Starlight's role in the show now seems clear (Hint: She's not a main character)

[Conred 274]

She was always a Discord tier reccuring character

[Slashy 101]

I think she's still at least Spike level of appearance so far. Spike is left out of the mane six capers sometimes.

After Season 2 this was a rare occurrence, don't forget he was present in Newbie Dash while Starlight still wasn't.

[SBaby 660]

Not true.

Cadence and shining armor are a good example here: They've been in and heavily featured in 3 two parters: Canterlot wedding, The crystal empire and now The crystaling.

They're not mane characters, they're just secondary characters, like luna, celestia and discord.

 

 

speaking of discord: He was in ROH, Princess twilight sparkle and Twilight's kingdom as a heavyily important character.

 

True, but the difference there is they are royalty, and they are directly related to Twilight.  If you want to talk about royalty, then Celestia and Luna have been featured in more episodes than any other side characters in the entire series (being mentioned at least once in almost every episode).  They've clearly been around enough to be major characters, and not just side characters.

 

Since Starlight is not only being mentored by Twilight, but has been in so many 2-parters, it's pretty clear that she's at least considered by the show to be a major character, and there is a real chance that something is being planned for her.

 

 

The other thing to consider is this:  There is a movie coming out next year.  Historically, any time Hasbro releases a theatrical movie based on an already-established series, there is a major change in the status quo.  Hasbro is a toy company first and a cartoon company second.  This is what many people forget.  Hasbro doesn't consider ratings to be the top priority.  Toy sales are.  Those are their ratings.  If toys don't sell well, then Hasbro does something to add new toy lines to boost the sales.  This is why the show keeps getting new characters and why we keep seeing so many things change.

 

People tend to get passionate when talking about this series, because they are very devoted fans to it.  And because of that, they often forget the basic ways that Hasbro operates and makes money.  But the thing is, I have a very strong feeling that people who forget this are going to be in for a shock when the movie comes out.  And it's possible that Starlight might tie into this.

[FlareGun45 2,221]

Know what I think? I think the friends that Starlight made this season, including Sunburst, Spike, and Trixie, they along with two more friends are going to assist the Mane Six in saving the day in the finale. That's what I believe is gonna happen.

[Aurora Glimmer 494]

If the writers wanted to make Starlight a main character, they would've handled her redemption differently. Each of those scenes in Starlight's redemption montage could've been an episode unto itself, with Starlight learning a different lesson about friendship and earning the trust of each individual member of the Mane Six in the process. Starlight's redemption arc could've finished off with her making amends with the Equal Four and being accepted into the Mane Six after helping them defeat Season 6's big bad in the finale.

 

That being said, if Starlight was created as a means for developing Twilight Sparkle, it makes sense the writers didn't bother with a "proper" redemption for her.

Edited May 30, 2016 by Silvestra Spooner

[pony.colin 156]

At this point in S6 I guess I can come to an early assessment and say that I agree with most of everything stated in the OP.  At this point, I wouldn't be surprised to see Starlight Glimmer leaving the mane ensemble some time in the future (even perhaps soon) because I had partially perceived Starlight joining the mane ensemble only temporarily as a means for rehabilitation and for also giving Twilight an opportunity for herself to become a teacher.  This seemed like it was only going to be short-term anyways, not for the long haul I'm guessing atm.

[Sintanan 151]

Why do I get this sinking feeling that Starlight will claim a new Element of Harmony at the end of Season 6 and save the day?

Quite possibly due to the fact the season finale is named The Seventh Element.

[Unlikeable Pony 2,698]

Quite possibly due to the fact the season finale is named The Seventh Element.

Oh not the fake leaked named things again XD

 

Personally, as far as fake names go, I liked "flurry heart of the swarm" better for the finale's title

[cider float 2,538]

There was already three Starlight episodes so far in one season. Even Spike doesn't get that much royalty.

[cmarston1 5,959]

There was already three Starlight episodes so far in one season. Even Spike doesn't get that much royalty.

Season 4 had Power Ponies, Inspiration Manifestation, and Equestria Games.

All of which were episodes dedicated to Spike, and yet he still isn't considered to be as important as the mane 6.

