Is MLP Playing it Safe?

[Oblivion 20,270]

And lets be honest here, they already have taken a quite a few risks to be honest, like the episode "Party of one" were Pinkie Pie got blatantly insane, or for that matter where the show turned into Pony Ball z, if that's not taking a few risks then I'm not sure what is.

[Smokie-Horse 83]

I'm just happy that for once a show is allowed to get away with female characters walking around in the buff showing off their shapely flanks. The show puts in effort to have you look at their flanks. There is some innocent yet can be interpreted as sexual undertones.

 

Perhaps, but that's subjective beyond comprehension. Human beings have a knack for interpreting just about anything as sexual; pretty much every cartoon ever made that isn't aimed at under-eight-year-olds, for starters.

[Shanks 10,816]

To a certain extent yes, however they took a huge risk with the season 4 finale with making the G4 version of Tirek even darker than the original G1 version but unlike the G1 version they didn't have him threaten to decapitate Spike.

[Fractured 2,684]

I'm pretty sure the writers are playing safe because they have to focus on the fact that it's a children's show. Even though most of MLP:FiM's audience is made up of grown men and women, there are children on the show who I'm pretty sure wouldn't like to see a lot of violence and gore. The writers have taken many risks already like Twilight's battle scene in 'Twilight's Kingdom', the scary episodes, and that Applejack's parents are dead (well we don't really know that but we've come to a conclusion). I'm pretty sure children don't want to see a show about death so they didn't mention it but gave us hints!

 

 

Correct me if I am wrong please.

A lot of children's shows can be dark; Courage the Cowardly Dog being one of them. One doesn't necessarily have to have blood and gore either. Sometimes, like Applejack's parents, just the implication is really all you need. In some ways, it may even be more powerful than outright showing it. 

[Buck Testa 5,505]

I think they are testing the waters for more mature stuff if Rainbow Rocks and the season four fanale are any clue to where the show is going.

[Odyssey 5,717]

I don't see why so many people want dark themes in MLP:FiM... just because there's mature themes in a show does not make the show any better. Same goes for vice versa.

 

Otherwise I do think they're playing it safe. I don't think they'll go too far, but if they try out some dark themes, they'll go as far as the Twilight v.s. Tirek battle. If they were to use dark themes, I also think they'll probably keep it as subtle as possible, like Applejack's dead parents.

[Nature's Spell 526]

As a Brony and father of child in the demographic I don't think the show should turn "dark". The world is dark enough and it's nice to enjoy a smartly written and beautifully voiced and drawn show that rises above the darkness. I don't want my TV shows to always reflect reality.

Edited October 7, 2014 by Nature's Spell

[TheFunk 2,172]

I Prefer a more bright happy sappy MLP.  As previously posted by others here, it makes for a great escape from our corrupt world of contradictions.  Don't get me wrong, I love dark things, and I've got lots of shows to watch that give me plenty of darkness to enjoy. However if MLP did go darker, I'd most likely accept it and Really enjoy it.

 

 

 

also the episode "Inspiration Manifestation" seemed REALLY druggy to me. just replace "the Book" with Acid or Cocaine and it's essentially the same story

[Jangocoolguy 433]

They take what risks they can. If anything, they certainly take more risks than the average girls' cartoon. But Hasbro sees the show as a 22 minute commercial, and aren't about to let little things like story and depth get in the way of that.

 

Though really, I'm mostly fine with the show the way it is. There are times I wish they'd go just far enough for certain stories (like the truth about Ma & Pa Apple), but the vibe it has works well much of the time. Besides, I don't want it getting all downbeat and depressing and I'm sure I'm not alone.

 

 

A friend and I discussed how much parents ranted for the DBZ-ish fight in the S4 finale, and I asked to myself:

 

-"Did any of the parents saw Tirek in G1 threatening to behead a BABY?"

Dude, most people don't even know about that old special

Edited October 8, 2014 by Jangobadass

[Buttershot 51]

I have to edit this because all I do is attack cloppers lmao but I'm glad the shows the way it is unless there's just loads of subliminal messages in it teaching children craziness.

