S04E23: Inspiration Manifestation

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S04E23: Inspiration Manifestation

Postby Wayoshi (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 2:52 pm

Rarity loses her creative mojo and feels like she may never be able to create again. Eager to help, Spike finds a spell that activates Rarity’s visions - both good and bad.


This thread is for discussion of this episode. The episode airs at 10:30 AM Eastern / 7:30 AM Pacific on Saturday, April 26!

Official preview clips and images are okay to post, as is speculation about the episode.

Writers: Corey Powell (2nd of S4, Rainbow Falls) and Meghan McCarthy (4th of S4 (2-parter as one), most recently: Three's a Crowd)
Last edited by Wayoshi on Wed Apr 23, 2014 4:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby ROBOT B9 (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 3:12 pm

Apparently, the synopsis for this week's episode is:

Rarity loses her creativity and Spike finds a spell to help her get it back.


Sounds like we could get some excellent Spike moments in this episode.
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Postby Space Ghost (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 3:17 pm

The spell results in Rarity ascending to godhood, destroying the world and remaking it in her image.

Joke aside, can't say I have high hopes for this one. Both Powell and McCarthy have each made episodes that I really don't like.
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Postby The Doctor (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 3:39 pm

Tailspin wrote:The spell results in Rarity ascending to godhood, destroying the world and remaking it in her image.

Joke aside, can't say I have high hopes for this one. Both Powell and McCarthy have each made episodes that I really don't like.


Nah, Spike pulls her back from the brink after a touching story about a yellow crayon.
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Postby Fizzbuzz (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 3:46 pm

I'm really excited for this episode. Even though Rainbow Falls wasn't so hot, JFS (also by Corey Powell) was one of Spike's best episodes, so I still have high hopes script-wise. This is also the first major thing between Spike and Rarity since SoME, so hopefully this episode will address how he feels about her now.
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Postby Octavia (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 3:46 pm

It's a Rarity episode, so it will probably be good. :vogue:

But it's also a Spike episode, so maybe not. :yikes:
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Postby Mordja (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 4:05 pm

Octavia wrote:But it's also a Spike episode, so maybe not. :yikes:

You'd better cite your sources there, boy. :butwhy:
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Postby Mechanical Ape (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 4:06 pm

Much as I love Rarity episodes, any episode of any show which dusts off the old "spell goes wrong, wackiness ensues" plot, which is the Comic Sans of plots, has one strike against it from the start.

You had best wow me in all other respects, Inspiration Manifestation. :ohrarity:
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Postby ROBOT B9 (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 4:07 pm

The only one I can think of that can be considered "bad" is Spike At Your Service. The rest of them seem pretty good. :pinkieshrug:
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Postby Fizzbuzz (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 4:44 pm

Mechanical Ape wrote:Much as I love Rarity episodes, any episode of any show which dusts off the old "spell goes wrong, wackiness ensues" plot, which is the Comic Sans of plots, has one strike against it from the start.

You had best wow me in all other respects, Inspiration Manifestation. :ohrarity:

That's why I'm hoping this episode will use that setup to explore what Spike and Rarity think of each other now. I mean, that's been a big deal since the beginning of the series, so if this episode completely dodges any mention of his crush on her then I will be disappointed.
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Postby Octavia (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 4:44 pm

Mordja wrote:You'd better cite your sources there, boy. :butwhy:

Dragon Quest, Spike at Your Service
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Postby Wayoshi (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 4:52 pm

What the hell, I had this drafted last night and it was working... :(

Maybe I had double quotes so it went away or something. Blarrggggh
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Postby TheNegaverser (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 5:25 pm

I like Rarity. I like Spike. I like Corey Powell. I like Meghan McCarthy.

Methinks I will like this episode. :lol: :wink:
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Postby Mordja (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 6:00 pm

Octavia wrote:Dragon Quest, Spike at Your Service

Counterpoint: Secret of My Excess, Just for Sidekicks and...Spike at Your Service.

Plus I'd argue that The Crystal Empire could be seen as a Spike episode. In a way. :-I
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Postby Aramek (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 6:17 pm

Everything about that synopsis is awesome and I'm super excited. :awesomedash:
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Postby ROBOT B9 (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 6:18 pm

So, is losing her creativity like losing her magic or is it a psychological thing?
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Postby Wayoshi (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 7:28 pm

It's probably a creative slump that turns literally into a magic thing when Spike dorks up.

I feel like most S4 eps have been stock plot episodes that have turned out just fine (including last week's) - the only one that was a dud for me was Simple Ways, and some people really enjoyed that anyways. The worst two eps ended up being pop culture galore fests that don't hold up on repeat viewings (PPonies) or just completely failed at being entertaining in the first place (Daring Don't Watch). Hell, Filli Vanilli is a stock plot wonderfully turned on its head AND accomplishes a character study at the same time.

