Truffles

Not only is there a mystery about his hatching being related to his ability to send scrolls, we don't even know if it's him who has that particular magic ability. It could just as easily be the scrolls themselves are enchanted with a return spell that is activated by dragonfire.

We do know from the latest Princess Celestia short that dragons have their own magic (she states it explicitly) but we don't know what it is. It could be related to their fire breath, however.

It might then be a combination of a return spell on the parchment that is powered by the magic of dragonfire. This would mean any dragon could send these special scrolls if they used their own dragonfire. The scroll Garble tossed away back in his debut landed in lava so that scene isn't a useful indicator of how the spell works.

But if the scrolls are not enchanted, then it is indeed Spike and only Spike (so far) who has this ability, and he may be capable of sending things besides scrolls to the princesses.

However it works, it is more useful to use Spike than to teleport scrolls directly, since Twilight can be anywhere on the planet and as long as he's nearby she'll get the message. It isn't clear whether the scrolls he sends always appear next to Celestia or if they are enchanted to return to a specific part of Canterlot Castle. It may even be the spell can read the scroll since the message addressed to Luna in "Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep" seemed to go straight to her rather than Celestia. That indicates it's more likely the scroll targets the addressee directly and not a fixed geographical location. An interesting experiment would be for Spike to address a scroll to Twilight and try sending it and see if she gets it or not.

I like the theory; I just have no way to prove that particular Changeling is or isn't Thorax. I will say though the odds of it being him are low considering how many changelings make up Chrysalis' hive. Then again, stranger things have happened - like how Thorax was playing with a Spike doll when he was a kid... o_O

Sadly, like @Lambdadelta hinted at, he may have been culled since it's likely he would have sat on the sidelines even if the M6 weren't there since he already looked reluctant to attack anyone when he spotted them during the flashback. EDIT: In fact, at the end of "To Change a Changeling," Pharynx reveals that Thorax never wanted to be a warrior, which means with or without the M6, he was destined to not be part of the hive one way or another.

This is a difficult question. On one hand Spike probably is Big Macs "typical" best friend simply because we don't have any evidence of Big Mac having any other ponies he socializes with.

However, he does now have Sugar Belle and there's no reason why your lover can't also be your best friend. Also, there's Applejack. While she is a family member, there's no reason to say she can't also be her brother's best friend. When you think about Spike and Twilight, they have strong familial ties, but it's easy to see how Spike and Twilight are each other's best friends, so the same may be true for Big Mac and Applejack.

Okay, I'll bite: so what is a good game to play with a changeling? I imagine it involves changing into several different creatures and objects! But I'd really like to know, however, is what the heck is a gourdfest/gorefest! XD

1 hour ago, WiiGuy2014 said:

Don't tell anyone, but if Spike wanted me to play Princess Shmarity, I would.

I knew it! But, mum's the word...

Another question - how many ponies have you mimicked throughout your life to keep from starving? Less than a dozen, or many dozens? Did you regret doing it?

Has Spike invited you to guys night yet? Have you played any ogres and oubliettes games yet with him? If he asked you to role-play Princess Shmarity, would you do it? 

(Pardon the capitalization errors, I broke my arm on Friday so I'm using voice recognition for everything. =| )

Although it didn't happen when I watched it live - presumably I was trying to pay attention to all the episode's details - a rewatch of "Equestria Games" during the S4-S5 hiatus really got to me. Like, really got to me.

In particular, the scene right when Twilight tells Spike he didn't actually light the torch - seeing him deflate like that in an instant, leaving his ego crushed, left me sobbing - even though I knew how the episode ended by then. Kudos to the animators and voice acting for creating such a gut-wrenching scene with Spike's emotions fully on display for all to see:

(And it's taken a bit of time to put this message together because it's still getting to me... )

54 minutes ago, WiiGuy2014 said:

I know Spike is a strong, maturing guy. Some interesting changes will be on the horizon for him and I'm excited to see how they'll play out.

Agreed. Considering the big events they seemingly have planned for this episode and his other episode this season, S9 could bring even more dramatic changes and possibilities for growth.

20 hours ago, Karnak said:

Having Spike call Twilight "Mommy" or "Mom" would be an insult to his character, he is not needy.

I would contend he does have his needier side - the events in "Owl's Well that End's Well" seem to indicate that, along with "Equestria Games" where he went out of his way to prove his worth after suffering from low self-esteem. Then there's "Spike at Your Service" where instead of feeling the need for recognition and love, he felt he needed to prove something was positive about his entire species.

I think it is fine if a character is needy as long as they are courageous and self-motivated at the same time - Spike is all of those things, as seen during the events of "Dragon Quest", "The Crystal Empire", and "Gauntlet of Fire", to name a few. It's why he's such a great, well-rounded character.

