Is it odd that (almost) all of the Keys were given by non-reoccuring characters?

[Ace O. Jade 122]

With this week's episode, Leap of Faith, every Key but Twilight's has been received. However, it bugs me with how they did it:

 

With every single key, they either created a completely new character or (in the case of RainbowDash and arguably AppleJack) brought back previous characters that very rarely appear.

 

Here's how it went, in order:

 

 

(* indicates that a character (or species) was completely new and hasn't been reused)

 

 

Rarity's key was given by Coco Pommel*, with the problem being presented by Suri Polomare*

 

Rainbow's key was given by Spitfire (this is the only exception to what I stated earlier, although Spitfire doesn't appear commonly anyways), with the problem being presented by Spitfire and Fleetfoot

 

Pinkie's key was given by Cheese Sandwich*, with the problem being presented by Cheese Sandwich*

 

Fluttershy's key was given by Seabreeze*, with the problem being presented by the Breezies* in general (plus Spike's apparent incompetence)

 

AppleJack's key was given by Silver Shill*, with the problem being presented by the Flim Flam brothers (who, while technically reoccurring now, have only shown up twice in four seasons)

 

 

I of course don't know how Twilight receives her key yet, but it seems as if every one of the Mane 6 needed a new, outside influence in order to receive theirs. Has anyone else noticed this?

[mars 4,863]

I wonder who will give Twilight her key. Discord? Celestia? Trixie? I keep hearing theories but no set answers. Maybe a new pony will show up and decide she wants to train in magic like Twilight.. or stops using magic for evil. Twilight's key will be interesting for sure.

[ReverseFaller 2,484]

Yeah, I noticed this as well. If Twilight does receive a key, I'm curious to see who it'll be from. 

[Pastel 7,630]

It will maybe explain in the season finale.

Like, "you helped ponies you didn't know."

Edited March 31, 2014 by BlobuIle

[ghostfacekiller39 23,879]

In the series finale Twilight gives her key to Rarity making Rarity totally an alicorn princess and Rarity shoots lasers from her eyes and destroys Blueblood with the power of fabulousity lol omg that's exactly how it's going to happen k? 

 

 

I saw this topic, and I was about to say "Erm...what about Rainbow Falls?"  

Of course, Spitfire was so OOC based off of what we saw in her past appearances, it may as well be considered a different character. Gahh :okiedokielokie: Powell, please just quit your job and spare us of your awful episodes.

In any event, even though they were non-recurring characters, for the most part, all of them but Silver Shill were interesting and pleasing, making it a-ok for me  
 

 

 

[M'aiq the Liar 5,804]

I think the point of having one shot characters give the mane 6 their keys was to point out that they are the spirits of harmony. If they can represent their element of harmony, enough so to the point that it "reforms" a character that they did not know, and had no previous interactions with, it seems to strengthen the idea that they are the embodiment of that part of the supermagicalWMD. So having someone that is not related in anyway to earlier episodes (outside of weird al's flashbacks), it would seem to strengthen the idea that they are that spirit of harmony, as even total strangers can recognize it. Either that or they just wanted to sell toys of Silver Shill. Because shills are hasbro's best friend. 

[Blaze Bronson 343]

I know it's a bit off-topic, but in both Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy's case, the problem was internal, not external.

They were both the root of their own problem.

 

That aside, I don't think it's a problem at all. It only strengthens the message that they can teach anyone about their element.

But I have this sneaky feeling that we will see these characters again sometime  

[DoubleRainbow_Dash 317]

All we know is that the key may be reveled at the Equestria Games. I expect some big conflict and then Twilight ends up intervening, thus reveling her key. I just have to wonder who will be the villain this time( if there is one)

[Wardaddy 470]

I think I may have an idea guys, as to the next outside influence which will get Twilight her key. Play the Youtube link for effect:

 

 

http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130514021537/mlp/images/6/66/Sunset_Shimmer_stare_EG.png

 

Take a moment to think about this. I don't know how, but be it in the next Equestria Girls, or even in Season 4, Sunset Shimmer will have an influence on Twilight from the outside, from which she will receive her key. Basing my theory on the first EG, Sunset won't be the frontman in the band which will oppose the Mane Six in the Rainbow Rocks, but maybe at the moment when Twilight's out of options (and out of luck) she will probably offer advice which will help Twilight realize X. Subsequently, her eyes will glow, the Mane Six will win the Rainbow Rocks (while blowing away the student body with their obviously awesome song which is 20% cooler than their opponent's) Twilight will receive her key, and together the Mane Six will return to Equestria where they will get their Rainbow Powers.

 

Seems pretty legit, if I do say so myself

Edited March 31, 2014 by Firebolt Blitz

[Sapana 66]

That aside, I don't think it's a problem at all. It only strengthens the message that they can teach anyone about their element.

 

I agree with this. I think it's more significant that the keys are from new/rare characters. Not only can anyone be taught about the Mane's respective elements, but it's also important that the Mane show the value of their element to anyone. In addition, I feel it's fittingly humbling if the Mane are forced to face their element due to outside characters. Sometimes It's more helpful and meaningful if it's not from a friend.