I see plenty of ways to take Rarity after she gets the spell on her and am expecting a fun episode. Clarity on Sparity would be nice but I don't really care much at this point.
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Postby HuffyTheMagicDragon (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 8:23 pm

Wow, you put Power Ponies lower than Rainbow Falls and the Breezies episode? Different strokes for different folks, I guess. It was a silly little episode with no real depth, but I find it hard to call it the season's worst. I guess it's just YMMV on the whole superhero premise.

Anyway, yeah, this episode synopsis has great potential. I like Spike episodes more than most folks seem to, and any episode with plenty of Rarity is a good episode. :cooliebelle:
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Postby Aramek (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 8:41 pm

HuffyTheMagicDragon wrote:Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
Exactly, especially because I loved all those episodes!
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Postby Big Boss (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 8:53 pm

The only thing better than one Rarity is two Rarities. I hope this is a split personality episode. :black101:
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Postby HuffyTheMagicDragon (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:02 pm

Aramek wrote:Exactly, especially because I loved all those episodes!

Can't argue with that attitude. :-P For the record, I don't hate any of them. I've yet to meet the pony episode I didn't like at all.
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Postby Tears (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:06 pm

Really looking forward to a Rarity episode by (or partially by) McCarthy, given that she gave us Sweet and Elite and Green Isn't Your Colour.

And Cory Powell's star might have dimmed a little given that the only episode she's had in 18 months has been Rainbow Falls, but Sleepless in Ponyville was amazing and Just For Sidekicks was fun, so I still think she's capable of good stuff.

And on the Spike note, my usual interjection that I thought the back half of Spike at Your Service (from the moment AJ and Spike walk into Rarity's place onwards) is sweet, in-character and a lot of fun.

So yeah, I'm looking forward to this ep :cooliebelle:
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Postby Rarietty (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:20 pm

Yay! Spike being writen by McCarthy! :toot:

She just has a pretty good track record with Spike. I feel that, while other writers tend to struggle with his personality, she manages to portray him as relatable and entertaining.

Also, yeah, Rarity too. Still, Tabitha's performance is entertaining no matter how Rarity is written. :vogue:
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Postby ShieldedDiamond (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:25 pm

Tailspin wrote:The spell results in Rarity ascending to godhood, destroying the world and remaking it in her image.


I would very much like this. :vogue:
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Postby Space Ghost (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:37 pm

ShieldedDiamond wrote:
I would very much like this. :vogue:


Indeed. :vogue:
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Postby Veradox (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:49 pm

This sounds like it's gonna be fucking awesome.
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Postby Fizzbuzz (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 10:38 pm

ShieldedDiamond wrote:
I would very much like this. :vogue:

Oh now, let's save all that business for when the show starts mining the comics for fresh episodes. As I recall, there was a particularly well-received story in the comics that involved an evil drama horse.
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Postby Just Scuds (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 10:45 pm

Rarity loses her creative mojo and feels like she may never be able to create again. Eager to help, Spike finds a spell that activates Rarity’s visions - both good and bad.


:sadrarity: *sniff*
:yikes: :"What's wrong!"
:gonkity: :"I have seamstress block!"
:whyme: :"Is that like a writer's block except for-"
:sadrarity: "Except for dresses, yes!"

Image :"Y'know... I've got a fix for that- see what I'm holding here."
:ohrarity: :"You're holding a box of doughnuts."
:lol: :"Sure, sure. Stand back, I'm going to do some dragon magic."
Image :"A lovely sentiment dear- "
_
:no: :"I CALL UPON THE POWERS THAT BE TO IMBUE THIS DOUGHNUT WITH THE POWER OF CREATIVITY!"
:starity: ...

Image :"Now, just put it over your horn."
:starity: ...
:yikes: :"And ..."
:starity: :"... I think I'm getting an idea for a new fashion line. It is coalescing in my mind but it's a bit blurry..."
:wat: :"Would a few more doughnuts help?"
:lol: :"I don't see why not."

Image :"AUGH! I have it! Now to head home to make some sketches"

Image :"Oh thank you thank you thank you, Spike!"
:yikes: :"Woah-hoah! Say what's that in the air?"

:3: :"Hum-dee-dum-dee-dum..."
:awesomedash: :"Oh my gosh! Free doughnuts!"

FWOOSH-YOINK!

:awesomedash: :"AHM NYAM NYAM NYAM"
:shepspike: :"I think Cookiemonster got more cookies down his throat than-"

:whine: :"AUGH! My magic doughnuts! I can't think anymore!"
:shutup: :"Your what now?"

