spoiler "To Where and Back Again" Thoughts and review

[Firedog 320]

What did you think of the episode and whats your opinion?

Edited October 7, 2016 by Firedog

[silvadel 1,393]

I think Trixie is the best Vash.

[Concerned Bystander 2,903]

Not sure if it's safe to openly discuss this episode yet given the bizarre way it came out.

 

 

I'm not a huge fan of Starlight Shimmer but it was good to see some of the lesser used characters getting some of the limelight for a change.  And although it was disappointing that they reformed the Changelings I was unspeakably relieved when Chrysalis fled with promises of revenge rather than being reformed herself.

 

[Castle Bleck 19,380]

Definitely somewhere between "gud" and "amaze!!"

[SunsetBaconDrive 169]

RANKING:

 

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[Princess_Bellalatanya 1,053]

this episode was the best mlp ever!

1-freing of mane 6 and princesses asnd shining

2-changelings get new ruler

3-changelings transformation

4-changelings and ponies are now cool ^^

5-starligh proved to herself she was redeemed

[ParadoxicalOutcome 44]

The episode was 10/10 until they reformed the entire changeling hive in less than a minute. But it's still a solid 8.5/10. What I actually wanted them to do was to have Thorax's suggestion of sharing love be proven impossible by Chyrsalis and Starlight having to defeat her not with friendship, but good old cleverness and combat. Also wanted for there to be a moment where, after Starlight and Discord regained their magic, they get too carried away and end up demolishing the hive. And then we have an emotional scene where Chyrsalis blankly stares at the demolished hive as changelings fall from the sky around her, while Starlight and Discord sudenly realise they're slipping back into their villain personalities as the now-freed captives stare with wildy differing reactions from being completely unfazed (Luna, Shining Armor) to horrified (Fluttershy and Twilight). I think there should ahve also been more characters on the team, such as-

 

"Uh... Quibble?"

 

Sorry.

 

But even I knew that was just a dream, the writers would never do something like that. But then at first, I thought that was the direction they were going from some of Chyrsalis's lines ("You don't know anything about changelings, or what it takes to be their queen!" I was at the edge of my seat). But alas, the ending happened... Can I rant for a second?

 

I'm not normally one to dislike an episode because of a single part of it, but I really, really disliked how they dealt with Chyrsalis. Seriously, she KNEW that Changelings didn't have to starve?! Well, so much for my theory that Chyrsalis was never really evil because she had to attack the ponies to feed her hive, and was simply too overambitious for her own good. Can we have a SINGLE villain that doesn't have "gain more magical/political power for myself because screw everyone/pony else" as their motivation? Nope, they end up making her into a self-absorbed tyrannical ruler that lets her race starve because she is against our protagonists, so she has to be undisputably evil!

 

Also, the reformed changelings... Ugh. I thought they would just gain Thorax's sparkly wings, and I would be completely satisifed with that, but nope, they all turned into... Bug-Pony-Deer like somethings with a color scheme that fits right in with badly made OC's and low- quality toys. And Thorax just plain doesn't look anything like Thorax anymore. Atleast when other characters transformed, even with Rainbow Power, you could atleast tell who they were. I wouldn't guess that was Thorax if they didn't make it so obvious by having him first turn alone. The huge size with the royal look doesn't suit him at all (Even though I'm kinda glad we finally have a male ruler on the "good" side)! He was a good character because he was so awkward and meek, always feeling like he didn't belong. Turning him into this ruler figure just plain looks wrong.

 

Ok. Ok... I'm done. As for the rest of the finale... PERFECT! The back and forth between Discord and Trixie was great, Starlight internally freaking out while trying to keep the others from freaking out, The scene at the beginning... ish where Starlight freaked out and Trixie has to escort her away with her great and powerful smoke pellets (Also, I love the little hint of what Starligt may be going thorugh, She cast the exact same spell she did back in the Season 5 premiere when everypony surrounded her), Trixie's "I'm just a simple performer!" freak-out, Thorax being so confident about his ability to navigate the hive and then going "We're lost.". Anyway, maybe I should look at the reformed changeling designs later after I get some sleep, hopefully I'm just exaggerating because of lack of sleep.

 

EDIT: Corrected spelling errors, added a funny bit (Atleast to me)

Edited October 7, 2016 by ParadoxicalOutcome

[Midnight Seashell 206]

It was interesting to see former villains save the heroes but this makes me think that the changelings can be corrupted and when Thorax and the reformed ones began to share love they became uncorrupted changelings.

