spoiler "The Times They Are A Changeling" Synopsis now up

[Truffles 2,033]

 

 

Looks like we have our Spike episode number two this season! I somehow have the feeling that it's gonna be about Spike befriending the changeling. That would give him some development! I'm already hyped for this!

 

Thinking about how this story could play out a little further, the other possibility is instead of Spike befriending a changeling, he switches into "voice of reason" mode throughout the episode and tries to get everypony in the Empire to not panic and stop suspecting one another.

 

There are lots of different ways the episode could go. Should make for a pretty compelling episode nonetheless!

[FlareGun45 2,221]

Thinking about how this story could play out a little further, the other possibility is instead of Spike befriending a changeling, he switches into "voice of reason" mode throughout the episode and tries to get everypony in the Empire to not panic and stop suspecting one another.

 

There are lots of different ways the episode could go. Should make for a pretty compelling episode nonetheless!

 

I very much prefer him befriending the changeling, but hey, your second option could happen as well!

[Truffles 2,033]

I very much prefer him befriending the changeling, but hey, your second option could happen as well!

 

As do I, since it tugs on the heartstrings more effectively due to how such a premise hits closer to home for Spike: Him being the only known dragon living in Equestria proper would explain how he could find a kindred spirit in a "wayward" (as in one who has turned away from Chrysalis) changeling who is just trying to lay low and live a normal life as a disguised pony.

 

But, I'm just throwing out all the possibilities here. And as you stated in another thread, the synopsis could even be wrong about this being the second of three Spike episodes. (I hope not, though - this is a good vehicle for his character since it relatable to him like I described above.)

[FlareGun45 2,221]

As do I, since it tugs on the heartstrings more effectively due to how such a premise hits closer to home for Spike: Him being the only known dragon living in Equestria proper would explain how he could find a kindred spirit in a "wayward" (as in one who has turned away from Chrysalis) changeling who is just trying to lay low and live a normal life as a disguised pony.

 

But, I'm just throwing out all the possibilities here. And as you stated in another thread, the synopsis could even be wrong about this being the second of three Spike episodes. (I hope not, though - this is a good vehicle for his character since it relatable to him like I described above.)

 

Yeah it does sound better! I'm willing to sacrifice Pony POV for this! But Every Little Thing She Does, noooooooo! I think that episode would open up a new gateway between Spike's friendships with both Starlight and Rarity! Unless, I'm wrong and I'm hoping for too much, but ya get me!

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,162]

I'm really liking the vibes I'm getting from the second half of the season. Changeling spies? Oooo, looks like a certain Queen may have plans for the Crystal Empire.

 

Still wish for more Sombra though...one can hope though.

[SBaby 660]

You know, I realize that the season has been a bit weak in the eyes of many fans of the series.  But I think it would be pretty cool if they did a Countdown to Destruction-esque finale to the season (if you don't know what Countdown to Destruction is, look it up, it's awesome; I don't think many people realize how close that show came to outright ending on that season finale).  I think that would probably make this season way better in the eyes of many people, even though I don't think it would involve the Changelings, since I think this might be a reformation.

Edited July 14, 2016 by SBaby

[Dynamo Pad 11,510]

After reading the synopsis, this sounds like an interesting episode. It's nice that we get to see Sunburst and Flurry Heart again. It will be something to see the ponies in the Crystal Empire not trusting others because of changelings being able to turn into other ponies to not be suspicious. It would be pretty cool on how a changeling would want to keep away from the other changelings and Chrysalis, and live their life in peace. I'm really looking forward to how the episode will play out. 

[PoisonClaw 8,166]

Huh... Well, I'll be. Looks like that theory about the end of The Crystalling was true after all. For the longest time, people said the black dot you can barely see flying towards the Crystal Empire right before the credits rolled was a changeling, and I thought they were all seeing what wasn't there. And yet, shock of all shocks, that may have very well been intentional foreshadowing.

