Why do people in the fandom want to change the show?

[The Coffee Pony 1,390]

During my time in this fandom I've been noticing the many threads wanting or demanding certain changes in this show. So, I have to ask. Why? Why do the people in this fandom want to make such drastic changes to the show? What's wrong with it being the way it is? Sometimes I think this fandom tends to forget what made the show draw in its fandom in the first place.

 

I have to be honest, I think the show is great the way it is. Most of the changes I have seen the fandom want I have not liked.

 

First off, I've seen people say that they want the show to be darker and the fandom has a rather macabre fascination with death in MLP. I have to say that I am dead set against this. My Little Pony is not Game of Thrones or even near the levels of Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I mean they do have episodes (the premier and finale) that are more serious, they even killed off a character but even then it was nowhere near THIS:

 

https://youtu.be/RYm_dbb6uiE?t=208

 

And people want that in the show (particularly with Celestia being the victim) and I have to say NO THANK YOU, leave the darker stuff to the action shows. Friendship is Magic was never that type of show to begin with. It has been and should always be a light hearted show. Plus for Friendship is Magic to suddenly be retooled into this dark and gritty show would be like watching TMNT 87's transition into the Red Sky seasons. Completely alienated to it's audience and would be that rare instance where Tumblr would be RIGHT about the fandom stealing the show. Also I have seen the fandom try and make dark and gritty fan fictions and animations like Faith and Doubt and Fall of the Crystal Empire. You know what I saw when I read/watched them?

 

 

 

 

 

Yep, REALLY poorly handled. MLP to me hasn't really proven that it can handle darker story lines just yet. Wait for another generation to test the waters but even then I'd still like the franchise to be more lighthearted. Keep the really dark stuff to the action shows. Do we really want Ponyship Down?

 

Also I've also seen people say that the show should be more realistic and the Loony Tunes humor does not work for MLP which prompts me to ask? Have we been watching the same show because that wacky humor has been there since early season 1 and it has worked BRILLIANTLY! One of the things I love about this show is that it has humor that can range from subtle to over the top wacky. Whenever I see an episode that has something like the Mane 6 destroying Poniville with Parasprites, Twilight causing a riot with Smarty Pants or Rainbow Dash destroying Cloudsdale, it's usually a fun ride and I enjoy every second of it! And I know I'm not the only one who loves the Loony Tunes humor. I have to be honest the thought of the show being more serious and realistic sounds rather boring. If it wasn't for the wacky humor we wouldn't have episodes like Lesson Zero or Party of One. We wouldn't even have Pinkie being the fun character she is. The fun aspects of this show is what helped draw me in and I rather wouldn't get rid of them.

 

Lastly, and I just KNOW I'm going to get crucified for this one. The political issues. Yes I'm completely aware of the Season 5 opening and while I did like it, I still have this belief. MLP has not earned the right nor should it be tackling many political issues. Yes we got one that most people claim to be about communism but really this was really vague and could be applied to a number of issues that deal with forced equality. But I'd rather not have political issues be the norm for this show. Primarily for the reason that it's going to alienate people. Again while I did like the Cutie Map, it did alienate people. I'm a centralist myself and the last thing I want to see is MLP becoming a mouthpiece for either the Left are Right wings. I am a firm believer in the horseshoe effect and have seen the extremes of both sides. They may have opposite beliefs but in the end they want the same bullshit. Whenever I see something that becomes a political mouthpiece like Family Guy, Fox News, Tumblr, Reddit or any of that nonsense I can't help but get irritated because they have no clue what they're talking about. Plus to bring an MLP example of politics and MLP, look no further than Ted Anderson. Tackling politics hasn't exactly earned him a good reputation in the fandom now has it? In fact I remember just recently when Season 6 was confirmed that he made a tweet hoping that he'd be able to be on the writing staff for the show and everyone was going "NO" because of his views on political issues. Is that what you really want on the show? Because if you're asking for politics, you might as well have him on the writing staff.

