Silver Stream.

The main characters are the Mane 6. Yeah, sure, Celly is written as incompetent in the show, which makes little sense from a logical standpoint, but from a plot standpoint it does. I mean, who would want to watch a show whose main characters are overshadowed all the time? THEY must be the one solving the problems

Precisely the whole reason of my long post. Basically they are needed. 

I never had any problems with the Mane 6 being the go-to guys for every problem. It's a common thing we've seen in nearly everything created from shows and movies to games and books. 

The only thing I never liked was the Season 5 finale where there is literally no alternative to the good side winning which I found hypocritical. Proving friendships aren't important unless you're the mane 6....and the magic of friendship as well as the elements are rendered useless along with Celestia and every able body in Equestria....a rather sad and dark truth to take in when looking at every alternate future that was presented.

No, just venting about the Lilly Peet thing to be honest thing honestly.

Ah okay I understand. I mean, Lily Peet wasn't wrong in my opinion, I can see how her delivery might have pissed a few fans off, but to me Celestia is indeed incompetent as well as the other Princesses and high guards or any other forms of security or power throughout the show. But my focus isn't' really on Lily Peet, but more so on where people stand with incompetent authority in general and whether or not the fact that the show NEEDS them JUSTIFY their mistakes and misjudgment 

Powers are not an identity let's get that straight. But alter egos and multiple personalities are still you. 

I somewhat agree with this, but I don't think Nightmare[insert name here] is an alter ego nor is it a multiple personality. It's basically the entity of one's fears/hatred/other negative feelings that lurk based off strong emotion. Negative feelings such as depression or hatred or fear is not a multiple personality. 

Whether the comics are considered canon or not, it does shed light to some things in the show. Whatever it is, it still feeds off their negative emotions. In fact, it was Luna's negative emotions that lead to her becoming Nightmare Moon in the first place. The moment she is freed, she expresses how much she missed Celestia despite the fact Nightmare Moon easily kicked her butt and had her stashed somewhere. So this supports the fact that Luna wasn't in full control of the dark entity that consumed her. 

I believe the reason why Luna is so remorseful for what happened is because she attracted it in the first place. But then again, this is just my theory. Maybe Nightmare Moon is a multiple personality locked away....maybe it's a dark entity that came and was forced away after the elements of harmony.....no one knows 100%. For now at least

Discussions about the leaders in mlp being incoptetent is the worst part of this fandom

 

It's just stupid

Honestly not sure if this is directed towards me since this is a discussion about incompetent leaders in general despite the fact that I'm justifying the leaders/high branches of power. If it is directed towards me, all I ask is to stay out of the discussion if it's a discussion you despise. If not, then apologies for the misunderstanding xD

woah hey it's been awhile since I've posted in here

This....is beyond amazing. Well done

I would have continued this conversation in another thread that is already discussing something similar to this topic, but due to a lot of posts going off topic, I decided to create my own. 

Basically, Lily Peet created a video stating how incompetent of a Ruler Celestia was and how she doesn't deserve to be the prime ruler over Equestria. To avoid retyping my thoughts on this, I'll just quote what I've previously stated:

(If you wish to watch the video yourself, simply google Lily Peet "Down with Celestia" and you should be good)

But understand, the focus is not on the video...but more so on your opinions on Incompetent rulers in general within MLP. I feel as though we should be reminded that incompetent rulers and other branches of power are crucial for there being a show in general. If there was a structured system with a competent ruler and a great security, there would be no need for an underdog team to come to the rescue. That applies to nearly every show/movie ever made in history. 

Celestia is executed as a ruler who does well to meet the needs of her subjects. She believes in giving them freedom to make their own choices EVEN if it's a huge risk. For example, her allowing Discord to hunt Tirek despite the risk of him betraying them. She's also an oblivious leader as well...and just like Cadence, she seems to get a thrill of chaos because she is often bored whenever things are TOO peaceful (as shown in "The Best Night Ever" and "Make New Friends but Keep Discord") 

Cadence is somewhat the same. Though she's been executed as a more effective ruler than Celestia which isn't surprising. She's what I would call a static character: created to be a perfect princess who's given kick-ass scenes and this perfect "big sister, down-to earth princess" to sell toys and give fans a pony to genuinely look up to. Other than these facts, she has little to NO development whatsoever. And even with all this, she is pretty much the princess who manages her best to keep large dangers at bay, but still ULTIMATELY depends on Twilight to get a victory. Even minor things such as asking the Mane 6 to welcome Mrs. Harshwhinny to the Crystal Empire when it was more rational to allow one of her own subjects to do it since they obviously know more about the place? 

