S03:E13 - Magical Mystery Cure

[MelancholicMemory 2,025]

 

 

The episode was not nearly as bad as many people anticipated, though I would say it was overall a sub-par episode. The pacing was terrible because the story was forced into one episode, though I can't completely blame the writers for that. The songs were alright, though the singing was weird  in some places, and the songs didn't even come close to the quality of the season 2 finale. The conflict of the story was introduced in a rushed and, quite frankly ridiculous fashion, and it could have been resolved in much easier ways, most notably just performing the spell over and over until, by simple probability, things returned to normal. It wasn't bad, per say, but it wasn't done very well.

 

As for alicorn Twi, I felt that the change came out of no where, and the reasoning behind it was kind of forced. The reactions of the other characters (with the exception of Pinkie) were unusual as well. It didn't seem like a surprise at all for them. I had thought of numerous ways that this change could be done well, and this quite frankly wasn't it. Also, it seems based on the nature of this episode that this change will be permanent, and I think this may be a very negative change in the dynamic of the series. All of the lessons of friendship are  thrown to the curb by explicitly stating that Twilight is superior to her friends, and as been that way since the beginning. I waited until actually watching the episode to judge this change, and I now think, overall, it was a bad choice. It could have been handled a lot worse though, so kudos for that.

 

Overall, I give the finale a 4/10 compared to previous episodes. It wasn't too bad, but it didn't compare at all to previous finales or to episodes such as Party of One, Dragonshy, and Applebuck Season. Don't get me wrong, the episode wasn't bad, but it doesn't live up to ohter episdoes, or the hype surrounding it.

 

 

[Queen Cassie 3,057]

As an aside, I can't get over this. Queen Celestia's huge honkin' crown. It's like they were practically screaming "Twilight is not taking over for Celestia. Calm down."

It looks silly, but it also looks queenly, which I approve of.

The Twinkie in this screencap was unintentional I assure you.

[Anadu Kune 668]

I couldent agree more. I had to watch it twice to get it fully.... but once i did get it it wasnt THAT bad. Just a little rushed. Its not their best work, but its certainly not their worst... Just look at the episode where they gave Rarity Wings.... It Wasnt planned very well, and was very sloppy if you look at it more closely.

yeah pretty much. I do think if this had two episodes it could have been their best work. Looking at this episode closely yes it has flaws, mostly in the pacing department. However I do find its pretty clever. MLP relies on the show dont tell principle, alot of things are explained visually and people who are more Twilight minded might miss that.

[DrOphthalmos 497]

I think , after listening to her singing , that she did. Her normal talking voice seems to be a little tweaked, and she gained an AMAZING singing voice. I will do more research on the topic and get back to you.

The singer for Twilight was Rebecca Sholchet per the credits. Tara Strong is still the speaking Twilight. And, apparently Ashleigh Ball was Applejack, Rainbow Dash AND Salespony! Cathy was Spike and Laughing Pony! Credits can be fun to read.

[LyraHeartstrings 482]

l thought it was perfect

 

*gets shot*

 

honestly though, with the context of the episode and the different style they tried out (it being a musical and such,) I thought worked fairly well. It was rushed, but when aren't the finales and stuff not?

[Stellafera 3,836]

l thought it was perfect

 

*gets shot*

 

honestly though, with the context of the episode and the different style they tried out (it being a musical and such,) I thought worked fairly well. It was rushed, but when aren't the finales and stuff not?

 

The Best Night Ever? Now that is an episode that knows how to pace itself properly. But I see what you mean... most of the adventure episodes have pacing issues, it seems. 

[NavelColt 22,880]

Unaware to absolutely everypony, the entire Coronation was planned in advance by several weeks. Twilight played dumb so that her friends and bronies would remain non the wiser. Celestia, however, regrets having let Twilight know that she'd be becoming a princess so early on.

[RockinRarity 1,605]

Okay, I just watched the episode a second time and I got more used to the pacing this time around.

 

I'm OK with it being only one episode. Yes, they could have made it into two, but they didn't, so whatever.

 

I still really liked this one and it's still one of my favorites this season.

 

I also still believe that this change in character was necessary, and I patiently (or not so patiently) await season 4. It had better get here sooner than November. I can barely wait 8 months for my own wedding. I don't wanna have to wait for MLP that long or longer either...

[Pixel Stick 927]

Approximately 20 minutes to cram in 7 songs, a world-changing dilemma, an ascension to princesshood, and a recap of the entire series.

