The FINAL Big Battle!!!! | My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Season 9 Episode 24 and 25 REACTION
Added 2024-12-23 18:00:09 +0000 UTC
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I’m so sorry I’m just getting to this. SU and G5 were taking up a lot of my time. But I wanted to of course still give this and the next some attention so apologies! But when when I look back and read all of this, it feels like it just ended. And I can’t believe I missed tempest 😂😂😂😂. I was sooo enthralled and taken away that they didn’t even get my attention Yes end of an era and beginning of a new era is also so fitting Discord as grogar was so unexpected! But we see how bad his continued “tests” can be. While I understand where he was coming from, for all of this to suddenly make twilight feel her self made path was fabricated was awful. It’s times like these where I realize why he still cannot be trusted since it can be seen as working against them Pillars and Celestia/luna can never put much of a fight. Seems it really is time to get new leadership 😅 Ahhh that is true about how one can interpret their punishment. I also agree with you as it seemed they were the example of when you’re beyond help. Also how not everyone can be saved since they went out to the bitter end with this resolve. Yes the way of using the race division and windigos was amazing! Really set up everything to be as it first started. I love and appreciate your breakdown of all the seasons and what they represented! It really does feel like everyone of them captures a different side of the mane 6, history, the world, and the lessons which pays off in the final season as we see it come to fruition! Yes that blast was such a magnificent way to connect the past, present, and future together. Nothing could have been more perfect as friendship and harmony was tested and they prevailed!! And yes perhaps a bit of rushing here but I was invested and loved all the developments that took place. Again sorry for the long wait. Just wanted to make sure to give these posts the acknowledgment and response they deserve! One more. What could possible happen after that? 🤔
Ed
2025-02-20 02:51:25 +0000 UTCSorry, about whats to come... 😅 Without further ado: - Some notes/thoughts/facts: - We have all been there, we were all not ready for it to end... 😥 It starts with Chrysalis seeding further distrust... the epiphany of their prior field trip during "Summer Sun Setback" proves to be more than fruitful... Cozy Glow: "No friendship, no magic! It's so obvious when you think about it. I did my part freaking out the Pegasi." - Hah! Callback to the shows name! Grogar's bell is able to steal any creatures magic and give it to oneself... the plan is set... Queen Chrysalis: "Our pact stands. What we do, we do together. Once we defeat the protectors of Equestria, we can claim this land and rule our kingdoms alone once more." - that is quite foreboding... Cozy is an alicorn now... Royal princess alicorns hate that trick 😅 Cozy Glow: "We're villains. Duh." - 🤣 Surprise surprise... Grogar is Discord... seeing you that flabbergasted was worth it. 😋 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/6/69/Celestia_and_Luna%27s_thrones_replaced_with_Twilight%27s_S9E24.png - Neat detail, they're replacing the throne... Princess Celestia: "Twilight doesn't need anything else to worry about today." - this didn't age well... did it? And there she is a much calmer and collected Twilight that is ready to take over the royal duties and even jokes around. Spike: "Royal advisor? What's that?" Twilight Sparkle: "A new position I created for you. You've been at my side for every step of this journey. Knowing I had you to count on gave me the strength I needed to grow and succeed. I wouldn't be here without you." - how sweet and wholesome... Twilight Sparkle: "Is that before or after the royal marshmallow-eating-contest gown?" Rarity: "What?! I haven't made one of those! You must tell me when they add these sorts of things!" Twilight Sparkle: [laughs] "It's okay, Rarity. I was just joking." Spike: "Joking? Day of her coronation? You've come a long way, Twilight." - She sure did... I love how they build that in... The Legion of Doom's meddling with the unity of the pony tribes is bearing fruit: distrust has taken root, and no tribe is willing to trade or cooperate with the others. Meanwhile, the Mane 6 attribute the rising tension to the coronation and the first shift in power in over a millennium... Discord arrives and describes his blunder as the "teeniest boo-boo"... 🤨 - I can't even... I am still mad, even after all this time... woah... 😡 Yes, there was foreshadowing - just not that obvious: Remember when Discord made this face: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/d/df/Discord_disappointed_in_his_friends_S9E2.png - It was the first sign that he was behind it... and it seemed like he knew just how far-fetched and reckless that idea might be. Yet, he still proceeded, showing more resolve this time - something already hinted at his foreboding remark during "The Summer Sun Setback" in the end. Discord: "Look what a great job you did defeating Sombra. All the confidence you gained. Remember the cheering? The hoof-bumps?" Twilight Sparkle: "Except it was all a lie." [...] Twilight Sparkle: "You've been setting up challenges for us the whole time, haven't you? None of our successes were actually real." - It was... and so Twilights confidence got shattered... 