Dear Princess Luna... From what little I know beforehand about the Ponyverse, I believe you are the guardian of night and most of my writings are likely to take place at these hours, so I reckon it is you I shall 'write' to, in a parody of the protagonist Twilight Sparkle. I suppose I should have gone with 'Night Templar' in that regard. =]
Anyway, so I am now watching my very first, full episode(s) of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. The episodes are, as stated in my first post, 'A Canterlot Wedding: Part 1 and 2' of course.
It appears that these are actually the season finale episodes of Season 2, so I'm not sure if this is the best place to start off, but oh well.
For the record, after over a year of being exposed to the show via fans of the series through their topics, avatars, user names, signatures, etc. I do know a little about it. There's a 'mane 6' comprised of Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie.
There's also 'pegasus' ponies that can fly, 'unicorns' that wield magic, and 'earth' ponies that have super strength and endurance or something to that effect. There also appears to be a nobility breed, that has features of all the 3 'commoner' breeds. As evidenced in the two princesses Celestia and Luna, which are the sovereign rulers during day and night, respectively (although I don't know if that is accurate), as well as the good and evil Princess Cadences in the This Day Aria song.
Update: I have recently re-watched this episode, and it now features enhanced commentary and images. A LOT of images. I tried to leave my original, snarky commentary intact, and also tried to make sure the new comments kept in-line with the whole 'I know nothing of this universe' that the original did. Except it's far harder to be mean towards Twilight now. =]
On with the show!
Okay, so we're starting out with an idyllic picnic setting, interrupted by a dragon whelp that belches out a scroll.
So far, the Unicorns seem to have the advantage in this universe, being able to use their magic to manipulate objects without having to use the same hooves they use to walk with like the other types. Not to mention they can use, well, magic period. That seems like a huge advantage.
In addition, their magic can also mend items, as evidenced by Twilight repairing the cake and teapot trampled upon by the overjoyed Pinkie Pie, score another point for Unicorns.
So, there's some huge wedding in Canterlot, which doesn't appear to be where the Mane 6 are at currently, as they know nothing about it.
Apparently they have a good reputation at what they do however as Princess Celestia is personally enlisting them to help, via dragon whelp Scroll Belching nonetheless, despite them being outlanders that don't even know there is a wedding being planned.
I'm not entirely sure from where the dragon whelp produced the second scroll (or want to know) nor why the introductory scroll was stored on his body and the second scroll was Scroll Belched, but it turns out the wedding is for Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Twilight's brother, Shining Armor. Twilight is upset he didn't come down and tell her in person.
Twilight is definitely not pleased at this revelation that it is her brother's wedding and that he didn't bother to come see her about it. It sounds like she must have been a terrible person, or should I say pony, and was sent down from the wonderful world of Canterlot in order to see the 'real world' and learn what friends are.
Twilight begins mocking her brother, using her magic to make a sandwich puppet. Her friends look on in terror.
"Twilight, you should come kick me in the face, because I'm a stupid moron who doesn't care about you." |
"Rage. Hate. This is your death! I will end your petty little lives!" |
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Aww, so cute! |
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On a personal note, I'm afraid to say I am envious of a fictional pony and her relationship with her brother, but who wouldn't be? I can't say wishing I was Twilight Sparkle was ever something that I could have dreamt I would one day say, but alas, such is life.
Update: I'm re-watching this episode, and, man, that song is sad as hell. =[
Applejack confuses them all by using the phrase 'PFF' or Pony Friends Forever. Twilight's displeasure is perhaps in part due to her brother Shining Armor having fulfilled his childhood dreams and became a Captain of the Royal Guard, while Twilight was sent to live with the commoners. Everyone but Twilight is super excited they were hand-picked by Celestia herself to participate in this wedding.
"Yeah... this is why I've never told you guys about him before..." |
They've already got trains, next will be tanks, then tomorrow, the world! |
"I had to move away, and now I don't see him as much, I don't get it... Why doesn't he come see me?" |
If you're a PVT your duty is to salute the LIEUT, but if you brush the LIEUT, then the MP makes you KP on the QT. |
"Wait, I know her! That doesn't mean lower your weapons though, she looks pissed." |
You might want to keep your helmet on, SA. She looks pretty mad. |
Despite Shining Armor explaining they have had a terrorist threat, which has nothing to do with the wedding, and that in the heightened security he has gained a new level of responsibility, Twilight still manages to complain that she must mean nothing, since he didn't personally come see her down in Outcast Land (Hmm, I wonder what could be the reason she got sent there...)
Shining Armor shows Twilight, and us, another use for magic: super powering the forceshield bubble around Canterlot.
Twilight begrudgingly admits that maybe he had a good reason for not going to see her, since he's in charge of protecting the entire city with his magic.
