. I know there's still two episodes left before the season is officially been completed, but I think I can give quick conclusion of the season as a whole. most of this season has been really great despite the bad stuff we've gotten, although I cant say it tops season 4. It's better than Season 5, given all the world building and everyone else we've been shown.

[@oscarstainton]

Just gonna say this now, I don't dislike Thorax and the Changelings' new forms; sort of a Yin and Yang sort of vibe to it, and I even liked that they looked more like deer than ponies (something I really hope we see next season). It has a very alien look to it, and even if it is garish it doesn't detract from the story for me What I REALLY don't like is how rushed it was. Yes, Thorax had set up the precedent for Changelings being able to change their nature (hence Spike's song earlier in the season), but we didn't see even a little bit of that from the other Changelings in the Hive. I can buy that Chrissy had trained them to be loyal to her since birth, but that was way too quickly resolved. Oh well, at least she's still evil and out there still. Also, MAJOR kudos for the Lord of the Rings references at the end, that had me in stitches!! ;D

[@johnathanfunk6745]

The changling new form remind me of the Flutter Ponies

[@MorganWenninger]

I think the people that worked on MLP focus more on keeping children entertained and writers can't make everyone happy at the same time and I enjoy shows more when I don't expect anything I just enjoy what I get

[@MoTownIfrit]

Pony Suicide Squad

[@LycIrisAurora]

What I want to know is if the new changelings still have the same magic? If they have no more hunger there is no need to change into other ponies/beings. Even if they keep this power what purpose would it serve? IS their hive still going to be evershifting? some of the new changelings at the end also didn't have their horns whereas every other one before the change seemed to have one. perhaps the new changelings will have a split within themselves similar to earth/unicorn/pegasus ponies? they certainly no longer look all identical with the new colors.

[@poprocks1782]

Honestly, reforming an entire species in mere minutes- no, rather about A minute, just... *sigh* I know, I know, time restraints, but you'd expect at least a couple to still be loyal enough to Chrysalis to not be swayed by the words of one of their worst enemies. I mean, sure, they saw Thorax, but still. No wonder Chrysalis is the brains of the changeling operation. On another note, I was definitely happy to see that they didn't reform Chrysalis. To me she just has too stubborn a personality, and quite some drive, to be converted to good so easily. I'm excited to see what the writers will do with her in the future. She seems immensely more interesting now that she's an exile. What will she do? Make a new hive? Maybe take over a town like Starlight did, disguised as a pony? I'd like to see what she does to get her vengeance.

[@poprocks1782]

Huh, I figured they went back to the hive.

[@7Seraphem7]

Not to mention any more she might breed in after this.

[@vincentprovost1506]

The changelings weren't exactly reformed, they were liberated from a tyrant.

[@poprocks1782]

Well either way, they were swayed too quickly for my tastes.

[@lightlati7496]

Agreed. Her "royal guard" at least should have stayed with her...

[@xenadeleon4399]

As a girl who studies Fae Lore I find Thorax's form actually makes sense. When I first heard about the Changeling population of ponys in Equestria my first thought was to Fairy Changelings and so I considered them to be like the Winter Fae who are malicious. Yet with their new transformation it seems as though they have become like the Summer (and Spring - as they are the same group) Fae who are more benevolent with Thorax taking the position of King Oberon, King of the Summer Fae.

[@theleolover3408]

No views 15 likes KZbin logic xD

[@mineboom7377]

Kinda strange. In other words, wat?

[@cameoshadowness7757]

2 veiws, 40 likes... WHAT?!

[@pickles3128]

The views kind of get updated in bulk every once in a while. Likes are immediate.

[@cameoshadowness7757]

+Pickles oh! that makes sense.

