"What Lies Beneath" Review

[@justinriley]

Another great thing about this episode is how the students' tests are all metaphors for adolescent fears: - Gallus: Claustrophobia, which can also be seen as a metaphor for fear of loneliness. - Smolder: Fear of embracing one's inner femininity and being seen as weak. - Ocellus: Fear of being ostracized due to one's physical appearance. - Silverstream: Traumatic childhood. - Yona: Arachnophobia, which is used in the episode to convey the fear of the unknown. - Sandbar: Fear of being left out, being seen as a useless third wheel.

[@MelonTartVA]

I think Gallus and Silverstream had the best tests and helped with the shipping between them. And with Silverstream freaking out so badly, it makes you wonder if she may have accidentally caused the Hippogriffs to retreat to Seaquestria and she blames herself for it..... Possibly by inadvertently causing the Storm King to come to Mt Eris.

[@justinriley]

@@MelonTartVA I can actually see that...

[@tsulee7876]

Holy crap I didn’t notice that before!

[@justinriley]

@@tsulee7876 Yeah, this episode is just full of subtext and nuances like that.

[@KageRyuu6]

Actually claustrophobia is more representative of being afraid of groups, agoraphobia would be more representative of being afraid of being alone.

[@TobyandMavisforever]

The Yaks had trouble with spiders in previous episodes. That's where Yona's fear likely steamed from. And I loved Sandbar's conflict. Basically, he put his professors on a pedestal and he had to learn they weren't always right.

[@Juria316]

Good morning Doc. This episode, along with The Hearth's Warming Club, really made me attached to the Student Six. Here's hoping that some of the questions the tree of harmony has raised are answered, eventually.

[@Ryodraco]

3:30 Well the implication given in the episode is that until recently the tree simply wasn't able to reach out and communicate like this, hence it stating "as I have grown, so have my abilities." As for why it would choose to first communicate with the Student Six, presumably because it knows their bond will be important for a coming crisis (we've long known it has the power to recognize who is needed to accomplish certain tasks, solve a given problem).

[@elderscrollsswimmer4833]

Gallus asked politely for the tree to give them a lesson. Sure, maybe it was sarcasm/joke but still, he asked and they got it when it was needed the most.

[@justinriley]

I swear, the only way that the writers could have been less subtle with Cozy Glow is if they had a neon sign saying "She's Evil!". All joking aside, this is a stellar episode!

[@matthewtwinklewishstarligh3128]

You know a lot of people haven't talked about Cozy glow as for me I don't want to be spoiled or cheated but I'm still looking forward to the finale trust me season 7 was epic this one should be more Epic maybe like season 4 standards

[@shutupsprinkles]

I still felt she wasn’t completely overt. It’s clear from her debut episode she didn’t have much of a grasp on the Elements of Harmony, referring to them as “intelligence” and “control”, and I think it played in to the species-ism that Chancellor Neighsay exhibited in previous episodes. Obviously, she’s up to something, but I think because her motives are unknown at this point, it still provides some mystery. Is she just a species-ist? Is she trying to eliminate them? Or is she trying to use friendship to control others?

[@oida10000]

Or maybe she is connected to the tree - perhaps its spirit? Seeing things over. To crazy?

[@ambermargheim5726]

I origanal ly tried to combine she and ut.... then saw what that spelled.....

[@adolfodef]

03:14 WHY NOW? -> It it Chrysalis´s fault (well...technically speaking the Mean Six); as the Tree of Harmony simply did not know HOW to do it properly until it "absorbed" the spell that give WOOD (from living trees) an _animal anima_ to think/behave/comunicate like ponies do. -> It did not "corrupted" the Tree as some predicted [at least not in a "bad" way].

[@kioku119]

That's cool!

[@kellingc]

I think the Tree was reacting to Gallus' sarcastic request to the tree in the courtyard. Notice the glow that came from the grate after he pleaded the tree to give them help with the history lesson. I also think the Tree heard Cozy Glow planting the seeds on disharmony in the young 6's minds. It wanted to make sure their friendship was strong to the future events. Why an image of Twilight? A few reasons 1) She is respected by the students 2) Twilight is the element of magic, and leader of the manet 6 3) The tree is approving of the school and wants to see it as a resource to spread friendship I think there is something greater with the tree that even Starswril and the other pillars realize. Celestia may have an idea, but I don't think she is completely aware. Cozy Glow - what tippednit for me was Starlights comment "how devious" - to what ends, I've been slightly spoiled on the season finalie's guest star, but don't know how it's going to play out. To paraphrase Twight from "Forgotten Friendship", "THEY'VE GOT SEASON 8, EPISODE 22! 22, I TELL YA! That's when it gets gooooood!"

[@TheLordmep]

3:28 The tree was meant as a failsafe against the pony of shadows, possibly stabilizing the magic in the area to prevent an accidental escape. With the threat neutralized, that job is done and now the tree is free to pursue other things, like evolving a mind of its own. That's my theory, any way.

