spoiler Could we be getting a callback to episode 1 on Twilight's friendship mission?

[ManaMinori 4,143]

Does anyone recall way, way, waaaaaay back in season 1, in the very first episode, in fact, where Twilight was without friends, still living in Canterlot, and a few ponies wanted her to go with them to a get-together that Moon Dancer was throwing? I do. And now that the map of Harmony has the Mane 6 going all over Equestria and reconciling with both old enemies and making friends out of them, along with meeting new friends and relying on them to get a job done while the mane 6 take back seat, I can't help but wonder.....will we be getting an episode with Twilight being summoned back to Canterlot and meeting up with Moondancer (who we really only heard of in mention, never actually got to see), and Twilight making a friend out of her, grabbing at the opportunity that she turned aside, once before?

 

*Silver Quill voice* CONTINUITY!!!!

 

I think that's a pretty good lesson to being in, actually, and one that ould play off of "Make New friends but keep Discord", where Discord gets jealous of Flutterbutt's new friend, but learns that his friends could have more friends than just him, on the flip side, Twilight could learn that sometimes opportunities present themselves more than once, allowing her to make a friend that she might've missed out making in the past. (and maybe, at first, Moondancer holds a bit of a grudge against Twilight for missing out on her get-together in season 1, but eventually comes around?)

 

What do you guys think about a potential Twilight and Moondancer friendship episode callback in season 5?

Edited May 29, 2015 by Nightmare Muffin

[Prince Firemane 309]

That's an interesting idea. A thought I've had is I wonder if Twilight has actually failed her mission in friendship. Of course she has the mane five and Spike ((and the human main five and Sunset Shimmer if you consider EQG as canon)). She has family, plus the Princesses who are literally and figuratively family to her. For actual friends, she only has the mane five. Moreover, she's only shown interest in having them as friends. Just about all the others have had their moments of making friends outside their group, but Twilight hasn't. It makes me wonder if Twilight is afraid of making other friends and secretly fears that the mane five stick with her because of the power they hold collectively. Interaction with Moondancer would be a neat way to address that hypothetical situation.

[ManaMinori 4,143]

That's an interesting idea. A thought I've had is I wonder if Twilight has actually failed her mission in friendship. Of course she has the mane five and Spike ((and the human main five and Sunset Shimmer if you consider EQG as canon)). She has family, plus the Princesses who are literally and figuratively family to her. For actual friends, she only has the mane five. Moreover, she's only shown interest in having them as friends. Just about all the others have had their moments of making friends outside their group, but Twilight hasn't. It makes me wonder if Twilight is afraid of making other friends and secretly fears that the mane five stick with her because of the power they hold collectively. Interaction with Moondancer would be a neat way to address that hypothetical situation.

While I don't necessarily think she failed in her friendship mission (considering that she fixed Starswirl's spell, uniting the elements of harmony, discovered that the magic of friendship is the most powerful thing- even above Alicorn magic, and can utilize friendship magic best of all (with her friends), I'd hardly call that a failure. But you do bring up a very good point in that all of the other mane 5 have made friends outside of their little clique (Rarity's befriended Coco Pommel, Rainbow dash has befriended the Wonderbolts and Little Strongheart, and rekindled her friendship with Gilda, Pinkie's already friends with everypony in town- plus Cheese Sandwich, and Gilda, Fluttershy befriended the Breezies (ick), Discord, Tree Hugger, and Bulk Biceps, Apple Jack befriended Silver Shill, but yeah, Twilight.....hm.)

 

I would like to see Twi (and the others) hanging out with more friends outside their little group, for more than one episode, actually.

[Prince Firemane 309]

While I don't necessarily think she failed in her friendship mission.

I know, I was trying to find a different way of phrasing it, but came up blank. What I meant is that Twilight essentially did the bare minimum to please Celestia, making a few friends and sticking with them instead of making a lot of them. But those few friends are awesome friends to her and each other, so that's okay.

 

 

I would like to see Twi (and the others) hanging out with more friends outside their little group, for more than one episode, actually.

