The issues with Cadence

[Silver Stream. 708]

Now before you light your torches and swing you pitchforks, let me explain: I do not hate Cadence. I don't even dislike her. In fact, she's my second favorite Princess out of the four with Twilight being my favorite, and I sort of have her placed as a tie for second with Luna...then Celestia

 

I just...I just don't think she has any real development. She's the Princess of love, but I only saw that when she saved Shining Armor and towards Twilight. I can't help the feeling that...her sole purpose of existence is to just sell? I know that isn't a big deal nor is it uncommon in the series, but it's unsettling to think that's the ONLY reason of her existence. One could argue that it's nothing new that a supporting character has little to no development. But given the many appearances we were blessed with (not gonna lie Cadence, you're adorable in every scene. I'LL TAKE TWO PLEASE! ) I feel as though her executions are dry. In fact, you could say I sometimes see her as....dare I say it? Should I say it? ....Imma say it: The female version of Flash Sentry :okiedokielokie: . Flash is the typical "bad boy looking, but actually a nice guy with a band and falls for the newgirl" cliche. Cadence is the "sweet, fairly wise and innocent head strong princess" cliche. She's basically a character created to be perfect in every way.

 

And let's be honest here, what makes a character more interesting is their conflict and imperfections. Of all the screentime she's had. not once do I see her having any real connections with her loyal subjects. With every appearance, she's either in a mess, giving most of her attention to Twilight, or relying on the Mane 6. She's also strikes me as a Disney Princess without the back story and development: a pony that every little girl and even some boys look up to. That symbol of perfection where she's Equestria's beloved beautiful sweetheart with a side of buttkicking scenes to make you want to BE her. I'm not saying it's wrong for Hasbros to want to throw in a great role model such as herself, but even a great role model has to has SOME sort of development or at least make her in a way where viewers can actually CONNECT with her?

 

Applejack....a very grounded and well developed character that's a great role model to many. She has her imperfections and small conflicts, but nothing too insane for us to scold at. Celestia: she's a mother figure in a way. And though she isn't well developed either, she still was granted a little in the most smallest of scenes. For example, we see just how bad banishing her own sister affected her. She was clearly put in a situation that haunted her for years which implied the strong relationship they shared. It also implies her imperfections as well: how she isn't the perfect ruler from being oblivious that her sister was feeling down in the first place. While it isn't the best development in the woooorld...it's still more than what I've received from Cadence :okiedokielokie:

 

 

This is just a little bit of my insight. I didn't create this to bash her...I love her...but I'm hoping you guys can enlighten me about what I'm missing.

Edited October 20, 2015 by Princess Sunset

[PROJECT: Simon 3,955]

I guess I agree.. xD Barely saw her changes throughout time '~'

[Rawzy 1,302]

Well...I guess the only real change was when they made her face really fat in the friendship games xD that cracked me up.

 

Cadence is just...Cadence...not everypony needs to be special in someway or another

[Silver Stream. 708]

Well...I guess the only real change was when they made her face really fat in the friendship games xD that cracked me up.

 

Cadence is just...Cadence...not everypony needs to be special in someway or another

Omfg. Yeah she did look weird. But I never said she needed to be special in some way. Her title as Princess of Love already does the trick. But...who is Cadence? What makes her Cadence? She's sweet, wise, a princess, very important pony in Twilight's life.....mmm...nothing to work with because we can easily put Celestia in this category as well.

 

She's just an item to sell and a dry character that screams "hey kids you should adore me" which works....and there is nothing wrong with it. It's just I like Cadence...and I feel the writers are not executing her with a real personality or the little development she truly deserves.

[KatonRyu 1,033]

In the series proper she really hasn't been given much development, that's certainly true. The comics do a slightly better job at it, although the canonicity of the comics is still a topic that's debatable. Maybe she'll be given more development in episodes to come, and if not you could always fall back on the comics for it.

 

I generally go by the comics unless I consider them to be OOC or just stupid...meaning I have a very Frankensteined headcanon, although Cadance's backstory with Shining Armor, and her story from one of the novels is one  more or less accept, unlike the Nightmare Forces, the Sirens' backstory, or Sunset Shimmer's Time To Shine.

