spoiler Which season arcs should the writers focus more on?

[FlareGun45 2,221]

Ok, so there are still a majority of story arcs in MLP that need closure before the show ends. Some arcs seem pretty okay in my book - arcs that seem fine on not coming back to. Let's take a look at the story arcs on the show that aren't confirmed to be completed, and what needs more work on.

* Rarity: For the Rarity expansion boutique arc, she opened one store in Canterlot and one in Manehattan. In Forever Filly, we realize the stores are taking alot of her time. This arc doesn't seem completed yet, but perhaps what it needs is Rarity having a rival boutique (would be nice if it was owned by Suri Polomare), and perhaps one episode about the boutiques taking TOO MUCH of her time to the point where she doesn't hang out with her friends anymore or helping save Equestria. This arc seems like it's almost done, but not finished yet! It seems like this arc is on the right track though!

* Rainbow Dash: I think after Daring Done, depending on how the episode plays out, I think that should be the final Daring Do episode of the show. A nice end to the Daring Do arc. It feels like we'll be getting closure from it, it's just a possibility. Now for the Wonderbolt arc, I don't think this is finished yet. We still don't know the fate of Lightning Dust, and there's a potential destiny for Rainbow to become the new captain of the Wonderbolts! This arc needs some more focus. The Wonderbolts need more character development, and Rainbow needs to show her leader skills in order to earn that captain title; and once she gets it, let's see if Rainbow can handle it!

* Applejack: Of course AJ's arc with her family is still going on! Now that we know her parents, that should settle that! Maybe what AJ needs is for her arc is helping out Grand Pear in re-settling down in Ponyville, and maybe getting to know Big Mac's relationship with Sugar Belle, and see how it plays out with the rest of the family. Maybe something else her arc might need is what it's like to break traditions and the limits on that. When it comes to Flim and Flam, after Viva Las Pegasus, I think we're done with these two. They now own Gladmane's resort, and they have everything they need to be one of the biggest cons in Equestria! I don't recommend the writers to come back to these two.

* Pinkie Pie: I don't know what else Pinkie needs. I mean she's used ALOT on the show. I mean if there's any arc of hers that needs a little more, I guess the yak arc could use a little more stuff. Maybe some more Maud content, but maybe not just Maud, but more development from the rest of her family. I know we need an episode of the Cake twins growing up just a little bit, and see how it affects Pinkie.

* Fluttershy: I'm not sure what else Flutters needs for her arc. I mean I guess more development from the animal sanctuary, I guess? I mean the most of Fluttershy development I can think of is with Discord, and what Discord needs is a little backstory. What is his origins? Are there any more of his kind? Or how about an episode where Discord meets Fluttershy's family? See how that plays out?

* Spike: Oh do you have any idea how much Spike needs to do before the show ends? His Crystal Empire arc I think we're done with that one, we don't need to come back to that. But his newer arc: his ambassador arc that was started in season 6, I think this arc is really gonna go places, and this needs more focus! Spike in general needs more focus! Having just one episode per season isn't gonna cut it! He's behind as it is! I know the writers can think of more for him if they tired harder! Let's see how his ambassador arc carries out with his bonds with Ember, Thorax, and whatever other race in Equestria that needs alliance! It's not just that, but Spike's origins are still a huge blur! Who are his parents? Where did he come from? How did he end up in Celestia's school? Another arc that needs closure is his crush with Rarity. His crush on her has become a joke at this point. It didn't have any meaning since season 4! So unless this crush is actually gonna go places, instead of just being a gag, I say the crush should end. Spike is mentally growing, and keeping this childish crush is holding him back. Oh, and one more thing: why doesn't Spike have wings? We should get an answer there too.

* Cutie Mark Crusaders: There's always need for more CMC development! We know that the CMCs are becoming more popular, and getting well known! Let's see how popular the CMCs can get! We still need closure on Babs Seed and the Manehattan CMCs for sure! I know I keep saying that, and unless the rumors are true about why Brynna hasn't been voicing Babs lately, I'm not believing anything until Big Jim or someone in the staff something it! Just one more episode of the CMCs in Manehattan should do the trick to answer all our Babs questions! We still haven't gotten any CMC/Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon interactions since Lost Mark, so we need something outta that! We also need to see more status on the CMCs as individuals, like Sweetie Belle's singing talent going places, and there still ALOT about Scootaloo that's not done yet! We still don't know Scoots' parents and we don't know much about her lack of flight, or if there are any other ponies in Equestria who have this same problem. After having two seasons of just Apple Bloom episodes, Sweetie and Scoots really need to catch up!

