My Little Pony LXXIII: Luna's Sordid Dreams? I'm Not Googling That...

[thubby]

Spoiler: S4

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I find it curious that Twilight can apparently cast entirely improvised spells on the spot, successfully, even though she has no idea what the magic she's casting is supposed to do. Unless it literally was "turn this thing white" and nothing else, in which case ... why the overly dramatic dark alicorn magic? Is changing the color of liquids something only alicorns can do?

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it is my understanding that she was just pumping magic into it, which would turn it white.

[Anarion]

Spoiler: S4

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I find it curious that Twilight can apparently cast entirely improvised spells on the spot, successfully, even though she has no idea what the magic she's casting is supposed to do. Unless it literally was "turn this thing white" and nothing else, in which case ... why the overly dramatic dark alicorn magic? Is changing the color of liquids something only alicorns can do?

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it is my understanding that she was just pumping magic into it, which would turn it white.

Spoiler: Season 4 magic use

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I either agree with Thubby, or I thought it was sort of a tip off. Like, Zecora saying "turn this white" was enough information for Twilight, internally, to go "oh, that's a dark magic alteration spell, I know how to do that" and then externally we see the blast. Like asking someone to add a particular ingredient in a recipe, rather than needing a fully customized spell for the moment.

[Aotrs Commander]

Well.

Pony season 4 is going to have work quite hard to top Doctor Who, all I can say.

Fracking hell, that was awesome.

[HalfTangible]

Spoiler: Thoughts on part 2

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I just noticed Discord is in Fluttershy's cottage.

I love this scene and all but why does this all feel like a really cheesy stage play?

... So... Celestia hasn't beat anyone and the one time she did fight, she got her ass kicked. And this time she ran, albeit for noble reasons. Why do people think she's strong again? I mean at least put up a shield or something...

No it wasn't, they looked like stones in the past, remember?

Least. Convincing. 'No'. Ever.

...I wonder if we have popcorn?

Nope.

Cue immediate separation in 3, 2...

... Huh. No separation yet... though kind of annoyed they didn't drop the first c in crockodile.

Applejack, that is insane. You could at least suggest she not fly for now instead.

Do you people not remember Cadance? Twilight is the element of THE MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP. YOU WILL NEED HER.

you jerks made best pony cry >:(

... Huh. And Discord manipulates Twilight into not doing the incredibly stupid thing... also, this is another subplot that appears and resolves itself in about two minutes, tops.

Facehuggers! Also, why was Spike going higher for a better look when TWILIGHT CAN FLY?! I mean sure, she can't control her wings that well, but Spike is a friggen baby dragon that left the friggen PRINCESS alone in a forest trying to EAT A COUNTRY!!

Stop acting like sending Twilight away wasn't pointless!!!!

Okay. Another jump that's going to bother me all day... but at least we got to see AJ rope some plants liek a baws.

"We're simply lost without you." Great. So you'll never do something that stupid again, right? Good. "We need our friend." And, ya know, the demigoddess with power over all magic.

See, she flies right there with next to no problem!

Saw this coming. *shrug*

...Okay, I DIDN'T see that coming ._.

*sigh* Look, you had me going there for a second that the plants would prevent you from putting them in and it was kinda cool... why'd you have to snatch it away? =(

Why did Discord fall down? He can float.

I'll be honest: I knew about the chest going in but i still thought the elements would just show up again with no cost to our heroes.

Discord continues to be awesome.

...And of course as soon as I say that Discord claims responsibility. I thought the seeds were ashes, honestly.

Wait, so they can show up at the Summer Sun celebration now? Wouldn't Ponyville need them even more with the trashed town?

And a giant starburst... because.

Final thoughts: So... yeah, I liked it ^^ I complained a lot, but it was a fun little romp, all things considered, we got some more world-building and a season arc has been set up. Could've been better (Twilight getting sent away is solved so quickly all I can wonder is 'why bother' and the theme seems to be all over the place - didn't she show in part 1 she knew how to lead liek a baws?) but it was good.