😢 Rarity: "You beastly beast!" - Indeed... 😣 Twilight Sparkle: "I... I need some time to think first." - Twilight is not even one day in reign and everything she and her friends worked for was seemingly a lie - with any confidence shattered, she definitely has the right to be overwhelmed by all of this... However, despite all the stakes she was still trying, albeit it was futile at first... The villains dispute about wielding Discord's Chaos-magic was hilarious 😂 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/d/d2/Cozy_Glow_towering_over_Tirek_and_Chrysalis_S9E24.png - whoops... but a neat design, Cozy would be undefeatable if she could control the chaos magic, but it's funny how it's deemed to be uncontrollable... The fight between the Pillars and Tirek was incredibly one-sided. I wish they had put up more of a resistance, but Tirek was simply too powerful - he even managed to break Rockhoof's artifact shovel. Chrysalis fight against Starlight was epic! Chrysalis: "Starlight, star bright. Where's the pony I want to fight?!" - this is a reference to the English nursery rhyme "Star Light, Star Bright" btw. I love all these one-liners: Queen Chrysalis: "Ah. Just the headmare I want to see." Starlight Glimmer: "You didn't make an appointment!" Queen Chrysalis: "Ugh! You'll pay for that!" Starlight Glimmer: "Put it on my tab!" And Starlight made a crafty move, but got still beaten in the end but was badass about it 😅 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/8/87/Starlight_Glimmer_walks_away_in_victory_S9E24.png - Loved that scene! The royal sisters trying to do their job, and again Cozy is one step ahead, stealing their magic with the bell, which was unexpected... Cozy Glow: "That's the problem with you magic-types. You're so reliant on all your special power, you forget to use your brains!" - A wild assumption, albeit in part true... but Twilight and her friends also prove otherwise and are able to partly avert her attempts of defeating them, weren't it for the other villains that came to her rescue in time... Also, Spike uses his flame as a weapon the first time after he used it in the movie... Chrysalis is now gloating about their efforts of manipulating the tribes which shows Twilight how dire the current situation really is... it's devastating as it is another blow to her confidence to take, because she didn't recognized it earlier herself... RIP Castle... and that after they swapped the throne... Even worse, who knows how many ponies (especially guards) might have died there... 😮 Queen Chrysalis: "You know what's stronger than friendship, Twilight? Fear!" - Honestly yeah... but friendship is also able to reduce and help with that. Rarity the goat, she definitely improved her telekinesis over time and was able to throw a huge bolder that a standard unicorn normally wouldn't be able to lift oneself, without training... She improved her magic a lot here as she wasn't able to levitate a tapestry before in "Castle Mane-ia". This might have been influenced by Sweetie Belle's own development that was seen during "Twilight time" and the shield she was able to cast in "Campfire Tales" after that. Twilight has to leave her friends and escape to devise a plan... Discord's line "Fly, you foal!" is a reference to the similar line "Fly, you fools!" spoken by Gandalf in the 2001 film "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring". And starting with the second half we see this adorable face of Cozy... 😋 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/2/2f/Cozy_Glow_grins_evilly_at_the_prisoners_S9E25.png Queen Chrysalis: "Patience, Cozy. Destruction is so... permanent." - ah, so nice of them to let them live... 🙃 Queen Chrysalis: "We need to show the rest of Equestria that we've broken their heroes first. Besides, we should have fun with our guests." - ah... torture... that makes it much better 😣 Queen Chrysalis: "Is that big, strong minotaur that scared of one little pony? Relax. It's not like her friends are going anywhere." - uhm... that won't bite her will it? 😅 And yeah, there it is the typical villain quarreling about who should get the alicorn power of the princesses. Discord: "I'm so sorry. It made so much sense in my head. Twilight defeats her worst enemies and is filled with confidence. I truly did have the best intentions. I swear I'll make it up to you." Rainbow Dash: "That's gonna need to be a pretty epic make-up." And then he is willing to talk about how to use the chaos magic in exchange of the freedom of his friends, but said friends are against that as this would be a hefty disadvantage on all fronts... Discord: "You're right. 'Cretin' is too polite. How about 'pathetic centaur who uses magic to compensate for the fact that deep down he's afraid he'll never be enough to please dear old dad, King Vorak'?" - This is a reference to his origins that are told in the comic series "Fiendship is Magic". So I wont spoil it for you. And I don't know if you recognized it, but these are the caverns below Canterlot of the S2 finale in which the real Princess Cadence was trapped. Twilight tried to destroy the stones with magic, but these were reflected at first until Twilight adjusted her spell to break trough. Discord knew that these stones reflect and used that to incite Tirek's wrath, so that he would try to use a magic blast against him which he reflected onto the anti-magic stone on Starlight's cage... Smart move... 