Edited October 8, 2014 by Buttershot

[Melody Word 237]

I have been wondering this for a while but do you think MLP is playing it safe and not taking too many risks. What I mean by risks, I mean the staff making dark, scary episodes like cartoons have done in the past or having the show make witty parodies or anything that'll make the show more appealing to all ages. If MLp did take a risk then the show would be a lot better and will definitely stop people for thinking that MLP is just a girls show. By doing these risks, the show would still be charming and well-written but also not afraid to speak its mind.

There have been plenty of cartoons that did scary episodes and it still were hits towards children. Like Speed Demon from Powerpuff Girls. That show was still a popular hit towards children back then but that episode was very scary and surely made Powerpuff Grls more popular than ever. Courage the Cowardly Dog did dark, frightening episodes all the time. Including Samurai Jack, any kids show back in the 80s-90s had scar episodes every now and then. So I think MLP should have a go at doing something they haven't done before.

In the episode Putting Your Hoof Down, Fluttershy in anger said 'NOpony gives a flying feather!' Which was quite a surprise to see from a show for little girls. But in the episode Testing Testing 1,2,3, when rainbow dash put something on Twilight's chair, it wasn't a whoppee cushion, it was a bicycle horn. I found that a little weird since there's nothing wrong with toilet humor as long as it's not against the show's charm, but I understand that's what the writers were afraid of doing.

But still, MLP should still do some dark, scary episodes, or show a little blood, or have the characters go through psychological journeys. Something that we haven't seen MLP do before. Now that the show had matured along with the audience, now would be the better time.

However, the writers should just do what they do best; write good stories for the characters we know and love. Have a bit of lore and world-building here and there. I would like to see a scary episode but now I realise I'm just being a bit too entitled. I think the writers are doing an excellent job all ready and we, as a fandom and community, shouldn't force the writers into making decisions that may ruin the show's charm and spirit. So I say carry on, Megan McCarthy! I have faith in you and all of the writers! (Salutes whilst crying liquid pride)

(I wonder if Genndy Tartarofsky or Craig McCracken might join the writing staff later on? Hmmm...)

But still, do you think MLP should play it safe or take a few risks every now and then?

Ok, I sorta agree. I really like the show now, and wouldn't want something to mess that up, but you make great points. I agree to everything, except maybe blood. If it were a situation that's really bad, and one the mane six get hurt trying to save somepony, it would be awesome. I hope that it would be Rainbow Dash getting hurt (not because I don't like her, she my favorite, I just think it would DEFINITELY prove her loyalty.) Saveing fluttershy. (Because we all ready know rainbow and flutters have been friends for a long time, so dash would stand up for her.) Edited October 8, 2014 by Melody Word

[Darker 1,351]

To a certain extent yes, however they took a huge risk with the season 4 finale with making the G4 version of Tirek even darker than the original G1 version but unlike the G1 version they didn't have him threaten to decapitate Spike.

 

I disagree. G4 Tirek doesn't even come close to a few G1 villains I can think of in level of darkness. As a G1 fan I can say that the first generation of My Little Pony liked dark stuff way too much at times. The Smooze, Lavan, Arabus, Grogar and especially Tirek were monsters that came right through some kind of nightmare.

 

But that was just dropped there for also boys and adults to enjoy. 

 

Dude, most people don't even know about that old special

 

I was just making a comparison.

[Melody Word 237]

If the writers would be given more freedom for what they can do, then I think they actually would go in for a bit of a "darker" tone, but I still think MLP has made some amazing episodes even with their limits. Remember, "darker" isn't equal to "better".

But not every episodes, or even that many of them, should be dark.

[Visual Spectrum 1,932]

That's probably my greatest dislike of FiM. It doesn't take any risks. No death mention or shown, no lethal danger, nothing close to dangerous.

 

Then again, this proves the obvious Old shows > New shows.

 

Have you seen Hearts and Hooves Day? There is a funeral. 

 

Also, I'm pretty sure King Sombra exploding into tiny pieces counts as death. 

 

As for danger, there isn't much danger, but why should there be? This isn't a show for adults like people think it should be. It's for little kids.  

 

G1 is darker and has more death and danger, but remember, G1 was not made specifically for girls. It was for both boys and girls. My Little Pony was actually intended to be for boys and girls. It changed in Ponytales. That was when it became super girly. G3 may have it's good moments, but it is super girly, too. FiM was made for girls, but the idea was to make it bearable for adults who had to watch it with little girls. It wasn't intended to attract anyone besides little girls, though.

