Queen Chrysalis Creates Mean Clones?! | My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Season 8 Episode 13 REACTION + Discussion
Added 2024-10-20 17:00:08 +0000 UTC
Comments
Yeah kites were an absolutely good idea to lure... erm... I meant include Starlight into this camping trip... 😅
DeViruZz.eXe
2024-11-07 19:04:51 +0000 UTC
I’m sorry for hurting your ears 😭😭
Starlight remains a villain in someone’s eyes 😂
They should have brought kites to camping for starlight
Twilight’s apology was great! But in general seemed everyone has issues with this trip
Yes!!! Amazing moment. I posted it on the discord since it stood out
Ooooo this was the episode!! Okay okay. I’ll check it out rn
And that ending quote from twilight. How far they have come
Yes I agree! Maybe obvious but everyone was already bothered and annoyed so it made sense. Just felt a bit too discordy.
This trip indeed did strength and test their friendship! We need to have the uncomfortable in order to be comfortable.
Huuuh. That tree action is very interesting. Has a sense of itself which adds on to the mystical nature of it
Ed
2024-11-07 07:00:03 +0000 UTC
- Some notes/thoughts/facts: -
Midseason finale... yeah... and what a midseason finale it is...
Considering Andrea Libman is the VA for Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, this is beyond funny to me 🤣
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/4/48/Photographer_pulls_one_of_Fluttershy%27s_hairs_S8E13.png
"I think she gathered the DNA" - wow... you got that fast!
Ah... now we know what your preference is Chrissi... 😏
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/e/ed/Photographer_looks_at_AJ_and_Rainbow%27s_photos_S8E13.png
Your scream blew my eardrum Ed... 😂 - who would have known that she was Chrysalis? eh? - Well in hindsight it was kind of obvious due to her green magical-aura color.
But holy hell is she happy that she is now able to pull this clone spell that she is even prancing around:
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/1/1d/Queen_Chrysalis_giddily_prancing_in_the_forest_S8E13.png
- why is that dang cute!?
Queen Chrysalis: "Of course I haven't forgotten Starlight Glimmer! She stole my hive. Turned my subjects against me! So I'll take her friends away while she watches! And then, I'll destroy her!" [maniacal laughter]
- She definitely harbors a deep grudge against Starlight 😮
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/c/c1/Clones_of_Pinkie_and_Fluttershy_are_born_S8E13.png
- Fluttershy was close to become a tree before... now she IS a tree! 🤣
Her wish was now granted!
Uuuh that is one evil Meani-Twi... https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/a/ab/Clone_of_Twilight_Sparkle_is_born_S8E13.png
The Mean 6 are after the Elements of Harmony, aiming to wield their power for themselves. What they didn't anticipate, though, was that the Mane 7 would also be seeking the camping grounds close to the elements - just for some R&R and a bit of friendship bonding. 😋
Rarity: "Oh, that's not mine. Yes, I used to overpack a tad, but now it's just the essentials for me. I'm a simple filly."
- Who are you? 😆 Have you already been swapped out without anyone noticing?
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/6/6c/Rarity_%22now_it%27s_just_the_essentials%22_S8E13.png
Starlight Glimmer: "I just never really felt the need to... 'hang out' in nature. Home has books, tea, fewer bugs, a roof..."
- I feel you Starlight 😅
It's like the Season 2 finale, where Discord hypnotized them - only this time, they're even meaner. The only one missing was Twilight's personality... and now she's got quite the sinister one here. She even outclasses Chrysalis herself... 😏
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/0/0a/Starlight_Glimmer_carrying_a_heavy_load_S8E13.png
- I'm not sure, but if you want to give someone new to camping the full experience, you probably shouldn't do it the way AJ did. Instead, it's better to start by introducing the easier aspects before diving into the more challenging parts.
Oh well Twilight seems to be annoyed by Pinkie's antics, because they already are behind the schedule she had in mind...
Meani-Twi: "'Permission'? You need us way more than we need you, your Majesty! The others are fools. But with me to lead them, there's no reason we can't find the Elements and keep the power for ourselves!"
- she is against Chrysalis and has her own agenda... interesting...
Pinkie spilling the beans about the tree, without realizing that... ahje...
Fluttershy: "Oh, Rainbow Dash! I'm so glad you're here. I was lost."
Mean Rainbow Dash: "Bummer. Later."
[beat]
Fluttershy: "What just happened?"
- Oh shit... 😆🤣
And shit is about to go down... as they each encounter one of the Mean 6...
...it was pure comedy and also very sad, especially with Fluttershy, Pinkie and Twilight...