🤩 And Starlight broke out and rescued Twilights friend so that they can escape and get to Twilight. Rainbow Dash: "That... was a pretty epic make-up." - Hm... there is much more needed for that, but he is halfway there... Discord: "Just save Equestria. And keep Fluttershy safe!" - At least another confirmation for his devotion to Fluttershy. The division of the tribes is going full throttle, no one is trusting anyone else... even holing up in their own cities, it's quite frightening to watch when the Pegasi closed up Cloudsdale with clouds which darkened everything on the ground... Twilight fled to the Crystal Empire but found no solution, despite her friends' hopes. Devastated, she feels everything has crumbled unnoticed and questions if their efforts were in vain. Overcome with hopelessness, she blames herself. Yet, her friends refuse to give up, offering heartfelt encouragement. They remind her of their bond, past triumphs over adversity, and their unwavering belief in her. It was truly wholesome. 🥰 Rainbow Dash: "And it's not like things can get any worse." Spike: "Haven't we learned never to say that by now?" - Yeah, how many times did that happen already? And with hopeless distrust come the Windigos... https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/1/12/Cotton_Sky_%22they%27re_on_their_own%22_S9E25.png That pegasus pony you are referring to is called "Cotton Sky". https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/d/d9/Unicorn_1_addressing_other_unicorns_S9E25.png - Oh look who is here, Twilights, Starbursts and Starlights parents, Moondancer, Sassy Saddles and Chancellor Neighsay. One thing to notice though is that Lyra is also here but without BonBon... - I can't see them separating... 🤔 That kid you mentioned is Raspberry Dazzle: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/7/76/Close-up_on_Raspberry_Dazzle_S9E25.png Twilight Sparkle: "Thank you. Sometimes even the Princess of Friendship needs a reminder that there's more to the Magic of Friendship than rainbow lasers." Spike: "Although that part is pretty cool." - it is, and yeah: everyone can sometimes loses the focus on things... Pinkie Pie: "What are we gonna do, Twilight?!" Twilight Sparkle: "The same thing we do every time, Pinkie. Try to save the world!" This is a nearly identical reference to the line "The same thing we do every night, Pinky - try to take over the world!" spoken by 'the Brain' in the opening sequence and every episode of "Pinky and the Brain"-series. I loved that! 🤣 Queen Chrysalis: "The harsh weather is the final blow to break the ponies' spirits. Once Equestria is a frozen wasteland, we'll use our magic to destroy those windy beasts. Ponies will be so grateful, they'll do whatever I want!" - That is absolutely devious... however, I don't think this would be that easy... https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/f/fd/Legion_of_Doom_comes_through_vortex_S9E25.png Hm... when they come out of the portal, isn't that an Avengers reference? And here we are at the final battle against the Legion of Doom. Rematch between Twilight and Tirek, YES! Pinkie Pie: "Step right up, evil fillies and gentlevillains! Try your luck!" https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/1/19/Pinkie_presents_wheel_game_to_Chrysalis_S9E25.png - Random as ever! I don't have any words for that 🤣 Oh look, EQG reference! https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/d/da/Rarity_protects_Spike_with_magic_shield_S9E25.png Everyone is doing their best but they still failed at last as Spike get's captured... Lord Tirek: "Turns out that the Magic of Friendship is your biggest weakness. A fitting end to your pathetic story." - hm 👀 And theyre facing imminent doom but are surprisingly rescued by their allies, who were convinced by the students of Twilight's school like "Rasberry Dazzle", "Hyper Sonic" and especially by the Young 6! It's the culmination of everything that happended since season 1, it all came together... And look who is here! Fizzlepop Berrytwist (Tempest)! https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/9/9b/The_cavalry_of_united_Equestria_arrives_S9E25.png We get our full assault army war fight we always wanted 🤩 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/6/60/Ponies_and_creatures_charge_down_the_hill_S9E25.png With that, Twilight finally gains the confidence to step forward boldly, drawing a literal line against the Legion's scheme. What follows is one of the magnificent speeches in the entire show, where she speaks passionately about how past friendships have shaped their current lives, paving the way for future connections. She emphasizes how these bonds contribute to building a stronger community, one capable of overcoming any obstacle. It was incredible and so genuine! Cozy Glow: "This is bad, isn't it?" With that said comes down the biggest (and last) 'Rainbow Lazer' the series ever offered which dispelled the Windigos and diminished all the powers the Legion had... The fiends are defeated and want to flee, just to be squished by a giant cupcake by Pinkie who has gotten Discords magic in her hoof and was surprisingly good in controlling it... Pinkie Pie: "I COULD TRANSFORM THE COSMOS SO EVERYTHING IS MADE OF ICING!" - ...well, despite loosing some of her sanity in the process... 