The same thing could apply to Starlight Glimmer.

[Unlikeable Pony 2,698]

There was already three Starlight episodes so far in one season. Even Spike doesn't get that much royalty.

 

Season 4 had Power Ponies, Inspiration Manifestation, and Equestria Games.

All of which were episodes dedicated to Spike, and yet he still isn't considered to be as important as the mane 6.

The same thing could apply to Starlight Glimmer.

 

 

It seems pretty similar to discord in season 4 IMO.

Discord had a huge part in the Premier, had a big episode for himself with three's a crowd and then had the finale involve him almost as much as Tirek. And Discord's not one of the mane six, and was toned down after S4 in involvement.

 

I'm hoping she goes the way of discord and stops being featured that much after this season (Of course, this is probably the LAST season, so its small comfort there). Actually, would rather she get more the celestia treatment, in being booted out almost completely, since while Discord is entertaining, Starlight is not.

[Conred 274]

It seems pretty similar to discord in season 4 IMO.

Discord had a huge part in the Premier, had a big episode for himself with three's a crowd and then had the finale involve him almost as much as Tirek. And Discord's not one of the mane six, and was toned down after S4 in involvement.

 

I'm hoping she goes the way of discord and stops being featured that much after this season (Of course, this is probably the LAST season, so its small comfort there). Actually, would rather she get more the celestia treatment, in being booted out almost completely, since while Discord is entertaining, Starlight is not.

 

Yeah, she's much less interesting than Discord since her character is very similar to Sunset Shimmer in both perosnality and her background as a reformed villain.

 

Discord was first villain who became a reccuring character. THEN we got Sunset, and now we are copying the copy. This is becoming tiresome and Starlight is surely dragging this show down. So maybe this being the last season isn't that bad of a concept.

[Marimo 555]

There was already three Starlight episodes so far in one season. Even Spike doesn't get that much royalty.

He got 3 episodes in season 4, in season 3 had 2 regular episodes and had a lot of focus in the premiere, and I believe Jim has hinted that there will be 2 more Spike episodes this season after Gauntlet of Fire.

[powerpuff-tsubasa 448]

i've alwayd thought starlight would be the secondary main character if she appeared all of season 6. after all. she is twilight's student and she should test herself on multiple friendship problems

[Goat-kun 2,527]

You speak to me of the threat of Starlight Glimmer. But do not forget: they came as six.

 

And for a damn good reason! Whatever they might have concocted to elevate this miserable excuse of a character, one would do oneself much good by remembering how such sensationalism only precipitates the growth of blight throughout the seasons. When was the last time a character designed by a “coffee break committee” managed to enrich a show? These things work as jigsaws. They have created a character unneeded to complete the main picture.

 

Nerd, queen, jock, dandere, redneck, pixie. Who does Starlight represent? You? Even a Dark Magical Girl needs a personality that matters. Ah, so bright and transient is the flame of wish fulfillment. But I digress, even as a secondary character, they could have done much, much better. These interesting situations they have so graciously provided for this pony can’t keep pulling her out of manure forever. One day she will drown, wings, horns, elements, and all.

[Lambdadelta 1,462]

This season doesnt look like a last season to me, season 5 looks like a final season, season 3 looks like a final season, but none of them is the real conclusion of the series. They even create more new set ups, story arcs. This season look like a relaxing season after 2 heavy story arc seasons (maybe im wrong, but that is my speculation). If there are 6+ seasons, whats the role Starlight has in this series?

 

The most easy answer that many people want to hear is Starlight just serve as a part of Twilight's development then get the f#$k out... uh... I mean, she will return to her Our Town, reunite with her 4 lovely friend and *poof*, the character is successful erased. Yay!, Lily Peet will dance like a mad man after this...

 

...But no, I dont like at all. That just stupid, waste of time, they can just let Starlight returns to her town and reunite with Sunburst after season 5 finale and throw that character away. They keep that character for better purposes. Starlight may complete her friendship studies and use her abilities for the greater good (friendship is magic). She can be a part of friendship council. The map knows it all, it sends Twilight & friends to reform one of the most powerful unicorn in Equestria and assign her to Friendship Government lol , I think this is its "master plan" all along... .