Fun-Fact: Meanie-Rarity's mannerisms kind of resemble Gollum from the Lord of the Rings series and film franchise... I think her VA (Tabitha St. Germain) had quite some fun with that.
Rainbow Dash: [to Applejack] "I'm guessing some kind of curse? Maybe poison joke?"
Applejack: "Well, somethin' sure ain't right."
- Ah yeah... something is not right, but the considered possibilities are there...
You recognized the 127 hours reference 😆
Twilight Sparkle: "Everypony, quiet! Listen. We know each other really well — the great stuff and how to get on each other's nerves, too. I wanted a fun trip with my friends. But instead, I got carried away with plans and ruined everything. If you want to forget it all and head home, I won't be offended. I just want us to stop fighting."
- Well this was a great apology and insight of her...
Applejack: [to Starlight Glimmer] "Hey, sorry if I got carried away with all that campin' stuff.
- yeah you absolutely did..."
Starlight Glimmer: "I'm sorry, too. I should've just told you I'll never like camping. Also, I'll never like camping."
- you said it before though?
Rarity: "Well, if we're all being honest, I can't survive with just this tiny yet fashionable little saddlebag! I miss my things!"
- You didn't do anything though? But oh well...
Pinkie Pie: [to Twilight Sparkle] "I'm sorry that you thought that I thought your plan was lame. Your plans are the most un-lamest!"
Rainbow Dash: "And I always have fun when we're all together. Even if it's learning pretending to be fun."
- What does "learning pretending to be fun" even mean? 🤔
Well it was a great way to stop this spiraling argument.
Fluttershy: "If everypony likes me again." 😭
I loved that moment, so wholesome!
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/b/b7/Twilight_Sparkle_%22let%27s_get_to_that_Tree%22_S8E13.png
Queen Chrysalis: "Just! Retrieve! The Elements!"
- she really gets impatient...
The Mean 6 arrive at the Tree of Harmony, which quickly recognizes their strange behavior and the danger they pose... and ultimately destroys them. It's also possible that their magic was absorbed by the Tree, considering they were once part of the forest and were infused with Chrysalis's magic.
And yes, just as you were horrified by their disturbing expressions while being disfigured and destroyed, so were many others. There was considerable debate over the TV-Y rating, with some arguing that this dark moment deserved a higher TV-PG rating. This controversy ultimately led to the scene being censored. By the way, this is the same episode we discussed on Discord earlier. It might surprise you, but what you saw was already the censored version. If you'd like to compare the differences in censorship, you can check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skoTwO6meDA
Twilight Sparkle: "You know, if we can survive a day like this, I think our friendship is strong enough to handle anything the world can throw at us."
- Such a cheesy but great moment... and its true a friendship is really strong if it does!
---
This episode of My Little Pony offered a fascinating exploration of friendship dynamics, particularly through the creation of the "Mean 6" by Chrysalis. Unlike her usual control over her minions, Chrysalis couldn't completely manage these dark clones. The "Mean 6" reminded us of the brainwashed Mane 6 under Discord's influence from the Season 2 premiere - except for Twilight who wasn't entirely brainwashed at that time and whose sinister nature here was really intriguing and unsettling. In fact, Evil-Twi seemed even stronger than Chrysalis as she was able to overpower her, wasn't it for the tree of Harmony, who intervened... It's unfortunate that Meani-Twi was defeated so quickly, as seeing her face off against the real Twilight would have made for a memorable, extended storyline. I agree with many fans that this episode could have been easily expanded into a two-parter.
Although some fans felt that the Mane 6 should have recognized something was amiss right away, I found the circumstances understandable. The Mane 6 were already a bit tense with each other, mainly due to Twilight's insistence on a strict schedule, leading each character to approach the situation with their own priorities. This stress, combined with the difficult environment of the Everfree Forest, naturally clouded their perceptions. Additionally, the frequent separations throughout the episode meant that none of them spent extended time with each other to notice the unusual behavior patterns fully. Their natural trust in one another likely contributed as well, causing them to brush off the odd moments rather than suspect an imposter.
Each member of the Mane 6 had her own motivation for the camping trip: Whether it was bonding, relaxation, having fun or exploration. These differing goals led to small misunderstandings that escalated, especially between Twilight and Pinkie Pie. Their mild disagreements eventually grew into full arguments, while Applejack and Rainbow Dash speculated about external influences, such as a curse or poison joke. Rarity and Starlight were also annoyed with what they interpreted as Applejack's playfulness, adding to the general sense of confusion and discord within the group.
