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APPLEJACK'S PARENTS?!??!?!?!?!?! | My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Season 7 Episode 13 REACTION + Discussion

APPLEJACK'S PARENTS?!??!?!?!?!?! | My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Season 7 Episode 13 REACTION + Discussion

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I absolutely agree, and dont be sorry about rambling... i like that :D

DeViruZz.eXe

Man oh man. Even reading this back makes me nostalgic and excited. This really was one of the best episodes in MLP and even just animation that I have seen. AND this might be one of my best reaction moments of all time. This was stellar from beginning to end. The emotional punches did not stop. I FINALLY GOT MY ROMANCE AND WOOWWWWW!! It delivered and was so much more. Man the cuteness and romantic pictures and moments they had. Every frame is eye Candy and screensaver worthy. Excellent. And you’re explorations reinvigorates my love for the episode and puts even more new love for it than I had. And sorry if I just ramble at the points you make and responses. Loved loved the involvement of the town. Everyone knows and it’s so heartfelt. It was just unspoken about because of the pears not being here AND granny being stubborn about it. But that’s such a a beautiful thing how they feel close to them as you said, finding out those things can really open up your life and appreciation. While it is R&J, you’re right that they managed to masterfully make it so much deeper and richer which also included one of the biggest questions on the entire series. And wow that grand pear (sorry don’t know name). There was so much guilt and difficulty with him disowning her and not being able to reconcile with her. But as you said, we can pass on their story, not hide it, and it can breed new life and memories. Man so many layers to all of this. As we have seen with tank, the show is so good at getting to these topics and making it impactful on all ages which is extremely hard to do. Man….this was an event. Special. And I’ll never forget this. Oh and the chair is there because I was cleaning and lazy 😂