[@jademuseplays]

I find it interesting that the Tree felt it important to make sure they are friends, quote "It is as I'd feared, you are not one. What has happened?" It's like the Young 6 are more important than the Mane 6 in a way. But why? It's very intriguing. As per the episode itself, I loved the depth of the lessons and that they weren't stated outright, letting the viewer figure them out. As per your questions, I would still refer to the Tree as it as it can take the form of any one.

[@nicolemusic02]

Jade Muse well now that the tree of Harmony is shown to have sentience, maybe it knows something is not right in Equestria or knows that something could be going on, maybe even with Cozy Glow? And is most likely trying to find saviours who could solve be problem and succeed the Mane 6?

[@elderscrollsswimmer4833]

Mane 6 are all ponies.Spike is the only non-pony with a throne in the Castle. He grew with ponies. Young 6 by contrast... These are international students. They prove that despite differences, they CAN be friends. Or possibly BECAUSE they're different. That theme began with Celestia and Luna in the very start... Day and Night are the metaphor for different, but all sorts of differences have come up along the way. As well as one pony's obsession with *sameness* and what a silly idea that was.

[@partyjams]

My guess with the tree is it revealed itself since it might be starting to veer of the course of destiny by testing/choosing new wielders. Why now? Something about the Mean 6’s effect on the tree

[@-A-Hybrid-Skunk-Productions-]

Oooh I can agree to that. I think the mean six definitely corrupted the elements & the tree. What the tree is doing is bound to be strictly forbidden. If you are a great power & sentient my conclusion is exposing your self would definitely be strictly forbidden. Almost like starlight changing destiny & fate of the mane six. Excellent comment.

[@crovax1375]

I think that the tree revealed itself because Gallus asked for a friendship lesson from the tree. I guess be careful what you wish for!

[@-A-Hybrid-Skunk-Productions-]

@@crovax1375 Hmm also a very good point actully as well. I did not consider that. Very very good point.

[@taddad2641]

that or it consumed them and gained the aiblity to manifest itself. i don't htink the elements can be corrupted. harmony is more than light. it is balance. things grow, then die, decay, so things can grow again. Light needs dark as dark needs light. More than likely it was lashing out at the intruders.

[@crovax1375]

Tad Dad yes I seriously doubt that the tree of harmony was thrilled with Chrysalis' little doppelganger stunt

[@joannamiral5898]

this episode was really smart and i keep getting things from it from each watch. one of the biggest things i wish they’d done is instead of having Ocellus turn into Chrysalis, let us see her old form!

[@WilliamBeasley]

I freaking LOVED this episode top 10 for sure in my book

[@luluzin5022]

I think it's obvious that the Students 6 are supposed to reflect the Elements of Harmony, but I hadn't been able to tell who is which until this episode. Oceallus is Magic because she is afraid of being a bad leader like Queen Chrysallis. Smolder is Honesty because she had to admit she likes feeling cute. Iona is Kindness because she could understand the spiders, just like Fluttershy talks to animals. Silverstream is Laughter because her fear wasn't real, she just needed some optimism to realise it. Gaellus is Generosity because he was able to relate to Silverstream's fear and help her through it. And Sandbar is Loyalty because his trial was about wether he would abbandon his friends for his own personal gain.

[@miraculouseveraftersforeve91]

I agree with all of your points!

[@Secret_Moon]

I don't know. I think it's not very clear the student 6 are successor to the mane 6, and their personalities/elements have a lot of mixed up. Ocellus' personality is closer to kindness I think, and Gallus I would give leadership like Twilight, not generosity. Yona and Smolder are not very clear either. The only ones that are quite certain are Sandbar - Loyalty and Silverstream - Laughter.

[@Fruity_one]

Even if the elements of harmony are gone, we can tell wich one of the students six is more related with, this is my most honest opinion: *Ocelus:* People has been relationaring her with the element of *Kidness* for her shyness relationaring her with *Fluthershy,* but i think that the *Gerenosity's* element suits her more, it will be a little more poetic, instead of being a Changeling that steals love, to share it generosly. *Smoulder:* For me, in the Element of *Loyalty* theres separated opinions betwen Smoulder and Gallus but i think Smoulder should have it, afther all in this episode she is the one betwen them both to first decided to go for the others. *Yonna:* I think Yonna will be great for the element of *Honesty,* example in the chapther "Upooted" she is the one to spit out the truths -"That doesn't bring back tree.. or elements of harmony" like in other episodes, she used to be the most sincere of them all *Silverstream:* I agreed with you in this one, i think she could be the element of *Laughther,* shes the most energetic and optimist of the group just like *Pinkie pie.* *Sandbar:* Sandbar could be *Kidness,* in the first episodes we see that in the little arguments betwen the students hes the one trying to stop the conflict, not fighting back but with a calmly way and also when the others run away from home, hes the one takeing the stuff for them. Also his cutie mark his animals related like *Fluthershy* but in "Uprooted" we've seen that hes more plant's tipe of kind that animal's, tipe of kind. *Gallus:* That left us with only one creature for the element of *Magic,* Gallus. In the chapther "School raze" Ocellus tells that not only Ponys have magic, so Gallus can be really the element of *Magic* besides, we seen that his story is similar to *Twilight's* story. Both of them were lonely until they where taken to other place far away from home and meet a group of ponys/creatures that make them feel happy. In Gallus case he doesn't just see them as friends, but as a family (if you have seen a video of brony notion/Sawtoot called *"the element of friendship",* he talks about the element of *Magic* but instead of Magic, as Friendship.

