How do you accept where the show went?

[crazitaco 596]

Nope, still haven't accepted the new paradigm of Princess Twilight. I think people are too blind to realize that her personality HAS been changing, and she's not really the character that I fell in love with at the start of the series. However, despite the fact that I don't really like her, I still enjoy the other ponies too much for her to bother me that badly.

To be honest, I just don't like alicorns because I hate the concept of royalty

[Frostgage 7,975]

You make it sound like Twilight's becoming a princess is something that completely ruined the show for everyone. If I'm being honest, I think the only reason you don't enjoy it anymore is because you've already chosen not to. It's really not that different from what it was before.

Edited June 4, 2014 by Frostgage

[long gone 8,929]

If my arm wasn't hurting right now, I'd write a much bigger post than this.

 

I can deal with where the show went, as it's not really that different. Twilight is still her adorkable self, just with a bigger role.

 

 

Nope, still haven't accepted the new paradigm of Princess Twilight. I think people are too blind to realize that her personality HAS been changing, and she's not really the character that I fell in love with at the start of the series. However, despite the fact that I don't really like her, I still enjoy the other ponies too much for her to bother me that badly.

To be honest, I just don't like alicorns because I hate the concept of royalty

Please tell me how she's any different than she was before.

[baltoist 303]

i dont really know how to show is disliked to be honest

[Zygen 6,066]

I've only watched like half of season 4 maybe, but while its different it seems fine to me. I just haven't got around to watching the rest.

 

A show can't stay the exact same way forever, it has to change before it becomes stagnate.

[Moved to Elsewhere 11,331]

I just accept them. I do see how some people don't like season 4. It is different than the other seasons. However, just because something is different, doesn't mean it's terrible. I rather enjoyed this season. It brought improved animation, more great songs, and a story arc with lots of continuity. Also after seeing the finale, I'm good with Twilight's princess development. 

 

Again, the show is different defiantly, I guess some people don't like the change, but I'm personally OK with it.

[The Crimson Cross 7,532]

Honestly I didn't have nearly as much trouble with accepting Twilight's majesty and the princess-ing of it all, but I more had to accept Discord's reformation since he was best villain. It was quite a while ago but it kind of grew on me and I came to like it.

 

I guess the same could be said for Twilight. So I can understand where everyone is coming from, having a character so dramatically changed like that. I reckon it's for the better though. The writers of MLP seem to know what they are doing, even if the fan base doesn't agree!

[Itsy Bitsy Alex 77]

I really enjoy the direction they're taking the show! To me it feels like with each new season they touch upon a broader range of topics, however based around friendship. The show is maturing with its viewers and I quite enjoy that

[Noire Panzer 3,526]

Show is still about ponies and friendship. No need to dislike it. That's how I "accept" it at least.

[crazitaco 596]

If my arm wasn't hurting right now, I'd write a much bigger post than this.

 

I can deal with where the show went, as it's not really that different. Twilight is still her adorkable self, just with a bigger role.

 

 

Please tell me how she's any different than she was before.

Gah, I written this before and did a way better job. In my rant on a different topic, I highlighted all the ways that her personality has changed over time. It was way more detailed, but I'll give a brief summary. Twilight Sparkle is being written as above the average character. In the beginning seasons, she was not above being used for physical comedy, such as the episode pinkie keen where she gets random objects like boxes and pianos dropped on her head. Or when she freaks out over a snake.

Let me ask you this, can you ever see them doing something like the piano dropping schtick thing with Twilight ever again as a princess? Would it have the same effect as it did before, seeing her in a body cast and all pissy? I don't think they ever will do something like that again, because it would ruin the air of "regality" that they've been trying to build up on her character.

She was also a lot more snarky, and I really miss that aspect of her personality. Remember her when she called the elements of harmony "necklace, necklace, and BIG CROWN THINGIE!" and called her friends jerks? She used to have much more attitude. Her snarkiness is quite rare now. Even her tone of voice when speaking is more like the way Celestia speaks. She speaks to the girls in a motherly tone almost, and talks very gently like Celestia.