* Starlight: She's been getting alot of attention lately, so I'm not really worried about her! Basically she's taken Trixie as her pupil, and her arc with Queen Chrysalis needs closure. That's pretty much all I can think of! She could use more one-on-one friendship developments with the Remane Five and Spike.

* The Princesses: Oh where do I begin? Let's start with, where did the princesses come from? Were there more alicorns like them? I can't even explain what else the princesses need! It's all self-explanatory!

* Zecora: We all want this! We need more info on the zebras and wherever the zebras come from! Also why did Zecora leave her homeland?

* Lord Tirek: Even though he has been defeated the first time, we don't know anything about Scorpan's side of the story! I know he's still around, but don't forget, he abandoned his brother. I know Tirek is a bad guy and Scorpan did what he had to do, but how does Scorpan really feel about that? After the Princess Celestia/Nightmare Moon thing, I have the feeling Celestia would really want Scorpan to rekindle his bond with Tirek! This needs to happen! I recommend if a writer is gonna start writing Scorpan, they should watch Mdnight Castle to get some reference!

Are there any story arcs I forgot to mention? Which arcs do you think needs more focus in, and which do you think should end soon or already should end?

Edited September 3, 2017 by MegaSean45

[Megas 27,850]

Something for RD to make up for the utter shit show Newbie Dash was. At least things like bringing back Lightning Dust or giving the Bolts some time to not be pricks would be nice

But above all else, Scootaloo's family I think is time to bring up

Edited September 3, 2017 by Whompy Whomperson

[Thrond 3,263]

In general, I'm not very interested in enforcing some sort of checklist on the show; I'm more interested in expansion rather than closure - now that Rainbow Dash is a Wonderbolt and the CMC have their cutie marks, I don't think there's any arcs which are blatantly incomplete, aside from the Chrysalis thing of course. Once we go beyond that, I honestly do worry the show risks telling stories out of obligation rather than because the writers have decent ideas, and moreover, the vast majority of these questions are things I could give or take, especially regarding the origins of Spike and the princesses. 

With that said: I continue to see the most potential in Rarity and Rainbow Dash of the mane six. As of yet, the show still hasn't shown us much of their careers, meaning that there's still a mountain of potential stories which could be told about Rarity's time as a fashion big-shot and Rainbow's time as a Wonderbolt. As far as ideas go, I like yours about Rarity having a rival, and for Rainbow I'd like something a little less personal about a big show or something. These two have had their status quo change the most since the show's early years, and I feel that gives them the most potential. Perhaps those stories could even coincide at some point!

I also really enjoy seeing bits and pieces of the CMC's new "helping others" focus, even though I don't think it makes sense for them at their age. If there's one burning question I have, it's whether the CMC even go to school anymore. I also wanna be Scootaloo's parents, and I suppose that's the closest thing the show has to a burning question. Wouldn't mind checking in with Babs again, either. 

Spike has never been my favourite character, but he feels more versatile to me than many of the others. Like the CMC, I don't think his "ambassador" status makes much sense for his age, but I would like to see more episodes about how his relationships with others change as he matures - especially with Rarity. Seriously, I really did think that was done after season 4's "Inspiration Manifestation," but I guess we still need to close that thread. Otherwise, I'd really enjoy more episodes which pair him up with the rest of the mane six besides Rarity and Twilight, because we don't get too many of those anymore. 

On the other hand, I'm not super interested in his origins. It'd be interesting to hear about where Celestia got that egg from, but I feel like he came to terms with being raised by ponies in "Dragon Quest," so while I can still imagine Spike wanting to know where he came from, I don't view it as a pressing question for the show. Similarly, the origins of the princess sisters is so far in the distant past that I don't see any obvious ways to make it fun or emotionally involving. 

I do wanna know more about Cadance's origins, though. Assuming the show goes by the "pegasus raised by earth ponies" story from that one chapter book, I'd really enjoy seeing Cadance bring her family to her old village. Both her and Shining could use some deepening, and this is a story idea I'd like to see for them. 

