S04:E25+26 - Twilight's Kingdom

[Wardaddy 470]

Well, Ladies and Gentlecolts, I've just watched the finale, and really I don't think I have much to say, other than this and this alone........

 

I, BUCKING, LOVED IT!

 

This was a season finale that by far and away blew my expectations beyond the borders of expectation itself. While it was a shame Chrysalis did not get to return, Tirek was perhaps the best possible replacement for her in terms of threat and power. And by God, did Hasbro exploit those two factors to great advantage. Truly there was never a villain more fearsome than Tirek, and I don't think there will be (for now).

 

As for my theory that Twilight would become the Princess of Friendship, I was right on nearly all accounts. Where my theory came good was that Twilight's key would appear in the finale, that the Mane 6 would receive new Elements of Harmony in the form of Rainbow Power (which actually looked better in the show than it did on paper), that Twilight's castle would be in Ponyville, and that there had to be a battle which would blow everything else away.

 

By God, was I right.

 

The battle was by far and away my highlight of the episode. All throughout my experiences on the forum I've been told time and again that MLP was a kid's show. They would never do anything as ridiculously over the top as a battle. Well, what do they have to say now? The battle was very much a confrontation of titanic, Dragonball-Z proportions. An oversized, OP gorilla-centaur hybrid against an OP, upgraded alicorn princess, both of which levelled Ponyville to it's very foundations. By all means, this battle pushed MLP well beyond the realm of a girly-girl/pretty-in-pink kid's show. At this point onwards, surely nobody can deny that MLP has pushed out its boundaries. Nobody can deny us the right to watch the show (not liked we were stopped anyway), and nobody can tell us "It's a bloody kids show" anymore!

 

As for Rainbow Power, the outcome was obvious about three episodes from now, but the wait for the keys was long and the job to get them even harder, but they came, and I cannot deny that RP in the show looks better than the teaser image on the banner. It was more........fluid, lets say. And Rainbow sporting that Dragonball mane.........utterly badass.

 

The castle didn't look so bad either, but I will admit it got me a little confused. If that was Twilight's castle, then why was the Castle of the Royal Sisters being renovated? Celestia only knows, but again, the castle in the show looks much better than its teaser image incarnation. And I, for one, like the idea of six thrones for the Mane 6. Twilight and her friends have evolved into a unit that's much tighter-knit than probably even the US Navy SEALs, and who better to help King Arthur rule England than his Knights of the Round Table? Twilight serve as the ambassador of friendship than her friends themselves? The Council of Friendship, in other words. "Glory and long life be to them!", says I. 

 

All in all, this was truly a finale to be reckoned with. Twilight got the buildup to her princesshood she truly deserved (and also what the fandom needed ever since the S3 finale. Well done Hasbro for not making the same mistake twice), the battle was beyond anything we could've expected, we finally got to see Rainbow Power (which I'm still sure won't be on the Mane 6 all the time. Rather, it will materialize when needed), and now I can accept Princess Twilicorn with great confidence and a smile. Like her, I wasn't sure Twilight became a princess for a reason, but now I am. She became a princess to govern over the Magic of Friendship, and knowing this, I can happily abide. There's just two qualms I have left with the finale. Firstly, what will happen to the Castle of the Royal Sisters? Will it become the new public library or something? And secondly, why didn't Discord get a throne?

 

http://celestiathegreatest.deviantart.com/art/NOT-AMUSED-272216324

Edited May 11, 2014 by Firebolt Blitz

[Pastel 7,630]

And secondly, why didn't Discord get a throne?

Fluttershy said "I don't think you're quite there yet."

[Galen 1,354]

Fluttershy said "I don't think you're quite there yet."

 

He should be. Even tho he did betray them, he became fully reformed in this episode. More importantly, Twilight wouldn't even have a castle right now if it wasn't for him.

[Wardaddy 470]

Fluttershy said "I don't think you're quite there yet."

LOL, I know. Would've been funny though, Discord getting a throne alongside the Mane 6.

[Sanctified Absence 126]

Ah the complete and utter destruction of any previously established logical power scaling.

 

I was pretty sure that Discord was meant to be more powerful than the Alicorns by quite a bit, only to realize that Tirek got a much larger boost from the Alicorn magic.

 

Then we have Rainbow Power, which is supposedly beyond Discord, Tirek, all the Alicorns and many ponies combined.

 

It was a good season finale, but if you'll excuse me my Headcanon needs a lot of modification.

[UserNotFound 964]

I freaking loved this episode! I honestly did! Am I the only one who recognised the pony of shadows as Tirek? I mean the yellow eyes, the hooded cloak... I have a feeling it was him

[Galen 1,354]

 

 

I was pretty sure that Discord was meant to be more powerful than the Alicorns by quite a bit, only to realize that Tirek got a much larger boost from the Alicorn magic.