Her personality has been becoming more like that of Celestia's, and Celestia is rather flat and boring. I don't want to see Twilight become flat and boring like Celestia. I want the fun Twilight back, not the one who has to be a perfect role model at all times.

Edited June 5, 2014 by crazitaco

[long gone 8,929]

Gah, I written this before and did a way better job. In my rant on a different topic, I highlighted all the ways that her personality has changed over time. It was way more detailed, but I'll give a brief summary. Twilight Sparkle is being written as above the average character. In the beginning seasons, she had a lot more physical comedy, such as the episode pinkie keen where she gets random objects like boxes and pianos dropped on her head.

Let me ask you this, can you ever see them doing something like the piano dropping schtick thing with Twilight ever again as a princess? Would it have the same effect as it did before, seeing her in a body cast and all pissy? I don't think they ever will do something like that again, because it would ruin the air of "regality" that they've been trying to build up on her character.

She was also a lot more snarky, and I really miss that aspect of her personality. Remember her when she called the elements of harmony "necklace, necklace, and BIG CROWN THINGIE!" and called her friends jerks? She used to have much more attitude. Her snarkiness is quite rare now. Even her tone of voice when speaking is more like the way Celestia speaks. She speaks to the girls in a motherly tone almost, and talks very gently like Celestia.

Her personality has been becoming more like that of Celestia's, and Celestia is rather flat and boring. I don't want to see Twilight become flat and boring like Celestia. I want the fun Twilight back, not the one who has to be a perfect role model.

Well... has she stopped being so booksmart? Has she stopped fangirling each time she sees or hears mentions of a library? And do realize that she has a more major role now other than leading the Mane Six, she had to change her personality whether she liked it or not.

 

Those who paid attention knew from the start she was eventually going to succeed or replace Celestia in some way. The only thing we didn't know is how.

[crazitaco 596]

Well... has she stopped being so booksmart? Has she stopped fangirling each time she sees or hears mentions of a library? And do realize that she has a more major role now other than leading the Mane Six, she had to change her personality whether she liked it or not.

 

Those who paid attention knew from the start she was eventually going to succeed or replace Celestia in some way. The only thing we didn't know is how.

So you agree then, she HAS changed her personality.

I don't like the changes because I think they make her less interesting/fun. I just don't enjoy seeing her try to be perfect. That is my personal opinion, and I rest my case.

 

Edit: Another thing, the "dorkyness" or booksmartness is merely ONE aspect of her personality, not her whole personality. I have noticed these occasional moments like those you pointed out and rejoiced at them because they reminded me of old school twilight that I did love. But still, think about how often moments like these actually occur. Its like the writers merely throw them in as if to say "Oh yeah we almost forgot, look how much she's still the same!" These moments never had to be inserted into the story to keep her interesting, they would just happen under natural circumstances.

Edited June 5, 2014 by crazitaco

[long gone 8,929]

So you agree then, she HAS changed her personality.

I don't like the changes because I think they make her less interesting/fun. That is my opinion, and I rest my case.

Well all right then. I still find her an interesting character, and I'd elaborate but then there's the problem of my arm feeling like shit today and that is making it hard to type. So yeah, I'll save that for later...

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

Season 4 was generally nice even better than season 3! The fact that season 3 was short hurt the show more than you think. Regardless i too hate the fact that the two-parters in the show are extremely Twilight-centric.

[GhostPony750 959]

Too much fanservice, it bothers me. While the show was better at its debuts, it's still great!

[Steve 290]

i dont really care

 

people have always complained about season 3 and 4 and even 2 saying "oh these seasons are nothing liek season 1. season 1 was was soooo much better and different" and i hardly notice a change at all (mostly because i lack an eye for detail) the only thing that was bothering me was there was no letters to clestia but season 4 fixed that with the journal entries

 

to put it this way. they could all become robots and id still watch the show because id prolly still be entertained by it

Edited June 5, 2014 by Steve

[Creamy Arty 6,252]

Honestly, I never had a problem with Twilight becoming a princess except for how suddenly it happened. Not that I didn't see it coming. Stuff that monumental just can't be crammed into 22 minutes very effectively, and I don't believe that it was.
 