3 hours ago, MegaSean45 said:

We all want this! We need more info on the zebras and wherever the zebras come from! Also why did Zecora leave her homeland?

To be honest, I totally forgot that Zecora is even from elsewhere. Wouldn't mind a little zebra info somewhere or other. 

3 hours ago, MegaSean45 said:

After the Princess Celestia/Nightmare Moon thing, I have the feeling Celestia would really want Scorpan to rekindle his bond with Tirek!

I don't see what purpose this would serve. I'm not convinced Tirek has some secret good side which friendship could bring out. 

[FlareGun45 2,221]

9 minutes ago, AlexanderThrond said:

In general, I'm not very interested in enforcing some sort of checklist on the show; I'm more interested in expansion rather than closure - now that Rainbow Dash is a Wonderbolt and the CMC have their cutie marks, I don't think there's any arcs which are blatantly incomplete, aside from the Chrysalis thing of course. Once we go beyond that, I honestly do worry the show risks telling stories out of obligation rather than because the writers have decent ideas, and moreover, the vast majority of these questions are things I could give or take, especially regarding the origins of Spike and the princesses. 

With that said: I continue to see the most potential in Rarity and Rainbow Dash of the mane six. As of yet, the show still hasn't shown us much of their careers, meaning that there's still a mountain of potential stories which could be told about Rarity's time as a fashion big-shot and Rainbow's time as a Wonderbolt. As far as ideas go, I like yours about Rarity having a rival, and for Rainbow I'd like something a little less personal about a big show or something. These two have had their status quo change the most since the show's early years, and I feel that gives them the most potential. Perhaps those stories could even coincide at some point!

I also really enjoy seeing bits and pieces of the CMC's new "helping others" focus, even though I don't think it makes sense for them at their age. If there's one burning question I have, it's whether the CMC even go to school anymore. I also wanna be Scootaloo's parents, and I suppose that's the closest thing the show has to a burning question. Wouldn't mind checking in with Babs again, either. 

Spike has never been my favourite character, but he feels more versatile to me than many of the others. Like the CMC, I don't think his "ambassador" status makes much sense for his age, but I would like to see more episodes about how his relationships with others change as he matures - especially with Rarity. Seriously, I really did think that was done after season 4's "Inspiration Manifestation," but I guess we still need to close that thread. Otherwise, I'd really enjoy more episodes which pair him up with the rest of the mane six besides Rarity and Twilight, because we don't get too many of those anymore. 

On the other hand, I'm not super interested in his origins. It'd be interesting to hear about where Celestia got that egg from, but I feel like he came to terms with being raised by ponies in "Dragon Quest," so while I can still imagine Spike wanting to know where he came from, I don't view it as a pressing question for the show. Similarly, the origins of the princess sisters is so far in the distant past that I don't see any obvious ways to make it fun or emotionally involving. 

I do wanna know more about Cadance's origins, though. Assuming the show goes by the "pegasus raised by earth ponies" story from that one chapter book, I'd really enjoy seeing Cadance bring her family to her old village. Both her and Shining could use some deepening, and this is a story idea I'd like to see for them. 

To be honest, I totally forgot that Zecora is even from elsewhere. Wouldn't mind a little zebra info somewhere or other. 

I don't see what purpose this would serve. I'm not convinced Tirek has some secret good side which friendship could bring out. 

Hey, anything goes! Anything to answer unanswered questions! Especially the important ones, instead of those early season-like episodes, I will not mention the names of them, to get in the way. *cough*Honest Apple!*cough*

Edited September 3, 2017 by MegaSean45

[SaburoDaimando 1,196]

4 hours ago, MegaSean45 said:

 

* Lord Tirek: Even though he has been defeated the first time, we don't know anything about Scorpan's side of the story! I know he's still around, but don't forget, he abandoned his brother. I know Tirek is a bad guy and Scorpan did what he had to do, but how does Scorpan really feel about that? After the Princess Celestia/Nightmare Moon thing, I have the feeling Celestia would really want Scorpan to rekindle his bond with Tirek! This needs to happen! I recommend if a writer is gonna start writing Scorpan, they should watch Mdnight Castle to get some reference!

