Spike since S6.

[CastletonSnob 3,079]

I've noticed that Spike has been written more consistently since The Crystalling. He's even finally had a couple of good episodes. He's also been less of a Butt Monkey, that one scene in Newbie Dash notwithstanding. What do you think led to this turnaround for Spike?

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,730]

Backlash? Writers who get the character? Could be either of those things. There was so much hatred for Spike at a time that there is no way they didn't notice some of it. Then of course there has to be some writers that know what makes him such a great character, though I feel like having him be focused on his positives isn't that difficult of a concept to grasp. Works a lot better than making him look like an idiot constantly.

[Megas 27,765]

Yeah, backlash was bad enough for writers to finally take notice and fix things in S6 S(though unfortunately they couldn't put as much effort into others for S6 :p). Remember, in S5, Princess Spike was Spike's only episode, and yeah, it was pretty much the tipping point, especially in a season that wasn't exactly a stellar showing for Spike

Edited July 29, 2017 by Whompy Whomperson

[cmarston1 5,959]

As someone who has always been a fan of Spike as a character I was really happy to see him be treated the way he was in season 6.

Hopefully that can carry over into this season with the episode Triple Threat.

[ShootingStar159 2,157]

I'd say there were two reasons Spike shone as well as he did in season six. The first and most important one is better writers; Songco and Lewis wrote Gauntlet of Fire, Nick Confalone wrote Dungeons and Discords, and Haber wrote The Crystalling. Looking back at older Spike episodes, the worst ones were written by older staff, especially Polsky who wrote both Equestria Games and Spike at your Service. The newer writers seem to have a better grasp of how to write Spike.

The second reason he stood out for me was the new dynamic he had with Starlight. The main six have a tendency to treat Spike as a child, while Starlight spoke to him as an equal. It was great to see that new dynamic and it felt like Spike was finally growing as a character. 

[SaburoDaimando 1,196]

One thing that I hope is that I don't want Spike to overgrow as a character.  One thing I noticed in a Flurry of Emotions was that Spike was shown to be the more responsible one compared to Twilight.  Let's just hope it doesn't become a thing.  I don't want Spike to lose out on his more playful side.

[Thrond 3,263]

I don't know, I guess the new writers cared more about making Spike dignified. But I've always liked Spike episodes, and I don't think Seasons 2 and 4 are that much less respectful towards him, even if they focus on making him sympathetic more than making him admirable. I think season 4 doesn't get the credit it deserves regarding him, perhaps because people dislike "Equestria Games" so much. I felt he was the best character in that season. In season 6, he's gained some dignity, but I don't view that as some massive improvement. 

[Meeps 298]

Not sure if this is correct or not, but I feel as though Spike has been "sitting out" a lot in the current season - making an appearance, but not getting too involved - or plain just not being present. I've always enjoyed the dynamic he brings to the group, and he's grown into quite a respectable character imo. Can't wait to see more of him!

Edited July 30, 2017 by Meeps

[heavens-champion 1,905]

Personally, while he had some pretty good episodes in Season 6, he got the short end at the finale. Even when he gets a couple of good episodes, he can't seem to catch a break.

[FlareGun45 2,221]

I'm not worried about Spike in a character sense this season! I think his streak from season 6 is gonna continue in Triple Threat! It's going to be an awesome episode! The only thing I'm worried about is Spike having an underwelming amount of episodes like in season 5. If S7E24 turns out to be a Spike episode, I'll say he's okay for the season!