 
She hasn't been treated or written as a princess or anything other than the same, old Twilight we've always known and loved. So long as that remains unaltered, there's nothing to be alarmed about. On the other hand, that kind of raises the question of why they would even make such a monumental change in the first place. The season 4 finale has truly opened the door to redefining her as a character, and whether or not they take the opportunity and which direction they'll choose if they do remains to be seen. This is the time to get concerned, if anyone ever was going to worry.
 
The same goes for the rest of the Mane 6. Allegations abound of Pinkie being much more hyperactive and random than befits even her whimsical nature. While I can agree with that to some extent... she's still the same Pinkie Pie I've always loved. All of the Mane 6 have stayed true to their character and have had some wonderful episodes, and plenty of screen time. One should note that a dynamic character who grows and learns as the series wears on isn't a bad thing and they aren't betraying themselves.
 
 
I have had my faith and patience rewarded thus far, so I'm going to hope for and assume the best of what's to come. I loved season 3. I loved season 4. Why should I be worried about season 5?
 

I reckon it's for the better though.

Seldom do I hear someone other than myself say "reckon" around here.

[Jeric 46,850]

For me it was simple -- I wasn't there when it happened. Tried to watch the show in 2011 and it didn't take ... missed the drama ... Became a fan in the last few months of this season with some knowledge of both the fandom and Twilacorn already in my head.

 

Because if the filter of how I viewed the show ... It made no difference to me.

[Thrashy 2,800]

How do I accept it? Perhaps I'm just dense, but I'm not entirely sure I understand the question, nor where it's coming from.

 

It could just be that I need to get my eyes checked, but I see a show with the same three dimensional characters it's always had; the same creative premise and positive messages it's always had; the same appeal to an audience beyond the typical demographic that it's always had; and the same level of quality it's always had. Yes, seasons 3 and 4 definitely had their weak spots in the writing. And? I hope you're not implying that 1 and 2 didn't. That would be what dem psychologist folks call "denial".

 

Really, the only massive difference I'm detecting between alpha and omega here is... a pair of wings on a unicorn? Doesn't exactly strike me as a show killer, frankly. Don't get me wrong - coming into se04, I was kind of hoping we'd really get to seeTwilight's new responsibilities as a princess unfold, and yet it was only during the finale that this issue was really confronted in any meaningful way; we'll have to wait for se05 for the potential storytelling avenues related to her coronation to be explored. But really, what did the rest of the season entail? The exact same slice-of-life/fantasy-adventure episodes we got with seasons 1 and 2? I'm just not seeing how Twi having wings really puts a damper on that in any capacity. If anything, I was a little bummed that this season wasn't a little more outside the box (the box labeled "Memories of the good old days: S1&2"), but whatever risks it did take, I'm sure as hell grateful for them.

 

Perhaps it is I who is in need of understanding why AliTwi ruined the show for a lot of people, but no matter how many arguments I hear, they're either arguments that McCarthy & co. have debunked (e.g., Twi outliving her friends), or they're just arguments that amount to little more than "I just don't like it. Because reasons."

 

I really don't know what else to tell you other than "different strokes for different folks". Not everybody holds (nor should they hold) the same standards and preferences for all forms of entertainment, and if the show has indeed dropped below your own personal standards, I respect that.

[Moved to Elsewhere 11,331]

To quote what one reviewer, MysteriousMrEnter said in his season 4 overview

 

"Seasons 1 and 2 are like vanilla ice cream and season 4 is like chocolate ice cream. One's not objectively better than the other and vice versa."

 

Yeah I pretty much agree with this statement.

How do I accept it? Perhaps I'm just dense, but I'm not entirely sure I understand the question, nor where it's coming from.