[Buttonmash1973 1,026]

Most meh season finale. 7/10

[bluseymoe 258]

"...What the hell was that?!"

-Krusty the Klown

 

Sums up my feelings perfectly.

[Dynamo Pad 11,462]

I really liked the episode and I thought it was pretty good. I liked the group that joined up with Starlight in rescuing Twilight and the others. I also liked the interaction between the group and the way they worked together. It was cool how the changelings hive was able to change like Thorax and their new design looks cool. I'm also glad that Chrysalis didn't get reformed because she doesn't seem like the type of character to be reformed, in my opinion. All in all these were good episodes and a nice finale to the season. 

[GeekySonic 1,150]

I don't know what it was about Chrysalis. The eyes, her motion. SOMETHING about her design just looked better than in Canterlot Wedding. I was iffy about reforming the Changelings like that, especially so fast.

 

Anyhoo, I had fun. That's what counts.

[Steve Piranha 29,440]

I have to say, this is one of the strongest season finales in FiM yo 

 

 

-After a rather (understandably) divisive opinions about Starlight, I'm glad this episode gave her a chance to shine

-Not only her, but with her are the newcomer Thorax, Discord, and the most unlikely of them all, Trix

-Each one served a purpose and Trix-Discord dynamic was funny

-They avoided catching the idiot ball so severely

-While most of the changelings were reformed, it was a nice break seeing that Chrisy did not, with a promise of payback

 

[MLPFanatic34 3,234]

I did like the finale and loved Discord, Trixie, Thorax and Starlight's chemistry and enjoyed Trixie and Discord bickering, they reminded me of a old married couple. I honestly didn't have a issue with the changelings reforming, I was just glad Queen Chrysalis didn't. My only issue with the finale was the ending was a little rushed, other than that a good finale.

[SaburoDaimando 1,196]

My only disappointment with the episode: No Musical number to close out the Season.  That's un-orthodox.  What do you want them to sing: Stan Bush's The Touch?

[Unlikeable Pony 2,698]

Good second episode, terribly boring first episode. Really enjoyed the second one giving secondary characters a chance to shine, and discord and trixie's interactions were great. Also found thorax's role to be a nicely set up thing, though I would MUCH rather have had only half the changelings turn good.

So, its kind of weird. I want to give this a "good" rating, but due to the first episode being so freaking slow, I can't give it more than an average rating.

 

 

Please get rid of starlight hasbro, PLEASE. Ugh >.<
the fact that we'll probably have more of her crammed down our throat next season is not encouraging :X

I will say that she very nicely acted a foil to chrysalis at the end in her speech, but past that, easily the weakest part of the episode. BY FAR. Luckily delancy was at a 10/10 and trixie and thorax were giving it solid performances as well.

 

 

I have to say, this is one of the strongest season finales in FiM yo 

 

 

-After a rather (understandably) divisive opinions about Starlight, I'm glad this episode gave her a chance to shine

-Not only her, but with her are the newcomer Thorax, Discord, and the most unlikely of them all, Trix

-Each one served a purpose and Trix-Discord dynamic was funny

-They avoided catching the idiot ball so severely

-While most of the changelings were reformed, it was a nice break seeing that Chrisy did not, with a promise of payback

 

Going to be honest, I felt the episode shined DESPITE her, not BECAUSE of her. The real stars were discord, thorax and trixie; starlight was kind of just... There.

[Brainstorm 4,112]

It was cool, I'm glad that Starlight, Trixie, Thorax. and Discord saved the day.

 

I like Thorax's new form, it's cool.

Also, I think it'll be good example of the good and bad changelings.

[Truffles 2,033]

I guess I know how all the fans who disliked Twilight's ascension felt now, since I feel the same way about Thorax's change due to his ascension. =/

 

The took an interesting character and gave him the "Beauty and the Beast" treatment by turning him into the changeling equivalent of a hunk and now he's boring.

 

What's worse, he was a great example of a character that proved you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but that lesson is thrown out the window since he no longer has his intimidating bug form.

Edited October 8, 2016 by Truffles

[BastementSparkle 20,328]

I really liked it, the focus on the secondary characters this time around was great. Especially loved the adorableness of Starlight and Trixie, and all the banter between Discord and Trixie. It's an entire 2-parter with very little focus on the Mane Six, and that'd something new. The return of Chrysalis was great, since she's one of my favorite villains in the show, and overall I just had a great time watching this.

 

 Also, don't care what anyone says, new Changeling forms are gorgeous and I love them.