[@murphyrise4786]

The parallel with butterfly's is almost perfect. Egg: Both butterflies and changelings hatch from eggs. Larval: Both Changelings and butterflies ravenously search for food. Love for Changlings and Plant matter for cater pillars. Of course caterpillars can't fly at this stage. Pupa: Both Changlings and Caterpillars form a cocoon that no longer needs additional energy to make the change. This is where the differences start to pile up. All a caterpillar has to do is eat enough plant matter to make the switch and not get eaten by something else. Changelings on the other hand seem to be hungry no matter what they do. UNLESS of course they share love like thorax did. Which leads to. Adult: Changelings turn into some stag thing and cater pillars turn into butterflies. At this point butterflies float around, look gorgeous, and even pollinate some flowers in the process. All while consuming manageable amounts of nectar from flowers(as opposed to devouring them outright). Unfortunately there's a downside. Butterflies have extremely short life spans. Most dieing after only a few months of furious mating. So changelings, you best get busy. Aside: Princess Celestia was sure quick to recognize Thorax as the leader of the changelings. She'd only been out of the cocoon for a few minutes and was already trying to get the most pro equestrian changeling in power. He probably would have taken over anyway, but still.

[@tugst547]

*butterflies

[@shebeice6079]

I don't like Thorax's new design either. It's weird.

[@pedrosaabedra5653]

it looks like it came from pony creator

[@andrewpepper9097]

Eris the Ice Cream Queen i agree. Not just that but it's a problem for changeling OCs

[@LimeLight0624]

Is it a crime to change him? They look better to me. I hated the all black and blue colors. This is My Little Pony. Add more color in my opinion

[@marykateharmon]

Any chance for an expansion on what that one changeling scene could have possibly done to Discord's psyche Dr?

[@trailgrazer2241]

As a design major, trust me when I say the design for the reformed changelings makes sense. The whole purpose of the original changeling look was to seem withered and torn apart, as a metaphor for something that suffers without love, but yearns for it. The new form is supposed to show how love changes and repairs the damage done to someone who's gone without it, and the butterfly themed design helps build on that as well. Admittedly, the bold color scheme is a lot to take when they go from dark and dreary to the total opposite, but that was the whole point of the reformed design anyway. And it's true, the sudden reformation of every changeling seems rushed, but in all fairness, we should be used to that by now. More importantly, though, the way the changelings were acting, intimidated by their own queen and mother, does help it a bit. If the theory that she lied to her own subjects when she knew the truth the whole time is accurate, maybe after Thorax left, every changeling gave serious consideration to what he did and seeing him go so far with it gave them the backbone to stop hiding. Besides, it's possible it wasn't ALL of the changelings, maybe some remained loyal to Chrysalis, and followed her. Unfortunately, all this is merely headcanon speculation that will likely otherwise never be built upon.

[@ninetailedfairy7800]

I like to think that the rest of the changelings (know I didn't spell it right) where reformed so quickly because they didn't want to starve any more. For them, the main dilemma they had to face was, do I keep on starving and always having to look for food or do I want to live not having to worry about starving. If I was put in that dilemma, I would pick the choice that would be most beneficial to me, and that would be not starving.

[@jumpiestudios5265]

Maybe Chrysalis herself couldn't manage to evolve herself and so, fearing he would lose her respect from her subjects, she convinced them that it was normal and over the time more and more of the evolving process was forgotten.

[@ZELtheIrken]

This is why I love Chrysalis. She can really play off that oh so creepy vibe and with Thorax being so opposite, and outside the norm, it really shows diversity in the Changlings as a whole.

[@Toonamp]

Also, did the royals go to a festival leaving Canterlot, The Crystal Empire, and Ponyville to a bunch of changelings who have know idea what is going on?

[@anabear9485]

The thing is that Thorax didn't speak after being changed. Was this intentional?

[@SuperHurricane]

The queen didn't change though, if anything, civil war is about to break out. After all, it's not like she had all her forces gathered at the castle, and she could always create hundreds at a time willing to serve her. In any case, this is basically something like Elves and Dark Elves, or when parasites become symbiotes. Thus, conflict will still occur with the Main 6 and Changelings no matter what, though Thorax may be more acceptable to Cadance over all.