 

It could just be that I need to get my eyes checked, but I see a show with the same three dimensional characters it's always had; the same creative premise and positive messages it's always had; the same appeal to an audience beyond the typical demographic that it's always had; and the same level of quality it's always had. Yes, seasons 3 and 4 definitely had their weak spots in the writing. And? I hope you're not implying that 1 and 2 didn't. That would be what dem psychologist folks call "denial".

 

Really, the only massive difference I'm detecting between alpha and omega here is... a pair of wings on a unicorn? Doesn't exactly strike me as a show killer, frankly. Don't get me wrong - coming into se04, I was kind of hoping we'd really get to seeTwilight's new responsibilities as a princess unfold, and yet it was only during the finale that this issue was really confronted in any meaningful way; we'll have to wait for se05 for the potential storytelling avenues related to her coronation to be explored. But really, what did the rest of the season entail? The exact same slice-of-life/fantasy-adventure episodes we got with seasons 1 and 2? I'm just not seeing how Twi having wings really puts a damper on that in any capacity. If anything, I was a little bummed that this season wasn't a little more outside the box (the box labeled "Memories of the good old days: S1&2"), but whatever risks it did take, I'm sure as hell grateful for them.

 

Perhaps it is I who is in need of understanding why AliTwi ruined the show for a lot of people, but no matter how many arguments I hear, they're either arguments that McCarthy & co. have debunked (e.g., Twi outliving her friends), or they're just arguments that amount to little more than "I just don't like it. Because reasons."

 

I really don't know what else to tell you other than "different strokes for different folks". Not everybody holds (nor should they hold) the same standards and preferences for all forms of entertainment, and if the show has indeed dropped below your own personal standards, I respect that.

You sir have hit the nail on the head with this statement.

[Thrashy 2,800]

To quote what one reviewer, MysteriousMrEnter said in his season 4 overview

 

"Seasons 1 and 2 are like vanilla ice cream and season 4 is like chocolate ice cream. One's not objectively better than the other and vice versa."

 

Yeah I pretty much agree with this statement.

 

I agree with the point of that message, but I personally didn't see season 4 as all that different from its predecessors. If anything, seasons 1 and 2 were like vanilla and season 4 was like strawberry-vanilla.

 

Now when the chocolate season comes...THAT will be when the shit hits the fan(dom drama).

[Forlong 1,726]

Gah, I written this before and did a way better job. In my rant on a different topic, I highlighted all the ways that her personality has changed over time. It was way more detailed, but I'll give a brief summary. Twilight Sparkle is being written as above the average character. In the beginning seasons, she was not above being used for physical comedy, such as the episode pinkie keen where she gets random objects like boxes and pianos dropped on her head. Or when she freaks out over a snake.

Let me ask you this, can you ever see them doing something like the piano dropping schtick thing with Twilight ever again as a princess? Would it have the same effect as it did before, seeing her in a body cast and all pissy? I don't think they ever will do something like that again, because it would ruin the air of "regality" that they've been trying to build up on her character.

She was also a lot more snarky, and I really miss that aspect of her personality. Remember her when she called the elements of harmony "necklace, necklace, and BIG CROWN THINGIE!" and called her friends jerks? She used to have much more attitude. Her snarkiness is quite rare now. Even her tone of voice when speaking is more like the way Celestia speaks. She speaks to the girls in a motherly tone almost, and talks very gently like Celestia.

Her personality has been becoming more like that of Celestia's, and Celestia is rather flat and boring. I don't want to see Twilight become flat and boring like Celestia. I want the fun Twilight back, not the one who has to be a perfect role model at all times.

 

Twilight has changed over time.  That's called "character development".  She stopped being snarky in season 2, because she figured out that was incredibly rude.  She stopped jumping to conclusions because she realized that wasn't smart.  All these changes are good things!  If Twilight didn't learn from her mistakes, like you want, she would get nowhere in life.

 

Twilight is a much deeper and more admirable pony now.  She is wise and studious, but humble.  She does have a tendency to worry about things she does have to and mope when things aren't going her way.  So your claim that she is less complex holds no water!  It's absurd nonsense.

