Changeling_Catalyst

Hello, Everypony! I became interested in MLP first through a friend of mine who I met and often chat online with (although we have met IRL a few times before), who forwarded me a video of the Season One song, "At the Gala", from the episode, "The Best Night Ever". I was surprised at the simplistic art design, the colorful schemes and just how darn catchy that tune was, that I was convinced by my friend to join her in watching a few more episodes. After catching up on the first season, I found myself counting down the days until Saturday, when I'd huddle by my laptop (reminiscent of how our parents must have stampeded for the TV in the days of Rocky And Bullwinkle) and watch the delightful adventures of the Mane 6.

I loved the show, and began to grow more aware of the fandom, and saw the numbers of the fandom start to snowball, but I still considered myself a casual watcher and a respective viewer, not a fan per se. But when the Season 2 two-parter finale, "A Canterlot Wedding" came along, that was what pushed me over the edge into fully-fledged fan. The slightly dark and twisted Changeling race showed that the show did have its share of plot twists and dark turns, which was a welcome addition to a supposed "just-for-little-girls" show, and showed some excellent examples of how the best of heroes like Princess Celestia can have their moments of weakness. The idea of the Changeling's society providing a dark reflection of Equestria also opened a huge realm of potential for future encounters, backstories and other possible stories for so many characters and scenarios. As a creative writer, I was enthralled with the opportunity to seize this chance to get on the writing board with two differing realms of thought: Equestria, with the bright, joyous days filled with friendship, laughter and merriment and the Changeling Kingdom (dubbed by me as 'The Kingdom of Changia') with a dark, bleak coldness, rigid with formal structure, strict obedience and Spartan authoritarianism.

In addition, the show's more subdued product tie-ins with the toy line are a welcome change from the rehashed tightly wound product-driven shows of past generations of the franchise. I loved Lauren Faust's previous work on the PPG, and love her focus on developing the characters and guiding them through their own respective adventures as they grow and grow closer to us, the fans and how their individual personalities shine through with each new lesson they learn and share with one another, growing closer together as friends and closer to us, bringing us closer as a fandom through these same lessons.

It offers a much welcomed and desperately needed sentiment: sharing is more rewarding than hoarding, sentimentalism is a sign of strength, not weakness, and polite discorse and frank honesty is more to be valued than "I'm right, you're wrong". These lessons are just as much for the world as they are for the young female viewer demographic. I for one value each one, and find comfort in the solidarity of every one of the bronies and pegasisters; my friends.