 

Also, someone just posted this:

 

Look at how cute he is!

[Swifty 249]

Look at how cute he is!

I wonder how many ponies this cute changeling dragged to misery. Well, maybe they will undo the grimdark shit from the comics, at least. Ha, who am i kidding. Not gonna happen. Probably there is no lore at all.

Edited July 17, 2016 by Swifty

[Mesme Rize 15,687]

Also, someone just posted this:

 

Look at how cute he is!

 

hmm...i wonder if he is potty trained. XD

 

Seriously though, this pic alone made me hopeful for the episode, because believe it or not, i have a very soft spot for cutesy stuff and this pic presses all the right buttons on me. <3

 

Maybe Spike can be like a brother figure for him. Not necessarily father though, since that would be a bit unrealistic.

[Sonic5421 428]

Huh... Well, I'll be. Looks like that theory about the end of The Crystalling was true after all. For the longest time, people said the black dot you can barely see flying towards the Crystal Empire right before the credits rolled was a changeling, and I thought they were all seeing what wasn't there. And yet, shock of all shocks, that may have very well been intentional foreshadowing.

 

Also, someone just posted this:

 

Look at how cute he is!

 

Spike befriending him is just one step to what will happen in the episode. The promo still shows Shining Armor and Cadance reacting in disbelief and shock at Spike having befriended one of their sworn enemies since A Canterlot Wedding, so it might take some effort on Spike's part to convince them that the Changeling he befriended has severed ties with Chrysalis and her Swarm and just wants asylum in the Empire.

[Wardaddy 470]

It will be nice to possibly see Cadance and Shining Armor again, but knowing that Queen Chrysalis could be making a return will really be the main thing on their minds since they both know she is coming back seeking revenge on them for her defeat back in A Canterlot Wedding, and if Chrysalis' revenge involves Flurry Heart, that will really have Cadance and Shining Armor paranoid, fearing what would happen if Chrysalis was able to kidnap their daughter as part of her revenge against them.

 

Either way, it does confirm that the shape we saw flying towards the Empire at the end of The Crystalling was possibly a Changeling scout preparing for Chrysalis' siege by infiltrating the Empire to inspect the defenses and Flurry Heart so Chrysalis can plan her attack accordingly. Let's hope that Sunburst and Twilight are ready for it.

Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for this?! I'm mentally beaming at the thought of a Changeling spy, even more so a Changeling assault!

 

I mean, it's only bloody logical. A villain like Chrysalis would only retaliate after a shock defeat. Her victory in the S2 finale seemed so certain and all. Or at least it would have been thanks to the foolishness of seven certain ponies.

[Sonic5421 428]

Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for this?! I'm mentally beaming at the thought of a Changeling spy, even more so a Changeling assault!

 

I mean, it's only bloody logical. A villain like Chrysalis would only retaliate after a shock defeat. Her victory in the S2 finale seemed so certain and all. Or at least it would have been thanks to the foolishness of seven certain ponies.

 

Well, from the teaser scene in the promo, Spike befriends the Changeling, so that one might have broken off and severed ties with Chrysalis and the Changeling Swarm, but since Shining Armor and Cadence still bear the scars of their wedding day on their minds, it is only fair that they are unwilling to accept Spike having befriended one of their sworn arch-enemies so quickly due to their own past trauma with them. I'm sure Spike will be spending the episode proving to the royal parents that that Changeling has reformed for the better, especially if it is to warn them of Chrysalis' impending siege in the finale as part of her revenge plot against the Captain of the Royal Guard and the Princess of Love.

[FlareGun45 2,221]

For this episode, I got the feeling Twilight's just gonna spend the majority of the episode with Flurry Heart, and it's mostly just gonna star Spike, the changeling, Cadance, Shining Armor, and Sunburst. Shining might be the main antagonist of this episode considering his look in the promo (not towards Spike mainly but towards the changeling), and Cadance might have mixed feelings about this, and maybe Spike's only support might be Sunburst since y'know, Starlight, who did more damage to Equestria than the changelings, and he accepted her right off the bat! 