Ed

- Some notes/thoughts/facts: - Now we come to one of my all-time favorite episodes, The Perfect Pear, and for all the right reasons. Just for context and because you wanted to know, it was written by Joanna Lewis and Kristine Songco, the same talented duo behind episodes like "Castle Sweet Castle", "Rarity Investigates!", "The Hooffields and McColts", "Gauntlet of Fire", "Top Bolt", "Celestial Advice", "All Bottled Up", and "A Royal Problem" - many of which are widely regarded as standout episodes. https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/4/40/Grand_Pear_introduces_himself_to_Apple_Bloom_S7E13.png - Grand Pear is voiced by the renowned actor William Shatner, best known for his iconic role as Captain Kirk in the original "Star Trek" series. Also according to Michael Vogel, an animation writer and producer at DHX Media who previously worked at Walt Disney Pictures, the idea for the feud between the Apple and Pear families originated from an inside joke among the show's staff. The joke suggested that Applejack should have a nemesis named "Pear Steve" which eventually evolved into the character "Grand Pear". Grand Pear: "I, uh... [smacks lips] Well, I needed a change of pace." "What did you do?" - you are asking the right questions here buddy 😏 "They got beef don't they?" - detective Ed is striking again, but still has no idea 😅 The fear of pear jam is real! They even had to go to extreme lengths to hide it from Granny Smith in the most unconventional way: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/c/ca/AJ_and_Big_Mac_dig_hole_under_floorboards_S7E13.png - Wouldn't hiding it in a drawer have been easier? 🤣 And AJ and BigMac don't even know why... Nice callback to The McColts episode, the typical something-is-hated-but-noone-knows-why trope... How often does that happen for her not to notice something like that? 😅 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/9/9a/Granny_Smith_stepping_over_the_filled_hole_S7E13.png It's funny how Apple Bloom is always the curious one in the Apple family, the one who questions things instead of being blinded by prejudice - like with Zecora, for example. Golden Delicious was first introduced in the episode Pinkie Apple Pie as the destination of the Apple family's road trip. Goldie Delicious: "Here we are. 'Feud with the Bears'—I mean, 'Pears'!" 🤣 Fun fact: Ponyville has two big farms. The more you know! - More worldbuilding! 😄 I absolutely love Young Granny Smith - she's quite the beauty! https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/4/45/Young_Granny_Smith_polishing_an_apple_S7E13.png It was long time ago before Nigtmare Moon escaped the moon - this is kind of sad: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/b/bf/Moon_shining_over_apple_and_pear_farms_S7E13.png I prefer apples, but I also like pears. Remember back at S1E21 (Over a Barrel) AJ was also 'babying' a tree and even rented a whole cart for it... https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/7/7d/Applejack_taking_care_of_Bloomberg_S01E21.png "Technically you are hiding the sun from them" - true, but its nighttime there 😋 It turns out it's not just about the feud between the Apples and the Pears... it's also about AJ, Big Mac, and AB's parents, Bright Macintosh and Pear Butter. Pear Butter, originally a Pear, later became known as Buttercup. We finally get to learn more about the Apple siblings parents! - Your reaction was absolutely gorgeous! That moment of realization 🤩💙 It was also hinted during the dreamscape-scene with Celestia in "Royal Problem" 😅: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/3/31/Princess_Celestia_observes_Applejack%27s_dream_S7E10.png I also love Pear Butters design, especially the colors and her hair 🥰 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/6/68/Pear_Butter_hears_a_crashing_sound_S7E13.png - She is voiced by Felicia Day, best known for creating the popular web series "The Guild" and for her roles as Charlie Bradbury on Supernatural, among others. Apple Bloom: "Mrs. Cake?" Burnt Oak: "She and your mom were inseparable when they were fillies." - That is indeed surprising and cool. Big McIntosh: "Uh, would it be okay if we stopped by again sometime to hear more stories?" Burnt Oak: "I'd like that very much." - We are not even at the climax... and I already have watery eyes from all these bitter-sweetness emotional moments... 😭 Yes, you were right, Twilight was in the back, THIS time SHE is just a background pony 😄 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/3/39/Big_Mac_racing_to_Sugarcube_Corner_S7E13.png Mrs. Cake's birth name is Chiffon Swirl. She didn't always know her true talent or purpose, but it was Pear Butter who recognized her gift and helped her discover it, leading to Mrs. Cake earning her cutie mark. I love how the talents of both parents are beautifully connected with their children! Grown up, she is even more beautiful... 