 

One political issue I have seen people DEMAND of this show is LGBT representation. Now let me say this, I am not against representation in media, in fact I think it's a good thing and would welcome it provided the show can tastefully handle it. Now with that said just because you want to see representation in a show does not mean that the staff is obligated to put it in their show. If there's one thing I'm dead set against it's forced representation. I've seen many people in this fandom want one member or even the entirety of the mane six be lesbian or bi. Again, I have to say no. Even Faust was dead set against any type of romance within the mane 6 and no one handled the Flash Sentry and Twilight romance very well to begin with. The show has proven that it's not one that should handle any type of romantic issues. If they can't even handle two straight relationships well (Flashlight, Sombrelestia) then I cringe at the thought of them handling an LGBT romance, because it's probably going to come off as strongly forced, obnoxious and stereotypical. Also, I find the reasons "Muh ships" or "it's hot" to be completely stupid. YOUR HEADCANONS ARE NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD EVEN BE BOTHERED WITH. Also if there's anything I can say about television it's that they can't seem to handle LGBT representation well because when they do introduce a gay character that becomes their shtick and the show gets obnoxious about whenever it's on screen. Best examples are Rick and Terry from American Dad or Brian's Cousin Jasper from Family Guy because that's the entirety of their character, they're gay, there's nothing more to them. They're stereotypical, they have nothing more to their personality, they're obnoxious, it's all gay for the sake of being gay! That's it! I'd rather not see something like that on MLP! I actually know gay people and you know something? They act no different than everyone else, their orientation is different and that's it. They act nothing like they do on television. You can crucify me all you like for this but my opinion is not going to change on this matter.

 

I watch My Little Pony Friendship is Magic to get away from all the frustrating politics not hear more about them.

 

Anyway there you go, that's my thoughts on this changes. Throw your two cents in and do try to avoid any mudslinging.

[Overlord0909 479]

I agree. The show is perfect how it is... Burn everything else, and I'll be happy. >:3 One of the few things I could burn free of guilt. XD But no, I try to avoid those things. If you want dark, read the creepypastas (Okay, so that is maybe past dark, and just downright disturbing...), but you don't need to tell everypony on these forums. That was kind of a vent, so don't take it personally.

Edited May 3, 2015 by Overlord0909

[Moved to Elsewhere 11,331]

Well I do understand some people's need for quality control on the show and the show trying to tackle different themes, some people seem to want the show to contrive to what they personally believe is good and not to what's good for the show. Like when thinking making all the mane six gay would make the show better. Well I'm not against having gay characters in cartoons, having them all be gay just for some agenda would not instantly make the show better.

[Justin_Case001 4,907]

My Little Pony is not Game of Thrones

Or is it?

 

It's not.

Except for when it is.

 

 

 

Seriously, though, it's just fun to imagine crossovers and darker, more mature themes and things like that, but I wouldn't actually want the show to change.  That would make it lose what brought us all here to begin with.  Now, hypothetically speaking, I would love a darker, adult version.  Like a spin-off.  I also want to see ponified versions of all my favorite movies, but that's just me.

[StoneCold 144]

People want the show to change because a good show is dynamic. A show needs to be able to adapt as the fanbase changes, and as plotlines are used. A show that refuses to change becomes stagnant, and thus boring.

 

That being said, death is not a requirement for this show. There's some, for lack of a better word, foolish idea that death is required in a story, especially with the notion that the show should become more serious. Death does not make a show more serious, it makes it darker. This is an important distinction. 

 

When the talk goes to this topic, i often like to point towards comic books in the 1990's. Following stories such as 'Watchmen' and 'The Dark Knight Returns', writers got the idea that stories had to be dark, when this is false. By trying to add grittiness without having the thought behind the better works, comics only got sillier and had a lower quality.

[Mars Orbit 729]

Or is it?

 

It's not.

Except for when it is.

 

 

 

Seriously, though, it's just fun to imagine crossovers and darker, more mature themes and things like that, but I wouldn't actually want the show to change.  That would make it lose what brought us all here to begin with.  Now, hypothetically speaking, I would love a darker, adult version.  Like a spin-off.  I also want to see ponified versions of all my favorite movies, but that's just me.

Remember..."winter is coming"

[Chrysa 28]

Couldn't agree more, I think the fandom forgets who the intended audience for the show is, Bronies are a happy coincidence.

 

There's enough grimdark nonsense floating around and, for me, MLP is like a haven from it all. It's sweet and innocent and cute and it should stay that way. It's the same with the shipping, I have my favourites of course, but it should be left to the fans, not shoehorned in for internet points.

[Overlord0909 479]

Couldn't agree more, I think the fandom forgets who the intended audience for the show is, Bronies are a happy coincidence.

There's enough grimdark nonsense floating around and, for me, MLP is like a haven from it all. It's sweet and innocent and cute and it should stay that way. It's the same with the shipping, I have my favourites of course, but it should be left to the fans, not shoehorned in for internet points.

Why aren't we friends yet? XD You spoke my words!

[BlackWater627 700]

People want the show to change because a good show is dynamic. A show needs to be able to adapt as the fanbase changes, and as plotlines are used. A show that refuses to change becomes stagnant, and thus boring.