That's why I was disappointed in season 4. They made a perfect setup for each of the mane six gravitating away from each other and doing their own thing in their own lives; with Twilight's royal duties, Rarity almost going to work in Manehattan for a while, Fluttershy spending a lot of time outside of Ponyville for the breezies, etc. The six of them gravitating away from each other was an explicitly stated fear that was present; but that setup just seemed abandoned.

[ManaMinori 4,143]

I know, I was trying to find a different way of phrasing it, but came up blank. What I meant is that Twilight essentially did the bare minimum to please Celestia, making a few friends and sticking with them instead of making a lot of them. But those few friends are awesome friends to her and each other, so that's okay.

 

That's why I was disappointed in season 4. They made a perfect setup for each of the mane six gravitating away from each other and doing their own thing in their own lives; with Twilight's royal duties, Rarity almost going to work in Manehattan for a while, Fluttershy spending a lot of time outside of Ponyville for the breezies, etc. The six of them gravitating away from each other was an explicitly stated fear that was present; but that setup just seemed abandoned.

well, in the beginning, she didn't even want to do that. Remember the whole "the fate of Equestria doesn't rest on me making friends" line? I actually liked how she- in spite of having Celestia on a pedestal most the time, and jumps at doing exactly as she says and trying to please her, wanted to go against Celestia's wishes in that first episode, actually. I really liked that.

But I digress. It does seem like the bare minimum. Odd how her friends aren't the Princess of Friendship, but have gained more friends outside their group than Twilight has. Maybe if she meets up with Moondancer in a friendship quest later on, Moondancer could call her out on that, and get Twi to evaluate if she's really up for the role of being the princess of friendship, if she doesn't have any other friends outside of her 5- pony posse.

 

I, too, was rather disappointed with the failed-follow up with their new friends and responsibilities. Rainbow Dash got to leave for a week to join the Wonderbolts training- why couldn't they do the same for Rarity, having her stay in Manehattan? Or Fluttershy with the Breezies? Friends don't have to be in constant contact with each other, 24/7. I would've liked to see them putting more time into their respective passions,  while being away from each other, and still remaining friends. But maybe there's still opportunity for that in future episodes. (I get the feeling that DHX/ Hasbro will reveal that more to the end of the series, though)

):

[Prince Firemane 309]

well, in the beginning, she didn't even want to do that. Remember the whole "the fate of Equestria doesn't rest on me making friends" line? I actually liked how she- in spite of having Celestia on a pedestal most the time, and jumps at doing exactly as she says and trying to please her, wanted to go against Celestia's wishes in that first episode, actually. I really liked that.

But I digress. It does seem like the bare minimum. Odd how her friends aren't the Princess of Friendship, but have gained more friends outside their group than Twilight has. Maybe if she meets up with Moondancer in a friendship quest later on, Moondancer could call her out on that, and get Twi to evaluate if she's really up for the role of being the princess of friendship, if she doesn't have any other friends outside of her 5- pony posse.

 

I, too, was rather disappointed with the failed-follow up with their new friends and responsibilities. Rainbow Dash got to leave for a week to join the Wonderbolts training- why couldn't they do the same for Rarity, having her stay in Manehattan? Or Fluttershy with the Breezies? Friends don't have to be in constant contact with each other, 24/7. I would've liked to see them putting more time into their respective passions,  while being away from each other, and still remaining friends. But maybe there's still opportunity for that in future episodes. (I get the feeling that DHX/ Hasbro will reveal that more to the end of the series, though)

):

Indeed, friends moving on with their own lives yet still being friends does kind of feel like an end-of-the-series-kind of move. It seems like Twilight back then was on cordial terms with other ponies, but deemed actual friendship a waste of time. Those three ponies she walked by in the very beginning were kind enough and invited her to Moondancer's party. I imagine that they and Moondancer herself would be wondering how that snotty little bookworm, Twilight Sparkle could've ever become the Princess of Friendship of all things. Would they be cold to her for forgetting them or would they try to latch onto her title and Royal connections? So many possibilities...