I dont want Starlight to be a throwaway character like current Discord, I enjoyed her appearances so far.

[Zamasu 20]

She joined the main cast because it would be hard to continue the show without her and still keep it interesting.

If they get rid of her at the end of the season, they should just end the show.

[Aurora Glimmer 494]

If Lucky Clover's theory is correct, then maybe it simply wasn't practical for the writers to give Starlight's redemption the time and care it needed to be done correctly. Still, I think the writers could've done it better, even if Starlight isn't a main character.

 

She joined the main cast because it would be hard to continue the show without her and still keep it interesting.

If they get rid of her at the end of the season, they should just end the show.

On the other hand, there's no evidence she's going to appear in the movie - something that would be a sure thing if she were a seventh main character. For all we know, she might disappear at the end of the season.

Edited June 4, 2016 by Silvestra Spooner

[Unlikeable Pony 2,698]

She joined the main cast because it would be hard to continue the show without her and still keep it interesting.

 

 

saddle and row Review begs to differ (no starlight)

Starlight has brought nothing to the GROUP. The only pony she's actually impacted has been Twilight, for everyone else she seems to more or less not exist.

[Aurora Glimmer 494]

In a weird way, I wish she'd been introduced as a seventh main character. It likely would've meant the writers would've put more effort into her backstory and into properly reforming her.

Edited June 5, 2016 by Silvestra Spooner

[FlareGun45 2,221]

What I'm wondering is if Starlight's gonna ever appear as a supporting role in an episode, or just a slight vocal cameo without starring in an episode? I'd like to see her appear just in the beginning of the next episode. I won't say why cause River Song's quote.

 

BTW, her quote is 'spoilers', cause not all of you watch that show.

[Zamasu 20]

saddle and row Review begs to differ (no starlight)

Starlight has brought nothing to the GROUP. The only pony she's actually impacted has been Twilight, for everyone else she seems to more or less not exist.

nice.. one good episode without her when we are almost halfway through the season (and even then, it could be WAY better with Starlight).

 

Starlight was brilliant in every single episode she had in in S5 and S6... without her (or some kind of change/addition to the main cast) this show can maybe make 2-3 good episodes per season from now on... its way past its prime (S2 - S4).

Edited June 5, 2016 by Twily

[Concerned Bystander 2,902]

If there was any doubt about the veracity of the opening post I think it's been put to bed after this weekend.  Each of the mane six, also Spike and the CMC have had episodes so far this season, and Starlight Shimmer has not appeared in any of them except where she is appearing alongside Twilight.  They seem to be making sure that the rest of the mane six are kept well away, she's Twilight's toy, and nopony else is allowed to play with her.

 

There's still plenty of time for it to change, but so far she has indeed been there purely as a plot device for Twilight's benefit.

 

I for one, am okay with this.

[FlareGun45 2,221]

If there was any doubt about the veracity of the opening post I think it's been put to bed after this weekend.  Each of the mane six, also Spike and the CMC have had episodes so far this season, and Starlight Shimmer has not appeared in any of them except where she is appearing alongside Twilight.  They seem to be making sure that the rest of the mane six are kept well away, she's Twilight's toy, and nopony else is allowed to play with her.

 

There's still plenty of time for it to change, but so far she has indeed been there purely as a plot device for Twilight's benefit.

 

I for one, am okay with this.

 

Well Twilight, that's the main reason she's around, to continue Twilight's arc, but hey since she and Spike both live in the same castle and have a specific relationship with Twilight, I'm hoping for a Starlight and Spike episode. You ok with that too? I'm ok with either answer, cause opinions are opinions.

[Concerned Bystander 2,902]

Well Twilight, that's the main reason she's around, to continue Twilight's arc, but hey since she and Spike both live in the same castle and have a specific relationship with Twilight, I'm hoping for a Starlight and Spike episode. You ok with that too? I'm ok with either answer, cause opinions are opinions.

 

I think an episode with the two of them could work.  My main objection would be if they tried to shoehorn her in everywhere with no reason other than to add to her episode count.  So far, they have avoided doing that, which is good.  That's not to say that there is no place at all for her, and if an episode requires the presence of both her and Spike then I'd have no problem with that.