 

You sound like Joe Quesada trying to defend that trite One More Day.  You are claiming that Twilight's character development has made her a lesser character, but taken no time to understand who she is in seasons 3 & 4.

 

 

How do I accept it? Perhaps I'm just dense, but I'm not entirely sure I understand the question, nor where it's coming from.

 

It could just be that I need to get my eyes checked, but I see a show with the same three dimensional characters it's always had; the same creative premise and positive messages it's always had; the same appeal to an audience beyond the typical demographic that it's always had; and the same level of quality it's always had. Yes, seasons 3 and 4 definitely had their weak spots in the writing. And? I hope you're not implying that 1 and 2 didn't. That would be what dem psychologist folks call "denial".

 

Really, the only massive difference I'm detecting between alpha and omega here is... a pair of wings on a unicorn? Doesn't exactly strike me as a show killer, frankly. Don't get me wrong - coming into se04, I was kind of hoping we'd really get to seeTwilight's new responsibilities as a princess unfold, and yet it was only during the finale that this issue was really confronted in any meaningful way; we'll have to wait for se05 for the potential storytelling avenues related to her coronation to be explored. But really, what did the rest of the season entail? The exact same slice-of-life/fantasy-adventure episodes we got with seasons 1 and 2? I'm just not seeing how Twi having wings really puts a damper on that in any capacity. If anything, I was a little bummed that this season wasn't a little more outside the box (the box labeled "Memories of the good old days: S1&2"), but whatever risks it did take, I'm sure as hell grateful for them.

 

Perhaps it is I who is in need of understanding why AliTwi ruined the show for a lot of people, but no matter how many arguments I hear, they're either arguments that McCarthy & co. have debunked (e.g., Twi outliving her friends), or they're just arguments that amount to little more than "I just don't like it. Because reasons."

 

I really don't know what else to tell you other than "different strokes for different folks". Not everybody holds (nor should they hold) the same standards and preferences for all forms of entertainment, and if the show has indeed dropped below your own personal standards, I respect that.

An excellent burn.

Edited June 10, 2014 by SCS
Removed abusive material.

[crazitaco 596]

Twilight has changed over time. That's called "character development". She stopped being snarky in season 2, because she figured out that was incredibly rude. She stopped jumping to conclusions because she realized that wasn't smart. All these changes are good things! If Twilight didn't learn from her mistakes, like you want, she would get nowhere in life.

 

Twilight is a much deeper and more admirable pony now. She is wise and studious, but humble. She does have a tendency to worry about things she does have to and mope when things aren't going her way. So your claim that she is less complex holds no water! It's absurd nonsense.

 

You sound like Joe Quesada trying to defend that trite One More Day. You are claiming that Twilight's character development has made her a lesser character, but taken no time to understand who she is in seasons 3 & 4

What is depth, exactly? Depth is a pretty subjective thing, and I don't find that she's that deep. Twilight is a dynamic character, sure, but that doesn't make her deep. She's exactly what she is on the front cover; there's hardly any hidden traits in her. Compare her to the rest of the mane 6 for example. Pinkie clearly has insecurities hidden behind her constant smile. Rarity, a pony born into a painfully average ponyville family, adopted a fake posh accent and mannerisms to the point that its ingrained in her (like Gatsby from The Great Gatsby). Fluttershy's got unexpressed rage issues. Applejack has basically had to grow up immediately and take charge of the family and farm in the abscence of her parents. Rainbow Dash's strong ego hides her insecurities. Character depth is supposed to make a character feel more real and believable. What is believable about Twilight's personality? She's too admirable, too humble, too nice, and basically her only "flaw" is worrying that she's not perfect enough even though everyone around her has to constantly remind her that she is. It vaguely reminds me of girls on facebook who whine that they aren't pretty when they clearly are...

The writers decided to make Twilight ridiculously humble, otherwise they'd risk her becoming unlikable. I actually would've found her to be a lot "deeper" if they didn't decide to go that route. Maybe if they showed a glimpse of her checking her sexay princess wings out in the mirror or something like that. That would both be humorous and hint to the audience that "maybe" there's a part of Twilight that does secretly indulge in a smidgeon of pride, and that there's nothing wrong with it. Besides who wouldn't have a smidgeon of pride? Even the most humble people must know that they're humble. I want to see what she's really like when no one's looking.