 

 

Even if we presume Discord is more powerful than the Alicorns (which is likely correct as it took both Alicorn sisters w/ EoH to defeat him), don't forget that Tirek got a much larger boost from Alicorn magic because it was Celestia's, Luna's, Cadence's and Twilight's magic all combined. Even if Discord is more powerful, all four princesses could possibly handle him even without EoH.

[Hashi 323]

I freaking loved this episode! I honestly did! Am I the only one who recognised the pony of shadows as Tirek? I mean the yellow eyes, the hooded cloak... I have a feeling it was him

You are not the only one!!!

Very good theory 

[StarBot 85]

Oh, it's not that I don't like the song, Ijust found it not up to snuff.

 

Although yes, I do appreciate that Luna was finally given a chance to sing this time.

AND HER SINGING VOICE...

OH MY GOD ITS SO BEATUFIL

[88888888888888888888 129]

198u2e 91j0 9i13 12k0k0 

Edited June 29, 2015 by RehloffFir39238_

[Sanctified Absence 126]

Even if we presume Discord is more powerful than the Alicorns (which is likely correct as it took both Alicorn sisters w/ EoH to defeat him), don't forget that Tirek got a much larger boost from Alicorn magic because it was Celestia's, Luna's, Cadence's and Twilight's magic all combined. Even if Discord is more powerful, all four princesses could possibly handle him even without EoH.

 

I'd say it's more of an equal thing, as in Discord is about as powerful as the Alicorns combined.

 

Regardless, I was browsing other forums just now and had a pleasant conversation with one of the browsers, leading us both to the conclusion that Tirek may just not have been able to use Discord's magic at all (or at least  not very well), this may be backed up by the fact that Discord's magic has been shown to be entirely different than any other magic again and again.

[Pastel 7,630]

Stealing @Sterling Crimson's idea to really prove the epicness of this fight...

 

Start this vid

 

As soon as it hits 0:01, start this one

 

It lines up so well, they should have used Solaris's theme as the official background music 

 

(OT that was the only thing Sonic 06 did right)

I can't stop watching this, the synchronization is perfect. That's a huge coincidence.

[Java Jive 440]

Where to start,

 

First of all, this was quite an powerful episode. It concluded Twilight's doubts, largely, and ended a transition period for both the viewers and characters to get used to her being a princess and her questioning the entire thing. She now has been given an more official title. The show has reverted to another clean slate and as far as the writing goes... They are pretty much free to go wherever they want with this. The elements are largely restored in the form of the Mane 6 themselves, with a power that could be called upon (Sailor moon style?) or maybe it's a one time thing... The other princesses have their powers back and Twilights' friends have been elevated to a near equal status and importance to herself. It slightly does away with her roots and propels her into a new destiny, one she will share.

 

I loved what they did with Tirek, even though we didn't see anything of Scorpan besides the backstory and that he now is his brother. Tirek is both very manipulative, recognizes when he is in a lesser position and absolutely ruthless when he is in more control of things. Instead of blabbing on about his plans he seeks confrontation and wields a no nonsense approach. An absolute tyrant in personality and looks. He was that villain to eventually strip away Discords' remaining unloyalty and darker sides we all knew were still there to make him more of an ally. It's safe to say De Lancie will be back, and in spades. Aside all that, you got to love villain to villain interaction, it is of a different sort, very confrontational and rival like, you don't see it too often. Discords' betrayal could be seen coming from miles away as he always spoke too easily about friendship without it being truly tested. Discord was truly shocked from what he did and genuinely remorseful.

 

As for the fight. Well, it was unusually dark... The yellowish color of the clouds spelled out apocalypse and the destruction was intense. Tirek actually bullhorned Twilight into a mountain, protective magic shield or not, that's pretty brutal considering the original and intended target audience. A good sign that the writers and animators aren't afraid to show how serious things really are. It's a hugely different animal than the magic duel she had with Trixie. This was a battle between titans. And while the idea may resemble Dragonball Z or any other anime for that matter, it still goes to show that the show can and will get dark when it has to. I applaud it, it's a gutsy move. They really clashed for a while. Plus we now know what Tartarus looks like.

 

Her home being destroyed however was saddening. I know it was replaced amazingly quickly with a treecastle of her own... But from the first season it has been the spot of so many past memories, for both Twilight and us. All of which she experienced was probably stored away in there and wiped out. Pictures, books, everyday common objects with a meaning. Many in reality have experienced the gutwrenching emotional pain when you lose your home. Now it is replaced with something sterile and regal, lacking the warmth of before. I think her dealing with this could make for a very powerful episode, ignoring this happened would be ridiculous. This is kind of a big deal. Certainly things have moved way past the innocence of when she just moved in and started learning about friendship. They grow fast, don't they?

 

Every season ending causes some kind of stir within the community. In the new, out with the old, it's a common thing in this particular series. Things change, but in the right hands it can be one of the shows' stronger points. Like i said, the writers can go anywhere. Twilights' path and that of her friends can take expected or unexpected turns. Challenges will grow bigger in time, who knows where it will end up. It's good to see she's been given a purpose and knows what her place is, at the very least. But it wont change who she is at the inside.