[DigoDragon]

Fracking hell, that was awesome.

It was. I'm only a casual watcher (and picky with time traveling stories in general).
*I* was impressed.

I hope someone does some Pony John Hurt art.

Spoiler: Thoughts on part 2

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Stop acting like sending Twilight away wasn't pointless!!!!

S4 Ep2

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Yeah, that was one plot point I didn't like of the entire premiere. Everything was was pretty good to awesome.

Alicorns - Never leave home without one!

[Rater202]

Fracking hell, that was awesome.

It was. I'm only a casual watcher (and picky with time traveling stories in general).
*I* was impressed.

I hope someone does some Pony John Hurt art.

guys. haven't watched yet. no spoilz plz

S4 Ep2

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Alicorns - Never leave home without one!

New tread title?

[Dirtytabs]

New tread title?

It gets my vote.

Spoiler: Episodes things

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I guess everyone can say Applejack's a jerk now and she could've just suggested Twilight not fly, but she was being honest. Element of honesty. It just wasn't that good of an idea to send Twilight to Ponyville

(where she was goaded back to the forest by Discord. Yay Discord, you solved the problem you caused!)

Sonic...! Sonic...! Twilight-... boom. Sonic Twilightboom.

Awwh, Celestia didn't tell Spike he didn't need to bow to her. He saved the Crystal Empire. And he still had to bow and Celestia kinda ignores him.

[otakuryoga]

2/3's of the Trifecta of Awesome down
--just the Cosby special to go later tonight

[thubby]

Spoiler: Thoughts on part 2

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Stop acting like sending Twilight away wasn't pointless!!!!

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it wasn't. protecting the leadership, preserving the chain of command, or keeping the figures the people will look to in a crisis safe is not a trivial concern

[DigoDragon]

guys. haven't watched yet. no spoilz plz

No worries, I doubt we'll have time to explain further.

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New tread title?

We have like... three suggestions now?

2/3's of the Trifecta of Awesome down
--just the Cosby special to go later tonight

Que?

SWEET CELESTIA! :D
*DVRs this*

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it wasn't. protecting the leadership, preserving the chain of command, or keeping the figures the people will look to in a crisis safe is not a trivial concern

S4 Ep2

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I get the basic idea, but I wondered what they were going to do without the ability to activate the elements. I mean... they only mentioned using them several times getting to that point.

Maybe if they had put Twi on "Cleric Point", in the middle of the group to keep her protected on all sides?

[Soras Teva Gee]

S4 ~ A Hub tweet a friend pointed out to me. Curious.

Fascinating... I'm thinking short list of who it could be... and [....Octavia...] is on top of it.

[MCerberus]

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it is my understanding that she was just pumping magic into it, which would turn it white.

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If you'll notice, it wasn't exactly improvised either. She pumped Dark Magic into it that she Blue Mage'd into her repertoire in s3.

[DigoDragon]

I found a beautiful changeling art piece.

Fascinating... I'm thinking short list of who it could be... and [....Buy Some Apples...] is on top of it.

Definitely in my top 3 guesses if not the first.

[Lix Lorn]

Dipper and Twilight... make a surprisingly wonderful coupling. o.o

cuuuute

avatars of shipping goddesses

=D
You got it right!
(HUG)

Spoiler: S4 E1

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Is it just me, or did the magic Twilight use to blast the potion look disturbingly like Sombra's dark magic?

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YES. YES IT DID.

Spoiler: S4E1

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Also, turns out Nightmare Moon was just Luna's Mega Evolution.

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...so many options of what to say...
"So who's got the ring?"
"I'd train her any day"

Spoiler: 1st thoughts

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well...i would say that puts an end to the "the Nightmare was some kind of external influence" line of fanon

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That info came from faust, so... it's unclear. That said, this doesn't really disprove it. Luna could easily have been pushed and manipulated to that point.

[Soras Teva Gee]

Definitely in my top 3 guesses if not the first.

I think its the second part that sells my particular preference. That is the option that I think has the most built in options to work with.