 

Another thing, about character development. Characters are supposed to develop slowly. No one in real life just learns from all their mistakes immediately, otherwise everyone would be flawless. Hell, most people don't change at all. Personalities generally resist change, and so people DO have to repeat the same life lessons over and over again. I loved that Fluttershy didn't outright conquer her fear of stage fright in one episode, she may be less afraid now but still taking baby steps. That was good characterization. So what's up with Twilight? She's fixed all her issues within the span of single episodes and is a fully explored character.

 

I have no clue who the hell Joe Quesada is, nor do I care. I only continue to argue this topic because I want to prove that I DO have my own valid, strongly thought out reasons for not liking Twilight as a princess. I've seen too many people reject other people's views and label them as mindless hate. My opinion is just as valid as yours, and there's nothing wrong with not liking where the show has gone. Maybe you're right about one thing though, I haven't really given her much of a chance. If I want to regain respect for Twilight, I need to find a way to appreciate her character in a different light, different from how i used to appreciate her. I actually do want to like Twilight again, any suggestions?

Edited June 10, 2014 by SCS
Removed quoted content that was removed.

[Washougal_Otaku 1,020]

The title for this is a bit odd, but based off of what has been said in the first post:

 

I just deal with it.  Season 4, like season 3, has its share of flaws and gems.  Season 3 felt the most flawed of the bunch, but it might have something to do with them working on Equestria Girls at the same time.  They were probably just trying to push out as much as possible for the fanbase.  As for 4, I think they took a lot of notice of what the fans on the net had been saying and tried to make us all happy.

 

For starters, have you noticed that many episodes in this last season focused on Rarity?  I think they were trying to calm the storm of "Where's Rarity's episode?" during 3.  What was funny was that I said that they should make 8 or 9 Rarity episodes, just to shut people up, and that's what they did (not sure on the exact number, though).  To further it, they even did one that made me like her, and I didn't think that was possible.

 

We've also seen some progress Twilight has made as a princess.  If the show ended with her becoming one, I think many would've been pissed.  I also liked that they included Tirek, though not a huge fan of how (especially the Scorpan part).  It was also great seeing how the season incorporated Discord as a reformed ally.

[Anadu Kune 668]

For me I was kind of surprised by the vociferous reaction to Twilicorn. It seemed fairly obvious to me that this would eventually happen since the first episode, which is where I started back in late 2010. You have the fact that Twilights element of harmony is a crown whilst the others are necklaces, the fact she was a direct apprentice to Princess Celestia, the fact that her very name is the bridge between night and day. Heck the obvious progression she made from season to season. Because of these reasons and some Im leaving out I saw this coming from a mile away as something that would eventually happen. Its even confirmed that Lauren Faust originally intended for Twilight to become a princess to begin with.

As a brief not I sarcastically mentioned this as "the end of the show" a long while back and was taken seriously.

I will say I was surprised by the Twilicorn decision in that it's fairly atypical for a show to make such a change and stick to it. That's what makes it exciting and its one of the things that makes this show great. Its not afraid to progress. Season 1 had Twilight writing to Princess Celestia and Twilight as the main one learning. Season two right off the bat mixed this up and said hey all these characters have potential to grow and learn so have them write letters as well. Season three got rid of the letters entirely and integrated morals into the stories. It also lead to the end of Twilights' original story arch and started another. Season four had her in this new uncertain learning phase. She's not a good flyer, she is a bit uneasy with the whole royal title thing at first, and then just uncertain of her general place in the world. Now at the end of season four Twilight has found her place as a princess with all of her friends. What's next? Well I don't know but I'm excited to find out. This show experiments and changes and we shouldn't fear that. Instead of slowly falling into a repetitive rut it takes an idea uses it and then switches things up a bit. It does this without compromising its core. That's why I not only accept where the show went but love and embrace it.