Re: Offseason General Show Chat
ShieldedDiamond wrote:Finding her place in the world? Hasn't that been resolved by Friendship is Magic Part 2? And I feel you're cutting out characters, for the sake of proving this point. What about Rainbow Dash? While I don't believe the show has any character arcs, do to it's episodes not having a clear point in canon, out of all the ponies, Rainbow Dash developed, as with each passing episode with the Wonderbolts, she goes from fangirl, to actually trying to work hard for them. So she is given that focus. And that's just one example of the Mane 6. Rarity also has clearly already made it in the fashion industry by now, is that something else to be ignored to? There is no way this is just: MLP: Twilight's Adventures.
Of course not. I feel like people think that when I describe Twilight as being the main character I'm trying to discredit everyone else, or that I think she's the only character who matters. Not the case at all, and I don't think overall I even prefer Twilight or her stories to those of any other character. I just look at the show, and I see the biggest, most significant ongoing story to be the one about Twilight.
To address your first sentence, even as recently as Season 4 she was still struggling with her role as a Princess, and only now does she seem like she's finally becoming settled.
What biggest perspective? The biggest perspective is: "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is about a group of friends who through everyday things learn the meanings of friendship." That is the biggest, most general description of the show. Think of it like zooming out to see everything, without the details.
I dunno man, when I think about the broader running themes in the show, Twi's journey kinda stands out. The other characters have all matured and changed for sure, but none have had as large or involved a journey as Twilight has. You can zoom out to the point where the only visible theme is "Characters being friends", but I was thinking in terms a little closer.
Who is "we all", you're saying I'm wrong for preferring S2's formula? All I said was part of the charm for me was summarizing the lesson in the episode to the Princess. And I liked it when they all did that.
Eh? I said "we'll" as in "we will", not " we all".
How can you say in an episode to episode sense it's an ensemble, but from a global perspective it isn't? Twilight's two-part "Oh crap we need story" episodes, what make them any different than an episode pulled from the middle of the season, focusing on one pony? Just because they are season bookends? I don't think that gives it special rights. Twilight's story cannot be something that appears in every season in a higher standing than the others, because since S2, she has never been the focus, it's almost been random, on an episode to episode basis. It's either an ensemble show about a group of friends, or it's a show about Twilight. The latter could have been an argument for Season 1, but as of Lesson Zero, she's clearly lost that unique aspect.
I'm running out of ways to express myself now. Season 1 starts with Twilight Sparkle leaving Canterlot to learn about friendship. Season 3 ends with Twilight Sparkle ascending to the role of Princess. Season 2 ends with a plot involving Twilight's brother and his fiance. Season 4 ends with Twilight Sparkle becoming the Princess of Friendship and gaining a kingdom of her own. If you don't see how Twilight's significance in these events this sets her aside from the other characters, I'm not sure what to tell you.
Disparate? You make it sound like Hasbro has no idea what they're doing, and this is all the writer's credit. I feel like people in this fandom have just taken a relationship like that of COBRA to Serpentor and Cobra Commander in GI Joe. Despite both doing their share of the work, whenever it was a victory, the praise went to Serpentor. Whenever it was a failure, Cobra Commander got the scolding. Whoever's fault it was. Might that be the case here? We've seen in the past shows that have been successful, yet toy lines that sold very poorly. Maybe if that were the case, Hasbro deserves the scolding, but considering how successful their toy lines have been, I don't think that's the case. Let's not forget Equestria Girls, and how Hasbro mandate was blamed and shunned, yet if I recall correctly, the dolls sold far better than the leading competitor, Monster High. All I am saying, is perhaps Hasbro isn't really as inept at business, saying it's just throwing mandates at them, when maybe the case is, they're doing a fine job.
I'm absolutely not suggesting Hasbro are inept at business. I'm suggesting that the department that handles the toys doesn't care a great deal about storytelling in the animated series. I described their requests as disparate because that's how they seem to me from the outside; they seem to have been conceived without much thought for how they'd be incorporated into the show. I don't blame them for that, its a reality of the business.
doodlesplat wrote:This is a show about an ensemble of friends, where Twilight Sparkle's journey is featured.
Enjoy your Friday, everyone.
I like your style, Doodlesplat

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PaulloDEC
Gah! - Joined: Jun 13, 2014
- Location: Queensland, Australia
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