[@Fruity_one]

Also, in the last song of the series in the last chorus we've seen that they are in the background relationated with one of the mane 6 Pinkie: Silverstream Rainbow dash: Smoulder Rarity: Ocelus A.J: Yonna Fluthershy: Sandbar Twilight: Gallus

[@alicesnow7797]

Yona’s trial was not only about facing fear, but excepting that yaks are not as high and mighty. What Glow says is at yaks think they better that other creatures. That they other races as lesser. Spiders being her fear just gave the tree a form to use. Facing ones fear and in this case making friends with them show Yona is willing to see other races as equals of the yaks. So, in a way Yona had a double test in one.

[@nicholasholladay-elser7307]

Something that may indicate Cozy's alinement is her Cutie Mark. Let me show you what a Rook can symbolize. The Rook is the lapdog of the bosses; the president’s security. Rooks usually work to protect their leader and punish those who seek to undermine their superior. They stick close to their leader and tend to work better in pairs. The Rooks of society constantly work to gain their leader’s approval. In society, they often have a lot of power, despite being disliked by others for their clingy nature. Rooks are the henchmen. Rooks are the body guards. Rooks are the devoted followers. They also have a special move that they can perform with the King in which the king will move toward the Rook and then the rook to the King. I think we can ascertain from her mark she is someone's henchman, or hench pony and that she is working for some kind of king. Who this king is, I have no clue since we have a myriad of potential kings from Neighsay to Queen Swiss Legs to a literal king like the Storm King or maybe Sombra, to a character or force that we have yet to meet. We'll just have to wait and see.

[@matthewcrombie3630]

Nicholas Holladay-Elser Cozy Glow + Pony of Shadows... Think about that for a second...

[@ConjureKarp]

Favorite scene: Smolder: What happened to you? -in dress- Gallus: O_O What happened to you??

[@kukuandkookie]

I love the student six a lot at this point, and this episode only cemented that.

[@uberdude102Dude]

This channel Drwolf Love it hands down the best channel in the MLP, but I wonder why is OC Character is not in the show itself

[@dilekertan4899]

Why did I know you'd like this episode, my good doctor? Putting that aside, cuteness for Smolder is fangirling for me.

[@d_denragon]

So when the mane six talking about "the map" is calling for solving a friendship problem, does that mean the TREE OF HARMONY is the one who knows the friendship problem around Equestria and call the right ponies to solve them?

[@iashikumani3883]

I haven't seen every episode for season 8 yet. But this is interesting. But I wanted to know what actually happened to Crystlis? Also what I would like to see is a little more development for Sandbar. Because it seems like we get a lot from the others on their cultures and how they do things, but Sandbar seems like an ordinary pony. I would like to see a backstory for him and why he goes to the school in the first place.

[@javierrosas7238]

I find this episode very Epic. But the question is since when did the Tree of Harmony became sentient for the first time and did Starswirl and the Pillers knew about this after they planted it❓

[@cofagrigusfan24]

next week should be a collab with Lightning Bliss, because of the new characters we are gonna see (and what she said 2 weeks ago)

[@BradShadowDog]

I never noticed her chess cutie mark b4, must mean she's a long term thinker, planning move after move. When she said "leave everything to Cozy", I got the sense she referred to her character, as if Cozy isn't her real name which could be clever in how when some1 feels cozy they feel like they can let their guard down, therefore her intention is to give others a false sense of security whenever they're around her.

[@dashzilla9358]

Cozy Glow, to me, is as obvious as an alligator in a group of crocodiles. She's the villain, it's written on that mask she calls an innocent face. No one can be that innocent and naive to not know what friendship is. Her first appearance, she pops up out of nowhere and purposely gets the CMC in trouble. That should've given them a hint that she's a backstabber. From then on, I've looked at Discount Darla Dimple with a bullcrap detector on. Also, Smolder looks adorable in that dress and to hear that she secretly loves cute things and loves being cute just makes me wanna hug her and gives me more reasons to have her as my favorite of the student 6. But.... I do gotta say the character development is great in this episode. 9/10.

[@justinriley]

You forgot to mention, the shipping in this episode is strong.

[@dashzilla9358]

yeah, about that. While shipping is fun and everything, I don't really ship THAT much. The one ship I do like the most is Spike and Smolder, because I think it's just adorable. I did ship others, but I sunk them because I just grew out of them.

