What if there was a new subplot?

[fantasyTheorist 17]

After recently watching "Flight to the Finish", the episode caused an idea that I had in my head for a while to resurface.

 

The story of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, there misadventures in trying to secure a cutie mark, and their daily lives have been the subplot for the show. But what if they obtained their cutie marks during the course of the show? The subplot would then lack a significant amount of conflict. It wouldn't make us adore the CMC any less, but their story would become less interesting with one of their biggest struggles being resolved. I am not looking to predict the future of the CMC. Rather I'm wondering if the writers would create a new subplot in order to keep the show interesting. Would they introduce a new character with a conflict to overcome? Would they expand on the exploits of an existing character?

 

What do you think?  

[Armchair Adventurer 211]

That is an interesting thought. I'm honestly not sure what if/when the CMC get their Cutie Marks will mean in terms of them being given screen time. I'd actually enjoy if they introduced a new character or set of characters with a new problem to overcome. But at the same time I can't help but care about the CMC and what happens to them. I wouldn't like to see less of them. The characters are a large part of why I watch the show after all.

 

I guess it's a win win situation either way though. I'm not sure what they could replace the CMC with and I wouldn't like to see them go but at the same time introducing a new subplot could shake things up. Something that is happening to the series at this point and I think it's being done rather well.

Edited December 15, 2013 by Armchair Adventurer

[skylights 127]

I've always thought that the CMC getting their cutie marks would be a sign of the end of the current run of My Little Pony. I see them as sort of representing a theme of hope and perseverance. No matter what it takes they keep working for their cutie marks, and even though their goal is always just out of reach they always keep trying,

 

That said, I think it's unlikely that they'd all earn their cutie marks at the same time. I wouldn't want it to become an episode, but I would be curious to see where it takes their friendship when one of them earns a cutie mark, or if the Crusaders stay together when only one of the three is still a blank flank.

Edited December 15, 2013 by skylights

[Nature's Spell 526]

Life is full is conflict and also conflicts getting resolved. You can't stay in a constant state of a angst your whole life, so I have no problem with the CMC getting their cutie marks if the writers give them another conflict. Just because you reach one goal doesn't mean you stop living. People say the same thing about Twilight. They say she's reached her goal therefor she's done, which is stupid. She now has to prove herself in this role role and now the stakes and possibilities are even greater which is exciting? I say let the CMC grow up and keep growing!

Edited December 15, 2013 by Nature's Spell

[FNGRpony 658]

You know what would be awesome.  if one of them got the mark and it wasn't noticed right away.  even went on a couple mins into the episode, even having the camera slowly pan in on it, putting it kinda obscure at first, pinkie kinda poping into the frame and going

"that's right, that's exactly what you think it is."

Apple bloom "What, what is pinkie?"

Pinkie "Nothing heh you kids get back to your play time."

[Scootalove 10,692]

This subplot could cause conflict, and even when the CMC accomplish their goals they can still grow as characters. I could imagine the scenario where they earn their cutie marks separately, to see what happens.

[fantasyTheorist 17]

You all make very valid points. The theme that I'm getting here is that even if the CMC get their cutie marks, they shouldn't stop developing as characters. As stated by Nature's Spell, if Twilight can be given wings and the title of princess, then why can't the CMC do the same with the acquisition of a cutie mark? These are indeed characters who are great at representing hope and perseverance and acting as surrogates of the children who have yet to discover what they're good at or still developing there identity. I almost feel obnoxious to think about the replacement these characters, but I guess that's just how I think. It's not that I hate them so much as just don't ponder about the characters and their adventures as much as others. I might change outlook, I might not. We all have our different opinions. Either way, I have found this discussion to be enlightening. Thank you everyone for their input.

 

Edit: Though the topic I was geared more towards the screen time of the CMC, the ideas discussed still could apply. They could probably still keep a good amount of screen time as long as they still encountered conflict or go through some character development.

Edited December 16, 2013 by fantasyTheorist