In the end, Twilight's heartfelt speech brought everyone back together. She acknowledged her own mistakes and reminded her friends that knowing each other so well means they inevitably get on each other's nerves from time to time. Yet, it's this depth of understanding and acceptance, quirks included, that solidifies their bond. It was a beautiful way to reaffirm that genuine friendships are built not only on positive experiences but also on a willingness to accept one another's flaws.
What I loved most about this episode was its portrayal of the challenges inherent in friendships. It showed how disagreements and personal differences can lead to tension, but if the friendship is strong and there's a willingness to reflect and communicate, these bumps can ultimately strengthen the bond rather than weaken it. Over the seasons, the Mane 6 have grown to know one another's quirks, preferences, and limits, making sacrifices and supporting each other through countless trials. It was rewarding to see how their journey together culminated in this deeper understanding, even when faced with distorted reflections of themselves.
The Tree's response to the "Mean 6" was particularly intriguing. Previously depicted as passive, this time it sensed the inherent danger in their twisted behavior and actively protected itself, swallowing the magic, the clones had as they tried to steal the elements. It was an intense moment with significant implications, hinting that the Tree can indeed act when its essence is threatened and might even have some kind of sentience.
In summary, this episode was both entertaining and meaningful, with Chrysalis's return and the hilariously dark introduction of the "Mean 6". I enjoyed the intense and comedic moments, the random encounters, and the complex interactions. Altogether, it delivered a good message wrapped in an exciting, chaotic adventure - a testament to the lasting strength of the Mane 6's friendship.
DeViruZz.eXe
2024-11-01 01:52:11 +0000 UTC
It doesn't really fit at all because it's entirely unnecessary. But I guess it's better after than before, purely so nothing is given away about what happens in the finale
sjones17515
2024-10-31 20:04:20 +0000 UTC
Originally, I was thinking about placing some EQG content after Season 9, but after reconsidering, it didn't make much sense since it doesn't really connect to the final season - except for one small, non-essential detail. That's why I suggested changing the order, moving all EQG-related content to before Season 9. If you'd like to know what's coming up, you can check here:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/114766834
or on Discord - feel free to let us know if that seems right or if we are missing anything.
Regarding the "Memories Miniseries", I ran into the same issue as you trying to decide whether it fits before or after Episode 26. If it weren't for the sixth episode, I would have suggested watching it beforehand, but, well, it is what it is...
DeViruZz.eXe
2024-10-31 19:59:55 +0000 UTC
It's complicated, but I can't really explain my feelings on the matter without risking projecting my opinion on you, so the best answer I can give without doing so is, yes.
sjones17515
2024-10-21 23:41:45 +0000 UTC
So you’re in agreement that it should be the last thing watched?
Ed
2024-10-21 23:30:38 +0000 UTC
Ok now I have reacquainted myself with what Friendship is Forever is. I revise my earlier statement. Do not watch this before the finale.
sjones17515
2024-10-21 19:30:11 +0000 UTC
Ok I so I wasn't actually thinking about Friendship is Forever because I'm not sure I've actually seen it. It *may* make more sense after the finale than before. I'll get back to you on that. I guess I need to actually watch it. I think the reason I haven't bothered is that it's supposed to add something to the finale but I find the finale to be perfect as is.
sjones17515
2024-10-21 19:16:57 +0000 UTC
The current recommendation of watch order has the finale being “MLP Friendship is forever (memories Miniseries) after Ep 26.
I assume this is not what you want, correct?
Obviously isn’t final since I’m going to ask everyone here but I’m definitely thinking about the schedule and planning
Ed
2024-10-21 18:41:26 +0000 UTC
At the point you're at, I don't really care that much what order you watch things in, as long as s9e26 is the last thing you watch. Another reactor said they were going to watch some of the specials after they finished the show and I don't like that at all. Your farewell to MLP should be the episode that was written to be the farewell
sjones17515
2024-10-21 18:14:23 +0000 UTC
I believe so as well! Love when my dumb “mid season finale” comes true! 😂
Season 8 in one go. Then I think we’ll be tackling the rest of EQG and specials. Then season 9. The suggested order was given to me on discord but I’ll be posting and asking here in the coming days to see if that’s what the people want
Ed
2024-10-21 18:06:50 +0000 UTC
If I'm not mistaken, this is the first time one of the major villains showed up in a mid-season episode as opposed to a premiere or finale.
I'm curious about something. Some of the specials started airing mid-season around this time. Does the order you're using reflect this or are you finishing s8 in one go?