 

FiM is not a guy's show. If you don't like it because it's not violent enough for you, find another show to watch. Sure, bronies influenced the show, but it's still for little girls.  

[Darker 1,351]

Have you seen Hearts and Hooves Day? There is a funeral. 

 

Also, I'm pretty sure King Sombra exploding into tiny pieces counts as death. 

Wasn't the funeral shown for just a few seconds inside a song?

 

And King Sombra doesn't really count, even if it is kind of surprising, it's not entirely violent. Sure, it's a death that has been confirmed, but let's not ruin the dreams of the few Sombra fans around here.

 

 

As for danger, there isn't much danger, but why should there be? This isn't a show for adults like people think it should be. It's for little kids.  

 

THERE IS DANGER. What bugs me is that it's not an actual danger, but rather an obstacle that can easily be passed. I can excuse a few things here, but the way dangerous mythological creatures like Hydras or Chimeras are treated here is pretty bad.

 

Especially Discord. He isn't that much of a unique character, but the guy is a reality-warper. I've seen millions of those causing an enormous amount of trouble, but they treat Discord's character like another obstacle.

 

 

G1 is darker and has more death and danger, but remember, G1 was not made specifically for girls. It was for both boys and girls. My Little Pony was actually intended to be for boys and girls. It changed in Ponytales. That was when it became super girly. G3 may have it's good moments, but it is super girly, too. FiM was made for girls, but the idea was to make it bearable for adults who had to watch it with little girls. It wasn't intended to attract anyone besides little girls, though.

 

Agreed here. Tales and G3 aren't by far my favourites being quite girly to me, but I like them for what they are. But FiM is a cartoon LAUREN FAUST created. The woman married to the creator of the majority of greatest Cartoon Network shows invented something intended for all ages, and it still doesn't reach up the level of a show it could've been. At least, from my point of view.

 

I guess this proves once again that Lauren can't do anything alone. She always needs someone else or a lot of inspiration.

 

 

FiM is not a guy's show. If you don't like it because it's not violent enough for you, find another show to watch. Sure, bronies influenced the show, but it's still for little girls.  

 

Violence isn't always the solution. But I want REAL conflict and actual danger. That's all I'm asking.

 

Adventure Time is much more violent than FiM, yet I dispise that show so much that I dare to say that FiM foes a much better job entertaining kids. Adventure Time is just the same random stupidity over and over.

 

Until the awesome villain known as The Lich came in. Then the show became 200% cooler.

[Fractured 2,684]

Wasn't the funeral shown for just a few seconds inside a song?

 

And King Sombra doesn't really count, even if it is kind of surprising, it's not entirely violent. Sure, it's a death that has been confirmed, but let's not ruin the dreams of the few Sombra fans around here.

 

 

 

THERE IS DANGER. What bugs me is that it's not an actual danger, but rather an obstacle that can easily be passed. I can excuse a few things here, but the way dangerous mythological creatures like Hydras or Chimeras are treated here is pretty bad.

 

Especially Discord. He isn't that much of a unique character, but the guy is a reality-warper. I've seen millions of those causing an enormous amount of trouble, but they treat Discord's character like another obstacle.

 

 

 

Agreed here. Tales and G3 aren't by far my favourites being quite girly to me, but I like them for what they are. But FiM is a cartoon LAUREN FAUST created. The woman married to the creator of the majority of greatest Cartoon Network shows invented something intended for all ages, and it still doesn't reach up the level of a show it could've been. At least, from my point of view.

 

I guess this proves once again that Lauren can't do anything alone. She always needs someone else or a lot of inspiration.

 

 

 

Violence isn't always the solution. But I want REAL conflict and actual danger. That's all I'm asking.

 

Adventure Time is much more violent than FiM, yet I dispise that show so much that I dare to say that FiM foes a much better job entertaining kids. Adventure Time is just the same random stupidity over and over.

 

Until the awesome villain known as The Lich came in. Then the show became 200% cooler.