And finally there's Luna....who I personally believe has more potential to rule Equestria if not for the fact she's too unstable to make good choices. As Nightmare Moon (in the episode The Cutie Remark) she is seemingly a good ruler despite her using fear and power to keep everyone in line. The confidence she possessed in that alternate timeline was admirable because she is more than capable of eliminating future threats to ensure nothing threatens her kingdom and nothing threatens her reign. Luna, however, is far too depressed to make rational decisions but even then we've seen how she less oblivious than Celestia when it comes to certain observations.

And lastly, I wish to talk about the guards within MLP including Shining Armor....who's incompetent as well as oblivious. How dangers always manages to sneak right pass them rendering all of them useless.

I personally don't hold any of this against them....because I know that it's a needed measure to bring the heroes in to save the day. From big premieres/finales to minor requests ...... the mane 6 are called in for the sake of an episode.

What do you guys think?     

Sombra is by far the most powerful villain we've seen yet aside from Discord (who possesses a rare power that can rarely be defeated head on). The Cutie Remark was basically an eye opener to show just how useless "friendships" and other protagonists are without the Mane 6 in my opinion. Without their friendship, all hope is lost because there is seemingly no other alternatives of victory. 

What makes him more interesting than the other villains is his back story within the IDW comics. And it's a shame they do not integrate such back stories within the show because it would do the villains more justice. Back stories dealing with why they are the way they are IN HE SHOW is just far too weak for example Starlight Glimmer's and Sunset Shimmer's. 

I wouldn't consider Luna's case brainwashing as I am aware that within the comic books, a dark entity took over Luna making her Nightmare Moon. In that specific case, I think it implies how depressions, inner bitterness, and insecurities can attract "dark forces" (dark thoughts and such) and cause you to dive deeper into depression to the point you lose yourself. The dark entity that took over Luna AND Rarity never actually brainwashes them because the things they whisper to them are already known fears/dark thoughts that both Luna and Rarity possessed prior to be consumed.   It's more like listening to your own dark conscious and letting it take over. When it comes to her "reformation" I wouldn't consider that brainwashing either.....I strongly believe she was freed. Because the moment she is Luna again, she instantly stresses how much she missed her sister. Another example would be in the episode "Do Princess Dream of Magic Sheep" ....you see in the beginning she dreams that Nightmare Moon was defeated and she was herself again. And then when she wakes up, she is troubled because her dream ended "GOOD" meaning she was imprisoned by the dark entity as some may assume and wanted to be freed anyway

Cadence love magic is another story. Mmmm......I am not sure if brainwashing would be the correct term, but I do see it as forced love upon others. But I don't want to bash Cadence too much since I've only witnessed it once from her. I see that more as the writers' mistake to ever include a scene where a couple is doing common bickering and she randomly shoots a "love arrow" there way to get them to stop and be lovey dovey again. I personally never liked the idea of there being a "Cupid". Other than that, we've never witnessed any other similar actions.

If you want to come up with a better example of why you think brainwashing is within MLP, try using the episode "The Cutie Map pt 1&2" where Starlight not only brainwashes the entire town, but she brainwashes herself also.  

Villain reformations are inevitable even if they seem rushed or ridiculous. I don't think brainwashing plays a big part in that. That's my opinion  

Sense I know you and You gave my such a wonderful Poem, this is for you, I hope you like it

He hair is pinned back but was covered o - o so you cant see it XD

My God, Prophet she is beautiful This is truly amazing. I love the extreme detail you've put in this especially the cutie mark. I'll admit, I was a bit taken aback by the cutiemark because it seemed a bit off but the more I looked at it, the better it looks. Thank you so so so so much <3 <3

I think she has two more to go before slots are open guys

THE BIRTHDAY GIFT

This was just a gift to a friend of mine

*chuckles*

You know my OC. Have at her whatever way you wish..if you need inspiration, a link to her bio is in my signature. She wears her hair down on lazy days and it's in the Sunset shimmer style on others but honestly....make it a different style if you wish

Her tail is very long, so style that up if you like. She's yours to play with!

This would be awesome. Sadly, I'm no artist....but I hope you don't mind me tracking out of curiosity?

I believe it's more about certain episodes getting over hype due to the guest stars.

For example, Pinkie Pride was an episode many were looking forward to particularly because of Weird Al. I think it's safe to say half the fans were disappointed because honestly, Weird Al didn't steal the show as many expected.....Pinkie dominated her own episode in my opinion while Weird Al only contributed a little.