You know, even though I appreciated how Tirek was handled in Twilight's Kingdom, I agree with Tirek's character arc.  At least in some way, give him a reason why he goes around draining Ponies of their magic. Perhaps something in his childhood that traumatized him into fear.  A fear which he must always be powerful to survive the worse.  And of course, figure a way where, unlike his G1 counterpart, the audience feels sorry for the big guy.

And on a side note, there's only one  person who can voice Scorpan.  And that person, is Scott McNeil.

[Hierok 11,832]

• I think the CMC shouldn't get their own episodes anymore, but rather join episodes that aren't about them.
• Rainbow could begin to teach flyers. I'm still wondering if all students who don't come in the team are just fired, or that they will join teams that are only for the protection of Equestria, like the royal guards. I actually also want some more information about the guards. What are doing? Why are there so many?
• Rarity could begin more boutiques which are managed by someone else. She could be like Feld0 here. She could handle the big problems while the administrators deal with their own place, like @PathfinderCS for example.
• Pinkie Pie is kind of done indeed.
• Fluttershy could be opening more sanctuaries around Equestria, but she is also beginning to be done.
• Apple Jack needs to have some more episodes about her pear side of the family. Maybe sell pears too at their current home.

[FirePuppy 736]

12 hours ago, MegaSean45 said:

Ok, so there are still a majority of story arcs in MLP that need closure before the show ends. Some arcs seem pretty okay in my book - arcs that seem fine on not coming back to. Let's take a look at the story arcs on the show that aren't confirmed to be completed, and what needs more work on.

* Rarity: For the Rarity expansion boutique arc, she opened one store in Canterlot and one in Manehattan. In Forever Filly, we realize the stores are taking alot of her time. This arc doesn't seem completed yet, but perhaps what it needs is Rarity having a rival boutique (would be nice if it was owned by Suri Polomare), and perhaps one episode about the boutiques taking TOO MUCH of her time to the point where she doesn't hang out with her friends anymore or helping save Equestria. This arc seems like it's almost done, but not finished yet! It seems like this arc is on the right track though!

* Rainbow Dash: I think after Daring Done, depending on how the episode plays out, I think that should be the final Daring Do episode of the show. A nice end to the Daring Do arc. It feels like we'll be getting closure from it, it's just a possibility. Now for the Wonderbolt arc, I don't think this is finished yet. We still don't know the fate of Lightning Dust, and there's a potential destiny for Rainbow to become the new captain of the Wonderbolts! This arc needs some more focus. The Wonderbolts need more character development, and Rainbow needs to show her leader skills in order to earn that captain title; and once she gets it, let's see if Rainbow can handle it!

* Applejack: Of course AJ's arc with her family is still going on! Now that we know her parents, that should settle that! Maybe what AJ needs is for her arc is helping out Grand Pear in re-settling down in Ponyville, and maybe getting to know Big Mac's relationship with Sugar Belle, and see how it plays out with the rest of the family. Maybe something else her arc might need is what it's like to break traditions and the limits on that. When it comes to Flim and Flam, after Viva Las Pegasus, I think we're done with these two. They now own Gladmane's resort, and they have everything they need to be one of the biggest cons in Equestria! I don't recommend the writers to come back to these two.

* Pinkie Pie: I don't know what else Pinkie needs. I mean she's used ALOT on the show. I mean if there's any arc of hers that needs a little more, I guess the yak arc could use a little more stuff. Maybe some more Maud content, but maybe not just Maud, but more development from the rest of her family. I know we need an episode of the Cake twins growing up just a little bit, and see how it affects Pinkie.

* Fluttershy: I'm not sure what else Flutters needs for her arc. I mean I guess more development from the animal sanctuary, I guess? I mean the most of Fluttershy development I can think of is with Discord, and what Discord needs is a little backstory. What is his origins? Are there any more of his kind? Or how about an episode where Discord meets Fluttershy's family? See how that plays out?

* Spike: Oh do you have any idea how much Spike needs to do before the show ends? His Crystal Empire arc I think we're done with that one, we don't need to come back to that. But his newer arc: his ambassador arc that was started in season 6, I think this arc is really gonna go places, and this needs more focus! Spike in general needs more focus! Having just one episode per season isn't gonna cut it! He's behind as it is! I know the writers can think of more for him if they tired harder! Let's see how his ambassador arc carries out with his bonds with Ember, Thorax, and whatever other race in Equestria that needs alliance! It's not just that, but Spike's origins are still a huge blur! Who are his parents? Where did he come from? How did he end up in Celestia's school? Another arc that needs closure is his crush with Rarity. His crush on her has become a joke at this point. It didn't have any meaning since season 4! So unless this crush is actually gonna go places, instead of just being a gag, I say the crush should end. Spike is mentally growing, and keeping this childish crush is holding him back. Oh, and one more thing: why doesn't Spike have wings? We should get an answer there too.