 

 

 

Please get rid of starlight hasbro, PLEASE. Ugh >.<

 

I feel like the more hate I see for Starlight, the more it makes me love her, she's moving up my favorites list incredibly quick now. 

 

 Sorry you don't like her, but I'm really hoping she sticks around.

[Ganondorf8 11,370]

Here are my reactions to both parts as I posted them on Equestria Daily.

 

Part 1.

 

 

While it definitely put Starlight into the role of leader, there are some issues that do need to be addressed. The pace goes by relatively quickly as though they wanted to put so much in at once without taking a breather. Also, how did the Changelings succeed in their plans to replace everyone? It just happened without an explanation.

 

Oh, and judging from the featued performers, they wanted to add in a lot of characters. Speaking of the Changelings, it was pretty obvious something was wrong when the one posing as Pinkie talked. On a positive note, I liked the consistency with Thorax coming back, Trixie still being Starlight's best friend, Twilight being jealous of the idea, and bringing back a former villain as opposed to a new one. Oh, and Discord's presence can be seen as a mixed blessing.

 

You knew no Changeling could impersonate him die to his powers, but then he does give Starlight an overpowered edge.

 

 

 

 

Part 2.

 

 

Now I definitely wasn't expecting that. I was really impressed with how Chrysalis' castle operated what with all the twists and turns. No wonder only Changelings could figure their way around there. The throne being the source of the magic blocking was a tired cliche, but I was intrigued by how Starlight and company couldn't rely on using magic to survive. Discord and Trixie make an excellent odd-couple what with their constant bantering to the annoyance of Starlight.

 

Chrysalis was as evil as ever and I am so glad that she didn't reform--I don't think the fandom could've handled it. The new Changeling designs look really weird and it was Thorax who saved the day. With Starlight herself, she didn't really get to shine all that much. I mean, she had a good speech and all, but her repeated harps about her not having magic got old.

 

Thorax was in the same boat. He didn't get to do much until the end when he changed--no pun intended. Also, we still didn't find out how the Changelings captured everyone. Another odd thing was that there was no song, a standard for season finales. Oh, and don't get me started with how the ending well, ended so quickly. They really should consider a three part epic as opposed to just a two-parter. Overall, I'm not sure how to feel about this finale.

 

The first part was really good despite some obvious flaws, yet the second part feels like a bit of a let-down. The character chemistry was good even though again, Starlight and Thorax weren't utilized that much. The same can be said with the captives. They were just there and contributed nothing. The new Changeling design will take some time to get used to, but the first impression isn't good. I'm going to give this one about an 89% out of 100. It's a good finale, yes, but problems do plague it that bring it down slightly.

 

[Katze 198]

Where did you even see this, it hasn't aired yet!

[Photon Jet 5,491]

The season 6 finale was epic! I did like how even the secondary characters along with Starlight took an important role to play. Still, I think I found the ending to be a bit rushed but I'm definitely gonna watch both episodes again.

[Eggy0 103]

Where did you even see this, it hasn't aired yet!

Actually, it did air, just not on a US channel and not on October 22nd. It aired on a UK channel called TinyPop this Thursday and Friday and I think there are reruns of both parts this weekend.

 

Anyhow, I really like the season 6 finale. It's definitely my favorite finale now (right ahead of A Canterlot Wedding and just about passing Twilight's Kingdom). Queen Chrysalis was nice and creepy in this episode (especially her entrance in part 2), and I'm actually quite fond of the Changeling's new design (as opposed to many people, it seems). Yeah, I really loved their old looks too, but I'm always open for change as long as it's something that works and I think this change is wonderful.

I'm also glad they didn't reform Chrysalis. For a moment I thought she was going to accept friendship and I just kept thinking "nonononono please no" at that point, but I was deeply relieved when she refused anyway.

About the Changelings reedeming quickly, my own justification is that they lived in hunger for love for far too long wanting to satisfy it and, when they saw one of their own who satisfied his hunger permanently by accepting friendship into his life, they decided to do what Thorax did regardless of the fact he was a traitor because at the very least it would mean not being hungry all the time anymore.

As for there being no explanation how the princesses, Mane 6, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart got captured, here's my theory: the Changelings would have to be godly powerful or super lucky to capture them all in one go, so they would have to rely on deception and over-time execution. And by that I mean replacing each one of them one by one, probably starting by fooling and replacing one pony and then using that pony to work up towards their goal (replacing more ponies as they go) and doing their best to not get caught, and I'm sure some Changelings at least tried to get their personalities down (for example, the one mimicking Pinkie Pie tried to sound like fun-going normal Pinkie, although with holes in acting that immediately raised Starlight's suspicions). Hell, I'm convinced that at least one of them might've already been replaced before the finale even started (i.e. off-screen) or even during Starlight's trip to her old village (not very likely, though I don't doubt the trip could have lasted more than several days or so giving the Changelings time to act), given the fact we didn't get to see any of the rest of them besides the Mane 6 and Luna in part 1. That's how I picture it at least.