 

That being said, death is not a requirement for this show. There's some, for lack of a better word, foolish idea that death is required in a story, especially with the notion that the show should become more serious. Death does not make a show more serious, it makes it darker. This is an important distinction. 

 

When the talk goes to this topic, i often like to point towards comic books in the 1990's. Following stories such as 'Watchmen' and 'The Dark Knight Returns', writers got the idea that stories had to be dark, when this is false. By trying to add grittiness without having the thought behind the better works, comics only got sillier and had a lower quality.

 

You nailed it. I like how there has been some development in the show thus far. I just hope it keeps going in this direction. I voted that the show should remain the same but only because my real answer is much more involved and I don't think the show necessarily needs to be more serious or dark. One thing that I'd like to see is a full-pony movie (not mainly human like EqG). I think it would be a great opportunity to explore a different mood for the show similar to what happened with Pokemon the First Movie. That movie had a very distinct feel separate from the series but it still fit and made sense. I'm all for trying something new like that. I think it could turn out to be epic.

[Dark Qiviut 22,491]

And people want that in the show (particularly with Celestia being the victim) and I have to say NO THANK YOU, leave the darker stuff to the action shows. Friendship is Magic was never that type of show to begin with. It has been and should always be a light hearted show.

Your opinion's credibility died right here. The idea that FIM has always been that sweet, innocent show has been a completely big misconception from the start. Irregardless of quality, Friendship Is Magic underwent some really serious moments in the entire show:

1. Griffin the Brush Off: Gilda bullying Ponyville, including Fluttershy.
2. A Bird in the Hoof: Philomena self-immolates in front of Fluttershy's eyes.
3. Party of One: Under the mask of some hilarious comedy was a really dark twist in Pinkie's perception of friendship. Pinkie doesn't simply want friends to be happy. She needs friends to be happy. When she thought her friends dumped her, she became depressed and secluded. The subsequent black comedy enforces this theory.
4. The Return of Harmony: I already talked about this multiple times, but all the comedy hid a really sinister backdrop from Discord. He's intelligent, witty, and scary. The comedy is very dark, and Twilight's moment when she became Discorded was heart-wrenching.
5. Lesson Zero: Delicious black humor culminated in the final act.
6. Hurricane Fluttershy: All the horrific memories of the bullying Fluttershy suffered as a kid returned as she prepared to help bring the water to Cloudesdale was revived. Anyone remember the creepy imagery of all the eyes staring at a hyperventilating FS?
7. The Crystal Empire: Twilight visioned her biggest fear at the time: failing Celestia's assignment followed by expulsion and shame.
8. Wonderbolts Academy: The climax is one of the darkest moments in the show's history. One minute, Dash and Dust were cleaning the competition. The next, Dash's five friends nearly perished.
9. Magical Mystery Cure: None of Twilight's friends are capable of performing their "destinies" correctly, leading to disharmony and a bleak future.
10. Flight to the Finish: After Silver Spoon and DT taunted Scootaloo with ableist diatribes, the episode took a really dark turn, focusing on Scootaloo's internal conflict and thoughts that she can't fly. Disability is an extremely sensitive issue to tackle, and it was executed spectacularly.
11. Rarity Takes Manehattan: Following the lighter first act, it took a very serious turn by focusing on Rarity's response to plagiarism, epiphany, and belief her friends abandoned her.
12. Testing Testing 1, 2, 3: It has so much great comedy, but it tackled the very sensitive issue of how different people learn in different ways extremely well.
13. Twilight's Kingdom: Tirek and the world at stake.
14. The Cutie Map: An extremely sensitive approach to realistic cult societies. The catchy song really captures Starlight Glimmer's sinister ethics, and the brainwashing scene exists in real life.
15. Bloom & Gloom: Apple Bloom's three fears featured in her Groundhog-Day dream sequences are usually written as dark jokes in the fandom. Instead, Haber treats the situation very seriously. The fears that Apple Bloom acquired are all very plausible and realistic; her situation exists in real life across multiple demographics: kids, adults, whoever. The structure makes the episode feel rather creepy.
16. Tanks for the Memories: The obvious allegory of death.

There are plenty more that I can exemplify, but the point here is FIM isn't as lighthearted as you, the people who brohoofed your OP, or anyone else here believes.

 

Also I have seen the fandom try and make dark and gritty fan fictions and animations like Faith and Doubt and Fall of the Crystal Empire. You know what I saw when I read/watched them?