[Jeric 46,866]

For this episode, I got the feeling Twilight's just gonna spend the majority of the episode with Flurry Heart, and it's mostly just gonna star Spike, the changeling, Cadance, Shining Armor, and Sunburst. Shining might be the main antagonist of this episode considering his look in the promo (not towards Spike mainly but towards the changeling), and Cadance might have mixed feelings about this, and maybe Spike's only support might be Sunburst since y'know, Starlight, who did more damage to Equestria than the changelings, and he accepted her right off the bat!

I caught that too. I would be disappointed if they didn't play up the protective parent angle, especially with Shining who would not have to emotionally balance between the citizens of the Crystal Empire and Flurry Heart like Cadance would.

 

Besides the outsider protecting an outsider theme, I am also interested to see if they address the Changeling ability to feed off of love. Is it absolute requirement due to surivival and a substitute would be needed, or is it an optional ability.

[Allen 1,389]

Yes! Sunburst returns and Flurry Heart reappears!  We take place at the Crystal Empire once again like the sixth season premiere. Just one changeling that's fine (don't worry, he's not that bad nor harm any ponies). ​

[Starbright Sparkle 55]

i knew it ! Dx  Crystal empire again ?? geez cant think of a new place or what ? at least make it a new place about the changeling spy or something....

[Truffles 2,033]

i knew it ! Dx  Crystal empire again ?? geez cant think of a new place or what ? at least make it a new place about the changeling spy or something....

I think they chose the Crystal Empire because that's where the two ponies that have the biggest reason to despise changelings live. I suspect a big part of the plot will be Spike having to convince Cadence and Shining Armor his new friend isn't a threat, and it will be interesting if they are, for lack of a better term, "tragic antagonists" in this episode.

[wardomatic 370]

I worked on this episode! And, for the record, the Zap2It's description does indeed have a typo. That's all I'm going to say there. 

[FlareGun45 2,221]

I worked on this episode! And, for the record, the Zap2It's description does indeed have a typo. That's all I'm going to say there. 

 

Yeah, "due to the reported presence of Changeling spy". 

 

Someone don't English good, or word good.  You don't need to work on the show to see that. XD

Edited July 25, 2016 by MegaSean45

[Truffles 2,033]

I worked on this episode! And, for the record, the Zap2It's description does indeed have a typo. That's all I'm going to say there. 

 

I'm going to assume they did indeed mean to say "Starlight" instead of "Sunburst", but say no more - we'll find out soon enough! 

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

A prelude to the Season Finale?  Queen Chrysalis striking the Crystal Empire?

The Changeling Empire Strikes Back

[Truffles 2,033]

One thing I'm curious about is whether Spike is still holding to his Dragon Code and will say he owes this changeling a life debt for saving him from falling into what looks like an abyss? Or has he quietly discarded that notion after the events of "Spike at Your Service?"

 

I guess if Spike saves the changeling from the Elemental Death Beams of the princesses or the Crystal Heart, then the debt is repaid. If it happens early enough in the episode, it wouldn't play much of a part in the plot, anyway.

[Aurora Glimmer 494]

I worked on this episode! And, for the record, the Zap2It's description does indeed have a typo. That's all I'm going to say there. 

If you don't mind me asking, what part of this episode did you work on: story or animation?

Edited July 27, 2016 by Silvestra Spooner

[wardomatic 370]

If you don't mind me asking, what part of this episode did you work on: story or animation?

 

I was one of the storyboard artists for this episode. As you probably well know, each MLP episode has two board artists. The other one for this ep was Hanna Lee. 

Yeah, "due to the reported presence of Changeling spy". 

 

Someone don't English good, or word good.  You don't need to work on the show to see that. XD

That's not the part I was referring to.