[Silver Stream. 708]

In the series proper she really hasn't been given much development, that's certainly true. The comics do a slightly better job at it, although the canonicity of the comics is still a topic that's debatable. Maybe she'll be given more development in episodes to come, and if not you could always fall back on the comics for it.

 

I generally go by the comics unless I consider them to be OOC or just stupid...meaning I have a very Frankensteined headcanon, although Cadance's backstory with Shining Armor, and her story from one of the novels is one  more or less accept, unlike the Nightmare Forces, the Sirens' backstory, or Sunset Shimmer's Time To Shine.

I really need to get my hands on the IDW comics

[LnksPony 7]

She has basically no back story or anything interesting about her. I still like her though

[UnknownFry 169]

Cadence does not have or get a whole of lot development outside of her relationship with Twilight, but that might be the point of the character (aside from marketing toys, but there is nothing wrong with that. However she has gotten a little more debelopment in the secondary materials in terms of how she became an alicorn, and how she met Shining Armor. It is hard to do a lot or more with her when she is relegated to ruling the Crystal Empire for the most part, but her pregnancy may lead to a little more development for her down the road.

 

I don't think you are missing out an anything all that much, as I don't think Cadence was meant to be an overly complex or detailed character in the first place but just a good pony who happens to be a young princess to help fill some of the roles that show has used her in. Some may find her to be a bit bland in that regard but I wonder if they are expecting too much at this point given that she is a secondary character.

 

Cadence also has had little moments in the episodes she has appeared in such as Three's A Crowd, Games Ponies, Princess Spike, and etc even if they are simple ones revealing facets of her personality in the process.

 

Of course one could argue that her character went through most of her development before she was even introduced proper in A Canterlot Wedding so she started off the bat as mature which explains her consistency without a lot of drastic change since then. Of course this does not answer the question of how Cadence became the way she behaves now though. 

 

Frankly I like her for what she is, but I would not object to doing more with her as well.

Edited October 20, 2015 by UnknownFry

[green 331]

I agree that shes sorta just "there". But Celestia is also like that too, being perfect and all. A good character dosent need alot of background development though, just a personality that stands out and sticks to you.

[silvadel 1,393]

Cadance seems very overworked and bored at the same time.  She is having a REAL problem adjusting the the life of keeping the bureaucracy going and was much happier back when she did not have a kingdom to run. 

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,912]

I have to agree with this. Now, I have not read the extended lore in the books (which I guess are canon?) and maybe those explain her character a bit more, but I have not read those so....As of right now, Cadence is honestly one of my least favorite characters. She is the only princess with a stereotyped pink color scheme, which don't get me wrong, it looks really nice but a pink pony princess? Typical. Secondly, she is just....boring. Her voice is okay at best and has no major emotion put into it and her character doesn't really do anything. Sadly enough this has also put Shining Armor in the realm of 'doesn't do much'. 

 

Honestly, this is a disappointment. I would love to see her do a bit more, I mean, she is the princess of love and the current...I guess ruler of the Crystal Empire. We need to see more of that! I want to see more Crystal Empire and having something to do with her could do that. Maybe the events of the last episode will allow that but...meh. Until then, she is not high on my liked characters list.

[cider float 2,539]

Sunset Shimmer and the sirens seems to be just as bland and predictable but everyone likes them.

[Silver Stream. 708]

Sunset Shimmer and the sirens seems to be just as bland and predictable but everyone likes them.

I'm.....not really sure how to respond to this. I could go on and on about how much development Sunset has gotten in just only two movies more than some ponies have gotten throughout 5 seasons. She was bland and a cliche in the first movie, that I agree, but if you're referring to who she was and who she is now as being an undeveloped character... Umm well alright then. Not really going to switch the subject on Sunset since this is about Cadence. Not really in the mood to either xD despite the movies not being the greatest, my response to this is there. Besides...not once did I imply Cadence shouldn't be liked because of.those faults. I even said....I still love her.

 

ANYWAY!