[@meganignis]

I really like changelings new look, but also i was wondering if they can still shapeshift or how are other races going to be refering to them if they decide that name "changeling" doesn't fit to them anymore. Also are they gonna change the look of their kingom or will they move it somewhere else? so many questions and so little anwers...

[@supermariof0521]

This is my second favorite two part episode. My number 1 favorite being "Twilight's Kingdom". The way I look at it is basically "A Canterlot Wedding", only good.

[@AndrewHager02]

While I'm convinced that Starlight Glimmer has really come out of her shell as far as character development goes, I'm not quite convinced that she's learned EVERYTHING just yet. But that's good, really, it gives her more room to grow. Something I'm hoping will also apply to the -- **ahem!** pardon the expression -- "newly changed changelings," once Season 7 airs. (Fingers and toes crossed for Season 7 to air!!!) Also, I just LOVE the interaction between Discord and Trixie from start to finish between the two episodes! I can't explain why, but the chemistry between them seems so... so..... amazingly fascinating!

[@tromedlovdrolmai]

There is still TONS of potential for story lines based off the alternate timelines from the season 5 finale. Stuff from the alternate timelines could affect the main one, or vice versa. Maybe, in the alternate timeline where Nightmare Moon ruled, she could figure out the time spell, and try to go back, causing even more problems than she bargained for, forcing Twilight and/or Starlight to go back and fix them. As Twilight even described, messing with time has a snowball effect.

[@supersonicheroes]

King Thorax design is awesome. He's bright and beautiful where the previous design for Changelings were dark and scary. It symbolizes how by sharing love they don't need to be feared anymore or act like monsters, so now they can look the part. Kind of like a "Good Costume Switch."

[@RaptorRed]

i'm glad the MLP staff didn't reform chrysalis. we are getting a lot of reformed villains and i'm looking forward to seeing what chrysalis has in store in future seasons. this finale was interesting. though like you DrWolf the design of the new changelings was a bit much. it will take a while to get used too, but i think it's kinda cute. i can't wait to see what they have in store for season 7.

[@Chrysalist]

And there goes my "whenever a changeling recieves a higher amount of love they grow up to a prince/princess changeling" theory- oh well, it kind of has sense for them to metamorphose if they share love rather than consume it. And the designs really give of a stag beetle / bug spirit feel, and as far as I can see, the color combination is quite fine, no eye-hurting combos, although I do whish they could have done a more deer-like design to thorax's horns, they look weird.

[@Raziel312]

that initial view of the inside of the changeling hive instantly reminded me of any number of metroidvania games.

[@paladin313]

BTW: was it ever mentioned what would happen to anypony caught in those chrysalises for too long? Does something happen to them? Do they become changelings. I mean, there near state of hibernation was disturbing!

[@matiasaguayo3175]

Actually Doc, if you think about it, it makes sense that the changelings quickly accept thorax's way since they were starving all the time, purposely by their queen, so they jump at their first chance to finally be full.

[@matiasaguayo3175]

As for the changeling's new form, they were design to resemble rainbow stag beetles.

[@gracie1964]

how to get access to episode it hasn't even come out yet I mean episode 23 is coming out tomorrow how did u you get access to episode 25 and 26

[@Skystarry75]

I don't mind the new design of the changelings. They kinda remind me of rainbow stag beetles... Which are very colorful bugs, predominately yellow and green, with purples and reds and blues and pinks thrown in.

[@alfasquin6958]

I love how the changelings followed Throax's example but I would also like if some changelings decided to stay loyal to Chrysalis. I would also like see the possible difficulties of the ponies getting use to the reformed changelings and how they deal with it.

[@KenshiImmortalWolf]

what i find interesting is that thorax and his new reformed hive give credence to a story Dr wolf did a dramatic reading to, anyone else remember changling fluttershy? Infact alot of the aspects of the changlings reminded me of many many theories headcannons and fanfics surrounding the hive prior to this finale.