 

I want to officially apologize to everyone to whom I said they should relax and wait for the episode to air before they start passing judgment on Hasbro and the studio.  Unfortunately, I think the things they were most worried about in this episode just happened.  I don't think I've ever felt more disconnected from the Mane 6 than I was just a half-hour ago.

[Shanks 10,816]

Approximately 20 minutes to cram in 7 songs, a world-changing dilemma, an ascension to princesshood, and a recap of the entire series.

 

I want to officially apologize to everyone to whom I said they should relax and wait for the episode to air before they start passing judgment on Hasbro and the studio.  Unfortunately, I think the things they were most worried about in this episode just happened.  I don't think I've ever felt more disconnected from the Mane 6 than I was just a half-hour ago.

No need to apologize, yes this episode went horribly but oh boy did I ever envy the people that had that attitude during the whole thing. Word is though that the season 4 premier is going to further elaborate on this so it is still possible that this could still actually work out tomorrow I will watch the episode again and make a blog post about how this can still work despite the rather disappointing start it had.

 

 

[Metemponychosis 1,261]

After some thought, re-watching, and talking, I came to the conclusion that I like this episode. I just thought that didn't talk about the good things before and it was unfair. 

This is my original opinion: http://mlpforums.com/topic/49755-s03e13-magical-mystery-cure/?view=findpost&p=1178705

I hated the episode.

 

Now, my thoughts are more like this...

"A True True Friend" was just fucking beautiful.. The way they portrayed the ponies' distress trying to do just what they don't know how (AJ's tearful eyes almost killed me), and then, they remember who they are because of their friendship. It touched me. The ponies cheering when Pinkie's back... And the instrumental part. Sweet Celestia, it was just fantastic. Awesome job producers. 

And then there's Celestia singing. Period. That scene was beautifully done too, with Celestia explaining it all to Twlight and then Twilight's "ascension". 

Sure. It's not perfect and I still don't like a lot of things: it was rushed, some people don't like the "musical" feeling of the episode as it seem to disturb the storytelling (i like it though). I hate the sheer number of times they spoke of the cutie marks as destiny (but that may be open to interpretation), Celestia (she the highest authority, IMO... Well she had the biggest crown, and it looked like a "kings crown", while the ones the others were using seemed more like "consort crowns") and the other Mane Six bowing to Twilight (but it may have been just for effect). 

After all this, I'm more inclined to believe that it's going to be alright. I'm waiting for Season Four. But I still want Twilight taking flight lessons with Rainbow. Anyway... It's going to be a long wait.

[Pixel Stick 927]

 

No need to apologize, yes this episode went horribly but oh boy did I ever envy the people that had that attitude during the whole thing. Word is though that the season 4 premier is going to further elaborate on this so it is still possible that this could still actually work out tomorrow I will watch the episode again and make a blog post about how this can still work despite the rather disappointing start it had.

 

Why do I get the feeling that this elaboration they're going to do in the opener to season 4 is going to be more of an apology or a "Here's what we really meant to do" kind of thing?

[MLPFanatic34 3,234]

I honestly didn't dislike the episode nor do I dislike Twlight becoming an alicorn, I was just confused by what happened in the finale and feel that not a lot was explained and I agree it was sort of rushed. I love the songs especially "A True True Friend" and "What My Cutie Mark Is Telling Me". Both those songs I will forever sing along to. All in all a good season!

[BlackWater 53]

Well, let me be the one to boldly and foolishly say that I loved this episode. Music has always been a part of the show and I generally liked the songs for this one. I particularly liked "I've Got to Find a Way." It was quite beautiful.

 

I didn't know directly about the whole alicorn ascension since I stayed away from spoilers (it took serious ninja skills). However, I had my own suspicions that Twilight was coming to this and I'm glad it was done with dignity and grace. Yep. Dignity and grace.

 

I'm perhaps most pleased with what this opens the door to in season 4. It's anypony's game and I'm gonna love every Princess Twilight minute of it.

[decoherence 183]

Just finished watching it. I thought it started out very strong and I generally enjoyed it. Telling the story with music was a nice change in style and probably necessary to get so much emotional context across in such a short time.

 

The fast pace didn't bother me. I use my imagination and fill in the blanks -- it's half the fun.

 

I'm curious to know why they decided to make Twilight an alicorn. How will AliTwi fit in to the story? What lessons will she learn? Will her hair ever go back to normal?

