The Capacity for Fandom Backlash

[Regent 77]

Lets look back at Season 5 Premier - Episodes 1 and 2. The entire mane six are sent by the brand new Cutie Map to a distant village in order to find and solve a problem. The map never says what the problem is, it just sends you there and leaves it up to you to figure out what's going on. This is the first time they see it, so neither they, nor the viewer know what to expect.

Instead of a problem, they discover a harmonious place lead and choreographed by a beloved charismatic leader, Starlight Glimmer.

 

We know the rest of that story, it's a favorite for a lot of us. But what I'm wondering is this:

 

What if that show ended differently?

 

What if, instead of fighting Starlight's efforts to make everyone equally lame and convincing ponies that Starlight was a fraud who manipulates them, they understand, agree, and don't fight her?

 

 

Would you still watch? Would you stay in the fandom? What would it take for a fandom backlash?

 

 

I'm asking because I'm curious if there's anything the shows writers can do wrong that could drive you all away from it.

 

 

Also, what are some examples you can think of where that happens (in or outside of the fandom)?

[Stolen OC 12]

I mean, I just don't think that that would be much of a show. In the unlikely event that the writers managed to make it interesting, I'd still watch it. Most likely though, I would stop watching, not because of any kind of angry 'backlash' but rather because the show just wouldn't be worth watching.

 

This show has taken so many wrong turns, at this point I'm not sure if there's any direction it could go which would make me immediately jump-ship. I suppose if show hard-integrated with EqG that might do it. Otherwise I'd at least give it a try before leaving the fandom.

Edited January 8, 2017 by Stolen OC

[Regent 77]

I like your answer. It's how I feel too, and I bet more dedicated fans can accept more punishment, and I imagine the artists and writers responsible for the show may even be aware of that, cutting costs and corners when they can get away with it.

 

Truthfully though, my hypothetical situation is really about politics and a uh... certain group's tolerance for point blank lies and betrayal. When I made the connection between politics and cartoon fandoms I realized it might explain why people can so easily accept it. When their elected leaders do a poor job or go back on their word, they give them the benefit of the doubt and try to explain it away. Eventually there's a breaking point, which I guess is where politicians end up if they expend all of their political capital on things that either don't work or actively make matters worse.

 

I really wish i could go more into this, but I don't think I can without the thread getting moved and locking myself out until I reach the required post count. Anyone who wants to talk about it needs to keep it on the fandom topic. It's basically the same and that's a useful discussion too.

 

It's like with Star Wars or Star Trek, fans can take a lot of bad to get the good. Sometimes it's like they're starving and they're happy to get anything at all... like an abusive relationship.

 

Suffice it to say, we can stand to be a little more critical of the things we love.

Edited January 9, 2017 by Regent

[Lambdadelta 1,462]

Whenever i decide to be a dedicated fan to one series, i will stay with my ship until it sinks, how tragic i am...  .