The Mane Attraction received huge hype as well ever since the early release of RaRa's song "I am Just a Pony" (or is it called Magic inside of you?) Regardless, by the time the episode was released, the song didnt have that "the feels" impact for me anymore and you could say the episode was more of a "playing it safe" episode rather than a sensational one.

The Mystery Magical Cure is another....everyone knew this was the moment Twilight becomes an Alicorn but I'm sure, despite the songs being enjoyable, the episode itself wasn't really understandable nor the BEST.

The Crusaders of the Lost Mark: too much hype for this episode that was slopily executed imo. Worst paced episode, the songs were good though, DT deserved better than some cliche "my mom is the reason I've given all you hell for the past year", everyone going happy go lucky within 5seconds like how everyone forgave Starlight Glimmer...... just....the episode could have been better tbh. It only had a strong ending

Slice of Life is not a bad episode tbh. I don't mind a fanservice episode since it's common for any huge popular series. But the hype for it is overrated. While I personally think it should be highly appreciated, others practically worship the episode and then get mad when people mention it was nothing but a fanservice episode full of memes and their speculations becoming canon. Don't get angry when we're merely calling an episode what it is....it's not like it's a BAD thing

And finally, The Cutie Re-Mark. A LOT OF HYPE for this....because we all expected more from Starlight and I think her back story was crap as well as her redemption. Her reformation was decent though...I'm glad she didn't hop to stopping her plans super fast. It took further convincing.

Episodes that I personally think receive "over hate" :

Mysterious Mare Do-Well (will explain further if needed)

Not a movie. But mostly a channel I used to watch ALL the darn time when I was a kid. And that was Animal Planet when they had a lot of animal cop shows and real wildlife stuff. It was then when I AT LEAST knew I wanted to be in the animal sciences field. It wasn't until later when I got older I wanted to be a Veterinarian. Given the many years it'll take to do that, I figured it was safe to start out with short term goals and work up to longer term goals IF I was still up to it. So it's why I am starting over in college to get into a 3yr program in which I can become a Veterinary Technician. And if I'm still able, maybe even study further. 

Thanks childhood animal planet shows!!!

Beautiful!!!! And hope everything is okay Prophet c:

Today is the final day to accept submissions correct?

EDIT: It's now 11 pm and I'm not sure what else to do. My story has been submitted but I have to wait for approval before I can add the story.....not sure if it will be approved on time by the deadline. Good luck guys!

Because I'm at work and in a good mood, I'll make this simple

She's a kind ruler with good intentions and does well to keep peace whenever there is no threat. She's a good teacher who uses what other may see as "twisted methods" which have been proven to work especially with Twilight.

But she is an incompetent ruler nonetheless. But I don't blame too much on Celestial. Lets face it....it's for the sake of plots. In every show, the "good character" that is in high power of some sort is ALWAYS incompetent so that the plot can become interesting and DEPENDENT on the main protagonists.

I'll say further after work

Alright to further elaborate. Lily is quite...an analyst. There are some.videos she makes that I genuinely appreciate while others I can't honestly understand.

Lily has made 2 videos dealing with Celestia:

1. How Celestia being some ruthless dictator is total bullshit

2. Celestia is an incompetent ruler.incapable of keeping her kingdom safe.

As I said before.....I.have to agree with a little to what Lily says. And it's all thanks to that darn Season 5 finale where Celestia and her strongest forces are HOPELESS against the large dangers.

I.understand people.keep bringing up the fact she's ruled for.thousands of years and defeated danger in the past, but it was always with the help of the elements. Even so....her long reign proves she ISN'T as incompetent as Lily expresses.

She's incompentant now because Twilight and the Mane 5 exist. If Celestia was executed as the perfect ruler who made rational decisions over good ethical ones (such as preserving Discord into stone instead of killing him off to ensure he isn't a further threat to the kingdom) than we wouldn't have a show with the Mane 6 as our heroes.

In another discussion I made, I stressed how "The Magic of Friendship" is basically bullshit. It is solely the Mane 6 that are heroes with no other hope for another to save the day. That includes Celestia and the others.

But it is not her fault. Celestia's long and supposedly succeful reign is nothing but a way for the writers to fill plot.holes and create back stories for evil villains. After all....who doesn't appreciate an evil villain back for a round 2?