[@SpectrumSwordtails]

well, whos to say that the changelings werent already wanting to follow in thoarax's example, but were to scared to, that would explain why when starlight reached out to them, and saw how thorax had transformed, got over their fear of what would happen them, and just do it, does that help exlain things a little doc, a little?

[@MLPDethDealr32]

Dr. Wolf, What got me was the part with all The Fluttershy changelings. THAT Really messed with Discords head. And the fact that one of them pulled off a convincing Sassy Fluttershy O_O

[@DemiTrusdale3]

Maybe they will do the same thing they did with starlight... sneaking chrysalis into the backgrounds... or having random ponies eyes glimmer as they look on among other ponies, and so on...

[@JAD-nb1io]

They mentioned king sombra in the premier and they featured changelings knowing about the empire maybe chrysalis may try to get some new allies also what the changelings still in equestria posing as the gang did they flee or join thorax plus many changelings were blasted off in different directions maybe they went back to the hive? Or did they go off and do their own thing. I mean some had to stay loyal because chrysalis is the hive mother after all if they act anything like bees

[@G3T_Racket]

I know the new Changelings look a little off, but I think they'll grow on anyone, they remind me of colorful bugs, like Jewel Beetles or Rainbow Shield Bugs.

[@rosymusic7]

Well that was quick. Season 6 is already over and I'm still waiting for episodes such as "Where the Apple Lies" which probably should've come before this episode.

[@Nuinwing]

what about the changelings that replaced the royalty? are they still at large and loyal to Chrysalis? Could they and Chrysalis be the villains of season 7 premiere?

[@cofagrigusfan24]

well the changelings are partly based on bugs, wich does explain the design (old and new) + chrysalis her body twists when she shows herself

[@mothsolotl]

I didn't quite have the same reaction to the second part. I was more focused on the interactions than I was on the validity of the plot, since the events that transpired didn't violate what I saw as a logical progression. In retrospect, perhaps the changelings' evolved state could be a little less harsh on the eyes, but perhaps they have some type of chameleon trait that changes their pattern *and* form? What if their evolved state doesn't even need to change form or color, and what if that was only necessary to help with the harvesting of love from their environment? If the latter were the case, I guess the prior would be made a null point.

[@Catpuff818]

In defense of the "too quick turn around of the changelings", it makes sense that if they've lived with the constant feeling of starvation and they found out there was a way to finally get rid of it I really think it makes sense that most of them would give it a try right away.

[@forestgrump4723]

Not to mention they are followers by nature. They don't seem to question very much, which is an insectlike trait.

[@Altoryu]

I thought it ended fine, didn't have any issues with the changeling redesign either.

[@steveeng1533]

What happen to all the ones I that wasn't there for the transformation? I thought they needed to address the issue that there are changelings in sensitive positions instead of attending a party.

[@BeareroftheBeast]

Hmm... The changelings may have undergone a physical change, but they still need to adjust to their new appearances (and possibly abilities) and deal with the major shift their society will inevitably undergo after these events. All in all, it still leaves a lot of possibilities for changeling-based stories.

[@ErikButterworth]