🥰 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/f/f1/Pear_Butter_swapping_Chiffon%27s_frosting_pouches_S7E13.png With Dandelions even moreso... https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/9/94/Pear_Butter_waving_goodbye_to_Bright_Mac_S7E13.png Granny was also against their relationship 😱 Chiffon Swirl: "You and Bright Mac? Whew, I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Your families hate each other." Pear Butter: "I can't help it. We just sorta... happened." Mrs. Cake: "[voiceover] Then Pear Butter told me the sweetest love story I have ever heard." - With that the most bitter-sweetest moment in the entire show begins... "You're In My Head Like a Catchy Song" is an absolute lovely and tear-jerking song. I always have to cry while listening to it... its so pure and beautiful! 😭 Pear Butter: "We're far apart in every way But you're the best part of my day And sure as I breathe the air I know we are the perfect pair On a prickly path that goes on for miles But it's worth it just to see you smile And I cannot be pulled apart From the hold you have on my heart And even if the world tells us it's wrong You're in my head like a catchy song The seasons change and leaves may fall But I'll be with you through them all And rain or shine, you'll always be mine On a prickly path that goes on for miles You're the only one who makes it all worthwhile And you should not blame me, too If I can't help fallin' in love with you..." - The text is soo emotional, I had to write it down here... I love all these little details during the song: - sending letters per bird-express: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/1/14/Bird_flying_up_to_Pear_Butter%27s_window_S7E13.png https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/2/2c/Bird_flying_back_to_Bright_Mac%27s_window_S7E13.png https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/9/9e/Drawing_of_Mac_and_Butter_inside_a_heart_S7E13.png - The ?first? kiss: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/4/46/Bright_Mac_and_Pear_Butter_boop_noses_S7E13.png - This sweet dancing moment... which also portrayed the rift between the families... https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/9/94/Bright_Mac_and_Pear_Butter_dancing_yards_apart_S7E13.png - just this moment: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/9/92/Bright_Mac_really_enjoys_Pear_Butter%27s_song_S7E13.png - aw how snuggly: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/a/a1/Bright_Mac_and_Pear_Butter_walking_in_winter_S7E13.png - 🥰 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/3/33/Bright_Mac_sleeping_in_Pear_Butter%27s_lap_S7E13.png Anyway there also are some remixes that I like, albeit this is a very subtle one: (Aurelleah Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H37ZkktvLvo I also like this orchestral take on it: (Jyc Row orchestral) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27TNQnmm6bs And as much as I prefer the original tonal direction of the song, we also need to celebrate their love, so have an happy celebratory take on it with this: (174UDSI Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFmLXT62unY - You are right, she is even cuter with a hat! I wonder if that's AJ's hat later on? https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/e/e7/Bright_Mac_holding_Pear_Butter%27s_hoof_S7E13.png Grand Pear: "The Pears are moving!" Pear Butter: "[deep gasp]" - deep gasp indeed 😱 https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/4/47/AJ%2C_Apple_Bloom%2C_and_Big_Mac_gasp_in_horror_S7E13.png Mayor Mare also played a role as their lovestory... and you're again right, the inclusion of Ponyvilles community is great! Bright Mac: "I don't want to be apart from you. Ever. I'm not sure what we'll do, but I'm sure of us. So sure that I'd marry you today." Pear Butter: "I would, too!" - A secret wedding 🥰 Also that scene is just beautiful: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/3/39/Bright_Mac_and_Pear_Butter%27s_secret_wedding_S7E13.png https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/c/c3/Bright_Mac_and_Pear_Butter_plant_their_seeds_S7E13.png - "Do they have a tree together" ... you have no idea... 😁 The first true kiss... Two ponies exchange vows under a breathtaking night sky, a moment so magical that if Luna were here to witness it, perhaps her heart would have softened. Maybe, just maybe, her tale of jealousy and anger - transforming her into Nightmare Moon - might not have been so tragic after all: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/5/56/Bright_Mac_and_Pear_Butter_kissing_S7E13.png But disaster strikes as Granny Smith and Grand Pear discover it: Grand Pear: "Finally, something we can agree on. Pear Butter, enough of this nonsense. We're movin'! And you gotta stick with your family!" Pear Butter: "But... the Apples are my family now, too." - Awww... well she is right about that. Grand Pear: "You can't be serious. Are you choosin' to be an Apple over being a Pear?!" Pear Butter: "Are you makin' me choose?" Grand Pear: "Yes. I am." Pear Butter: "Then yeah. I guess I am." Grand Pear: "Fine!" - This is so heartbreaking... 