[Jackie Snack 1,498]

I... really like this idea, actually! I'm gonna hope for this later on this season. xD

[ManaMinori 4,143]

Indeed, friends moving on with their own lives yet still being friends does kind of feel like an end-of-the-series-kind of move. It seems like Twilight back then was on cordial terms with other ponies, but deemed actual friendship a waste of time. Those three ponies she walked by in the very beginning were kind enough and invited her to Moondancer's party. I imagine that they and Moondancer herself would be wondering how that snotty little bookworm, Twilight Sparkle could've ever become the Princess of Friendship of all things. Would they be cold to her for forgetting them or would they try to latch onto her title and Royal connections? So many possibilities...

I'd imagine that Moondancer and the others might be just as snotty if Twilight came back and tried to befriend them- given the fact that they're from canterlot and all. And I think they'd have every right to be, given how Twilight brushed them off first, and would probably think that as a Princess of Friendship, now, that she's obligated to do her princess duties and befriend them out of that obligation. But I'd like to see them gradually accept Twi's friendship at the end of the episode, and Twilight herself come to realize that she shouldn't feel obligated and do as the Map tells her to do when it tells her to do it, but out of her own interest in accumulating more friends than the ones she has.

[ManaMinori 4,143]

omg, there's a new promo clip out showing scenes from the next two or so episodes, one of which being Twilight telling her mane 6 posse that they have to go out and make new friends, and the following scene showing the Canterlot trio from episode 1, who invited Twilight to Moondancer's party. (Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine!). So fingers crossed we'll be seeing Twilight befriend Moondancer, and Moonie making her long-awaited debut, with whatever episode this is. Squee!

 

Edited June 16, 2015 by PathfinderCS
Added spoiler

[Justin_Case001 4,855]

omg, there's a new promo clip out showing scenes from the next two or so episodes, one of which being Twilight telling her mane 6 posse that they have to go out and make new friends, and the following scene showing the Canterlot trio from episode 1, who invited Twilight to Moondancer's party. (Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine!). So fingers crossed we'll be seeing Twilight befriend Moondancer, and Moonie making her long-awaited debut, with whatever episode this is. Squee!

Whoa.  Nice, dude.  I guess you called it.  This wouldn't be a bad idea at all.  Ever since season 1, I've been imagining what Moon Dancer would look and be like.  For some reason, I picture Hedonism Bot from Futurama.  Don't ask me why.

 

A thought I've had is I wonder if Twilight has actually failed her mission in friendship. Of course she has the mane five and Spike ((and the human main five and Sunset Shimmer if you consider EQG as canon)). She has family, plus the Princesses who are literally and figuratively family to her. For actual friends, she only has the mane five.

Quality over quantity, dude.

[Steve Piranha 28,720]

omg, there's a new promo clip out showing scenes from the next two or so episodes, one of which being Twilight telling her mane 6 posse that they have to go out and make new friends, and the following scene showing the Canterlot trio from episode 1, who invited Twilight to Moondancer's party. (Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine!). So fingers crossed we'll be seeing Twilight befriend Moondancer, and Moonie making her long-awaited debut, with whatever episode this is. Squee!

 

I wonder if they'll use the IDW design for her if she shows up in the show 

http://mlp.wikia.com/wiki/Moon_Dancer

Regardless, I'm glad to see Twily with her three former classmates and tie those loose ends of not being friend with them before her development 

[ManaMinori 4,143]

I wonder if they'll use the IDW design for her if she shows up in the show 

http://mlp.wikia.com/wiki/Moon_Dancer

Regardless, I'm glad to see Twily with her three former classmates and tie those loose ends of not being friend with them before her development 

Hm...I do wonder that, myself, actually. I can hope they do. I mean, her design is already there. Why not use it, right?

I'm glad it's happenning, too. Can't wait to see how those three come together with Twi, after leaving on a sour note, and if they'll save Moon Dancer having to befriend Twi, after Twi makes amends with the other three.

[cmarston1 5,951]

I completely forgot about those characters years ago!  It would be interesting to see how they interact with Twilight and how she interacts with them as it could lead to reflecting all the character development that Twilight has obtained since season 1 to now.  That in turn could make for an interesting episode.