Lily, despite the fact that her delivery was rather strong and a bit egotistical, integrated some FAIR points. I feel as though it.could have been delivered in a better way. Instead.of focusing.on how incompetent the writers make Celestia these days, I think it's better to acknowledge WHY she's incompetent and how it degrades her as a leader in general.

I don't personally see freedom as an empty philosophy, but I am not that type of person to ignore the fact that others have the right and reason.to believe that it is. Nightmare Moon's reign is obviously more peaceful despite the fact she rules with an iron fist and instills fear over Equestria. One cannot blame a person.for preferably wanting an evil structured ruler to reign.over them than a nice wise.one who is incapable.of defnedinf her kingdom or known for.taking too many risks for their liking. 

Is Celestia unworthy of her title as ruler of Equestria? Well...there is no real answer to it because it depends on one's perspective on whether or not incompetent rulers are forgivable enough that their pros outweighs their mistakes OR an incompetent ruler poses more as a liability than a leader. 

And that's my opinion. Apologies for any typos. Its been a long day for me, plus I'm.mobile

Because I'm at work and in a good mood, I'll make this simple


She's a kind ruler with good intentions and does well to keep peace whenever there is no extreme threat. She's a good teacher who uses what other may see as "twisted methods" which have been proven to work especially with Twilight.

But she is an incompetent ruler nonetheless. But I don't blame too much on Celestial. Lets face it....it's for the sake of plots. In every show, the "good character" that is in high power of some sort is ALWAYS incompetent so that the plot can become interesting and DEPENDENT on the main protagonists.


I'll say further after work

Thank you so much. This needed to be said

All Rarity episodes

All Pinkie Pie episodes except "The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows"

Return of Harmony pt 1 & 2

Flight to the Finish 

The Best Night Ever 

Lesson Zero because of two reasons: Crazy Twilight and it sheds light to the most important friendship lesson of all: Friends aren't perfect and they will be d*cks sometimes.

Amending Fences 

Scare Master

Even with the battle in mind, she is FAR from the most powerful being

I wasn't inquiring that . Merely expressing an observation and trying to make sense of her "power" in general. That if there is any legitimate reason to believe Starlight is even close to being all powerful, the battle and Twilight's speculation should be the only back up....not the time travelling spell.

We've only seen little on Starlight and her "power" though. I'll agree she isn't the most powerful by any means but it's hard to even claim her average thanks to that ridiculous finale showdown.

" Twilight hasn't even tapped into her true potential"

 

This does require a bit of speculation and reading between the lines sadly, but I think with that, we have enough to get an idea of how powerful people are.

 

The Starlight sayers kinda irks me, she went back in time at most 20 years. Starswirl went forward 1000 according to the journal of the two sisters... as he seems to know about Twilight.

It was from my understanding, people figured Starlight was powerful because of the battery with Twilight....not the time traveling. If THAT is the reason as to why Starlight is most powerful, I wouldn't agree. It's known she merely used the cutie map. It was crucial to the spell and honestly, had any unicorn discovered the missing link to the time travelling spell, they could have easily done what Starlight did.

It was her battle with Twilight that rubbed me as hee being very powerful. Not to mention Hasbros just had to express it again through twilight towards the end of the finale when she mentioned how powerful Starlight was to her friends.

Is it crap? To me yeah....to others maybe not. But I think we should all wait to see if the writers will make a smart decision and give us a legitimate she'd of light on Starlight and the secrets behind her magic strength.

I am well aware Twilight has the potential to be the most powerful pony or creature in existence, but the problem is, I wasn't going off potential, I was going off what we have seen sense as of season 5.

Than it'll be better to specify that in your first post unless I overlooked it. If I did, apologies.

But sense you're not going by potential, then I'd say Sombra still over all. He is nearly the embodiment of raw dark power that not even Celestial can defeat despite me thinking it's all crap.

I never really favored questions like this because it's hard to answer based off what Hasbros gives us. Starlight's "power" is ridiculous as well as how weak they make Celestial and Luna as if they are simply powerful unicorns instead of powerful alicorns.

Discord is another story. I don't consider him the "most powerful" but the type of magic he possesses is rather tricky and nearly impossible to defeat because he's such a slippery character with magic that can alter any powerful spell to some cheap magic act. Its only when you can trick him or slow him to bathe in his own ego that his magic is rendered weak? I would even consider his magic abilities rare and belonging only to him. Of any other pony tried to tap into his power, I can only imagine them being mindf*cked to insanity. So with Discord it's not HOW powerful he is...but more so the type of power he possesses. Whereas the other possess either "good" magic or "dark magic" so it's slightly easier to compare.