😭 Grand Pear was too stubborn to let go of the feud, he couldn't look past that, even when it came to his own daughter... At least Granny was understanding enough not to dwell on it for too long. Despite Granny Smith's deep dislike for the Pears, she would never go so far as to disown her own child. https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/b/b5/Granny_Smith_accepts_Pear_Butter_as_family_S7E13.png - Aww, welcome to the family, sugarcube! Apple Bloom: Then you came here because you're sorry and that you wanted to get to know us, too? Grand Pear: I'm... so sorry. I-I-I was just so angry, and... well, I-I never... Apple Bloom: It's in the past, Grand Pear. Oh! Can I call you Grandpere Pear? Grand Pear: [chuckles] Sure can. - This is such a heartful moment... https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/c/ca/Grand_Pear_%22sure_can%22_S7E13.png Apple Bloom: "Findin' you and learnin' all about Mom and Dad, I feel like I found a piece of me I didn't even know was missin'." Applejack: "Hearin' their story makes me feel closer to them somehow." Granny Smith: "I'm sorry. I should've told you all about 'em sooner." Grand Pear: "And I should've been here. Ah, I can't believe I let a silly feud keep me from my family." Applejack: "Nothing's keepin' ya from us now. Let's not miss anythin' else." - Discovering an unknown part of your own or your family's past can be a profound experience. This is also a key takeaway from this episode... Also it's heartwarming to see everyone come together and reconcile. Grand Pear: "And I should've been here. Ah, I can't believe I let a silly feud keep me from my family." - Sometimes stubbornness and embitterment does that... 😐 Apple Bloom: "Now that we're all together, there's somethin' we want to show you. Mom and Dad left us somethin' to remember them by. Come on!" https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/6/6f/Apple-Pear_family_under_the_apple-pear_tree_S7E13.png - A truly beautiful memento of their love: an apple and pear tree intertwined above the stone where they made their vows, with a heart-shaped opening in its trunk... We will all deeply miss their parents. 😭🥰 The Outro! they used an instrumental of "You're In My Head Like a Catchy Song" for it instead of the usual one! If their parents were still alive... it might have looked like this: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/0/08/The_Perfect_Pear_Yahoo%21_TV_promotional_image.png --- After seven seasons of unanswered questions about Applejack's parents, this episode finally gives us more insight, even though it still doesn't provide a clear explanation of what ultimately happened to them. All the indirect hints and the way characters who knew them speak about them strongly imply that Bright Mac and Pear Butter have passed away. Their story, however, is kept alive in bittersweet memories, which we get to see in beautifully presented flashbacks. Through these flashbacks, we learn not only about their love but also why Granny Smith and others never told the Apple siblings much about their parents before. It turns out that Pear Butter, later called Buttercup, came from another farm family - the Pears - who had their own history in Ponyville. However, Pear Butter was disowned by her family after marrying Bright Mac. What I like about this episode is how it initially misleads us into thinking it's about the Apple-Pear feud, only to later reveal the heart of the story - the love between Bright Mac and Pear Butter. The episode starts with a new pony in town, Grand Pear, selling pear jam. Apple Bloom, curious about him, starts asking questions, which leads her to uncover the feud between the Apple and Pear families - a feud that directly involved non other than her parents! Albeit it's a classic love story against the backdrop of family conflict, its very well executed: In short Bright Mac and Pear Butter fall in love despite their families' enmity, marry in secret, and eventually start a family of their own. By the episode's end, Grand Pear returns to Ponyville to reconcile with Granny Smith and meet his grandchildren, which signals the end of the feud and a healing of old wounds. The episode never directly states how Bright Mac and Pear Butter died, but it's heavily implied through the past-tense conversations and the heavy emotional tone of those who knew them. While we still don't know the exact circumstances of their deaths, the focus on their love and sacrifice adds to the emotional weight of the episode. I especially appreciated how other Ponyville residents, like Mrs. Cake, Burnt Oak, and Mayor Mare, were involved in their story, showing how Bright Mac and Pear Butter must have touched the lives of many. The symbolic intertwined apple and pear trees, which grew where Bright Mac and Pear Butter were married, serve as a beautiful and poignant reminder of their love - a living memorial to their legacy! The love story of Bright Mac and Pear Butter doesn't just impact the viewers; it's clear that their love and sacrifices also deeply influenced their children. Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom's strong sense of family, loyalty, and values can be seen as a direct reflection of their parents' relationship. In fact, AJ's honesty, Apple Bloom's talent for cutie mark consulting, and Big Mac's quiet hardworking nature might very well be traits inherited from them. I found it fascinating how this episode emphasized the importance of preserving memories and passing them down through generations. The siblings' journey to learn more about their parents feels like a crucial step in their personal growth and deepens their connection to their family heritage. One of the most powerful elements of the episode for me was Grand Pear's regret. He disowned Pear Butter when she married Bright Mac, a decision he clearly regretted but was too proud to admit at the time. His return to Ponyville, filled with remorse and a desire to make amends with his grandchildren, was one of the most emotional moments of the episode. It was heartbreaking to see that he would never get the chance to apologize to his daughter, who had passed away, but his reconciliation with Granny Smith and the Apple siblings at least provided some closure. - It was great. Despite the obvious parallels to "Romeo and Juliet," particularly with the themes of forbidden love and family feuds, this episode does a fantastic job of avoiding a tragic ending. While Bright Mac and Pear Butter are no longer alive, the resolution of the feud and the reunion of the families create a far more hopeful conclusion. In fact, I think this episode handled the romantic love story even better than the classic tale by focusing more on love's power to unite rather than the inevitable tragedy. And as much as I would have loved to learn more about how Applejack's parents actually died, I appreciated the subtlety with which the topic was handled. The implication of their deaths was sensitive and appropriate for a show aimed at a younger audience. There are, of course, numerous fan theories about how they may have passed - everything from a Timberwolf attack, illness (possibly connected to the swamp fever mentioned in another episode), to a tragic accident like a landslide or stampede. Some fans even speculate that Grand Pear's actions may have indirectly contributed to Pear Butter's death, though that remains an open question. One of the things I admire most about My Little Pony is how it sometimes manages to tackle mature themes like love, family, loss, and reconciliation in a way that's both meaningful and appropriate for its younger audience. This episode, in particular, shows that while they can't outright explain what happened to the parents, they still manage to convey the importance of their legacy and the impact they had on those who loved them. And of course, I have to mention the beautiful song, "You're In My Head Like a Catchy Song." It was one of the most emotional moments in the episode, and I thought it perfectly captured Pear Butter and Bright Mac's love in such a simple yet powerful way. The instrumental reprise of the song at the end was the perfect way to close the episode, adding an extra layer of emotion and making the ending even more impactful... This episode is, without a doubt, one of my favorites - not just of Season 7 but of the entire series, along with "Crusaders of the Lost Mark". It's beautifully written, emotionally powerful, and answers so many long-standing questions about Applejack's parents while still leaving room for interpretation. Every time I watch it, it brings tears to my eyes, and I can't help but be moved by the love story of Bright Mac and Pear Butter. It's a masterpiece of storytelling, and I will always cherish this episode for its emotional depth and the resolution it brought to such an important part of the Apple family's story. - Your reaction was an absolute joy to watch! I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to seeing your response to this… and you made it completely worthwhile. - Watching you realize all the details was amazing, and your insights into the episode were fantastic! - Thank you! 💙😀 I especially loved your comment about how romance and love are also integral parts of friendship and bonds - you're absolutely right about that! You also made a great point about the show's potential to delve deeper into each character's past, personality, and history. But you should bear in mind, some of the lore and backstories are covered in other media, not just the show. There are tons of published storybooks and comics set in the My Little Pony universe - some even aimed at a more mature audience. I actually stumbled across a few myself this year, which is pretty wild… That said: You wanted a love-episode with drama... you got one... right... here! 😏 - P.S.: I have to ask... why is there a chair on your bed? 😅