As for him not calling Twilight "mommy" in "Winter Wrap-Up", I'm not sure why doing the opposite would have made him seem needy. How does having a teenage mom make a kid needy? (Presuming Twilight is still a teenager, which I don't think she is anyway) Besides, that particular episode (along with many of the other S1 episodes) were early-written scripts, and in an interview with Cathy Weseluck she admitted they decided to change Spike from being a little boy character to someone who was more mature and less of the typical "girls are icky" male-centric foil for Twilight. That quote certainly fits in with his younger, brattier persona, and while he's never called Twilight his mother, he's never said she wasn't his mom since that one time, either.

22 hours ago, Karnak said:

Spike is no baby

Now that I agree with wholeheartedly! And the show has followed suit by dropping the "baby dragon" moniker completely in all the later seasons. In fact, I can't remember the last time any of the characters have referred to him as a baby anymore. It doesn't really fit with his personality and motivations.

22 hours ago, Karnak said:

And its clear that he see's this dragon as a true patriarchal figure, as he is willing to give up his Pony culture to be a "real" dragon.

I wouldn't say it's clear until the episode actually airs. We don't know if he's all gung-ho over going off with this dragon yet, or if he's against it but some of his friends think it would be best for him simply because it's his "dad". The lack of a father-figure for Spike probably has hurt him a bit, though. He probably substituted Shining Armor and maybe even Night Light into that role while he lived in Canterlot, and now there's Big Mac. Though Big Mac seems more like a brother to him than Shining at times, let alone a father figure.

4 hours ago, Ryanmahaffe said:

to the weird furbys

XD Describing them like that made me laugh, since Hasbro owns Furbies now as well. Ninja marketing strategy! =D

1 hour ago, Hierok said:

I don't know. The dragon and the griffon are a bit Grumpy. That's what I know of them.

I think it's more like culture shock. They come from a background where no one really gives a poop about you, and suddenly they have to become friends with all these other creatures that they feel like they don't have anything in common with.

Trying to bury a problem isn't going to make it go away, and banishing Garble is akin to doing just that. Keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer seems fitting here, especially with one as incompetent as he is.

Besides, he's really more Spike's nemesis that Ember's, and he's no longer afraid to stand up to him, so banishing seems like overkill. In fact, with a little help from his friends he's been more than capable of beating him outright. He should do even better against him in the future - he might even rival Toothless someday when it comes to dexterity and firepower because of his small size! 

Heh, when I wrote that comment that was before "Once Upon a Zeppelin" and the S7 finale came out. Those two episodes I think would make me to re-evaluate some of my statements, especially in how characters don't necessarily have to fight for screen time in all instances.

As for Spike becoming friends with Starlight's friends, he and Trixie are an interesting duo because we never actually got to see them "bury the hatchet," as it were. He didn't appear at all in "No Second Prances," and only briefly stood nearby her in the S6 finale. While they must be friends from how they interacted in "All Bottled Up," it would have been interesting to see how they eventually came to accommodate one another since they were definitely adversarial at the end of S3's "Magic Duel."

I think Spike and Sunburst would really hit it off if he lived in Ponyville. I could see him really getting into Spike's O&O sessions on Guy's Night. I think that might be the main thing they'd do together as friends, though - I just can't see Spike getting into antiquing or geeking out over arcane knowledge. Spike may be good at keeping track of Twilight's spellbooks, but there's no indication he actually knows many of the spells contained within each of them.

I suppose I still relate to the character that was my favorite when I started watching this series - Twilight. I do appreciate her love of science, her touch of skepticism, and her ability to geek out over the technical details of a particular topic.

But a few other characters are relatable to me as well now. Some of Twilight can be transferred over to Sunburst, since he shares her geekiness but also comes with the additional trait of being a lot more reclusive than she was. (Though I don't have the body image issues he apparently has.)

Then there's Spike who tends to swing greatly between being cynical and optimistic - sometimes within a single episode. Also throw in a little of his self-doubt. I can definitely relate to that at times.

I have a bit of Starlight in me, usually when I feel anger and revenge on someone who has done another person wrong.

Snips and Snails for their perceived appreciation of low-brow humor. (I can't actually give any concrete evidence they'd like that kind of humor; it just seems logical that they would.)  XD

Finally, there's Goldie Delicious because cats. Cats are awesome. (That will probably be me when I'm 80! XD )

17 hours ago, Prospekt said:

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Perhaps her actions were unintentional. But regardless, she was in the right place at the right time.

 

Indeed. If Spike can be claimed a hero for saving the Crystal Empire twice by being in the right place at the right time, then Derpy certainly should get the same kind of credit for her actions, unintentional or not.

I love the "Crouching Dragon" reference in that title. I'm kinda surprised now that you brought it to my attention DHX hasn't done a title like that, yet. XD

1 hour ago, KH7672 said:

That is the best thing I've ever heard especially coming from someone who worked so close with the staff.  As someone who's always felt Haber has been over-hated, this just helps to reaffirm my opinion on his work.  While I wouldn't say he's my favorite writer (top 3 probably) he really did understand the value of characterization and the purpose each character has in the episode that they will carry with them in future ones to come. His finales really exemplify that and it is what makes the show feel more complex for me.