[@justinriley]

@@dashzilla9358 I'm not huge into shipping either, tbh. But I do think that Smolder X Ocellus and Gallus X Silverstream are cute.

[@dashzilla9358]

@Justin Riley That's fine. No arguments here. lol, I completely forgot about the Gallus X Silverstream ship. I think it's adorable, too. So, I'm on that boat with ya. lol. (Pun intended)

[@miraculouseveraftersforeve91]

@@justinriley I agree, accept I actually ship Ocellus and Sandbar! But I do ship Gallus x Silverstream! They're so good together, and balance each other out so well!

[@justinriley]

Geez, even the show acknowledges how lame The Storm King was as a villain in this episode.

[@matthewtwinklewishstarligh3128]

I was shocked myself but in reality I knew that wasn't the Storm King but still unexpected though had to Queen Chrysalis was shocking and insane for me even though that wasn't really her either as far as me I love this episode just like the hearths warming Club which was amazing and a great moral!

[@barrettfenwick8028]

Shame too... He had real potential! Just imagine if he and Tempest spent more time with their Sith like relationship!

[@EdgardoJCruz-dk5kv]

Justin Riley Still was way more sucessful when compared to Chrysalis, Sunset, Nightmare Moon, and King Sombra. Unlike them he had a fleet, conqured and destroyed whole kingdoms.

[@justinriley]

@@EdgardoJCruz-dk5kv But he was a much less interesting villain than any of them.

[@olleselin]

@@justinriley i think he was Awesome

[@RexxRedfoxx]

Personally? It almost seemed like the tree was testing them directly as if it was considering making them special or maybe deploying them via the map.

[@crovax1375]

RexxRedfoxx I think the tree tested them because Gallus asked the tree to do test them. I guess the tree decided to ignore his sarcasm

[@TigerW0lf]

My theory is that the reason the tree is acting now is because of what Chrysalis did in The Mean Six. Why that is the trigger yet remains to be seen

[@matthewtwinklewishstarligh3128]

Now then as for myself the episode was mind-blowing amazing awesome interesting and unexpectedly surprises which were insane either way around this episode and of course the whole entire season 8 is really getting exciting for the 2-part finale! Please note as for myself I'll be watching the 2-part finale in the US on Amazon video but I'm looking forward to it to see what the writers really have to all of us.!

[@ErikButterworth]

I really enjoyed this episode, Dr. Wolf. Watching each of the Student Six face their worst fears was an interesting way for the Tree of Harmony to help rebuild their self-confidence that Cozy had demoralized, possibly as part of a greater plan she is waiting to implement. I think my favorite fears were Silverstream's and Ocellus' as they dealt with the trauma of their pasts with the Storm King and Queen Chrysalis. Thanks to Gallus and Smolder helping them see that there was nothing to be afraid of and to focus on the new lives they can make for themselves by putting their past behind them. They were able to conquer their fears. Honestly, I've never seen Silver look that angry as she told off the illusions of the Storm King and his Storm Guards with how the nightmares they put Novo, Skystar, Silver, Terramar, and the rest of the Hippogriffs through will never happen again, and they can live happy lives without the fear of their return resting over their heads.

[@TheCommenterDragon]

It was an awesome episode,in fact what i like most about this episode is that it gave the Student Six more character development by revealing sides of them that we never thought they had especially Smolder.

[@TheOriginalJphyper]

I think the Tree is hedging its bets. The tree was clearly affected in a negative way in "The Mean 6", with each element turning black for a brief moment whenever Chrysalis's minions came near them. The tree wouldn't be stupid enough to let that pass. More harmony is needed to work around the damage. Maybe the elements are passed on to new bearers?

[@alexanderwolf1984]

I think it takes the form that would be most suitable for its audience. It could sense that they all share a connection to twilight so it takes her form. Also...Yuna now has a spider army....wrap your head around that. Imagine facing off against something like that, I know that will force others to break rank seeing a hoard of spiders coming at you.

[@captainseg]

That thumbnail "IT'S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE I SWEAR!"

[@Nicohakuu1]

This episode was one big reference to Pooh's Grand Adventure.

[@Zistheone2]

3:10 - 3:30 I think the Tree of Harmony came out now because it heard Gallus's joke at the beginning of the episode when he sarcastically asked tree to teach the Student 6 a friendship lesson. Gallus even brought this up again at the end of the episode by saying "Did a learn a friendship lesson from a tree?"

[@someothername2585]

I loved this episode it's super cool to see development on students... this is kinda funny that at the beginning of the season I hoped we won't see the students a lot but now I hope to see more of them and not because they're such great characters but simply because we didn't see a lot of them XD The season turned from meh to good in like 6 last episodes(I watched the early releases, I hope that saying that these episodes are great isn't a spoiler) The tree of harmony is finally getting some development (I said that just because it sounds funny XD) this makes me wonder what is the tree of harmony, I don't really have a theory what's up with it yet but I will think about it Smolder being a princess will get A LOT of art, I've already seen like 5 pictures I agree that writers should be more saddle with Crazy Glue, they're doing the thing they did in season 5 beginning when we didn't know yet whether Starlight is evil or not and then she evelly laugh and look at the camera they should just keep it to make a big twist(I mean as big of a twist that MLP can get XD) in the season finale

[@zeethezebra]

My theory is the that after the mean six, the tree of harmony wanted to find the new element bearers. Even more proof shown by School Raze

[@Gresekjr122]

Awesome review Dr. Wolf I really enjoy your input. Have a great day.

