Is Applejack Twilight's "Second in Command"?

[ggg-2 3,554]

It seems that whenever the going gets tough, and Twilight is in someway incapacitated, it's usually, if not always, Applejack who takes over for her. With that knowledge, is Applejack Twilight's second in command, so to speak?

[Gemini Verses 11]

I guess so if that's what it looks like to you. I'd say it makes sense as Applejack has the most common sense in the Mane 6, maybe even more than Twilight, and is a hardworking and committed pony.

[Pastel 7,630]

I can't remember any episode where it's the case?

[otaku4242 183]

hm, I never thought of that.

it makes sense, she IS the most honest and reliable.

she would be the best choice, so yeah

[SCS 7,537]

I don't view this as there being any kind of command structure in place. This might happen just due to Applejack's personality and element of harmony: honesty. She is honest, strong-willed, and dependable, and will not hesitate to stand up and speak up when she needs to in order to protect her friends. 

 

Now, I don't feel that she is superior to any of the other ponies through doing so. They all contribute in their own ways, and this is the nature of her way.

[Stellafera 3,836]

I can't remember any episode where it's the case?

 

 

I've always been very fond of this notion. I like seeing power dynamics in a group, and an episode about Applejack having to adjust to a more active role in leading the Mane 6 due to Twilight's new responsibilities as a princess has been a huge desire of mine for a while.

[Frostgage 7,978]

Yes, I've thought this for a while. I think it's actually pretty apparent throughout the series.

[LZRD WZRD 1,929]

Yes I've noticed this too. I don't know if it's consciously structured that way, but Applejack does seem to take that role. She also is always giving Twilight advice and overall seems to be the most mature of the group.

[Silver Letter 1,832]

I always thought that Spike the Dragon was her most important assistant?

[Jeric 46,875]

Not stated in the show ... but ... if Twilight and company were in a dangerous situation and Twilight was injured/knocked out ... I would think that Applejack might be the best choice to give commands and lead the remaining four.

 

In fact ... Leadership Order in my mind would be

 

 

Twilight

Applejack

Rainbow Dash

Rarity

Fluttershy*

Pinkie Pie*

 

the last two are so hard they could be interchangeable. No this isn't a knock against them ... just that they aren't the best options in a command situation, though Pinkie is better at thinking on her feet.

[Frith is Magick 1,471]

While there may not be any command structure within the Mane 6, in any given group there will be a natural leader, whether because that individual has either proficiency or charisma. Applejack is mature and dependable, so even if she is not consciously taking charge and the others are not consciously "following" her, the will naturally defer to her judgement and she will provide general direction in Twi's stead. Applejack may not be second in command per say, but her personality does leave her filling that sort of roll.  

[Nature's Spell 526]

It's not discussed but we've seen her take charge at least twice in the series and perhaps more often. The first time was Season 1 ep 2 where she led the change to find Twilight and second in Princess Twilight when again they sent her home and also went to help her.

Twilight was always the leader among equals and of course being a Princess makes her a true leader in terms of the society at large, but it's more subtile with her friends. With both her, and Applejack, it's more about taking charge than being in charge. The other 4 are followers unless what's needed relates to their talent and than they may take the lead.