Presuming its not just clueless marketing BS anyways.

[Aotrs Commander]

guys. haven't watched yet. no spoilz plz

Oh, don't worry, I wasn't going to (and even if I had, it'd have been labelled in spoilers!)

Suffice it to say it was at it's very best.

Also for those of us who have the red button on cable at the moment - and presumably everybody else later - I can also recommend the Five(ish) Doctors Reboot as well.



Right, after all that, it's about time for pony, methinks!

[DigoDragon]

I think its the second part that sells my particular preference. That is the option that I think has the most built in options to work with.

Presuming its not just clueless marketing BS anyways.

Agreed.
She's usually pretty good about correct info, isn't she?

[MCerberus]

2-parter general thoughts

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It actually had some of the charm and comedy that makes people like the show, making it the first 2-parter to ACTUALLY DO THAT.

DisQord really made the episodes by the way.

Equestria being right next to Ooo theory is intact btw.

Let's talk about the elements


That's Celestia with Magic, Kindness, and Generosity; Luna has Loyalty, Honesty, and Laughter. Make of that what you will.

And my biggest complaint. DAMN IT APPLEJACK, you've just been demoted. You're now below Octavia, Scratch, and Fluttershy outside of the top 10. Everything you said was the worst thing in the episode. THIS INCLUDES THE FARTING DEATH PLANTS.

Bonus image:

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The first meme of the season:

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Twilight's royal scepter.

[zimmerwald1915]

Also for those of us who have the red button on cable at the moment

Oh you.

[Soras Teva Gee]

The first meme of the season:

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Twilight's royal scepter.

Least its not the NSFW option this episode provided.

Or Gak, which isn't safe anywhere.

[HalfTangible]

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it wasn't. protecting the leadership, preserving the chain of command, or keeping the figures the people will look to in a crisis safe is not a trivial concern

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She's gone for like 60 seconds of screen time, tops.

That is the epitome of POINTLESS. I mean, if Twilight had been gone for any significant length of time and the Mane six Filly Five had had to struggle on without her, there would've been an actual benefit to the story. Instead she goes back to Discord for like half a scene and then back into the forest. Hell, I kept pausing the video to write down notes on it, it probably was even faster to those who watched it normally!

Also:
Their reasoning for letting her go disregards not only their friendship with Twilight and her goddesslike level of power, but their knowledge that Cadance is, in fact, a Princess that exists.

This is also the first indication we have that Twilight is insecure enough about her princesshood to make detrimental decisions for herself. She reacted to being put in charge by doing the exact opposite of an insecure freak-out.

[MCerberus]

Least its not the NSFW option this episode provided.

Or Gak, which isn't safe anywhere.

At least the Gak meme dried up quickly.

[Beacon of Chaos]

Doctor Who and Pony. This day can't get much better.

Someone mentioned memes?

Spoiler: S4

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Also...

Spoiler: S4

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Something for the non-spoiler crowd: Pinkie in kitty pyjamams:

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[erikun]

Spoiler: S4

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I find it curious that Twilight can apparently cast entirely improvised spells on the spot, successfully, even though she has no idea what the magic she's casting is supposed to do. Unless it literally was "turn this thing white" and nothing else, in which case ... why the overly dramatic dark alicorn magic? Is changing the color of liquids something only alicorns can do?

Spoiler: Re: Twilight's magic (spoilers)

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I never considered FiM spellcasting to be equivalent to D&D Wizard spellcasting, or even similar. It does make much sense to me, as D&D Wizards need to spend time memorizing spells (which Twilight does not) and Twilight frequently ends up exhausted after casting large spells (which makes no sense for a D&D Wizard).

Rather, it's my impression that Twilight just builds up a lot of magic, then uses it in one of her already-known methods (one of her "spells") to get the effect she wants. In The Crystal Empire, she didn't have a "change crystal to dark crystal" spell or a "open magical doorway" spell prepared. She just knew how to gather and use alicorn magic, and used it in both cases. Similarly, she didn't have a specific "change purple potion to white potion" spell or even a "make this thing white" spell memorized. She just gathered together some alicorn magic and put it into the potion. From there, it was the potion reacting to the magic that turned it white.