[@eternalcomrade8144]

I think season 9 has probably the greatest potential of all the seasons, with there being enough unresolved conflicts to fill an entire season if not more.

[@star-stonelegend]

I am really glad that you reviewed the The episode and very pleased that you liked it. I really like how the tree of harmony is evolving. I’m just a little creeped out that it shows twilight as a form to take, but it makes sense so that there is a twist. As for cozy glow I thought she was chrysalis trying to infiltrate the school and use the tree of harmony again.and do you remember those clips from the last episode that you showed us many weeks ago and I made a comment about putting the pieces together to see what could happen in the final Episode? Well I was completely wrong that naysay was working with Tirek. If you haven’t seen the episode, then I won’t say anything because it’s a major spoiler. However you will be surprised with Who is responsible.

[@CalliopePony]

The tree said something to the effect of, "As I grow, so do my abilities." This may indicate that the tree just acquired the ability to speak with others. And if the tree is currently acquiring new abilities that could indicate that the powers of friendship and harmony are growing throughout Equestria, possibly due to Twilight's efforts with the school.

[@CreativaArtly]

I really felt for Ocellus this episode. Same for Silver.

[@QuestionDeca]

The Tree wasn't strong enough, that was a plot point behind the Mane Six leaving the Elements of Harmony with it, so it can recover. It's done MORE then Recovery, through Twilight and Friends fixing problems both as they come up and long left fallow it's been increasing it's strength and growing.

[@Soulsnatcher89]

I think of Cozy Glow as Darla Dimple from Cats Don't Dance

[@fusionomni305]

Seeing Smolder in a dress and being girly made my jaw drop in shock and disbelief. I refused to believe it for a few hours.

[@mrjoemule2111]

You shall see my dear doc, and belive me it will be something to think of in end.

[@amead78]

Not only does the episode show what lies beneath the school but also what lies beneath the tough exteriors of the student six.

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

I think Cozy neened to be more unsubtle here so the kids would suspect her a bit when the prior hints might completely flew over their heads. But I still don’t know what she is up to and please anyone who knows, don’t spoil me!

[@matthewtwinklewishstarligh3128]

You know between you and me the way you look oftenly reminds me of Doctor Who I mean seriously you look so handsome and you're a great analyst reviewer who analyzes episodes which are very interesting by the way

[@victoryangel29]

You also might think this might be an episode to bring up or imply the elements of Harmony are gone since we see Queen Chrysalis triumphantly flying away into the distance while Twilight and the other ponies have reset up their camp. But the tree of harmony is indicated as sentient, so perhaps the episode also proved that the student six are also subtly showing they possess the spirits of the elements as well. When Twilight and her friends were hinted to be the elements of harmony, we knew which element they represented because it was practically mashed into our faces. This one its a little more figurative as to who is what element. I would say Gallus is honesty since he tends to be rather blunt on his opinions about everything and had to admit that to himself that he is claustrophobic in order to help Silverstream. Also during the Hearthswarming Club he admits to his crime and his reasons for it just to keep the others from fighting. Sandbar is loyalty because as much as he wanted to help Rainbow Dash and Rarity with that they needed, he knew his friends had to come first. Yona is kindness because as violent as the yaks are. She is one of the more caring members of the group and anything that affects her companions affects her too. When confronted with her fears of spiders, she quickly realizes they don't want to hurt her but help her. Silverstream is the element of laughter. Due to living a good chunk of life in fear of the storm king, she finds joy in even the most mundane of things such as plumbing. Smolder is the Spirit of Generosity. This is a bit of an irony since Dragons are known to be selfish, however here time with the other student six and the main six have changed her greatly. She is someone Spike can turn to and learn what it means to be a dragon. During the tea party, when the two ponies suggest she put a cute dress on and join them for their tea party, she does it to make them happy. She also comforts Ocellus by inviting her to a super private tea party. Ocellus by default is the Element of Magic as she is the one who often is the glue of the student six, and she is the most powerful of the six of them as she can transform into anything. Like Twilight she is knowledgeable and well read about magical elements and artifacts.

[@angelindenile]

Doc, you're forgetting the setup with the tree we had earlier in the season. (Obligatory spoiler warning for a prev episode) We saw a type of sentient magic get absorbed by the tree of harmony-- back with the episode where Chrysalis tried to sabotage it. So the question of "Why did it get sentience now" somewhat makes sense to me, if the tree managed to purify that magic. And why it has Twilight as it's chosen form-- because that's the form the most powerful of the foreign magic took.