* Cutie Mark Crusaders: There's always need for more CMC development! We know that the CMCs are becoming more popular, and getting well known! Let's see how popular the CMCs can get! We still need closure on Babs Seed and the Manehattan CMCs for sure! I know I keep saying that, and unless the rumors are true about why Brynna hasn't been voicing Babs lately, I'm not believing anything until Big Jim or someone in the staff something it! Just one more episode of the CMCs in Manehattan should do the trick to answer all our Babs questions! We still haven't gotten any CMC/Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon interactions since Lost Mark, so we need something outta that! We also need to see more status on the CMCs as individuals, like Sweetie Belle's singing talent going places, and there still ALOT about Scootaloo that's not done yet! We still don't know Scoots' parents and we don't know much about her lack of flight, or if there are any other ponies in Equestria who have this same problem. After having two seasons of just Apple Bloom episodes, Sweetie and Scoots really need to catch up!

* Starlight: She's been getting alot of attention lately, so I'm not really worried about her! Basically she's taken Trixie as her pupil, and her arc with Queen Chrysalis needs closure. That's pretty much all I can think of! She could use more one-on-one friendship developments with the Remane Five and Spike.

* The Princesses: Oh where do I begin? Let's start with, where did the princesses come from? Were there more alicorns like them? I can't even explain what else the princesses need! It's all self-explanatory!

* Zecora: We all want this! We need more info on the zebras and wherever the zebras come from! Also why did Zecora leave her homeland?

* Lord Tirek: Even though he has been defeated the first time, we don't know anything about Scorpan's side of the story! I know he's still around, but don't forget, he abandoned his brother. I know Tirek is a bad guy and Scorpan did what he had to do, but how does Scorpan really feel about that? After the Princess Celestia/Nightmare Moon thing, I have the feeling Celestia would really want Scorpan to rekindle his bond with Tirek! This needs to happen! I recommend if a writer is gonna start writing Scorpan, they should watch Mdnight Castle to get some reference!

Are there any story arcs I forgot to mention? Which arcs do you think needs more focus in, and which do you think should end soon or already should end?

I strongly disagree with your thoughts about Rarity and Applejack's arcs. I say these two ponies are done no matter what.

Maybe, Rainbow Dash can have an episode where she becomes Captain of the Wonderbolts, but in this case, that's it.

For the Crusaders, what might be better is an episode where Pinkie Pie, promoted as leader of the Filly Scouts, takes them to Manehattan to meet that city's Crusaders. (Don't forget that in 28 Pranks Later, the CMCs are Filly Guides in that episode.)

[ErisPegasus 56]

Changeling 👏 sized 👏 Sunbursts 👏 that 👏 shoot 👏 Sunburst 👏 sized 👏 Changelings 👏 whenever 👏 they 👏 speak

Edited September 3, 2017 by ErisPegasus

[heavens-champion 1,905]

I can honestly I don't have many ideas for the characters. I will notice that you left out Twilight, though.

[Aethylynn 45]

What I think the show could use is true villain arc. A villain shows up in the season opener, is a recurring antagonist throughout the season (maybe even two seasons) and defeated in the finale. All the villains in the show have been one or two shots, with no ongoing stories.

As for other arcs.

Discord is not fully reformed. He still keeps trying to get under Twilight's skin. Maybe he could finally get over himself and become a true good guy.

Twilight could see more focus on her duties as princess. We are given hints that she does a lot, but we don't really see much other than map summons.

The Remane 5 arcs are pretty much exhausted. New ones could be opened up for them, but I wouldn't know what they would entail.

[FlareGun45 2,221]

7 hours ago, heavens-champion said:

I can honestly I don't have many ideas for the characters. I will notice that you left out Twilight, though.

Twilight gets the most attention outta the show! Let the developers think about her!

Edited September 4, 2017 by MegaSean45