Twilight whines again, asking if she's just not that important to him anymore. Really, Twilight? He just explained how he's the unicorn in charge of protecting Canterlot. while there is a terrorist threat against the city to boot. Shining Armor says of course she is important to him, but will understand if she's so pissed off that she won't accept his invitation to be his Best Mare.
Twilight is surprised, and accepts, saying how honored she is. Then, she immediately starts whining about the princess he is marrying. Come on, Twilight. It's not like he's marrying Pinkie Pie, it's some PRINCESS.
Shining Armor, who has been, for the most part, pretty calm despite Twilight raging all over him, gently explains that Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is Cadence, Twilight's foalsitter.
Twilight is ecstatic. We are given another flashback to pre-exile Twilight's life, and shown the good times she used to enjoy with the princess she has been talking out the side of her neck about to her friends and brother.
Twilight says Cadence is beautiful, caring, and kind.
The 'filly' Twilight commented how lucky she was to have Cadence as her foalsitter, Cadence said it was her that was the lucky one. 'Filly' Twilight was confused, because Cadence is a princess, whilst she is just a regular old unicorn. Cadence explained that Twilight was anything but a regular old unicorn. So obviously the 'royalty' breed like Cadence is the best you can be, but Unicorn is pretty damn good, Twilight, kwicherbichen.
Aww... |
"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" |
Twilight looks horrified as Cadence evilly smirks. |
Twilight still looks upset as Cadence's dark love magic sends a floating heart towards the arguing couple. |
"Guards! Execute this knave!" |
"We are not amused." |
The princess is not amused and ignores Twilight, going over to her future husband's side. Shining Armor says he needs to get back to his post and tells Twilight Cadence will be checking in on their wedding preperations. He also says the are both very excited that Twilight is there. Cadence says, 'Absolutely' with an evil look...
"Well, I'm sure Cadence is as happy as I am that you've calmed the hell down and aren't raging at us, Twilight." |
"Absolutely." |
"This is a bunch of hooey." |
The dragon whelp continues to prove he is just the worst kind of person.
Princess Mi Amore Cadenza arrives, all bow before her except Twilight, who looks angry that the Princess wishes to be addressed by her full name and title.
"How dare she!" |
Twilight glowers at the Princess from across the room.
"I hate her so much. No. I don't hate her. I abhor her." |
Really, Applejack, a brown paper bag for royalty? Pshaw. Twilight continues staring at the Princess as she walks out, tossing the peasant paper bag into the trash. Chalk up another point for Unicorns, as they are able to manipulate doors with ease.
Twilight is of course angered and proceeds to trash talk the Princess at Rarity's. Another use for magic: sewing.
"Hey Rarity, listen to me! I'm trying to tell you how evil she is!" |
"Saying my name, in a mocking voice, that's a paddlin'." |
Strike two for Rarity, she didn't even consult with the bride before designing the dresses.
Her bridesmaids dare speak before spoken to and are silenced with a royal glare.
"The devil did you just say!?" |
"They should call her 'Princess Falls Down the Stairs' because I'm going to go accidentally run into her." |
"Perfect... If we were celebrating a six-year old's birthday party." |
Assassin's Creed: Canterlot |
Luna <3 |
"Spike, you have problems..." |
Applejack doesn't care that the Princess considered her brown paper bag'd fritters below her and tossed them, as Twilight continues to spin the blame on the Princess.
Fluttershy brought a sickly(?) bird to perform in her chorus, and Twilight once again blames the Princess for being annoyed at the bird's failure at singing. She then leans back, proud of herself that the Princess was 'rude' to the bird/Fluttershy, proving Twilight was right. Fluttershy produces the bird and he sings, really badly, and Twilight moves on to Pinkie Pie.
"See? Rude. That's what I said, you heard me! That's what I said!" |
Twilight then asks Rainbow Dash if she's with her, Rainbow has been too busy practicing for her sonic rainboom to notice, or care, about Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's behavior.
"Why doesn't anyone hate her as much as I do?!" |
...but Twilight flies into a rage. She starts ranting that Cadence doesn't even deserve to know her brother, let alone marry him. Her friends tell her she's just being possessive. Twilight rages, saying they are all just too caught up in their wedding planning to see that there shouldn't even be a wedding.
"Are you all loco?!?" |
Yes, that will make your friends believe you. |
Shining Armor is happy to see his lil' sis, 'Twily,' and is proud of his wedding ensemble, but Twilight tries to guilt-trip him with tears as she begins to talk trash about Cadence.
Twilight is enraged when Cadence interrupts by 'sneaking up' on them, aka coming down stairs after hearing Shining Armor talking to someone.