Cadence does not have or get a whole of lot development outside of her relationship with Twilight, but that might be the point of the character (aside from marketing toys, but there is nothing wrong with that. However she has gotten a little more debelopment in the secondary materials in terms of how she became an alicorn, and how she met Shining Armor. It is hard to do a lot or more with her when she is relegated to ruling the Crystal Empire for the most part, but her pregnancy may lead to a little more development for her down the road.

 

I don't think you are missing out an anything all that much, as I don't think Cadence was meant to be an overly complex or detailed character in the first place but just a good pony who happens to be a young princess to help fill some of the roles that show has used her in. Some may find her to be a bit bland in that regard but I wonder if they are expecting too much at this point given that she is a secondary character.

 

Cadence also has had little moments in the episodes she has appeared in such as Three's A Crowd, Games Ponies, Princess Spike, and etc even if they are simple ones revealing facets of her personality in the process.

 

Of course one could argue that her character went through most of her development before she was even introduced proper in A Canterlot Wedding so she started off the bat as mature which explains her consistency without a lot of drastic change since then. Of course this does not answer the question of how Cadence became the way she behaves now though.

 

Frankly I like her for what she is, but I would not object to doing more with her as well.

Well said! I agree with most of this, and covered these in my first post. I'm aware that perhaps the reason she's lacking development....well...a personality to call her own basically...is to give kids a role model and sell. I've said there is nothing wrong with that. But the roles she fills is too dry and poorly executed for me to really appreciate it.

 

I agree that shes sorta just "there". But Celestia is also like that too, being perfect and all. A good character dosent need alot of background development though, just a personality that stands out and sticks to you.

I'm not really expecting much from her. I.don't want this.overly complex character with many details...hell we already have 6 of those if you don't count some.of the supporting characters like the CMC, Luna, Discord etc.

 

I just wish her execution was more "original" and that she had more of her own personality. She's sweet and kind and wonderful, but as someone said, so is Celestia. Her design is the perfect princess...but younger. It's possible her other reason for her existence is to be that older sister figure for Twilight just to expose that sort of bond. But Cadence has the potential to honestly become her own pony.

 

And despite there being a back story and development in the comics, they should integrate that somewhere in the series because not everyone has access to that knowledge. Who knows? Perhaps that's Hasbros plan all along. To present a fairly perfect character with a dry personality you CAN'T help but to love and is willing to buy the needed material to know more about her. *shrugs*

Edited October 20, 2015 by Princess Sunset

[Number62 1,258]

Sunset Shimmer and the sirens seems to be just as bland and predictable but everyone likes them.

Unlike the Sirens, Cadance (and certain other characters) has an important connection to Twilight.

[cmarston1 5,960]

I have to agree with this.

I don't even dislike Cadence but she is just kind of there and isn't really that interesting.

It would be nice to see if she can finally get some character development, but as of right now I only consider her to be okay.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

Let's remember, they're has only been like four episodes where Princess Cadence has been featured. We have seen her relationship with Twilight develop back in Season 4 in "Threes a Crowd". 

 

But I do mostly agree with you. Cadence does need that development. 

[Silver Stream. 708]

Let's remember, they're has only been like four episodes where Princess Cadence has been featured. We have seen her relationship with Twilight develop back in Season 4 in "Threes a Crowd". 

 

But I do mostly agree with you. Cadence does need that development.

 

Even in that episode, she was still...."just there" I know she's a supporting character for Twi but it sucks they don't put any effort to make Cadence....her own self I guess. Even most of the supporting characters are their own person all the same.

 

 

 

Odds are we might see something different. Cadence is (insert spoiler word right here for those who've seen the latest episode)....so I am guessing a few quirks will come out of her.

[Kivil 1,721]

Cadence is one of the bigger Static-Characters in the show as she doesn't grow as a character or go under anything huge like say Twilight has

[geartree 33]

I feel Cadence is but a plot device. That's the way I see it. And I don't really see her developing more.

[Silver Stream. 708]

And aside from seeing.... a real genuine personality from her, I also want to see actions that support her title?