Cutting you off right here. There's a completely big difference between fanwork and the work from the show. A lot of bronies love to write dark fanfic, fanart, etc. because it provides a great contrast with the optimistic nature of the show. It's the "What if?" factor that's seen in so many other fandoms, including ones with the opposite reaction of producing lighthearted fanwork into very dark products. Bronies know well that a lot of the content they write on FIMFiction and so on won't work in the actual show.

 

Also I've also seen people say that the show should be more realistic and the Loony Tunes humor does not work for MLP which prompts me to ask? Have we been watching the same show because that wacky humor has been there since early season 1 and it has worked BRILLIANTLY!

I disagree with you completely. Exaggerated humor doesn't always mean LT humor nor does it always mean good humor. What helps make good comedy is if there's a purpose while staying in character to the tone/impression of the show. In Looney Tunes, the comedy often works because the antagonists are the ones who suffer the consequences for their stupidity. Its inherent mean-spiritedness is confined to mostly antagonists or villains. Why? Because they often deserve it.

 

Here, this type of comedy is out of place so much because the nature of the show is so different. Each of the Main Six, The Royal Sisters, background characters, CMCs, et al are all very likeable, and they're often looked up to as inspirations at least and role models at most. To have them suffer from LT humor hurts because you don't want to see these characters suffer unless they deserve it, don't get seriously hurt, or performed by a villain.

 

Plus to bring an MLP example of politics and MLP, look no further than Ted Anderson. Tackling politics hasn't exactly earned him a good reputation in the fandom now has it?

A problem with this argument: Ted Anderson's politics fall on the scope of very, very radical. Part of the problem was that he inserted background ponysonas of well-known bigots and then supported their politics. There's a way to tackle politics without having to incorporate radical ideals (Legend of Korra has an official lesbian couple, but wrote it in as no big deal in the canon), and these ideals could happen to anyone else on the show's writing staff. However, they'll need to be very clever because you have the strict content rating — TV-Y — that IDW doesn't have.

 

Although you don't need to have any of the Mane Six be LGBT, this show is very capable of leading by example. Unlike many other shows on today, it doesn't stick to the status quo. The morals and storylines have slowly progressed from the simple in season one to very complex and mature; season four marks a huge evolution by introducing gray stories and morals. For a show like this, it's fantastic. Why?

1. Because DHX feels they can honestly tackle mature messages, and S4 has executed them quite decently lately with the exception of Equestria Games. Gray stories and morals aren't all that common in family TV anymore due to strict censoring by the parent companies, content rating, and eagle-eyed soccer moms. But FIM has the credibility and credentials, and we're seeing it put into use. So far, four of five episodes this season introduced very mature stories, three of them well executed.
2. Gray stories and morals mean Hasbro and DHX see their audience as intelligent human beings and not drones who want to suck up every bit of information. It's like the "show, don't tell" rule in storytelling: When you show, you're trusting the audience by giving the show a very dynamic perspective. Gray stories and morals allows the audience to see the story and characters across multiple perspectives. It makes the story feel rather deep. Episodes like The Cutie Map and Rarity Takes Manehattan approach these angles excellently.

We're now in an era that's very sensitive to the real world, and that's great because we're becoming aware of social problems and vie for social justice. Friendship Is Magic is a type of show that can definitely show progress. If FIM can execute an LGBT character brilliantly, then it'd be revolutionary. That character could be a role model to not just LGBT teens and adults, but especially very young LGBT kids. Kids are identifying as LGBT at a much younger age today than years past, and there aren't many LGBT representations in family cartoons. But the writers at DHX really need to research the LGBT and execute it very well. How well? Depends on your prerogative, but treat them as any ordinary pony, have a support cast, have a three-dimensional personality, and not be a stereotype. (BTW, chances are if an LGBT representative is a stereotype, then you're gonna get a nice backlash, and I doubt Hasbro wants that PR nightmare.)

 

Couldn't agree more, I think the fandom forgets who the intended audience for the show is, Bronies are a happy coincidence.

Wrong. You and the majority here forget that this isn't exclusively a "kids' show." Adults matter, too. It's a family show and intended for all-ages like Pixar and the Disney classics. Anyone who enjoys quality animation will enjoy FIM. "Good" has no demographic. Kids are bronies, too; and older bronies didn't get attracted to the show for no reason. The quality in the storytelling, writing, worldbuilding, characters, and morals is available for everybody rather than merely children. The brony phenomenon may be a coincidence, but there had to be a trigger to attract them. Several exist.

Edited May 3, 2015 by Dark Qiviut

[Discordian 6,015]

It's not exactly a bad thing to want the series to change. Let's say the people who make the show randomly look at forums to find new ideas and find something they like. That could be incorporated into the show and it could turn out for the better.