^ This. I love FIM, but there will aiways be a disjunct for me if I feel the character's lives are certain. By now, it's pretty much a given that nobody in MLP is really going to suffer a significant loss or any permanent suffering(Twilight's was...surprising, but not something they're likely to repeat). That just makes all of the situations they go through seem...false, pointless in a way. I obviously don't want anyone to die, but it makes me care about the character's situation a lot less than i'd like sometimes if I know there's not even a possibility of them losing.

Edited October 8, 2014 by Shimmer5000

[Jangocoolguy 433]

Have you seen Hearts and Hooves Day? There is a funeral.

 

That had no effect on anything whatsoever.Heck, I didn't even notice it the first two times I watched that episode and wouldn't have known if people hadn't pointed out on forums. I don't even know what they bothered. Mr. Waddles could've just been walking along minding his business when Sweetie Belle sang he was too old and it would've been the same.

Edited October 9, 2014 by Jangobadass

[Singe 2,111]

No good Diamond Dog got away with slapping Rarity's bare flank.

[SilverStarApple 849]

 

 

 

P.S. Regardless, I'm with you 100% about wishing that the show pushed limits just a little bit. Like tackling homophobia or atheism or something, at least.

 

They can't do either of those.

 

Why?

 

1. There is no religion in Equestria. Ever seen Warhammer 40K? Celestia's like a nicer, trollisher God Emperor Of Mankind with an equally fabulous mane/hair. Those stained glass windows on her personal castle/cathedral-themed castle are decorations to fit the theme. If there was any religious worshipping of dieties, Celestia would put a stop to it, like the God Emperor of Mankind. Seriously, read the stories, I was surprised at how many parallels there were.

2. There are no homophobes in Equestria. Love is love, and gender-swapping/foal-creation spells are probably a lot easier to do than time-travel spells. Especially is you just used a basic telekinesis and biological matter-changing spell to do whatever you wanted done. One of their minor princesses has a Geass-level "Make ponies love each other" ability, and there is seen as nothing wrong with that. Love is A-OK in Equestria.

This is why I hate bronies. They want MLP to be dark and gloomy. 

Go to Fanfiction.Net, and take a good long look at the Naruto fics. Ignore the NaruSaku and NaruSasu and comedies and even the NaruHina fics. Look for action.

 

Look at how almost every writer completely bastardises Naruto's personality, abilities, character, and sometimes even his appearance in the quest to make the story "Grimmer" and "More badass". Count how many times the happy, semi-adorkable, semi-Stepford Smiler blonde protagonist Naruto "Breaks" or "Gives in to the Kyuubi" or "Suddenly finds out he has a Kekkei Genkai/Bloodline Limit(Magic Mutant Power). Look at how his appearance is changed and often even his name, just to rub salt in the wound. Look at how the happy Messiahnic Archetype is replaced by the kind of demon-themed overpowered godmode-sue of an Anti-Hero you thought the world had finally grown out of when they stopped doing that nonsense in comic books.(Black-suited superman? Really?)

 

Read six stories like this by six different authors.

 

Make MSTs of each one, to prove you did read them.

 

And then post what you just posted while trying to keep a straight face.

[Visual Spectrum 1,932]

 

 

 

They can't do either of those.

 

Why?

 

1. There is no religion in Equestria. Ever seen Warhammer 40K? Celestia's like a nicer, trollisher God Emperor Of Mankind with an equally fabulous mane/hair. Those stained glass windows on her personal castle/cathedral-themed castle are decorations to fit the theme. If there was any religious worshipping of dieties, Celestia would put a stop to it, like the God Emperor of Mankind. Seriously, read the stories, I was surprised at how many parallels there were.

2. There are no homophobes in Equestria. Love is love, and gender-swapping/foal-creation spells are probably a lot easier to do than time-travel spells. Especially is you just used a basic telekinesis and biological matter-changing spell to do whatever you wanted done. One of their minor princesses has a Geass-level "Make ponies love each other" ability, and there is seen as nothing wrong with that. Love is A-OK in Equestria.

Go to Fanfiction.Net, and take a good long look at the Naruto fics. Ignore the NaruSaku and NaruSasu and comedies and even the NaruHina fics. Look for action.