😅 - And yes it was the most 4th wall thing of her... Turning the villains to stone... like Discord was once. Discord"Together forever! I can't think of anything that they would want less!" - heh 😏 Princess Celestia: "When I sent you to Ponyville, I had high hopes. When you became Princess of Friendship, I knew I made the right choice. But nothing could prepare me for how proud I am right now. Equestria is definitely in the right hooves. You are ready." - another great speech Twilight Sparkle: "You know what? I think I am." - yeah with that she definitely is! Them eating Donuts resembled the Ending scene of "The Avengers" in 2012 when they were eating Shawarma in the post-credit scene... It's also a nice callback to the S1 Finale as you very well recognized! 😁 Fluttershy: "It's like the end of an era." Rainbow Dash: "Or the beginning of an even more awesome era!" - Wow... that's quite a way to sum it up after this finale, which comes just one episode before the end of the series. With that, it really hits home... - The end is neigh 😥 --- = The impending Doom = After King Sombra destroyed the Tree of Harmony and its Elements in the premiere, the connection to the Cutie Map was severed, and even though it was rebuilt into the Treehouse of Harmony, that link was never reestablished. So it's no wonder that there weren't any usual signs of the danger that is brewing in Equestria. = Discords role as Grogar and a misplaced trust = Grogar is advancing with his plans to conquer Equestria, and as he nears his final steps, he is betrayed by Cozy Glow, Tirek, and Chrysalis, who steal his power. However, to everyone's surprise, it is revealed that Grogar was Discord all along. It was mind-blowing and controversial. On the one hoof, Discord posing as Grogar was an incredible twist that took everypony by surprise. On the other hoof, it felt like a major letdown, because it essentially wasted Grogar’s potential as a genuine ultimate villain. Discord had devised this elaborate plan as a final test for the Mane 6, ensuring they were truly ready to take on the responsibility of ruling Equestria. In his chaotic mind, he believed Twilight needed to unite Equestria against the most dangerous possible threat to truly embrace her power. However, his methods were reckless and spiraled out of control, especially when Cozy Glow, Tirek, and Chrysalis stole the power in the bell he had originally intended as a test. At first I was disappointed in Discord for not learning from his past misjudgments, particularly after Tirek’s betrayal in the Season 4 finale. It felt like he repeated old mistakes, placing too much trust in villains who clearly had no loyalty. Moreover, the confidence and belief he wanted to instill in Twilight and her friends had already surfaced in the Season 9 premiere, and by this point, the Mane Six had proven themselves capable leaders - especially Twilight, who had shown tremendous growth. Discord should have realized their progress by the time of the "Summer Sun Setback", yet he kept pushing his scheme forward. Some fans speculate that he had a secret backup plan and expected the creatures of Equestria to unite if everything went wrong, but it still strikes me as an absolutely reckless gamble that nearly led to disaster. Part of me also thinks the Mane Six ought to have lost all trust in him, considering the danger he unleashed. Once Discord’s true involvement came to light, he did show remorse for putting everypony in harm’s way. This show has always emphasized redemption and the power of friendship, and his contrite attitude underscored how trust, loyalty, and forgiveness can grow, even in the face of monumental mistakes. Personally, I hope this was the last "teensiest Boo-Boo" of his, because as much as I appreciate his chaotic nature, I believe there comes a time when one should stop making the same errors over and over. Even so, the lesson remains that true friendship can endure if we are willing to learn from our mistakes and offer genuine forgiveness to those who truly regret what they have done and so I didn't dwell too much on it, as I also believe that his chaotic nature is just something you have to deal with in the end... = Legion of Doom and their confrontation = Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow truly shone as formidable villains in their final confrontation. Each of them brought distinct motivations to the table: Chrysalis’s thirst for revenge against Starlight Glimmer, prompted by her belief that Starlight led her Changeling tribe astray; and Tirek’s longstanding grudge against the Pillars because Starswirl convinced his own brother to betray him and Cozy Glows attention towards the Mane Six and Young Six, as they thwarted her former plans to be the manipulative Empress of Friendship. Their battles, especially toward the end, were mostly impressive and showcased strong teamwork, although there were moments where I felt they could have coordinated even better. Also, I was disappointed by the fight between Tirek and the Pillars. The Pillars barely put up meaningful resistance and seemed overwhelmed far too quickly, which undercut the tension of what could have been a truly epic showdown - a bit more resistance would have been great! In contrast, Starlight’s encounter with Chrysalis was absolutely thrilling. The exchange of wits and magic, along with the sharp one-liners, kept me on the edge of my seat. I only wish Starlight had dialed back her overconfidence by the end, as it left her vulnerable in a way that felt slightly out of character... However it was for plot's sake in the end. 