[Scootalove 10,692]

I noticed this, but I don't see it as a problem. It shows that not only can other ponies teach lessons to the Mane 6, but their respective elements can be taught to anyone. Even when it's not from their friends, it can be from a new character who can shed some light in teaching them.

[Nine 707]

Who would give them the keys if not non-recurring characters? Is there another way it could have been?

[Chuckles4lyfe 441]

Hmmm... this now has me thinking who is going to give Twilight her key? Maybe it could be the delegates from Saddle Arabia all the way back in Magic Duel (S3), or maybe the show staff will introduce a new character entirely. We'll just have to wait and see.

 

I don't find it odd that new characters are giving keys to the mane 6. If these characters are written well enough so that they don't feel forced in, then I'm it's all okay in my book.

[Rainboom Dash 1,056]

I think it's intentional so that it shows how the ponies' elements influence others, as every key story has been a test of an Element of Harmony.

[Motion Spark 7,811]

I have yet to see what are you arguing about, what's the problem about receiving keys from new characters?

 

I personally have a problem with Silver Shill though. I felt that Applejack's lacked the real weight of the conflict, because I barely noticed that Applejack was conflicting towards her element even if she did, and this guy was so random, he was like a blank canvas that absorbed stupidly everything that was presented to him.

I don't feel he really was 'touched' by Applejack's element and him giving that bit to her seemed forced to me. 

[Pixel Stick 927]

 

 

I know it's a bit off-topic, but in both Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy's case, the problem was internal, not external. They were both the root of their own problem.

 

I think that's true of all the characters, actually.  Rarity was generous to a fault, then surged too far into selfishness as a result of being burned by Suri.  She had her "key" moment when she realized how badly she'd overreacted.  Rainbow Dash had to face her understandably frustrating conflict between being loyal to her friends and realizing her life-long dream, and she had her "key" moment when she realized what the right decision was.  Pinkie Pie, as you mentioned, went overboard trying to outgoof Cheese Sandwich, and had her flash when she realized she'd hurt Rainbow Dash in the process.  Fluttershy had hers when she finally realized that her attempts to be overly kind to the Breezies were actually putting them in danger.  And Applejack's eyes flashed when she smartened up and realized she really needed to speak out about the fake tonic and save Granny Smith's life.  (Though IMO, AJ's was the weakest - it was blatantly obvious to everyone what was going on, but AJ seemed to kinda lose her brain for most of the episode.)

 

As for the original topic, my theory is that going to one-shot/secondary characters for the keys is important, because the Mane 6 already know each other so well and are likely so comfortable with one another that they probably have little to learn from each other when not challenged by outside influences.  One of the biggest themes of this season has been to step outside the bounds of what the first three seasons did.  As such, introducing new characters and new sources of lessons seems appropriate.

[Something Floaty 1,334]

I like the idea of Twilight getting her key from Discord. 

[Adorkable 2,737]

Who's to say they won't reappear, hmm?

 

I mean, for all we know they could all reappear in the Season 4 finale when Twilight Sparkle is crowned queen of ponies

 

Seriously, I think they may actually reappear.

[Ace O. Jade 122]

I have yet to see what are you arguing about, what's the problem about receiving keys from new characters?

 

I personally have a problem with Silver Shill though. I felt that Applejack's lacked the real weight of the conflict, because I barely noticed that Applejack was conflicting towards her element even if she did, and this guy was so random, he was like a blank canvas that absorbed stupidly everything that was presented to him.

I don't feel he really was 'touched' by Applejack's element and him giving that bit to her seemed forced to me. 

 

I don't really have so much of a problem with it so much as low expectations from Hasbro concerning their writing. They should reuse the characters; I don't think they should just create a whole new character for one episode and then forget about their existence after their 22 minutes of usefulness is used.

 

The problem is, Hasbro's track record for this isn't exactly the best (he says directly after the episode where the Flim Flam brothers reappear) .

[Pixel Stick 927]

I don't really have so much of a problem with it so much as low expectations from Hasbro concerning their writing. They should reuse the characters; I don't think they should just create a whole new character for one episode and then forget about their existence after their 22 minutes of usefulness is used.

 

The problem is, Hasbro's track record for this isn't exactly the best (he says directly after the episode where the Flim Flam brothers reappear) .

I think it's pretty cool, actually, to look at this as a story being told about how you'll meet people you don't know and are unlikely to see again, yet you could have such a profound impact on their lives. That happens in real life too, you know.

[Rift enchanted 380]

Well these are mostly one shot secondary characters. They're just there cause the plot demands them.

[Radiance64 7,059]

No... I think it was great that they did it that way actually. Gives them a reason to introduce a new character or two for plot purposes, and I suppose show the mane 6 characters that can learn from them rather then just them learning lessons all the time.

[Grumpy Enchantress 587]

No, it makes it better. I hope the new characters have a bigger role soon!