 

Look at how almost every writer completely bastardises Naruto's personality, abilities, character, and sometimes even his appearance in the quest to make the story "Grimmer" and "More badass". Count how many times the happy, semi-adorkable, semi-Stepford Smiler blonde protagonist Naruto "Breaks" or "Gives in to the Kyuubi" or "Suddenly finds out he has a Kekkei Genkai/Bloodline Limit(Magic Mutant Power). Look at how his appearance is changed and often even his name, just to rub salt in the wound. Look at how the happy Messiahnic Archetype is replaced by the kind of demon-themed overpowered godmode-sue of an Anti-Hero you thought the world had finally grown out of when they stopped doing that nonsense in comic books.(Black-suited superman? Really?)

 

Read six stories like this by six different authors.

 

Make MSTs of each one, to prove you did read them.

 

And then post what you just posted while trying to keep a straight face.

 

 

Naruto is not a show intended for little girls, though. 

[SilverStarApple 849]

 

Naruto is not a show intended for little girls, though. 

It's a Shonen Anime intended for young boys.

 

Now go look at that fight with Rock Lee and Gaara VS Kimimaro, the guy who pulls bones out of his own body and hits people with them.

Then go look at that fight with Hidan. He binds his body to the target using occult techniques, then self-harms bad enough to kill the enemy. He's immortal, he can't die, and he loves pain. His enemies? Not so much.

Remember the Uchiha Massacre? Young Sasuke Uchiha came home from school one day to find his older brother had killed his entire family, seemingly for the lulz/"To test my abilities".

Danzo VS Sasuke.

Sasuke VS Karin. Protip: Hostages don't work that way.

Shikamaru's revenge on Hidan. Lazy, bored genius Shikamaru Nara dishes out a fate worse than death to Hidan. And it was epic.

Most usages of Genjutsu.

Sakon and Ukon can bind themselves to your body at the molecular level and kill you slowly, cancer-style.

Gaara's initial fighting style with his sand-control ability? Grab something with sand, crush it with a ton of sand, and squeeze until blood is squeezed out of the floating sand blob.

KANKURO'S IRON MAIDEN TECHNIQUE.

Sasori uses dead bodies as puppets. He kills them himself, then converts the corpses himself.

Kakashi's mask.

Kakashi's EYE.

OBITO IS TOBI

OBITO WANTS TO END EXISTENCE and put EVERYTHING ON THE PLANET in a Matrix-styled illusionary REVERSE PURGATORY IDEAL-WORLD... For about 2-3 days until their comatose bodies shut down and they die. How does he intend to do this? Capture and kill nine individuals while stealing the evil(Usually) monsters sealed within their souls at birth(Usually) and use their raw power to cast an Illusion Spell aimed at THE MOON, thereby ending all life on earth by dooming every living creature to a slow death. He believes it's all worth it, because he'll be able to see his dead GF Rin again. He's in his late twenties/early thirties, while Rin died at age... around twelve-ish. He would just look into a mirror and cast this illusion spell on himself, but no, he wants the world to live their dreams and die from them together, because he's just that far gone. The night truly will last forever.

 

And fans want this show to be DARKER?

 

EDIT: Here is the Naruto Wiki. http://naruto.wikia.com/wiki/Narutopedia I swear to Celestia I am not making this up.

 

Edited October 8, 2014 by Asquerade

[Smokie-Horse 83]

They can't do either of those.

 

Why?

 

1. There is no religion in Equestria. Ever seen Warhammer 40K? Celestia's like a nicer, trollisher God Emperor Of Mankind with an equally fabulous mane/hair. Those stained glass windows on her personal castle/cathedral-themed castle are decorations to fit the theme. If there was any religious worshipping of dieties, Celestia would put a stop to it, like the God Emperor of Mankind. Seriously, read the stories, I was surprised at how many parallels there were.

2. There are no homophobes in Equestria. Love is love, and gender-swapping/foal-creation spells are probably a lot easier to do than time-travel spells. Especially is you just used a basic telekinesis and biological matter-changing spell to do whatever you wanted done. One of their minor princesses has a Geass-level "Make ponies love each other" ability, and there is seen as nothing wrong with that. Love is A-OK in Equestria.