 

I know in A Canterlot Wedding, she managed to save the day with her strong love for Shining Armor. Also in Crystal Empire, she created a barrier of love to keep the sinister king at bay.

 

I see her using her power /against/ enemies when needed. There was a scene when she used it to make a couple to start arguing (which was unsettling to watch. Personally, I wouldn't want "Cupid" to strike me with a love arrow when I'm in a heated argent with my significant other because that DOES happen. What she did was sort of a bad interference but I guess Hasbros are supporting the idea of a perfect couple?....I won't think too hard.on that scene)

 

But then that's it. She only shows a connection with Twilight and Shining Armor. The mane 6 coooould be included in her inner circle, but I've seen both Celestia and Luna do more to interact with the locals more than the Princess of Love. Am I saying it doesn't happen? Naw.... it's possible she does it off screen. Just wish they'd implement that "loving characteristic" more when it comes to her interacting with her crystal subjects.

 

-sigh- And it's a shame the writers created her just to sell and give Twilight plots. I really like her...it's just I want a real genuine reason why to like her. Because I'm only victim to how she's portrayed and the role she plays...not to WHO she is....whoever she is.

Edited October 21, 2015 by Princess Sunset

[cider float 2,539]

I'm.....not really sure how to respond to this. I could go on and on about how much development Sunset has gotten in just only two movies more than some ponies have gotten throughout 5 seasons. She was bland and a cliche in the first movie, that I agree, but if you're referring to who she was and who she is now as being an undeveloped character... Umm well alright then. Not really going to switch the subject on Sunset since this is about Cadence. Not really in the mood to either xD despite the movies not being the greatest, my response to this is there. Besides...not once did I imply Cadence shouldn't be liked because of.those faults. I even said....I still love her.

 

ANYWAY! Well said! I agree with most of this, and covered these in my first post. I'm aware that perhaps the reason she's lacking development....well...a personality to call her own basically...is to give kids a role model and sell. I've said there is nothing wrong with that. But the roles she fills is too dry and poorly executed for me to really appreciate it.

 

 

I'm not really expecting much from her. I.don't want this.overly complex character with many details...hell we already have 6 of those if you don't count some.of the supporting characters like the CMC, Luna, Discord etc.

 

I just wish her execution was more "original" and that she had more of her own personality. She's sweet and kind and wonderful, but as someone said, so is Celestia. Her design is the perfect princess...but younger. It's possible her other reason for her existence is to be that older sister figure for Twilight just to expose that sort of bond. But Cadence has the potential to honestly become her own pony.

 

And despite there being a back story and development in the comics, they should integrate that somewhere in the series because not everyone has access to that knowledge. Who knows? Perhaps that's Hasbros plan all along. To present a fairly perfect character with a dry personality you CAN'T help but to love and is willing to buy the needed material to know more about her. *shrugs*

Those changes seem so cliche it hurt. She was just as generic as they all came that I didn't even notice her in the movies.

Edited October 21, 2015 by cider float

[Silver Stream. 708]

Those changes seem so cliche it hurt. She was just as generic as they all came that I didn't even notice her in the movies.

 

It must have been very extreme for you to claim you didn't notice a main character that was pretty much the focus and the hero at the end of both movies. I'm not even sure what sort of changes you were expecting throughout her redemption. If anything, it wasn't a cliche but then again, our perspectives on the matter are different. But I won't go into the details....I'll save that if a Sunset convo ever pops up

[Lulaypp 2,556]

Cadence and Luna are my favourite princesses and I REALLY would love to see more of her. Probably a bit more on her history? Like how she became and Alicorn in the first place. We need something on that! Or an episode dedicated for her!

[Silver Stream. 708]

Cadence and Luna are my favourite princesses and I REALLY would love to see more of her. Probably a bit more on her history? Like how she became and Alicorn in the first place. We need something on that! Or an episode dedicated for her!

I hear that her story in how she became an Alicorn is in the IDW comics c:

[Lulaypp 2,556]

I hear that her story in how she became an Alicorn is in the IDW comics c:

But I thought the comics and the series doesn't really share the same story line?