[@justinriley]

Huh, so "The Mean 6" wasn't pointless filler episode after all.

[@MotoroidARFC]

@@justinriley I always thought that episode was a data dump for future episodes.

[@Kelaiah01]

You kept on wondering about why the Tree hasn't been sentient before, when the Tree already gave an explanation: "Like all forms of magic, I change over time." Obviously, the Tree never did stuff like this before because it couldn't. And now apply what the Tree said to all the magical mysteries over the course of the show...

[@michaelaburns734]

Cozy Glow not suspicious at all something tells me she is a agent causing sabotaging. I missed her mark and now I'm more curious of why all this is an amazing episode

[@appu123y]

I liked that they showed sandbar as the last one that passed the friendship test. I felt like it was saying just because he’s a pony and knows all this friendship history he still has to work at it

[@joshuaknight3653]

Okay so we have four or five things set up for the finale; Spike being a seventh element, girl in school trying to sabotage something, Ancient artifact from different races around Equestria, Principal looking for any way to discredit Twilight, Tree of Harmony infected with an unknown problem. .... I may be biased but if Hasbro is not able to somehow at least involve spike and the other new characters into this finale I'll be very disappointed

[@miraculouseveraftersforeve91]

So will i....I REALLY want- no, NEED Spike to be the seventh element!

[@joshuaknight3653]

@@miraculouseveraftersforeve91 thank you my friend, I think it's too much to ask for a second Dragon Ball Z fight with Spike?

[@miraculouseveraftersforeve91]

@@joshuaknight3653 probably.....

[@joshuaknight3653]

@@miraculouseveraftersforeve91 a guy can dream

[@crovax1375]

The tree of harmony must have gained this level of sentience recently. As the tree did say that all living things grow. Also Gallus did ask the tree for a friendship lesson, so thats probably why the tree revealed itself. And I thought everyone else was just being paranoid about Cozy Glow until she stared through that grate like a psychopath!

[@wendyheatherwood]

I wonder if getting the elements back is part of the reason, as if the elements have somehow been imprinted with their users (both the mane six and the sisters) and, even if it's taken a while to get the hang of it, it's learned through their experiences. Or not. Who knows?

[@crovax1375]

wendyheatherwood well the tree definitely can observe its surroundings, otherwise it couldn't have shown itself in an image of Twilght. But the Twilight image did seem a little vacant or somewhat off putting.

[@ktm0629]

The best explanations I can think of as for why the Tree of Harmony did not do all of that they shown in that episode until just now was because maybe in previous season or comics (where the mane 6 used the Elements of Harmony to defeat numerous unstoppable evil) they used a lot of magic and like Twilight said in the season 7 finale if the Tree of Harmony dies (due to exhausting all their magic) then there will be nothing left to protect Equestria from any future evil. So maybe everything the Tree did from the Season 8 premiere to "What Lies Beneath" was because maybe the Tree was trying to explore alternatives on how it can recover faster, get more powerful and maybe spread its friendship influences to places outside Equestria. As in maybe it was trying to do something that Twilight would not do (because maybe one of her worst fears are bending rules or doing things outside of books).

[@siraran2077]

I still actually thought there was nothing wrong with Cozy Glow at all when she had her first episode.

[@MrGabeanator]

Sir Aran me neither

[@crovax1375]

Sir Aran I felt the same way, until she stared through that grate like a psychopath!

[@siraran2077]

travis f Don’t spoil the next finale to anyone! I’ve seen clips of it and I don’t want anyone finding it out!

[@travissmith2848]

Her appearance at that moment was a little too continent and later actions just barely believable. Her, for me anyway, characterization has been one of a manipulator though likely working on behalf of someone else rather than the puppet-master herself.

[@sirbobthemarvelous]

i hate finale spoilers, it wasn't even clip spoilers there were explicit spoilers in the thumbnail and the titles and i was smad because of it

[@carlricketts9528]

Laughter : laugh at your problems and overcome them Honesty : to admit ones fear to yourself then others Kindness : To accept help even if it is from one who was not your friend Generosity : To give up something, even if it is your public image to help others Loyalty : to stand up for your friends even if it is unpopular Magic : To stand firm and face your opponent My theory is thus the trials when the original main6 went out into the Everfree Forest was not Luna's but the tree's task mixed with the imprint of the pre-corrupted Luna. Now there is new bearers and it used Twilight as its now permanent imprint.

[@artemisia3138]

Another name for the group is the Young Six.

[@Spritzkrieg]

"You chose what you saw in my roots, not me." -The Tree of Harmony

[@angbandsbane]

I kind of took the Tree not appearing before now as the old "It was hard, but you got through it. I wasn't *needed* then like now" trope. (Kind of the same reason in comic books that the Specter or Living Tribunal don't destroy whatever multiverse-threatening force crops up every summer)

[@justinriley]

Currently tied with "The Washouts" as the best episode of Season 8. Maybe even the best! It provided plenty of character development for the students, developed their relationships with each other, was intense, and had plenty of psychological subtext both in the students' fears as well as how they overcame said fears. P.S. The "Gallus x Silverstream" shipping in this episode is off the charts! I can also see people shipping Smolder and Ocellus because of this episode.