🙄 Their alliance as the Legion of Doom held tremendous potential, and I believe that if they had set aside their personal ambitions and mistrust, they could have triumphed. Unfortunately, Chrysalis’s obsession with vengeance, Tirek’s craving for power, and Cozy Glow’s manipulative streak undermined their shared goals. Betrayal was inevitable in a group fueled by selfishness, and the protagonists capitalized on those rifts. By generating chaos on multiple fronts, the Legion initially managed to distract Twilight Sparkle and her friends from their mission of uniting the pony tribes, but their own internal discord also ultimately cost them their victory. = The villains Punishment = The ultimate defeat of Cozy Glow, Tirek, and Chrysalis was quite divisive. While some fans appreciated the poetic justice of turning them to stone, others questioned whether such a severe punishment - especially for a child character like Cozy Glow - undermined the show’s message of friendship. This sparked a broader debate about whether these antagonists should have been given a chance at redemption. Some welcomed the idea of unrepentant villains, but many felt that the characters’ development, especially Cozy Glow’s manipulative nature and Chrysalis’s repeated rejection of friendship, implied there might have been room for more nuanced endings. In my view, Chrysalis and Cozy Glow were too far gone. Cozy's ability to manipulate others had only grown worse each time she appeared, and there was never any real sign she could change or be trusted not to harm anyone again. Without any deeper insight into her origins, she unfortunately seemed like a lost cause. Chrysalis is also irredeemable because she persistently refused to open up to friendship and as an overly vindictive character, it was difficult to imagine any sincere turnaround for her either. All of this fueled philosophical discussions on justice and punishment, particularly whether imprisoning these villains in stone conflicted with the show’s core values. While I personally see why the series ended their stories this way - given the destructive choices they kept making - I also understand the concern that such a harsh outcome might feel at odds with the spirit of forgiveness the show often champions. Despite the mixed reactions, it remains a memorable conclusion that continues to prompt debate about how far forgiveness should stretch and when severe consequences become necessary... = The Divide of Pony races and the appearance of Windigos = I really appreciated how the episode built on the idea that the Legion of Doom recognized the power of unity as their biggest threat. By targeting the same fears we saw back in the Season 2 retelling of "Hearth’s Warming Eve", they managed to drive a wedge between the pony tribes. It was fascinating to see Cozy Glow using her sweet talk and innocent demeanor to seed rumors, while Chrysalis’s shapeshifting let her pose as influential figures to spread misinformation at critical moments. This approach clearly took advantage of old worries about unicorns potentially unleashing dangerous magic, pegasi withholding weather, and earth ponies hoarding food - a fear that has echoed through Equestrian folklore ever since the tribes first came together. It was compelling how the show linked those historical anxieties to the new crisis. The Legion’s plan hinged on reviving those dormant suspicions, making each tribe withdraw into its own sphere. When local leaders became more distrustful, it magnified the confusion and isolated everypony even further. It was a powerful reminder that centuries of peace never fully erased the tribal anxieties introduced in "Hearth’s Warming Eve". The Windigos were mentioned as another tool to heighten that sense of panic, threatening that if unity was lost, chaos could once again reign in Equestria. The brilliance of the Legion of Dooms plan was in letting everypony’s growing doubt snowball into a crisis of trust. Having divided the tribes at a fundamental level, the Legion of Doom believed they could then launch a final attack against a weakened Equestria. Ultimately, it was the Mane Six and especially their allies, who managed to cut through this fog of fear and remind everypony that friendship and unity dispel even the darkest schemes leading into the greatest finale worthy of the ending of MLP. = The role of the Mane 6 and the culmination of everything = When Discord’s plan was revealed, Twilight felt completely betrayed, and her confidence collapsed under the weight of his manipulations. Her anguish at seeing Equestria’s safety risked - alongside the prospect that all her friends had been pushed to their limits and were captured - led her to flee to the Crystal Empire, which felt like the most heartbreaking moment of her life. Even there, she couldn’t find any answers, and her despair only deepened as she realized how everything had quietly fallen apart around her. She began to wonder if everything they had done, from the