 

Is Hasbro going to continue making unicorn Twilights or have they suddenly become very collectible?

 

Wasn't always happy with the animation.

 

As far as the wait for S4, I haven't really been keeping up with fan content for the past few months so I'm sure I'll have plenty to occupy myself with.

 

Time for Fallout: Equestria. (yay!)

Edited February 17, 2013 by decoherence

[SBaby 660]

Ok.  Seriously, this bickering is getting out of hand.  So instead of trying to rebut what honestly is starting to become a wee bit ridiculous, I've just got three words for everybody that thinks this change will effectively 'ruin the show':  Sally From SatAM.

 

As for permanent.  Maybe it is, maybe it isn't.  But you'll all watch Season 4.  You know why?  Because every time you think about the finale, you'll be wondering just what they have planned.  It'll gnaw at you, like a big flea of curiosity, slowly driving you insane, until you scratch it and see what it is.  Even you critics out there are gonna want to know.  You'll need to know.  You'll have to know, and you'll watch it to find out.  It's psychology.  It's drilled into your heads now, and there's no way to unsee what's been seen.

 

What I'm getting at with this is, just wait for Season 4 before totally writing the show off.

Edited February 17, 2013 by SBaby

[Pixel Stick 927]

 

What I'm getting at with this is, just wait for Season 4 before totally writing the show off.

 

Well, speaking just for myself, I have no intention of writing the show off just because of this episode.  I was looking forward to seeing Twilight "graduate", and I'm glad she did.  I just have some issues with how they executed it, and I can't help but think that the season opener is going to have to retroactively explain this episode in order to bridge the gap.

 

But is the series ruined?  Maybe, maybe not.  It's up to the writers to decide.  I still have hope.  I was just quite disappointed with this finale.

[GenderIsAnIllusion 2,177]

Unaware to absolutely everypony, the entire Coronation was planned in advance by several weeks. Twilight played dumb so that her friends and bronies would remain non the wiser. Celestia, however, regrets having let Twilight know that she'd be becoming a princess so early on.

 

 

Is it me, or in that audio clip is Mrs Puff from Spongebob playing the role of Celestia?... Seriously its very amusing. But i would like to see a flash animation of it.

 

 

 

Approximately 20 minutes to cram in 7 songs, a world-changing dilemma, an ascension to princesshood, and a recap of the entire series.

 

I want to officially apologize to everyone to whom I said they should relax and wait for the episode to air before they start passing judgment on Hasbro and the studio.  Unfortunately, I think the things they were most worried about in this episode just happened.  I don't think I've ever felt more disconnected from the Mane 6 than I was just a half-hour ago.

 

Yes pacing was the main issue of this episode. It would have been great as an hour long special.

[Cupcake Ice Cream 436]

Ok.  Seriously, this bickering is getting out of hand.  So instead of trying to rebut what honestly is starting to become a wee bit ridiculous, I've just got three words for everybody that thinks this change will effectively 'ruin the show':  Sally From SatAM.

 

As for permanent.  Maybe it is, maybe it isn't.  But you'll all watch Season 4.  You know why?  Because every time you think about the finale, you'll be wondering just what they have planned.  It'll gnaw at you, like a big flea of curiosity, slowly driving you insane, until you scratch it and see what it is.  Even you crutucs out there are gonna want to know.  You'll need to know.  You'll have to know, and you'll watch it to find out.  It's psychology.  It's drilled into your heads now, and there's no way to unsee what's been seen.

 

What I'm getting at with this is, just wait for Season 4 before totally writing the show off.

But you have to admit it's our prerogative to think this ruins things

 

I know for a fact I will watch the first few eps of S4 to see what this is all about and then we'll see if I continue :-)

[Octavia2 83]

I was really nervous for this episode. It seemed nearly impossible to pull off. I was unsure while watching it, but after listening to the songs over and over again and rewatching the episode, I love it!

 

My only issues with it are that it was really rushed (but the finales and pilots always are rushed anyways, so who cares?) and the "I've Got to Find a Way" song. It's an alright song, but it felt reeeaallyy out of place. It felt really weird watching that scene in the context of the whole episode, and the style didn't fit MLP at all. Just... weird

 

Also, what is the next level of Twilight's studies? We've obviously moved on from studying friendship reports - Celestia even bows in honour of her understanding of friendship. So what will it be? Now that she's a princess, I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Equestria, like the Griffons or Zebras. She'll go on ambassador missions or something!