From what few episodes I've seen of S8, I've been impressed with how all of the characters interact with one another, much like how he handled the interactions in the S7 finale. Hopefully this will be the trend throughout S8 and even S9!

Kotaku published an article that follows up on the season 8 promotional announcement by Hasbro:

https://kotaku.com/my-little-pony-season-eight-turns-friendship-into-schoo-1822836213

It mostly sums up a lot of the stuff Hasbro announced in their press release, though I forewarn anyone who has (somehow) managed to avoid all the leaks from this season, the article has at least one MAJOR spoiler about Spike that you will want to avoid if you've been trying to stay away from such things!

That being said:

Make sure you don't miss the comments section - in there you'll find some behind-the-scenes stories of one of the ex-employees who worked on the earlier seasons and talks a little about what was supposed to take place, and his thoughts on how the series changed after Lauren and Megan left. He does have a lot of praise for Josh Haber, so hopefully things will be looking up as next season premieres on March 24th!

Rainbow Dash. I live for the section of "True, True, Friend" where she gets to sing. I love the ernest way she pronounces the lyrics in that song.

Close runner up is Sweetie Belle. I fell in love with her singing voice way back in "The Show Stoppers" when she was singing to herself while dusting. Beautiful.

On 2/5/2018 at 5:17 PM, Cosmic Spiral said:

Did a quick google search of a visual. Should be an interesting season to have so many new non-pony characters. I find it interesting though that Celestia would take on a non-unicorn student though.

Hmm, I wonder what they are all looking at? A misplaced Flash object standing in that gap in the middle of the group? XD

4 minutes ago, Sketchy Tune said:

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I don't know... I really believe that Smolder is a girl. I mean the eye style has me. I am open to the possibility of Smolder being a boy, but I'm more towards him/her being a girl.

 

That's among the reasons why I thought he was a she at first, too. We won't really know until we get the backstories of all these characters, and even then without any corroborating evidence from a third party even that could be suspect:

It's hard to say though - I didn't see Torch trying to keep the female dragons (besides his daughter) from partaking in the Gauntlet.

1 hour ago, Ryanmahaffe said:

Which I hope it isn't, I have wanted Spikes parents for a long time, I have my theories but I will gladly cast them aside for a show explanation of one of the biggest mysteries of the series.

Indeed. Cheating us out of real answers would be very disappointing. In my best-case scenario we get the answers we've been waiting for and Spike's biological family is willing to move nearby so he doesn't have to choose between anyone. That's probably asking a lot, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

8 hours ago, WiiGuy2014 said:

Spoilers to a alternative universe fan fiction I wish to fully write someday:

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During the S5 finale while Twilight and Spike were preventing Starlight from messing with the Rainboom, I as Unicorn Will Guide, secretly went on my own time-travel quest. I met Spike's very kind dragon parents who were dying, meaning Spike's egg would have perished had they not given the egg to me, who would give to Celestia before Filly Twilight's entrance exam. And the rest would be history.

But in the show's canon, I do genuinely want to know what will be revealed in the episode, even if I won't like what we'll see.

@Truffles @MegaSean45, what do you guys think?

Yeah, you might want to wait and see if Spike's parents are nice but misguided (presuming they talk about his mom at all, even) or if they're total jerks. If they are nice, it would still be an AU story (unless they somehow totally skip over how Celestia got his egg.... <_<) but at least you could match their personalities up with one another.

In fact, your story could be still in-universe if Spike's parents aren't the real deals and this whole thing turns out to be a wild goose chase....

Wow, well this topic heated up quickly compared to what I saw this morning.

I'm not really going to weigh in on the big debate, I just want to say I always thought Rainbow Dash was straight but bi-curious for Fluttershy - at least she seemed that way by the evidence presented in the early seasons.

Whether that evidence is real or is just stuff the animators threw in for fun is irrelevant, because when you're talking about something that is a bunch of vectors in a computer whose personality is defined across the mindscape of animators, story board artists, story editors, writers, and executives, then the final product on the screen is by definition all that she is.

I'm biased - I saw the dragon in an actual episode, so I only have an impression of him and by default I guess that would make him my favorite? I'm holding off on casting an official vote for now, however, until they've shown a few episodes with the others. I'm curious as to what all of their personalities are like. How they behave and their backstories will likely be the final determining factors.

2 hours ago, PathfinderCS said:

That is eleven main characters! How they try to balance that out with the students will be interesting to see.

To say nothing of all the background characters + the Legends that have now become part of present-day, all of them having to be juggled due to the fans asking to see them.

It's too bad Hasbro never greenlit spinoffs other than EqG from this show, which is mostly it's own thing, even. They have enough developable characters in their roster to make two new spinoffs! XD