very beginning, had been pointless, as though none of it truly mattered in the end and falls into a deep emotional pit. After Twilight's friends managed an epic escape with the help of Discord, Starlight, and the royal sisters, they refused to let her succumb to hopelessness when they reunited. They reminded her of the countless challenges they had overcome together, the ways they had always found a path forward, and how deeply they believed in her. Seeing Twilight cast aside her doubt, rise once more, and ultimately face her enemies served as a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond they all shared. From that moment of renewed resolve, the Mane Six led the defense of Canterlot and the surrounding lands, stepping up when they were outnumbered and unsure of whether they could rely on any of their allies. Each of their unique talents - from Twilight's strategic brilliance, Applejack's steadfast perseverance and Pinkie's boundless optimism, to Rarity's unwavering dedication, Fluttershy's quiet courage, and Rainbow Dash's unmatched speed and loyalty - played a crucial role in holding the line against the combined threat of the Legion of Doom. In seeing Twilight accept her destiny as Equestria’s future ruler, I felt the full meaning behind her journey over nine seasons. And in the bravery of Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy, I saw every friendship lesson come to life. Their willingness to stand by one another was stronger than any alliance built on fear and deceit. It all culminated in a glorious moment of unity, when every bond they had forged since Season 1 came through at once: = Founding of the Mane Six (Seasons 1–2): About Core Friendship lessons and Early Adversaries = I really enjoyed these early episodes because they showed how the series reintroduced the Elements of Harmony and emphasized that friendship is Equestria’s strongest force for good. Seeing Twilight Sparkle move to Ponyville to study the magic of friendship was a compelling start, especially since she was initially reluctant to form bonds. However, meeting Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy changed her outlook completely, and together they became the Mane Six. I found it heartwarming that their close connections and growing trust taught lessons in honesty, generosity, kindness, loyalty, and laughter, ultimately paving the way for their future achievements. I also appreciated how early adversaries tested their unity. Nightmare Moon, who later returned to her true self as Princess Luna, was an intense first challenge that underscored the importance of harmony. Discord and Chrysalis added more depth to that tension, as both took advantage of disharmony to threaten Equestria. Each encounter demonstrated time and again that strong friendships can overcome even the most formidable obstacles. The Hearth’s Warming story, involving the Windigos, was another highlight that showed how dangerous hatred and disharmony could be, foreshadowing the chaos that could be unleashed if ponies failed to stay united. This early reminder of the perils of discord reinforced the series’ core message: friendship holds everything together and remains vital for keeping ancient forces of chaos at bay. = New Challenges, growth of Twilight and expanding Alliances (Season 3-4) = King Sombra’s return in Season 3 introduced a genuinely dark and foreboding chapter in Equestria’s history. Even though he was ultimately defeated, his reappearance suggested that ancient evils might still be lurking beneath the surface, paving the way for other formidable foes who are seemingly beyond redemption. Around this time the Mane Six are extending their influence well beyond Ponyville by strengthening their bond with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in the Crystal Empire, as well as forging ties with reformed allies like Discord and Trixie. The most striking development however, was seeing Twilight Sparkle transform into an alicorn princess. This moment represented not just a milestone in her own life, but a clear sign that her evolution from an eager unicorn scholar into a capable leader had taken on deeper significance. It felt like a glimpse into her future role as a ruler of Equestria, one who would carry the values of friendship forward. Season 4 then expanded the show’s mythology with the introduction of the Tree of Harmony and the concept of the friendship's Rainbow Powers as every virtue of the Mane Six was tested. The newly revealed threat of Tirek heightened the stakes, but it also underscored a central message: unity and the power of friendship can accomplish truly extraordinary feats. When the Mane Six tapped into the Rainbow Power by fully embracing their roles as embodiments of the Elements of Harmony, it proved that friendship not only brings individuals closer together, it can also serve as the ultimate force to overcome even the most daunting challenges. = Mending Old Wounds, forging New Bonds with reformed Antagonists and an expanded World (Season 5-7) = Seasons 5 to 7 were a powerful illustration of how My Little Pony balances the themes of mending old wounds and forging new bonds. Starlight Glimmer’s introduction in Season 5 initially presented a clash between her misguided ideals and the true spirit of friendship, and watching her reform reminded me of Discord’s earlier