[@marchaasa.k.a.tyrannexthed2425]

Just wait until the season is over before you say "Best episode of Season X". You never know what could happen next episode.

[@justinriley]

@@marchaasa.k.a.tyrannexthed2425 It's funny you mention that because I actually have seen the last 4 episodes of the season. Dont worry though, I won't spoil anything.

[@marchaasa.k.a.tyrannexthed2425]

@@justinriley OK then. Then I say the next episode will be even better because a new species will be shown. Not sure if I'm going to be right of course.

[@butterskutz]

Legit, if Cozy isn't some kind of spy for Crysalis I don't know what to think c But on to the episode itself, I love it, and makes me love the Student 6 all the more. Hell, I wouldn't mind if the Student 6 continue on the MLP FiM stories should they reboot MLP.

[@Wolfbane382]

When I first saw the video title ((instead of the picture)) I thought you were going to review the actual movie. XD

[@goldenmoonvideos9937]

3:45 that scene reminds me of silver quill review video about Reinhardt form overwatch have you seen it? It is really awesome it really make you think 🤔

[@RainbowGale]

I know what her intentions are, because I saw spoilers. Didn’t know they were spoilers when I tapped on them. I won’t say though so as not to spoil it for anyone reading this, but if you want to know just search Cozy Glow

[@bluecrossfire2375]

Who planted that tree of harmony? That's all I want to know, or should say where and when did it came to be. I wonder if there's going to be an episode on that. I also think that the tree will be destroyed but the magic of friendship will be everywhere. Lol just a guess IDK why I'm thinking of this right now 😐

[@wendyheatherwood]

We already know where the tree came from. It was covered in the series 7 finale.

[@bluecrossfire2375]

@@wendyheatherwood oh I must of missed that detail. 😶

[@siraran2077]

I’ve seen clips of the season 8 finale but I’m not gonna say anything. I actually got to season 8 episode 24.

[@dustinfreeman1451]

When you mention season 8 episode 24. I thought the name of that episode would involve Diamond Tiara and her father Filthy Rich.

[@allenpaluszewski596]

Possibility of the Tree of Harmony being sentient and speaking to anyone(School 6) maybe because it was mostly Pony, now other races together made it's presence known now.

[@justinriley]

And because it absorbed Queen Crysalis' evil clones.

[@crovax1375]

I think that the tree revealed itself because Gallus asked for a friendship lesson from the tree. Be careful what you wish for!

[@allenpaluszewski596]

Oh my I didn't know that DRWolf's commenters were answer my question(s) that I specifically sent to the Doc.

[@allenpaluszewski596]

Hmmmm…. Didn't know DRWolf have commenters answering for him when the questions(s) was sent to him specifically. ;)

[@crovax1375]

Allen Paluszewski I've been subscribed to Dr. Wolf for a while and I don't think that he has ever responded to one of my comments

[@jonatannoisnorrason3511]

they are like harry potter character the chamber of secret

[@matthewtwinklewishstarligh3128]

That is interesting of you say that's how I thought too!

[@bullinmd]

Scenes where Student 6 "matched" Mane 6: Smolder with tea party (Rainbow Dash) Gallus with Twilight Sparkle-style freakout Yona communicating with spiders (Fluttershy) Silver Stream excited about plumbing book in library (Pinkie Pie - refer to flyer about sale on used patio furniture in "Three's a Crowd") Ocellus upset being Chrysalis (Rarity when she is mentioned as ugly) which leaves Sandbar similar to Applejack (?)

[@Songal18]

I gotta say, this is one of my favorite episodes of the season and BOY did we all call it on Cozy! But I loved seeing the Student Six's fears and how they handled them. Also, foreshadowing with Ocellus!

[@ShirotoraGodsbane]

I'm going to laugh if Cozy Glow turns out to just be a red herring.

[@JDueler11]

Spider friends find Sandbar. DUH! You really need to watch several times before you make an assumption.

[@candicefaithv]

This episode actually reminded me of an episode in The Clone Wars where the younglings go find their own kyber crystal

[@justinriley]

I won't say anything, but I think a lot of people are going to like this episode even more after the finale....

[@ambermargheim5726]

That treewite she what I did? Sure SPARKLED!!!!!.... lololololololololololololololololololol lololololololololololololololololololol lololololololololololololololololololol lololololololololololololololololololol lololololololololololololololololololol lololololololololololololololololololol. ..... I'm sorry that was awful... and I'm still laughing at how bad that was sorru!!!!

[@kbowman772]

Wait, you thought Marks for Effort was subtle about Cozy Glow? *refrains from snickering*

[@t-sparks7874]

Well Doc I have seen the rest of the season no spoilers lets just say your on the right track. I love this episode the tree is alive now we know and I'm glad it used Twilight as it's avatar .