 

[Wind Chaser 4,768]

 

Absolutely impressive, worth the (reduced) wait given the average regular episodes we got this season. I think the early release did it a disservice because we all couldn't see it at the same time, given the more spoiler-averse ones among us.

 

Though this season's regular episodes were largely very safe, this episode managed to stitch together some of the more unique aspects from the better episodes and have this season's breakout writer (Mike Vogel) on staff.

 

It managed to bring back one of the more requested loose ends with Starlight's return to Our Town. Although I question the creative choice to not have it be the focus of a regular episode given the relatively thin subject matter of some of the episodes that did get made, at least it was addressed and we finally got to see the unlikely heroes of "The Cutie Map" return.

 

Speaking of unlikely heroes, it's by and large the episode's strongest suit, making callbacks to some of the better-remembered episodes this season. Both the Mane 6 and the Princesses needed to be bailed out for once, and though we haven't yet gotten the "all of Equestria pitches in to save itself" two-parter I've wanted to see for about two seasons now, it's especially interesting to see the hero ball be passed to redemptive characters; an extra win given how easily the fandom is won over by these types of characters.

 

The four heroes all provide an interesting contrast in personality, with the more cautious and reluctant Starlight and Thorax contrasting the boisterous, clashing, and bickering Discord and Trixie. Even though Starlight is the de jure leader of the group, in truth each one takes the lead and brings their own talent and ideas to the table at different points in the episode.

 

Discord brought one of his better performances, (far better than "Dungeons and Discords" IMO) although he seems to be less and less like Q and more like an irreverent yet morally squeaky-clean good guy by the day. Though I'm not a fan of Trixie, her callbacks to "No Second Prances" and moments with Starlight gave the episode some depth, and her quibbles with Discord were entertaining (although I root for Discord's playful wit over Trixie's dry sarcasm every time; if there's one character here you don't talk down to, it's Discord). Thankfully and as predicted, we got more of Thorax and his presence is actually very meaningful and essential for the ponies' needs. It shows just how powerful the connections made by friendship can be.

 

I'm glad they didn't go the route of reforming Queen Chrysalis, although I do wonder what good leaving that arc open will do down the road. Speaking of arcs, Starlight Glimmer continues to show advancement, but one can only wonder what her endgame is and how other characters factor into it.

 

It's a shame we only get episodes like this twice a season, because I think the show needs a little more of it now. I think it's a great way to end Season 6 and gives them plenty to work with in Season 7, although that means the regular episodes will have to account for changes in format to keep up.

 

[ParadoxicalOutcome 44]

About the Changelings reedeming quickly, my own justification is that they lived in hunger for love for far too long wanting to satisfy it and, when they saw one of their own who satisfied his hunger permanently by accepting friendship into his life, they decided to do what Thorax did regardless of the fact he was a traitor because at the very least it would mean not being hungry all the time anymore.

As for there being no explanation how the princesses, Mane 6, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart got captured, here's my theory: the Changelings would have to be godly powerful or super lucky to capture them all in one go, so they would have to rely on deception and over-time execution. And by that I mean replacing each one of them one by one, probably starting by fooling and replacing one pony and then using that pony to work up towards their goal (replacing more ponies as they go) and doing their best to not get caught, and I'm sure some Changelings at least tried to get their personalities down (for example, the one mimicking Pinkie Pie tried to sound like fun-going normal Pinkie, although with holes in acting that immediately raised Starlight's suspicions). Hell, I'm convinced that at least one of them might've already been replaced before the finale even started (i.e. off-screen) or even during Starlight's trip to her old village (not very likely, though I don't doubt the trip could have lasted more than several days or so giving the Changelings time to act), given the fact we didn't get to see any of the rest of them besides the Mane 6 and Luna in part 1. That's how I picture it at least.

What if the reason Celestia looked so bored at "No Seond Prances" and never spoke on screen was because she already was replaced, and Twilight didn't notice rhe oddity because she was really worried about Starlight not showing up?

 

EDIT: I forgot to add three words that made it so my comment made little sense.

Edited October 8, 2016 by ParadoxicalOutcome