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...so many options of what to say...
"So who's got the ring?"
"I'd train her any day"

Spoiler: Slightly spoilery

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Now I'm wondering how long it'll be before we see that scene to the Pokemon mega-evolution sound, or the old Digimon mega-digivolve sound.

Now what to post for people who haven't seen the episode yet?
Hmm...
I guess ponies works?

Spoiler: PONIES!!!

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[thubby]

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She's gone for like 60 seconds of screen time, tops.

That is the epitome of POINTLESS. I mean, if Twilight had been gone for any significant length of time and the Mane six Filly Five had had to struggle on without her, there would've been an actual benefit to the story. Instead she goes back to Discord for like half a scene and then back into the forest. Hell, I kept pausing the video to write down notes on it, it probably was even faster to those who watched it normally!

Also:
Their reasoning for letting her go disregards not only their friendship with Twilight and her goddesslike level of power, but their knowledge that Cadance is, in fact, a Princess that exists.

This is also the first indication we have that Twilight is insecure enough about her princesshood to make detrimental decisions for herself. She reacted to being put in charge by doing the exact opposite of an insecure freak-out.

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all that means is that the process was rushed, like all of the premieres have been thus far.
the other 5 did struggle on and failed without her

the show addressed a legitimate concern and showed that discord is a troll but still fundamentally on the good guy side.

as for cadence, my understanding is that she was never supposed to be an alicorn at all. the universe seems to march on as if she's not in all instances, so im inclined to treat it as corporate meddling to be ignored.

[Aotrs Commander]

Part ye the First initial thoughts...

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Off to a grand start, then!

Nice new intro picture.

Twilight => bad at flying.

Poor Spike! No-one worry about him slamming into the library or anything, then...

Discord! And, no, I still totally don't believe he's all that reformed! Even though he probably isn't responsible!

Huh. If I wasn't pretty sure that's a flashback to the day Luna first became Nightmare moon, I would totally be jumping up and down and shouting "I totally told you guys when I first joined the thread! I called it! I called it!" in the most obnoxiously smug manner as possible.

Of course, if, I'm wrong and Luna really has always been Evil or something, a) I will laugh so very hard, b) be gobsmacked they went there and c) gird myself for the horrendous fan backlash!

But I don't think it's all that likely.

[DigoDragon]

2-parter general thoughts

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Let's talk about the elements


That's Celestia with Magic, Kindness, and Generosity; Luna has Loyalty, Honesty, and Laughter. Make of that what you will.

S4 Currency

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Anypony else thought about rupees from Legend of Zelda when they saw the elements in their original form? My thought when they stoned Discord was "Pwn'd by 27 bucks!"

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This is also the first indication we have that Twilight is insecure enough about her princesshood to make detrimental decisions for herself. She reacted to being put in charge by doing the exact opposite of an insecure freak-out.

S4 Twi

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Hopefully that's just a setup for her to grow into the role and not just an idiot ball being past around like it's the playoffs.

At least the Gak meme dried up quickly.

Haha, good one!

Part ye the First initial thoughts...

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Off to a grand start, then!
Poor Spike! No-one worry about him slamming into the library or anything, then...

S4 Spike.

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Well they wouldn't want to mess with the canon butt-monkey, right?

[Rater202]

Doctor Who and Pony. This day can't get any better.

Fixed it for you.

I just Wathed the Doctor Who aniversary episode.

The Exitement that came from the climactic scene will keep me up all night.

That is all.

Spoiler: John Hurt Doctor Pony

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[Pendulous]

Oh yeah, also

Spoiler: kind of season 4

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Another DBZ beam battle. Seems to happen between authority figures.

[Soras Teva Gee]

Not a fan much of anthro or a certain upcoming Se4 concept but this pic well...

Spoiler: Oh.... Myyyyyy

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So yeah.