journey toward redemption. Both characters proved that even the most unlikely antagonists can embrace harmony when given the chance. The story expanded Equestria’s lore by exploring the legends of the Pillars of Old Equestria and revealing the origins of the Elements of Harmony. When these ancient heroes reemerged in Season 7 - especially the revered Starswirl the Bearded that was refered to a couple of times before - they bridged the gap between Equestria’s storied past and its present struggles. Starlight’s journey from leading a misguided village to achieving genuine redemption underscored the idea that friendship can save those who have wandered far from its principles. In doing so, her arc mirrored Discord’s transformation, showing that unexpected alliances can arise when characters open themselves to change. The presence of the Pillars served as a testament to the timeless nature of heroism and the resilience of harmony, linking ancient legends with the challenges faced by modern-day heroes. These seasons added depth to the world of My Little Pony by tying together past and present, reinforcing the show’s enduring message that friendship truly can conquer all. = World-Building and the founding of the School of Friendship: Diverse Allies and wider threats (The Movie + Seasons 6-8) = Seasons 6-8 expanded the idea of harmony far beyond Equestria’s borders. From my perspective, it was a natural progression to see the Mane Six not only champion friendship among ponies but also forge meaningful bonds with Dragons (like Ember), Griffons (Gilda and Gabby), Yaks (Prince Rutherford), Hippogriffs (Princess Skystar and Queen Novo), and even the Kirin. Their alliances exemplified a world where every land could stand together in times of crisis and I found this broader sense of unity both exciting and reassuring. Watching Thorax dethrone Queen Chrysalis and guide his people toward peaceful coexistence highlighted how genuine friendship can transform an entire nation. This shift became a vital foundation for later challenges, and it truly underscored the importance of understanding and empathy in overcoming long-held grudges. After the events of the Movie, the founding of the School of Friendship felt like a logical next step for Twilight and her friends. By welcoming students like Sandbar, Ocellus, Yona, Gallus, Smolder, and Silverstream, the show revealed how creatures from diverse origins could come together to learn shared values. Seeing the Young Six unite around friendship’s core principles gave hope for Equestria’s future - especially knowing that their budding camaraderie would play such a significant role in Season 9’s focus on worldwide cooperation. Cozy Glow’s emergence as a deceptive threat added a thought-provoking twist. Her manipulative use of “friendship” underlined the show’s message that harmony isn’t just about calling people your friends - it’s about sincere care, compassion, and mutual respect. Cozy Glow’s calculated schemes made us realize that if someone views friendship as merely a tool for personal gain, it can become a devastating weapon. This storyline, although unsettling at times, reinforced the true meaning of harmony and reminded me why heartfelt connections are so vital to maintaining peace in Equestria. = Culmination in Season 9: Windigos, Final Confrontations and the Ultimate Unity = Season 9 wrapped up all the lessons, bonds and trials in a truly satisfying way. From my perspective, the return of King Sombra, along with Queen Chrysalis’s constant lurking, Tirek’s brute force, and Cozy Glow’s cunning, created a tremendous buildup - especially once they were revealed to be part of Discord’s deceptive scheme as "Grogar". This group of villains called the Legion of Doom was born and showcased just how high the stakes had become since earlier seasons. It felt like a natural escalation of everything the Mane Six had faced so far. It was thrilling to watch their combined power push everyone - Twilight Sparkle and her friends, Starlight Glimmer, the reformed Discord, the ancient Pillars, and even the Student Six - to band together. The appearance of the Windigos reminded me of Equestria’s earliest cautionary legends from Hearth’s Warming, and I loved how their return underscored the importance of unity and harmony in the face of darkness. The two-part finale, "The Ending of the End", really brought it all together. Seeing Twilight and her friends unite so many allies - dragons, griffons, changelings, hippogriffs, yaks, and more - embodied the essence of the entire series: that true friendship can overcome any threat. The Windigos’ chilling presence and the villains’ onslaught both reinforced the show’s central idea: genuine friendship is transformative and ultimately victorious. I found the conclusion powerful and satisfying because it tied every hard-earned friendship lesson into a single, grand climax. It felt like each villainous plot and every alliance built up to a unified effort that proved once and for all that harmony is Equestria’s greatest strength. From Twilight’s initial studies of friendship right through to that final battle, every challenge contributed to this ultimate triumph. The Mane Six truly emerged as the heart of Equestria, reminding me that even the most daunting odds can be overcome through trust and understanding. = Resolution / Messages = Throughout the series, I’ve always appreciated how it emphasizes the idea that the relationships we build are our greatest source of strength. The finale went a step further by extending those bonds to reformed villains, neighboring kingdoms, and all kinds of creatures, showing that true cooperation transcends differences and safeguards the entire community. This ending reinforces that friendship isn’t just a theme in the show—it’s a powerful force accessible to everyone, and one that should never be underestimated. = The Conclusion = It’s remarkable how everything established over the course of the show came together in this finale. The young generation from the School of Friendship rose to the occasion, fulfilling the lessons they’d learned. Even the Windigos - first mentioned in season 2 - made a fitting comeback, tying the story neatly to earlier seasons. Discord’s role felt like his final test for everyone, and the ending scene harkened back to the season one finale at Donut Joe’s, underscoring how far the characters have come since then. The final battle itself was beyond words, carrying a clear, powerful message. However, many fans, including me, felt disappointed that Celestia and Luna seemed sidelined during these crucial moments. Another point of regret was the unlinked cutie map, which was never properly addressed, despite once being such a vital element in protecting Equestria. Exploring the consequences of losing that map could have added more depth to the story. With so much happening, this finale might have benefited from being expanded into three parts, as everything felt dense and slightly rushed in just two episodes. Still, I loved the tri-rainbow laser blast at the end, combining the efforts of the Pillars, the Mane 6, and the Young Six. It was a triumphant visual that delivered on the show’s legacy and embodied its core theme of unity. Despite its flaws, the episode held plenty of standout moments and an electrifying final fight that showcased how each season’s developments ultimately converged. Seeing every species stand together to defend Equestria captured the show’s essence of friendship. The Young Six received well-deserved praise for uniting everyone, proving that the Mane 6’s teachings had taken root in the next generation. It was also wonderful to see every familiar face return, illustrating that the Mane 6 had inspired such enduring devotion that no one needed an explicit rallying call to rise up and help. The scale of these final episodes reminded me of major cinematic moments, akin to Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, and the donut shop gathering at the end echoed The Avengers’ shawarma after-credits scene. While the large battle drew much admiration, some found the interactions underdeveloped due to the rapid pacing. The ending felt bittersweet, tying up numerous storylines but leaving enough room for interpretations or future continuations. Ultimately, the combined power of the Pillars, the Mane 6, and the Young Six served as a glorious emblem of friendship bridging past, present, and future. Pinkie briefly wielding Discord’s chaos magic was a hilarious and fitting moment for her character. The final scene brought every narrative thread full circle, showing just how far the characters - and Equestria - had traveled since the very beginning. --- Whew... this was quite the journey until here, it's a strange feeling to know it ends with the last left episode... - It was great to watch your reaction and insights here - Thank you!
DeViruZz.eXe
2025-01-04 16:32:48 +0000 UTCI agree! Gotta be in the top 3 of two parters, right? It had everything but we still have one more to go 😭
Ed
2024-12-28 09:40:18 +0000 UTCThe young generation!!!!!! So many amazing moments this episode. Yea. The epilogue. It will be here very soon 😭😭
Ed
2024-12-28 09:39:09 +0000 UTCThis was definitely my favorite two parter ,the final battle was amazing I just can’t put into words how amazing this was the message was strong and up front too, discord being grogar was definitely a crazy plot twist that nobody saw coming, the post apocalyptic donut scene made me cry, this finale was definitely emotional and epic my one complaint was the the pillars should’ve had more of a fight but I guess it shows you how strong tirek really is, beautiful finale friendship is magic! i will never forget this show definitely my favorite show of all time.
Pinkie_applepie
2024-12-26 02:34:39 +0000 UTCThe only big thing I wished for this finale is to devote more time to all the plotlines in order to properly develop them because sometimes it feels like something important is missing, for example the fight between Tirek and the pillars which is very short and kind of pointless to the whole story. But despite this I love how everything that was built up throughout the show played its role here. Young generation that was taught at the school of friendship saving the day, the Windigos who were firstly mentioned back in season 2, Discord giving his final test and even the final shot that refers to the finale of season 1. Maybe predictable, but it's still a very nice ending. I'm so glad that MLP got continued after season 3, which was initially planned to be the finale of the series. Now the only thing left is the epilogue, and I am already crying again.
PavelCypher
2024-12-23 19:17:15 +0000 UTC