[ManaMinori 4,143]

S05, E12

Air Date: July 6, 2015

Synopsis: Twilight realizes she was a less than stellar friend to her former buddies in Canterlot, so she returns with Spike to make amends.

Called it

now, fingers crosses we'll see Moondancer at long last

[MLPFanatic34 3,234]

I am excited to see this episode and see Twilight make amends and interact with her friends that she knew in Canterlot, I for one love Twilight episodes!

[ShadowPhoenix 153]

Called it

now, fingers crosses we'll see Moondancer at long last

 

They have a design for her from IDW Annual 2013.

[ManaMinori 4,143]

They have a design for her from IDW Annual 2013.

somene already pointed that out

however, we've never seen her in the series itself

[Steve Piranha 28,720]

Hm...I do wonder that, myself, actually. I can hope they do. I mean, her design is already there. Why not use it, right?

I'm glad it's happenning, too. Can't wait to see how those three come together with Twi, after leaving on a sour note, and if they'll save Moon Dancer having to befriend Twi, after Twi makes amends with the other three.

I just hope they'll use her design from the comics. I think it's likely, they put Andy Price's and I think Katie Crook's OCs as background ponies in Princess Spike as a thank you for their contribution.

 

Now that I noticed, those three mares were notably absent in Slice of Life, despite being recurring and well known background ponies, HECK, THEY WEREN'T EVEN IN THE CUT CONTENT  . Oh well, I guess there's no point in use them there if they'll be featured later 

[ManaMinori 4,143]

I just hope they'll use her design from the comics. I think it's likely, they put Andy Price's and I think Katie Crook's OCs as background ponies in Princess Spike as a thank you for their contribution.

 

Now that I noticed, those three mares were notably absent in Slice of Life, despite being recurring and well known background ponies, HECK, THEY WEREN'T EVEN IN THE CUT CONTENT  . Oh well, I guess there's no point in use them there if they'll be featured later 

I can see why they were, or cw would be absent in the 100th episode, seeing that they're Canterlot ponies and all. So they wouldn't be living in Ponyville. You're right, though, with the Showand comic staff OC's...maybe we can trust they'll keep to Moondancer's design, after all

[colt .45 259]

Called it

now, fingers crosses we'll see Moondancer at long last

So, how do you think the episode did with the few points that were different from your amazingly accurate prediction?

[Flutterstep 46,169]

I think you just predicted the future with today's episode

[MLPFanatic34 3,234]

I was happy to see a callback to Friendship Is Magic, and it was great to see flashbacks too especially of Twilight as a filly in school and Twilight before she left Ponyville to stop Nightmare Moon.

[ManaMinori 4,143]

Sweet episode. glad we finally got to see Moondancer, and even moreso that the entire episode was about her

yay!

So, how do you think the episode did with the few points that were different from your amazingly accurate prediction?

pleasantly surprised. Moonie was adorable. Shocked to see her with a sister!

Lemon hearts got some development too.

I liked how bth Twi and Moonie were hurt by each other' thoughtless actions and decisions

great development for Twi, too. Brownie points that 7nch me back to liking her character.

[Prince Firemane 309]

Congrats on pegging down the episode. I was rather shocked to see how much Moondancer resembled Twilight and how she represented the road not taken for Twilight in what would've most likely happened had Twilight not made her friends in Ponyville. I found it very interesting on how much the character designers made Moondancer look like yet contrast with Twilight. They both have the same mane style yet they are colored opposite; dark with lighter stripes for Twilight and light with darker stripes for Moondancer. I also liked how Moondancer's presumably older sister resembles her the same way Shining Armor resembles Twilight, where they have the same mane patterns as their sisters, but in monochrome.

[Justin_Case001 4,855]

Like I said, you sure did call it, Muffin.  Noice!

 

 

Ever since season 1, I've been imagining what Moon Dancer would look and be like.  For some reason, I picture Hedonism Bot from Futurama.  Don't ask me why.

Whelp, guess I was wrong, huh?  They sure showed me.  (But she turned out to be one of the most interesting, relatable, and poignant characters to date.)