 

Liking something how it is and liking what something could be are two thought processes that can coexist and it can often fuel one's curiosity. What will happen next? Conjecture leads to hype. Hype leads to enhanced enjoyment.

[Dark Qiviut 22,491]

 

 

Let's say the people who make the show randomly look at forums to find new ideas and find something they like.

I don't think the staff is allowed to do that, especially the writers. Part of each writer's clause in their contract is to not use third-party inspiration for their content.

 

Fanfiction is one such example. Looking up ideas may be another; if a writer admits to using a fan's idea to publish an episode, then I think the fan can sue so he, she, or ze can get paid.

[Aidan OGain 112]

I prefer the writers to ignore us. They've done smashing work without amateur mob interference. I agree 90% with the OP.

 

As for political messages, they've been there from the beginning, but their subtlety and balance have lead me to believe they know what they're doing on this front, and that they don't need any help from us. If you're demanding messages, maybe you should examine the show a little closer. They're already there.

 

Communism is just a red herring. There's so much more in that episode for those who are willing to look beyond the culturally obvious.

 

Finally, if they include LGBT characters, it's going to be very hard. It should be subtle, thoughtful, and not a stereotype pretending to be "inclusive". That kind of stuff, if it can be attempted at all, should be left to the professionals to handle.

Oh and after finally, the reason people want Celestia to bite it is because this is a common, almost cliché, trope of fantasy stories. The mentor always dies. Examples: Obiwan Kenobi, Gandalf, Dumbledore. When fans demand that, they're showing their standard fantasy story expectation. The challenge to the writer will be to both deny and satisfy that at the same time and in a new way.

Edited May 3, 2015 by Aidan OGain

[Pastel 7,630]

People of every fandom want to change their show anyway.

They're free to imagine whatever they want, but that doesn't mean they think it would be a good thing if it actually happens in the show.

For example, I'm sure most bronies don't really want the show to become darker...

Edited May 3, 2015 by Blobulle

[Ziggy + Angel + Rain 11,303]

I believe the people who want the show to be darker and edgier are often those who hide their supposed interest in the show from others or try to use Grimdark to paint the fandom as something more generally acceptable.  Popularly, blood and gore are okie doke; whereas colorful ponies who value friendship aren't so much.  Some might mistakenly think that, were the show to incorporate darker themes, they'd get less flack for watching it or draw more outsiders into the fandom...  And it ain't gonna work.  Such a change, in my opinion, wouldn't benefit the series whatsoever; it would just make it more like every damned thing else and, therefore, less unique.  Finally, I'm of the mind that many Bronies don't actually enjoy the show.  They'll participate in the fandom created by it, but they're really just here to review and analyze and criticize and write dark n' edgy fanfiction.

[UnknownFry 169]

Sometimes I feel it is just because some people want to impose their head canon on the show making it canon, but there are other instances  where there are some legitimately good ideas to change things up at the same time. I guess there are many reasons why people would want to see this show to change, and I don't think it would be fair to pigeonhole everyone into the same category.

 

Frankly the staff is better off ignoring the fandom and sticking to the stories they and Hasbro want to be told as they have done a good job of it without excessively catering or pandering to this unexpected fan group., and the product has been more good than bad overall, and they have done a commendable job of finding a balance between appealing to adult sensibilities while still addressing the main demographic on a whole/

Edited May 3, 2015 by UnknownFry

[Grumpy Enchantress 587]

What about a "Yes, other" option? I think the show needs to be 100% Pinkie Pie.

[The Coffee Pony 1,390]

I think I should have been more specific on what I meant by changes. I have no problem with some changes like Twilicorn, Equestria Girls, The new castle, giving up the elements and all that. They didn't change the show drastically to the point of being a re-tool. I will point to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles again because they provide the best examples of drastic changes to that point. (The '87 series with the Red Sky Seasons and '03 Series with Fast Forward and Back to the Sewer)

 

Your opinion's credibility died right here. The idea that FIM has always been that sweet, innocent show has been a completely big misconception from the start. Irregardless of quality, Friendship Is Magic underwent some really serious moments in the entire show:

1. Griffin the Brush Off: Gilda bullying Ponyville, including Fluttershy.
2. A Bird in the Hoof: Philomena self-immolates in front of Fluttershy's eyes.
3. Party of One: Under the mask of some hilarious comedy was a really dark twist in Pinkie's perception of friendship. Pinkie doesn't simply want friends to be happy. She needs friends to be happy. When she thought her friends dumped her, she became depressed and secluded. The subsequent black comedy enforces this theory.
4. The Return of Harmony: I already talked about this multiple times, but all the comedy hid a really sinister backdrop from Discord. He's intelligent, witty, and scary. The comedy is very dark, and Twilight's moment when she became Discorded was heart-wrenching.
5. Lesson Zero: Delicious black humor culminated in the final act.
6. Hurricane Fluttershy: All the horrific memories of the bullying Fluttershy suffered as a kid returned as she prepared to help bring the water to Cloudesdale was revived. Anyone remember the creepy imagery of all the eyes staring at a hyperventilating FS?
7. The Crystal Empire: Twilight visioned her biggest fear at the time: failing Celestia's assignment followed by expulsion and shame.
8. Wonderbolts Academy: The climax is one of the darkest moments in the show's history. One minute, Dash and Dust were cleaning the competition. The next, Dash's five friends nearly perished.
9. Magical Mystery Cure: None of Twilight's friends are capable of performing their "destinies" correctly, leading to disharmony and a bleak future.
10. Flight to the Finish: After Silver Spoon and DT taunted Scootaloo with ableist diatribes, the episode took a really dark turn, focusing on Scootaloo's internal conflict and thoughts that she can't fly. Disability is an extremely sensitive issue to tackle, and it was executed spectacularly.
11. Rarity Takes Manehattan: Following the lighter first act, it took a very serious turn by focusing on Rarity's response to plagiarism, epiphany, and belief her friends abandoned her.
12. Testing Testing 1, 2, 3: It has so much great comedy, but it tackled the very sensitive issue of how different people learn in different ways extremely well.
13. Twilight's Kingdom: Tirek and the world at stake.
14. The Cutie Map: An extremely sensitive approach to realistic cult societies. The catchy song really captures Starlight Glimmer's sinister ethics, and the brainwashing scene exists in real life.
15. Bloom & Gloom: Apple Bloom's three fears featured in her Groundhog-Day dream sequences are usually written as dark jokes in the fandom. Instead, Haber treats the situation very seriously. The fears that Apple Bloom acquired are all very plausible and realistic; her situation exists in real life across multiple demographics: kids, adults, whoever. The structure makes the episode feel rather creepy.
16. Tanks for the Memories: The obvious allegory of death.

There are plenty more that I can exemplify, but the point here is FIM isn't as lighthearted as you, the people who brohoofed your OP, or anyone else here believes.

 

Actually, it hasn't. I said it was lighthearted, not sweet and innocent. The part you quoted me on was the point where the show would have been dark enough to have been a retool. Yes, the examples you brought up where show has gone into more serious territory, especially with episodes like The Return to Harmony, The Crystal Empire and Twilight's Kingdom. They were darker than most of the show's episodes, yes. The stakes were high and the humor was darker but they were light enough keep the show's lighthearted nature in tact. The show hasn't been dark enough to have been as grim and gritty as a lot of the action-based shows I've watched.

 

None of their battles have given the ponies post traumatic stress disorder.

None of the villains killed anyone close to the Main 6.

They haven't really had to mourn or have been haunted by the death of a close friend. (Tanks for the memories was the closest they got but even then he's just hibernating and will wake up)

Neither Discord or Tirek exactly thrash Twilight to the point of near death, causing the mane 6 to flee Ponyville and spend time recovering from their injuries.

Nobody was slowly mutilated over time to the point of having been reduced to nothing but a functioning brain in jar.

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,162]

It's a bi-product of fandoms, and I've seen it in all facets of entertainment whether it be fiction, sports, what-have-you. Being in the motorsports fandom for as long as I have been I've noticed fans clamoring for a racing series to change completely from one thing to another; i.e. NASCAR to be more like V8 Supercars, IndyCar to be more like sprint cars, etc.,

 

Likewise I've seen similar opinions in the Sonic, Spyro, Digimon, and others fandoms as well. I guess people just want to see the thing they love go into a new direction and try things similar media haven't or something like that. Really, there is no one set answer to this. ^^

[BlackWater627 700]

It's a bi-product of fandoms, and I've seen it in all facets of entertainment whether it be fiction, sports, what-have-you. Being in the motorsports fandom for as long as I have been I've noticed fans clamoring for a racing series to change completely from one thing to another; i.e. NASCAR to be more like V8 Supercars, IndyCar to be more like sprint cars, etc.,

 

Likewise I've seen similar opinions in the Sonic, Spyro, Digimon, and others fandoms as well. I guess people just want to see the thing they love go into a new direction and try things similar media haven't or something like that. Really, there is no one set answer to this. ^^

 

I think it's apt to say that humans are interested in things they perceive to be new. Even people that prefer routines still seek some small amount of variation. I'm looking forward to what the rest of season 5 will bring in that regard.