[@jessicapedley4082]

Nice Review Doc :)

[@dustinfreeman1451]

I think the real reason why the Tree of Harmony is acting up because something is coming that could be a threat to Equestria. I believe Cozy Glow might be involved with something big coming at the season eight finale. We will have to keep an eye on her when the finale comes out.

[@benbaca5743]

About those theories about Cozy Glow and the Artifacts from “A Matter of Principals”, you are 100% right about everything. ALL of it.

[@marmyeater]

The tree had to wait and grow before it could do this, it even explained that in the show. And just wait until you see how terrifying Cozy Glow can be.

[@changelingkingcocoon5029]

The question is, how would you define the tree's sentience? Because there's something about it that seems off. Not in a bad way, but more like it may be a still developing sentience. The best way to describe my reasoning is that it felt like it was taking the form of Season 1 Twilight. There was just something about it's facial expressions. Perhaps the Tree of Harmony wasn't always sentient, but is developing it. And perhaps that sentience could be through the Element Bearers. Perhaps there's a "collective sentience".

[@Blueflag04]

Cozy is evil , i dont think people can defend her anymore

[@tristanmilner9511]

"A very glowy Twilight." Why, Doc. You could even say she Sparkles.

[@Benicthehedgehog]

I think that the Tree of Harmony is probably wanting to be more close to Twilight, cause her Castle came from its box. Thus expanding its roots and from it hearing of Twilight wanting to open a school, it created one close by her home with no one questioning it. And it gave me a theory that maybe with the tree as its own Sentient being, that with it having a strong connection to Twilight & the other mane 6, that it would try to save their lives by reincarnating them in a future generation (aka Gen 5) like what happens with the Doctor in Doctor Who.

[@miraculouseveraftersforeve91]

That makes sense!

[@FrostTheHobidon]

I have an idea what Cozzies Glows ideas are, but that would spoil it

[@Arcticwlf]

The Tree of Harmony being sentient was something I speculated ever since Friendship Missions started happening.

[@madx10thtimberhusky10]

As far as I have been able to research on the nature of the tree way before this episode ever happen I have come to learn the tree is a living, thinking, growing and learning wonder of the world. It's roots grow and push out to places where love and friendship are strongest but. Place's that are lacking it the tree calls on those who can help the magic of friendship spread far and wide. So the tree can grow and feed off of all those above the roots with there Love and friendship and that power goes all the way back to the tree. For now as the roots spread out more the more places and kinds of creatures we will meet in the coming seasons but. For now that is all the research I have found on the Tree hopefully you have found this information useful thank any of you who read and liked this until next time everyone.

[@MikeDragon]

Soon as I finished watching "What Lies Beneath", I thought of something… Remember, Doc, how you theorized that Cozy might be working with Chancellor Neighsay or even be related to him and be part of some scheme to close Twilight’s school? Well, what if that’s none of that rather… What if Cozy is actually Queen Chrysalis?! Think of it… Chrysalis is interested in the Tree of Harmony and tried to get to it right on the episode after Cozy was first introduced and she hasn’t appeared since (not that today’s episode counts). By the end of the episode, Cozy expressed certain mischievous interest on what is beneath the school after she was told the Tree was there. So what if Cozy Glow is Chrysalis in disguise?

[@gacha_eclipse7816]

i actually have a theory that oceleos was in line for the throne after chrysalis and that scene has added weight of her being afraid she'll end up like chrysalis

[@-A-Hybrid-Skunk-Productions-]

I don't know what to think. When the tree made it's appearance I was like wait what. I thought it was a trick Cozy was doing even though I knew it was possibly not in her abilities & power to pull it off. I am unsure what is up with the tree but its gotta be something big in this season or the next. As for cozy. It would definitely be interesting to see what plans she has in mind in future episodes. I hope it leads to something not just a one time use. She is definitely interesting. I am not sure what's up with her.

[@zacharybrooks6711]

Great review doc! By the way I have a question for you and maybe you could make it in video form. But do you se the young 6 ad the next elements of harmony and if so what would each of their elements be?

[@jesuschavez8417]

This ep was crazy lol That tree is more than meets the eye!

[@ChaosGremlin17]

Could you do AMWDW with Ocellus about coming to complete terms with her past and completely accept it?

[@SpectrumSwordtails]

You know this episode pretty much confirms my theory about the tree of harmony choosing the young as the new bearers of the elements of harmony after tTwilight and the others. A booyah.

[@BioniclesaurKing4t2]

The Tree only started acting now because "I'm constantly evolving", and it only just recently gained the power to do this, I'd say.

[@RedShirtRemyStarship]

I said during my first viewing of this episode. This cave is the Jedi trials. The tree of harmony acting like the force appearing to the apprentices to overcome a test or obstacles. They do this in finding their chosen lightsabers and the trial before becoming a Jedi Knight.