[GenderIsAnIllusion 2,177]

I was really nervous for this episode. It seemed nearly impossible to pull off. I was unsure while watching it, but after listening to the songs over and over again and rewatching the episode, I love it!

 

My only issues with it are that it was really rushed (but the finales and pilots always are rushed anyways, so who cares?) and the "I've Got to Find a Way" song. It's an alright song, but it felt reeeaallyy out of place. It felt really weird watching that scene in the context of the whole episode, and the style didn't fit MLP at all. Just... weird

 

Also, what is the next level of Twilight's studies? We've obviously moved on from studying friendship reports - Celestia even bows in honour of her understanding of friendship. So what will it be? Now that she's a princess, I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Equestria, like the Griffons or Zebras. She'll go on ambassador missions or something!

 

 

Next in line on Twilights Agenda?

 

Discovering LOVE!!!

 

She will be the MATCH MAKER OF EQUESTRIA!!!

 

Like a Pony version of Oprah.

 

*CoughCough*

 

Back to reality: I dont think its as simple as "oh Twilight, youve mastered freindship CONGRATS".... Theres a string attached to those wings.... somewhere....

[SweetJeans88 408]

i dont have an issue with her being an allicorn, but.. i think it shoulda been a 2 part special, and well.. later.. it woulda been a great series finale and farewell to the show. :/  i cant fathom where theyre gonna take it next.  i do like the mostly musical episode though, and the songs were very well done :3

here, rule this land.. but uh youve only seen like 4 towns/cities of it. >< go on tour!

[Best Pony 83]

I, Twilight Sparkle, learn to fly before Scootaloo! Buck yeah!

 

Celestia finally puts some clothes on!

[OtakuBrony 349]

Howdy all!

 

Saw the S3 Finale & gotta say it made wanna cry   I mean sure it was rushed but overall it was superb!

Credit to Daniel Ingram fer those amazing songs & MA Larson's writing of the episode.

(Who woulda thunk Nicole Oliver as Celestia can sing like that!! )

Twilight has evolved to some new responsiblities & continues to do her best at magic.

Cant wait for Season 4.

[Anadu Kune 668]

Magical Mystery Cure overview/Review

Ok so here is my very first just watched it  impression review.
 

The bad
First lets get my one big complaint out of the way. This episode needed to be a two parter. It went by fast 22 minuets felt like 10. I felt more time could be spent on pretty much everything. Its weird because at the same time I feel they divided the the episode well. I guess 22 minuets isn't enough. For all the good and beautiful moments contained within this episode are slightly marred by a overall fast pacing. All of these theme's could have been explored more thoroughly. This leaves some questions and somethings go unexplained. One being the weird dimension Twilight and Celestia go to. What does being a princess mean in Equestria? Are all alicorns created in such a way? The exact purpose of Starswirls spell has some ambiguity. As I said in a previous post, this seems to be the one consistent problem that pervades the entire series. They have a lot to show, but not enough time to show it without pacing problems.

 

oh and why can she fly already? stupid nit pick but whateves. 

 

Though it should be said lot of these questions dont really need to be answered right now. This is still an on going series, so many of these questions are almost certainly going to be addressed. 

 
 

The feels

First thing I wanted to say is that this episode managed to evoke a greater emotional response in me than any other episode. That Celestia song my god. I am not lying when I say I teared up a bit. It takes a lot to do that to me. The way in which it is presented just shows how much Twilight has grown, brings up continuity and is an excellent song to boot. The loving tone in the song is I think what does it. Celestia has been like a second mother to Twilight and Twilight like a daughter to Celestia. Its not only stated that Celestia is proud of Twilight, but it really shows in the tone of the song. For as much as Celestia may have impacted Twilights Life Twilight has impacted Celsetia's just as much. That relationship and Twilght's growth are presented greatly in this song. The presentation is really helped by the weird dimension they are in all the memories from past episodes flicker by reinforcing the message of the song as a theme of growth and progression. What the dimension is isnt really explained, but it largely doesn't matter as it is mostly an artistic device used for effective staging. It may well be my favorite song, and one of my favorite moments in the series. This was the scene that had the most impact on me which is why I bring it up first.
 

The Songs

I thought all of the songs were great. A true friend comes off much better in context. That sad Twilight song. Remixes will abound this year. The purpose of all the songs was to move the story along and evoke emotion I would most certainly say they accomplished that. Each song served a purpose. 