[AccountNoLongerUsed 741]

I just think it needs to have more fleshed out male characters. The only male character who seems to be even semi fleshed out is Spike.

[RarityFan01 2,444]

I like the humor and light heartedness of MLP. If I wanted to watch reality or something serious, I would watch the news. I think bronies who want the show to be more serious and dark should just quit the fandom. MLP isn't a dark and serious show. 

[Ianpiersonjdavis 513]

I'm okay with the show the way it is.

 

From what I understand that other fans have different views on what the series should be for different reasons; some may believe that since that certain changes may make the show better to attract a larger audience, they may feel insecure about being fans because of certain aspects of the show, they may have enjoyed some of the darker aspects that the show has presented and wish to see more, and certain fans may also be too involved in their own politics and wish for the show to portray messages that align with their ideals.

 

 

Humor is subjective-just because someone thinks that something is funny, doesn't necessarily everyone will agree with them-I personally, am not a fan of slapstick and usually indifferent to it, unless it's happening to a character that I'm angry with or am clearly supposed to hate-but, if it happens to a character that is meant to be sympathetic and has already been consistently then instead of joy, I'll probably just feel sorry for them.

 

Some people also just aren't fans of downer endings, even when they are meant to be comedic like "Swarm of the Century", this might be because they are more sensitive and empathetic to certain characters (which is the reason for some double-standards, such as any character making Fluttershy cry instantly becoming hated, but she may do the same to another without earning as much scorn.)

 

So, a lot of it comes down to the individual with their sensitivity and sense of humor as well as the writing and execution of certain jokes, which may fall flat for some, or in the worst cases come off as too mean-spirited and make them angry as was the case with the scenes with Angel in "Putting Your Hoof Down" or Pinkie Pie in "Filli Vanilli" being some more infamous examples.

 

 

While I agree that it is a bad idea to push any sort of political agenda into the show as that will only serve to alienate viewers, if not anger them-I took "The Cutie Map" to be more of a homage to "1984" and a follow up to some questions raised by "Magical Mystery Cure" (which Larson also wrote) than any sort of intentional political message on the writers' part.

Edited May 4, 2015 by Ianpiersonjdavis

[Miles 2,513]

Your opinion's credibility died right here. The idea that FIM has always been that sweet, innocent show has been a completely big misconception from the start. Irregardless of quality, Friendship Is Magic underwent some really serious moments in the entire show:

1. Griffin the Brush Off: Gilda bullying Ponyville, including Fluttershy.
2. A Bird in the Hoof: Philomena self-immolates in front of Fluttershy's eyes.
3. Party of One: Under the mask of some hilarious comedy was a really dark twist in Pinkie's perception of friendship. Pinkie doesn't simply want friends to be happy. She needs friends to be happy. When she thought her friends dumped her, she became depressed and secluded. The subsequent black comedy enforces this theory.
4. The Return of Harmony: I already talked about this multiple times, but all the comedy hid a really sinister backdrop from Discord. He's intelligent, witty, and scary. The comedy is very dark, and Twilight's moment when she became Discorded was heart-wrenching.
5. Lesson Zero: Delicious black humor culminated in the final act.
6. Hurricane Fluttershy: All the horrific memories of the bullying Fluttershy suffered as a kid returned as she prepared to help bring the water to Cloudesdale was revived. Anyone remember the creepy imagery of all the eyes staring at a hyperventilating FS?
7. The Crystal Empire: Twilight visioned her biggest fear at the time: failing Celestia's assignment followed by expulsion and shame.
8. Wonderbolts Academy: The climax is one of the darkest moments in the show's history. One minute, Dash and Dust were cleaning the competition. The next, Dash's five friends nearly perished.
9. Magical Mystery Cure: None of Twilight's friends are capable of performing their "destinies" correctly, leading to disharmony and a bleak future.
10. Flight to the Finish: After Silver Spoon and DT taunted Scootaloo with ableist diatribes, the episode took a really dark turn, focusing on Scootaloo's internal conflict and thoughts that she can't fly. Disability is an extremely sensitive issue to tackle, and it was executed spectacularly.
11. Rarity Takes Manehattan: Following the lighter first act, it took a very serious turn by focusing on Rarity's response to plagiarism, epiphany, and belief her friends abandoned her.
12. Testing Testing 1, 2, 3: It has so much great comedy, but it tackled the very sensitive issue of how different people learn in different ways extremely well.
13. Twilight's Kingdom: Tirek and the world at stake.
14. The Cutie Map: An extremely sensitive approach to realistic cult societies. The catchy song really captures Starlight Glimmer's sinister ethics, and the brainwashing scene exists in real life.
15. Bloom & Gloom: Apple Bloom's three fears featured in her Groundhog-Day dream sequences are usually written as dark jokes in the fandom. Instead, Haber treats the situation very seriously. The fears that Apple Bloom acquired are all very plausible and realistic; her situation exists in real life across multiple demographics: kids, adults, whoever. The structure makes the episode feel rather creepy.
16. Tanks for the Memories: The obvious allegory of death.