 

One of the things i want to see sometime is to see the other three princesses being an actual formidable force fighting alongside Twilight rather than fulfilling the role of being removed from the picture so the focus is entirely on Twilight. They either are defeated quickly or never given a chance to shine and show what they are truly capable of, besides singing (i did like that though) and raising/lowering things. They have been underwhelming so far and haven't been that explored in personality and backstory, yes, even though Twilight is the main protagonist. Though i wouldn't be surprised if the decision would be made for her to replace them completely at some point. I really hope they dont.

 

But yeah... They sure got their work cut out for them. Let's see what S5 brings.

[tripfly 264]

What can i say about the finale?

It was much better than expected, I stayed away from spoilers, hell even the episode synopsis' so i was going in blind.

I'm not much of a word dumper so i'll just say this

Everything was amazing expect for one thing that bugged me, the fan pandering with Ditzy, shit was not needed, but thats what season 4 seemed to like to do, throw her everywhere.

Also, the final key, I was not expecting to be obtained the way it was, I figured Twilight was going to split her magic with Discord and they fight tirekt together, and afterwards he gives her the medallion which as we knew was the last key, they open the box and the rainbow power fixes the land... which is what happend, but not in the way i was expecting.

9/10 would watch again

[88888888888888888888 129]

ew 23 9j32 42 j9dsf j09wer 23 

Edited June 29, 2015 by RehloffFir39238_

[tripfly 264]

As many others have said before:

 

gg/10

I don't follow, is that a joke or something?

[Jeric 46,850]

It seems that I'm in minority, because I can't say that I loved the season finale.

I don't say that it was bad but I still like S2 ending more.

 

I didn't liked the battle beetwen Twilight with Tirek, it was just too long and too much not in MLP style. And another use of overdone weapon of mass destruction of evil.

 

At beginning Tirek looked like he will be very cool villain, but after he started devouring more and more magic thus becoming stronger he also started to become more and more boring and cliche character. He cannot match with Discord when he was evil, Tirek actions was just plain and predictable without any refinement nor artfulness. Just give me moar magic!

 

Discord also disappointed me a little, he didn't even tried to trick and play with Tirek. He wasted potential of his unawareness of the existence of the fourth alicorn, he could use this card to play with Tirek. Instead he just let Triek to enslave him, and allowed him to grow stronger than himself.

 

I also didn't like Twilight's new palace design, it just doesn't fit to village scenery. It should has more organic look, at least different coloring.

 

But I'm glad that mane 5 didn't became alicorns nor didn't stay in this ugly super rainbow power form.

 

The other things in the episode were very good, so eventually I can say that I really liked it.

While I loved Twilights Kingdom, it still ranks under the season 2 finale for me as well. It just goes to show how amazing those episodes were. The Wedding two-parter felt more like an ensemble piece and this one was written as a Twilight only story. That isn't to say I am unhappy the Mane Six didn't get more screen time since it would have sacrificed some of the villain development we got in this.

[88888888888888888888 129]

I don't follow, is that a joke or something?

 

Good Game / 10

basically meaning 10/10 

[tripfly 264]

Good Game / 10

basically meaning 10/10 

oh, well i don't follow lingo like that

[Scootaloodle 1,622]

That was a fantastic episode: I was on the edge of my seat my eyes glued to the screen, it was so exciting, a great season finale.

 

I can’t pick out one moment I liked it was all brilliant: I will say how I like how Twilight has a new castle to live in with a cool throne room, can’t wait to see season 5 now  

[Jeric 46,850]

oh, well i don't follow lingo like that

 

Try being a father of teenagers, I swear I have to revise my internal dictionary weekly.

[tripfly 264]

Try being a father of teenagers, I swear I have to revise my internal dictionary weekly.

the problem is, I am a teenager, i should know this crap

[Scoots and Dash 208]

Literally loved this episode. It made me so happy I clapped really loud many occasions. 

[Allen 1,387]

All of the ponies' powers are weak, but strong because of they're stopping Great Tirek. Once season 5 has premiered then it's good to hear it after.

[Jeric 46,850]

Literally loved this episode. It made me so happy I clapped really loud many occasions. 

 

Glad I wasn't the only one. I mostly watch the show with a comment here or there, a laugh, and a smile on my face. This one definately felt like I was watching a sporting event if you go my how many outbursts I had.

 

Just some of the moments

 

Fluttershy hugging Discord

Twi vs Terik

Destruction of the Library

Betrayal of Discord

Twilight demanding Discord be released

The rainbow showing the Key Bearers

Celsestia getting flowers.

 

The more I think about it, if Discord was just plain defeated by Tirek, I may have felt less emotion about this episode. That whole thing took real guts from the writers.