Altered Timelines In MLP

[Tom Snyder 4,113]

So i was thinking, would it be a bad idea if say a pony found a way to alter the timeline of certain events in the show and changed them? They could do whatever they wanted, for example; help a villain or a hero and alter the future to what they desired. How would you feel about that being done? I know it wouldn't be canon anymore, but just think about it; how many events could be brought to a halt with just one single action?

 

For instance, King Sombra who once held the Crystal  Empire under his hooves, but was taken out. But if somepony were to alter that future, and help him obtain his goals. The one who alters it could be a villain or hero; but i know this won't happen. But it would be interesting to see how that would play out.

[Pastel 7,630]

Ok, but just for one or two episodes then.

It could be interesting, but I prefer the current timeline of the show.

[Mesme Rize 15,692]

Maybe they make some kind of "what if" episode and show what would have happend if some things didn't happen as they did in the show.

 

What would have happend if one of the villains won? What would have happend, if Pinkie lost her trust in her friends completly? What would have happend if Rainbow Dash failed her exam?

 

And of course, the mother of all questions, what would have happend, if Twilight didn't become an Alicorn?

 

But i wouldn't go as far, as to alter the timeline.

[Wind Chaser 4,768]

This is a good idea for an episode. We've already seen time travel in this show, although it was a limited work-in-progress spell Twilight used in "It's About Time", there is always the possibility that someone, somewhere, has perfected it for their own reasons. However, we shouldn't think about permanent alterations. Continuity is one of the best things about this show and we don't want to directly attack it.

 

Maybe they make some kind of "what if" episode and show what would have happend if some things didn't happen as they did in the show.

 

What would have happend if one of the villains won? What would have happend, if Pinkie lost her trust in her friends completly? What would have happend if Rainbow Dash failed her exam?

 

And of course, the mother of all questions, what would have happend, if Twilight didn't become an Alicorn?

 

But i wouldn't go as far, as to alter the timeline.

The ones were Twilight doesn't become an alicorn and the villains win sound like great ideas for two-parters. Edited March 21, 2015 by Wind Chaser

[Tom Snyder 4,113]

I just thought this would be a good two part episode as well.

[Vinyl Scratch (Filly)™ 936]

I think an episode like that would be cool, but they already had a time travel episode. Although, it wouldn't hurt to have an episode like this.

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,164]

It would be an interesting subject to see touched on. You bring up Sombra, and what is someone went back in time to help him. What if he succeeded? I presume you mean against the Princesses in the backstory, or against the Mane 6, Spike, and Cadence?

 

In any case one of the FiM-related books mentions (from one of the show staff) that Sombra could've likely caused Eqeustria some major damage if he was left alone.

 

It goes back to the question: what WOULD happen, and not just the immediate instance. What would the effects be after words? Would stomping on the wrong blade of grass change anything.

 

The possibilities. <3

[ArcheoPony 76]

Well, the comics could be said to be altered or alternate timelines already in a sense due to them not being canon to the show. So there's that, which is a fun approach to them I think. But I'd love for there to be a time tampering plot in the show at some point. Those are usually a ton of fun.

[Tom Snyder 4,113]

Well, the comics could be said to be altered or alternate timelines already in a sense due to them not being canon to the show. So there's that, which is a fun approach to them I think. But I'd love for there to be a time tampering plot in the show at some point. Those are usually a ton of fun.

They always are, though I have never seen a fic do it yet. There's a tip i like to use and that is:

 

Plan ahead: Don't ever try to write a timeline - much less a detailed timeline - without knowing what will happen later. Your characters can afford that, you can't. This is specially true in timelines centered about a war. If you just start writing hoping that ideas will come as you write, you will reach a dead end sooner or later, and your timeline will start looking sloppy. 

Edited March 22, 2015 by Candy Star

[Firedog 321]

Maybe this is a possibility for the next generation?

[Tom Snyder 4,113]

If not, then i don't know if it will be in.

[sweetolebob18 728]

It's About Time implies that even w time travel, the time line is unalterable for major events.  However, IDK if this is firmly established or not.  Might be nice to see them try.  Say, try & prevent Luna from becoming Nightmare Moon.  Probably too late for Season 5, maybe in Season 6