There are plenty more that I can exemplify, but the point here is FIM isn't as lighthearted as you, the people who brohoofed your OP, or anyone else here believes.

 

[snip]

 

Although you don't need to have any of the Mane Six be LGBT, this show is very capable of leading by example. Unlike many other shows on today, it doesn't stick to the status quo. The morals and storylines have slowly progressed from the simple in season one to very complex and mature; season four marks a huge evolution by introducing gray stories and morals. For a show like this, it's fantastic. Why?

1. Because DHX feels they can honestly tackle mature messages, and S4 has executed them quite decently lately with the exception of Equestria Games. Gray stories and morals aren't all that common in family TV anymore due to strict censoring by the parent companies, content rating, and eagle-eyed soccer moms. But FIM has the credibility and credentials, and we're seeing it put into use. So far, four of five episodes this season introduced very mature stories, three of them well executed.
2. Gray stories and morals mean Hasbro and DHX see their audience as intelligent human beings and not drones who want to suck up every bit of information. It's like the "show, don't tell" rule in storytelling: When you show, you're trusting the audience by giving the show a very dynamic perspective. Gray stories and morals allows the audience to see the story and characters across multiple perspectives. It makes the story feel rather deep. Episodes like The Cutie Map and Rarity Takes Manehattan approach these angles excellently.

We're now in an era that's very sensitive to the real world, and that's great because we're becoming aware of social problems and vie for social justice. Friendship Is Magic is a type of show that can definitely show progress. If FIM can execute an LGBT character brilliantly, then it'd be revolutionary. That character could be a role model to not just LGBT teens and adults, but especially very young LGBT kids. Kids are identifying as LGBT at a much younger age today than years past, and there aren't many LGBT representations in family cartoons.

 

But the writers at DHX really need to research the LGBT and execute it very well. How well? Depends on your prerogative, but treat them as any ordinary pony, have a support cast, have a three-dimensional personality, and not be a stereotype. (BTW, chances are if an LGBT representative is a stereotype, then you're gonna get a nice backlash, and I doubt Hasbro wants that PR nightmare.)

 

[snip]

 

I ... actually agree to almost everything you said.     I only [snipped] parts because I want to focus more on the rest - I don't disagree to those parts, though.  Plus, the sake of saving space. 

 

So, first off...

 

THIS!

 

If there were any way for me to quantify my level of agreement beyond 100% with you about "Party of One," I would.

 

 

 

 

I loved that episode.  Just sayin', hehe   

 

---

 

Anywho, as for your thoughts on the LGBTQ thing...

 

I agree with 90% of what you said.  The italicized part is where I'm a little iffy.  I mean, I understand what you mean.  And you're not wrong that people do make stereotypes...

 

But I have more faith in the crew at Hasbro, in terms of being diverse, and well... knowing how to not make a stereotype.  

 

Look at Applejack.  They could have messed her up, and made her a stereotypical, hick, redneck, country pony.  But they didn't.  Applejack's country-ness is perfect.  

 

So, while I fully see what you mean about it being more easy to mess up a portrayal of an "LGBTQ" pony, as compared to AJ's country-ness...  I think the crew at Hasbro are capable of doing it right.

 

---

 

Now, as to sort of mix in a response to the OP, as well as still sort of talking to you, DQ...

 

I think maybe what the OP more generally is trying to say is that some fans get a little overboard with their comments about how the show should change.  It's perfectly fine, in my eyes, for fans to make "not completely serious, but kind of not really" comments.  Those are the ones that you know the person knows he/she is giving their subjective opinion, even if it may be silly.

 

As for people who state things like "there should be an on-screen death"...

 

I just cry a little on the inside at those asinine types of comments.   

 

So, I do get what the OP means... But, I agree with DQ on the bigger picture.

 

~ Miles

[The Awesome One 1,315]

Some Bronies want one thing to change in particular. They want romance in this show but they have to realize that it would just completely change the show. 

 

Remember, Friendship is Magic. 

 

Besides, even if they could bring some romance into MLP (I do not count Sentry/Twilight as anything), it would just be fan service.