It was... it was just beautiful... I think I'm gonna cry... Spike was amazing! He's finally on the same level as the mane 6 - his own window in Canterlot Castle, AND singing?! OK, thoughts on characters...
Twilight - interesting development, she's worked so hard and has really come a long way
Applejack - still the hardworker and great friend we know and love. Anyone realise her Element sort of came up? She couldn't lie about the Crystal Heart not being there, I liked that
Rainbow Dash - ah, Dashie. Dashie, Dashie, Dashie, when will you learn to let Fluttershy be Fluttershy? http://mlpforums.com/public/style_emoticons/default/dry.png Liked her overacting trying to distract the crystal ponies
Fluttershy - so cute. Her face when she was running the petting zoo, and when she gave a little sob when Dash was getting her to joust with her
Pinkie Pie - Loved her Fluttershy disguise And her jester costume "I WANT A FLUGEL HORN!!!!!!"
Rarity - The first thing I can think of to say is - HER SINGING VOICE WAS SO EPIC AT THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *ahem* Rarity's little crystal obsession was funny
Cadence and Shining Armor - it was good to see them again, and they got a little development, too! Their relationship is so sweet, and Cadence's flight near the end was awesome
Celestia and Luna - I think this is the first time we actually saw them discussing royal business together...
King Sombra - honestly, I didn't think there was enough there for his character. He's at the bottom of my favourite villian list -_-
And the big one:
Spike - OH... MY GOD... so many moments where I almost teared up at his awesomeness, cuteness, loyalty, funny-ness, sarcastic-ness, and that little moment when he's jumping across the crystal-rock-thingies with the Heart and he breathes a little of his fire - I really liked that ^^ It's great that he's finally getting the recognition he deserves. Also, what I think got me the most was when he saw his worst fear through Sombra's door - that moment, I literally wanted to do nothing but reach into the screen and hug him, and cry with him... Like, you know when you say you wanna reach into a screen to hug a character, you're mostly joking around? I'm not joking. I think I can now say that Spike is my favourite character in the show. Maybe even my favourite animated character ever... Or favourite character overall... I love you, Spike
WHY CAN'T I HUG YOU, SPIKE?! WHY?!
Well... sorry that was so long