 

They were general examples dude. I didn't mean to be literal about them. But on your points:

 

1. I don't think it'd be that ridiculous for one or two ponies to doubt that the Alicorns are actually responsible for the movement of heavenly bodies. It's a pretty ridiculous concept. Of course they can't have atheism in the show, because they don't have gods at all. But they could put a spin on it. Which they won't.

 

2. I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say here, but since there are no homosexual characters in the show, discussion of the topic is pretty null and void. But I can't see why there wouldn't be homophobia if there were. It's fairly established that not every single technicolour small horse is a pillar of justice and fairness.

[Lucky Star 972]

I'm pretty sure the writers are playing safe because they have to focus on the fact that it's a children's show. Even though most of MLP:FiM's audience is made up of grown men and women, there are children on the show who I'm pretty sure wouldn't like to see a lot of violence and gore. The writers have taken many risks already like Twilight's battle scene in 'Twilight's Kingdom', the scary episodes, and that Applejack's parents are dead (well we don't really know that but we've come to a conclusion). I'm pretty sure children don't want to see a show about death so they didn't mention it but gave us hints!

 

 

Correct me if I am wrong please.

your are not wrong, I heard that Lauren Faust mentioned that AJs parents were dead in an interview.

it was either Equestria daily or on AppleJack page on the MLP Wiki.

I can't remember. the two stars in the pic are supposed to represent them.

o-o which is probably why you included it, right?

 

MLP FIm has touched on dark stuff i the past, though the lack of darkness has never really bothered me since I kinda see mlp as an escape from the dark and negative reality I live in. we're are all in love with this show in one way or another.

I mean, why else would we be here? and I can understand wanting riskier episodes but at the same time I think it might veer to far from the shows main theme.

 

meh I'm not really sure what to think, when it comes right done to it.

Edited October 9, 2014 by Lucky Star

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,720]

Playing it safe, as in not doing anything drastically different than what is done now? That's how I am reading it somewhat. The show has a general theme, a general tone, and it aims for those two things above all else. What it does to achieve that is what makes the show so great, there are so many great episodes and great morals. Other than some darker elements here and there, like in TKPT2, the show most likely will always aim for those to things that I mention. That is actually what I enjoy the most about this show. It is positive, it focuses on friendship and important morals, these are what the show is built around and if having each episode go around that theme is playing safe, then that's fine by me, because they have done plenty of great and unique things with just this theme alone.

 

That's my opinion at least. If they want to show more darker tone stuff, that's fine, but I don't see it as needed at this point, the team is apparently doing a good job now. I know they will be coming up with new ideas, maybe not dark themes but other things revolving around the original themes.

 

The happy tone and focus on friendship is one of the biggest things that made me love this show, so if they keep with that, I am fine with it. Nothing wrong with 'playing it safe' if they are doing it very well, that's how I see it. :3

[Unr3alGamer 230]

Elaborating more on my previous post:

 

If the writers would be given more freedom for what they can do, then I think they actually would go in for a bit of a "darker" tone, but I still think MLP has made some amazing episodes even with their limits. Remember, "darker" isn't equal to "better".

I'm assuming what you mean by "dark" is either "more grounded in reality" or "allowed to do more extreme things".

 

If the show was more grounded in reality, it wouldn't be as optimistic as it is about itself, therefore losing its non-cynical quality, which is something (I thought) attracted most bronies to the show.

 

If it was allowed to do more extreme things, then it would have to be very careful and wise about what they should take to the extreme. 

 

Here's what I think: I do believe that the show is maturing with its audience. It's lost a considerable (and proper) amount of its cheesiness from Season 1, it's improved on the strengths of season 2, and it's filled in the emptiness that Season 3 had (all of this being in season 4). Season 4 (my favorite season) took lots of risks and ran with wacky off-the-wall premises for episodes, and for the most part (in my opinion) they worked. So if the writing staff was playing it safe, then I think that Season 4 would've been a stale by-the-book season. It's good to keep things varied while also keep what makes the show amazing in tact, and if Season 4 is a testament to anything, it's that. I don't know about you guys, but I'd like to change up the different flavors of ice cream I eat each year. As long as it's ice cream and it's well-made ice cream, it doesn't matter to me.

 

So, no, I don't think they're playing it safe. If the Twilight vs Tirek battle wasn't a risk, then I don't know what to say.