Twilight decides to snoop on the Princess and her brother as they retreat to talk in private. The Princess wants to talk to her future husband about his sister, likely well aware of all the trash talking Twilight has been doing all day. She gets distracted and starts complaining about his outfit, saying she told him not to wear that, the sash thingy I'm presuming, which he says was his favorite uncle's, to which she replies, "And?"
Shining Armor is stricken with a headache, which he gets from doing his job of charging the forceshield around Canterlot, and the Princess uses her magic to heal him.
Twilight see this and proclaims her the evilest thing since Satan and high tails it out of there, not even telling the guards outside (who presumably would want to know if their Captain was in trouble) and instead runs to find her friends. Shining Armor calls out to her, and Cadence says to just let her go.
"I've seen some things man, and some stuff. I wouldn't recommend it." |
Shining Armor looks to have a pretty badass house. |
Twilight is, of course, enraged and dumbfounded, and instead of being happy for her friends getting a place of prestige in a royal wedding, she skulks off into the night.
Sometime later, the wedding rehearsal is taking place. Twilight's friends are extremely happy to be a part of it.
Spike proves once again he is just a terrible person as he is still playing with the cake figurines. I don't know what kind of punishment they have in Canterlot, besides banishment like Twilight's, but according to the History of Punishment and Torture by Hamlyn, as late as 1833 a nine-year old boy was condemned to death for stealing goods worth twopence. Another child's punishment included 14 days in prison and a flogging for stealing six plums from an orchard.
Surely these wedding cake toppers are far more valuable, and Spike should not be publicly displaying the trophies of his latest heist as he seems prone to do. |
She's so bad, they call her boss, she's a boss, boss Twi-ligh. Don't take nothin' from nobody! |
"Just ignore her." |
"She's Satan's handmaiden!" |
The Princess is justifiably frightened as the furious witch backs her into a corner.
"Now, Twilight, remember, uh.. sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake?!" |
"I have you now!" |
"She's the reincarnation of Hitler!" |
"Phew... I can explain all of that.." |
If looks could kill... |
Her friends look on in horror behind her. |
"Why are you doing this to me?!" |
So, Twilight's evidence against Cadence is: "She's been horrible to my friends, she's obviously done something to her bridesmaids, and if that wasn't enough, I saw her put a spell on my brother that made his eyes go all: *her eyes roll around in her head*"
Twilight runs into Shining Armor, who is not pleased.
Twilight's smugness at making a princess cry near her wedding day quickly evaporates as Shining Armor explains what is really going on. (And of course just asking him about it was something Twilight would never do)
Shining Armor's eyes were going all crazy because he gets migraines from having to cast his forceshield spell, and Cadence was, here's a shocker, using her magic to heal him. She replaced her bridesmaids because she found out they were only interested in the wedding so they could meet Canterlot royalty. Because of Shining Armor's increased responsibilities, the wedding has been left entirely in Cadence's 'hooves' to plan &c which has stressed her out, so that is why she wasn't on her 'best behaviour' with Twilight's friends.
Aww... |
She's the mare you love to hate, talkin' trash to your mate |
Aww.... =[ |
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The Princess gently strokes Twilight's mane. Twilight looks up into her smiling face and says she is sorry.
Mi Amore Cadenza sneers, saying, "You will be!" and begins casting a spell.
The Princess, having had enough with Twilight's behavior, sends her to some fel-fiery hell dimension so her wedding can take place in peace.
"I have the death sentence on twelve systems!" "I'll be careful." "You'll be dead!" |
Perfect. |
To be continued....
What I learned from this episode:- There is a very good reason for Twilight to have been outcast from Canterlot and forced to learn about friendship
- Shining Armor seems to have no male friends, except maybe a criminal dragon whelp, that is disturbingly obsessed with roleplaying as Shining Armor and his bride-to-be
- Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is perhaps what every pony wants in a woman: an actual princess, knows what she wants and how to get it, attractive, able to heal you, and has mastery over not only magic but the dark arts as well.
- Unicorns/royalty are looking to be the 'best' types of ponies thanks to their usage of magic which must be of tremendous help in their daily lives.
- Update: This episode was really sad if you care about Twilight at all. On one hand you get to see her being pure Twilight Worth, on the other, she ends up ostracized by everyone, including the only pony she's cared about for the majority of her life.
My first episode, and still one of my favorites. Twilight Rage, Evil Cadence, Big Brother Best Friend Forever song(s), lots of magic.
A little more in-depth analysis can be found here.
The song from this episode also made my top 5 song list:
A very sweet song about Twilight's loving relationship with Shining Armor, one of her few 'friends' before she went to Ponyville. I really like this because for one, who wouldn't want to have a relationship like that with their sibling? And two, it, and some other parts of the episode, show us that Twilight at least had some joy in her pre-Ponyville life and wasn't just a miserable loner.
do you want to know what I learned from this episode? That the Magic of Friendship does not exist
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