What scared me the most was not just seeing Celestia in a cocoon again after the first time in A Canterlot Wedding, but seeing Luna, Cadance, and the Mane Six in cocoons as well made me fear what would happen if Starlight failed to rescue them at all. It was clear that, being stuck in there for possibly hours, if not at least 1-2 days, the fluid inside the cocoons were slowly sedating the Royal Family and the Mane Six, putting them into a peaceful sleep of suspended animation, so when Chrysalis decided to finally let them go, Equestria would already be under her control, and they would be unable to do anything to stop it, especially if Chrysalis made certain part of her throne stayed with them to keep their magic disabled indefinitely. Thanks to Thorax, Chrysalis lost everything: Her throne, her Swarm, and worst of all, her hostages in the Royal Family and the Mane Six, and boy, were they pissed when confronting her. They pretty much had been put through Hell by her, and they wanted her blood spilled badly. Even Flurry Heart looked positively furious at what Chrysalis did to her, her parents, her aunt and the Elements of Harmony, and the Royal Sisters, and with their magic accessible again, they were ready to rip Chrysalis apart. Unfortunately, Chrysalis escaped, but her vengeance against the Mane Six and Royal Family for the Royal Wedding defeat has been replaced by an even deeper lust for vengeance against Starlight for ruining her revenge plot against them. We will see Chrysalis again, and if she attains her vengeance against Starlight, who's to say she'll focus on her vengeance against the Royal Family and Mane Six again? That's all for now. I'll post my other thoughts in another comment.

[@BlorbHunter]

Honestly after watching this I can't help but see the changlings as a race under a curse. One where they always desire to feed on love, when the solution is to give it away freely. It's possible Chrysalis was an opportunist who took advantage of the curse to have her subjects depend on her. Also, I adore the new designs, simply because they now look like they belong in equestria, multi-coloured and pastel. And if my theory of them being cursed is right, this could be what they were initially. Only time will tell.

[@AngelEmfrbl]

Also, the new designs are more unique to the changeling, whereas before they were all identical. So now they have a more personnel identity whereas before they were uniformed. Maybe their personalities are different too?

[@StellaMagic37]

There's one thing I want to know. How did Chrysalis obtain a stone that cancelled other magic but her own?

[@Ravensfan89]

I just realized something. We never found out what happened to the Changelings that invaded Ponyville, Canterlot, and the Crystal Empire. For all we know, when they found out Chrysalis was defeated, they could've left their respective posts to go find her. So then we'd have a group of good Changelings led by Thorax, and a group of bad Changelings led by Chrysalis.

[@mysryuza]

I know, right?

[@shadowwriter4538]

That's probably why the made the design change for Thorax and the changelings that follow him since Chrysalis will likely come back with those who still follow her. Those other changelings and a few others out there who were probably going to replace other leaders in Equestria

[@IAmAGyroGamer]

I disagree with your point on thorax's and changeling's new design. I thought it looked good. I do agree with the rest of your points about the finale and I really do enjoy it. I would give it a 9.5/10.

[@ditdot609]

Did anyone notice that after evolving, not every changing had a horn? That's sort of weird, right?

[@steelshoe7606]

Im still confused about something, but why is the season finale already aired. dont we still have 2 episodes that haven't aired?

[@SilverScroll]

I am absolutely amazed how many people are okay with changelings as we know them being scrapped as a species except for Queen Chrysalis, especially for _this_. Thorax had quickly become my favourite character in part due to how amazingly cute he was in his natural form, as well as his character dilemma. The changelings as a whole were some of the most creative and unique creatures to exist in all of fiction. _All of that is gone now. Forever._ Thus, I am personally taking the step of disregarding the primacity of show canon, and placing all fiction using the MLP:FIM mythos on the same level - all are equally valid, if often contradictory, interpretations of the same base mythology. This allows me to accept this brilliant finale for what it is, except for the way that one scene played out to ruin everything. Canon is dead. Great video as usual, Dr Wolf.

[@WayneThePony]

I actually kinda like the new design for The Changelings, if Thorax can go without those horns that is. Another thing that differentiates this with other finales is that this didn't end with a song or grand musical number sort of thing. Kinda like season 1 finale but it had many songs while this didn't have a single one. Also, this is the pony equivalent of Suicide Squad that is better than Suicide Squad. :P

[@diamondtiara2062]

I wasn't sure how many reviewers were gonna try to review it early but i'm glad I was able to watch it before it was spoiled for me xD. The changelings ended up looking like colorful deer. I will say that I wasn't really crazy about how they looked either but i'm so glad Chrysalis decided to fight on for another day. Got to keep a few decent villains around to make things interesting.