DeViruZz.eXe

They did a few episodes in S5 and S6, but mainly worked on S7 including Celestial Advice, All Bottled Up and a A Royal Problem. The writer can make a huge difference in the quality and tone of an episode. Some of the writers that stand out for me are M.A. Larson (S1-S5), Amy Keating Rogers (S1-S5), Meghan McCarthy (S1-S5), Joanna Lewis & Kristine Songco (S6-S9), Nick Confalone (S5-S9), and Michael Vogel (S6-S9).

Chris Lillis

Yes that’s completely fair. I wish I wasn’t so rank/rate heavy 😅 Oooh alright alright. Love the picks. And that’s okay. Sometimes we just appreciate character’s moments and journey. Think we share many of the same picks. Thank you for answering! Yes two parters will be it’s own section. But wouldn’t mind knowing out of the ones I’ve seen which ones stand out to you. Okay noted. I’m sure many people will also warn me about it but you’re the first so thank you!

Ed

Yes a little lol I can’t help but get emotional during the song , it’s just sweet and sad, also at the end the heart tree is wonderful.

Pinkie_applepie

I'm not a huge fan of ranking episodes really because sometimes I have to nitpick things I really don't mind in order to decide what to put higher, plus it's hard to rank the 2-parters and 1-parters together because they're almost like 2 different categories of things in this show. What I will say is that the best 1-part episode of the show has to be Crusaders of the Lost Mark, because I can't even find anything to nitpick about it. After that would come Magical Mystery Cure and the series finale, basically tied. The Perfect Pear would then be 4th for me. I can't honestly put a concrete reason why this is below those two except that I'm just that big a superfan of Twilight's arc. Again, this is just considering 1-parters only. 2-parters are a whole other story entirely. Oh, and don't be disappointed by my reveal that the series finale is a 1-parter. The 2 episodes before it are a 2-parter. The writers just thought the emotional wrap-up of the full series deserved a full episode of its own instead of getting crammed into the last few minutes of the epic season 9 finale. You'll likely agree when you get there.

sjones17515

Indeed they are morons, respectfully. They are denying greatness!

Ed

Did you cry while rewatching it with me? 😂🤔 Their connection is so damn sweet. The love explosions and cuteness was so endearing. And their impact on the feuding families and the personalities as you said was beautiful. Unexpected! Thought it was going to be a silly history episode but it ended up being soooo much more. Definitely seems that way and I hope we get answers, even a little reference. I agree! This is special, magnificent, every adjective in the book. Well deserved 10/10!

Ed

Which other episodes did they write? And have they worked on previous seasons? Oooh interesting! And yes I agree with that a statement. It was wonderful and an amazing experience

Ed

You were not kidding!! This was exceptional and even that seems like I’m downplaying it. didn’t expect it to come this fast. Also I’m curious, where does this rank in your top 3-5 MLP episodes? (If there are episodes that I haven’t got to then just say they are later on. Saying the finale is okay though)

Ed

I meant the majority, yes I was exaggerating but it’s a really well received episode overall I didn’t see much hate on it, but there’s always gonna be people in the fandom that don’t like an episode

Pinkie_applepie

The writers for this episode were Joanna Lewis & Kristine Songco. They were the lead writers for season 7 and wrote some other very good episodes. This was a very special episode production wise as well. They had two special guests, William Shatner as Grand Pear and Felicia Day as Pear Butter. Many consider this to be one of the best standalone episodes of the series.

Chris Lillis

Remember when I said after A Royal Problem that there would be one episode this season better than it? Yeah, this was it.

sjones17515

I personally agree with all of your opinion here, but I must point out you are incorrect that the whole fandom agrees it's that great. I've seen several emotionally deficient individuals claim this episode is overrated purely because it just repeats the Romeo and Juliet trope. Obviously these folks are morons, of course. But believe me when I say, there is literally *nothing* the whole fandom agrees on.

sjones17515

The whole fandom agrees that this episode is definitely the best in the season and some say it’s the best in all of mlp, I’ve cried every time I watch it and I’m not alone all of the fans got very emotional during this one, it’s definitely one of my favorites it’s tied between this one and crusaders of the lost mark cmc getting cutie marks, Bright Mac and Pear butters relationship is just so beautiful and pure, also I love all the connections between the parents and the apple family they are all similar to the parents, the song was so emotional and sweet, many people were shocked and did not expect an episode like this especially in season 7, it’s also extremely sad because you notice Luna still being in the moon at that time and it’s like it’s been so many years ago also it’s heavily implied that they are passed away, so it’s extra heartbreaking, I can’t even put it into words how much I love this episode and everything to say about it, the tree at the end is just so amazing, even the ending music is the love song being played instrumentally, 10/10 episode, the writers did something phenomenal here that I don’t see in many shows the quality is just perfect.

Pinkie_applepie

It joins the illustrious 10/10. PEAK!

Ed

Best episode ever!

Cowboy_002


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