-Everythings going to be fine.
This song starts the episode in an energetic way and introduces us to the problem at hand. The happy energetic nature of the song conflicts with the more dire tone of the next two songs and the situations those entail. It also serves to book end the episode and character arch of the episode. The first showing Twilight's normal happy energetic, optimistic outlook. The reprise showing that Twilight has accepted the change and situation she is in. Going from despare to revelation, and confusion to the state she was in at the beginning of the episode.

-What my cutie mark is telling me.
This song expresses the confusion of the characters. Showing that they have switched lives, stuck in a position in life that they are not meant for. Consistently failing at the jobs they think they are meant for and not knowing why. 

-Why
This song shows twilights regret and the aceptence of her mistake. It expresses her misery whilst also showing the misery of the other ponies.The scene also serves the purpose of showing the consequences of Twilight's mistake.

-True True Friend

This song serves as a montage of the characters solving the problem. At the same time it emphasizes the connection they have as friends and that it is that connection and help that enables the to see their true purpose, or as the song would put it"see the light".  The song serves to reinforce the main message the show has put forth since the first episode. Showing the importance of friendship.

-Celestias song
 I already addressed the emotional context of the song as well as much of its meaning, but ill elaborate more. This song is particularly poignant because it is the moment of Twilight's change. It serves to show us how she has grown as a character and what she has accomplished. and finally ends in Twilight's change.

-Going to be fine reprise

this largely serves to book end the episode whilst establishing that Twilight has returned to her normal happy self as she was in the beginning  However this time it serves to also show that twilight has accepted her new situation and will tackle it with the same vigor that she does with every other day.

Switching of the cutie mark and destinies

There seems to be some confusion over this. The spell seemed to be trying to unify the elements further producing "a magic without end" but it malfunctioned. As we know the elements of harmony are not just magical devices, they are linked to the ponies and the ponies to them. It has been shown that if they change they cant use the elements properly. It not a big leap to believe a change to the elements in the form of a malfunctioning spell could somehow effect the ponies. As a result of the spell they switched cutie marks and destinies. In other words they literally switched places in the world taking on the other's lot in life believing they were meant to do this. They maintained their personality traits but their place in the world had been forcibly changed. They were stuck in a position struggling to succeed but constantly failing and never knowing why. Of course they didn't take on the desires/personalities of the other ponies otherwise it would just be a body swap episode.

Keeping a Consistent Theme
I found this episode to be pretty clever. The solution to both problems tied directly back to the first episodes. The same "spark" of friendship which started Twilight on this journey was the one that allowed her to take this big step forward. Its that similar type of spark shown as a cutie mark the first time which enables her to return her friends to their normal state. She realizes that only by helping each other as friends the problem will be solved. This leads directly into her solution to Star Swirls spell. It is then that the same exact spark shines in Twilight's eyes and she now fully realizes the importance of friendship, even in connection to her studies in magic.  

Alicorn Twilight.

 

I'm still meh on alicorn Twilight. I'm not enraged by it nor am I whole loving it. Though I do like the design. 

 

some lingering questions and answers. 

What does the spell do exactly? 
From the indications given in the episode it seems the spell was trying to further unify the elements of harmony to produce "a magic without end"meaning either literally unlimited magic or very amplified magic. Unfortunately for Starswirl that requires an understanding of friendship. as it has been established since the first episode that the elements require or are heavily influenced by the unity of freindship. So it makes perfect sense that a more refined understanding utilized in a spell would amplify them.

 

Where will twilight live?

Probably in ponyville according to Tara Strong. Though all you have to do is think about it. There's no indication in the show that princesses are forced to live anywhere. Not to mention there is a presedence for princesses doing "mundane" tasks such as baby sitting. 

 

Why didn't Celestia ask twilight? 
im gonna chalk this one down to pacing problem. I have theories but they aren't things drawn from the episode. So it would be head cannon. It bothers me a bit, but its not a giant problem for me. 

 

What do I think overall?

I think overall this was a good episode and a great piece of art with great emotional scenes. This piece of art was marred by pacing issues making it great, but not the excellent episode it could have been. I think if this were a two parter it would be my favorite episode alicorn or no. As it stands I enjoyed it greatly I just wish they had gone the two parter route.

Im sure ill notice more as I watch the episode a second time.