:cry: :"Inspiration ... fading ...."

:vogue: :"Spike, do be a dear and magic me up another few doughnuts."
:whyme: :"But don't you see? The inspiration was inside of you this whole time! You just needed some encouragement!"

:starity: :"Oh. This - ah - this."
:ohrarity: :"This story seems awfully familiar..."
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Postby Frith (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 11:25 pm

The episodes in which Rarity has big role tend to be very good so I'm looking forward to this episode :vogue:
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Postby ShieldedDiamond (?) » Wed Apr 23, 2014 11:50 pm

Fizzbuzz wrote:Oh now, let's save all that business for when the show starts mining the comics for fresh episodes. As I recall, there was a particularly well-received story in the comics that involved an evil drama horse.


I actually thought that was the worst story arc in the comics, with the way they handled it. I hope the show could do a better job. :ohrarity: (Being so entirely crammed with stuff, and only having literally the last 2 pages to "fix" everything.)
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Postby Jyu (?) » Thu Apr 24, 2014 12:12 am

What's with all the doubts on Powell? :-/ I get that some of you didn't like Rainbow Falls and that it has left some of you disappointed in her but just because of one weak episode that doesn't make her a bad writer. Her first two episodes were great and are what left us with such high expectations in her writing but after RF everyone seems to have lost faith in her entirely. I don't know if this episode will be good or bad but I'm keeping my expectations for it the same as I do when any episode regardless of the writer.
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Postby PonyHag714 (?) » Thu Apr 24, 2014 1:11 am

Image

:starity: FEED ME
:speakest: The fun has been doubled!
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Postby The Doctor (?) » Thu Apr 24, 2014 1:15 am

Calling it now, Rarity turns into a greedy dragon this episode and it's Spike that has to talk her back, like she did for him.

:3: I have just set an incredibly high dawww bar.
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Postby SlateSlabrock (?) » Thu Apr 24, 2014 1:18 am

PonyHag714 wrote:Image

:starity: FEED ME

TIIIIME FOR NOOGIIIIIEEEESSSS
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Postby Just Scuds (?) » Thu Apr 24, 2014 1:24 am

Well! Looks like this episode has taken a sharp turn for the weird. :shepspike:

:ohboy: :"No! no! no! it's an ordinary slice of life episode!"
:nnngh: "First I get turned into a bat and now this!"
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Postby Fizzbuzz (?) » Thu Apr 24, 2014 1:36 am

Is she shoving her head into a pile of garbage? Good chance to make a callback to Party of One, if so.
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Postby SoundMonkey44 (?) » Thu Apr 24, 2014 2:13 am

The Doctor wrote:Calling it now, Rarity turns into a greedy dragon this episode and it's Spike that has to talk her back, like she did for him.

:3: I have just set an incredibly high dawww bar.



A reverse of secret of my excess would indeed be both interesting & adorable.

I actually hope it develops Spike & Raritys friendship further, I agree Spike needs to grow out of the childish crush phase with Rarity, he needs to accept while she does care for him it will never be in a romantic way.

It's as the old saying goes " just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all their heart!" Spike may be the butt monkey a lot, but at the end of the day he's just as much a Friend/Soul-Brother to the ponies as they are friends/soul-sisters to each other.

So yes, I want spike to mess up, but I still want him to get some love, if we can get scootalove, we can get spike love too dag nabit!


Someone better give the little guy a hug dag nab it! :twonk:
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Postby Wayoshi (?) » Thu Apr 24, 2014 2:17 am

Come on Fizz, we saw this in the recent promo. It's clothes. :-P
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Postby Fizzbuzz (?) » Thu Apr 24, 2014 2:20 am

Wayoshi wrote:Come on Fizz, we saw this in the recent promo. It's clothes. :-P

That isn't necessarily exclusive with being garbage. :smirk:
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Postby The Doctor (?) » Thu Apr 24, 2014 2:32 am

SoundMonkey44 wrote:

A reverse of secret of my excess would indeed be both interesting & adorable.

I actually hope it develops Spike & Raritys friendship further, I agree Spike needs to grow out of the childish crush phase with Rarity, he needs to accept while she does care for him it will never be in a romantic way.

It's as the old saying goes " just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all their heart!" Spike may be the butt monkey a lot, but at the end of the day he's just as much a Friend/Soul-Brother to the ponies as they are friends/soul-sisters to each other.

So yes, I want spike to mess up, but I still want him to get some love, if we can get scootalove, we can get spike love too dag nabit!


Someone better give the little guy a hug dag nab it! :twonk:


No way spike isn't getting a kiss by the end of this episode. :allears:
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