What should the direction for future Spike episodes be?

[Spinelspike 78]

It's no secret that many members of the fanbase have been...shall we say 'displeased' (for lack of better word) with the current show writing staff in terms of how Spike has been written and characterised both in his own episodes and just in the show in general.

As a strong spike fan, I can say that while I certainly have no intention of making death threats to writers and crying on the floor because of how a cartoon character is written in a show about ponies, I can say that I am somewhat disappointed and confused with how the writers have been treating Spike this past season. This isn't exactly a new topic, as it has been stated many times before as to why it's odd that Spike has both been out of character, neglected, and/or only used to be the posterior of jokes. 

This is all stuff that's been discussed before, so my question here is, how should he be written in future to improve on past mistakes?

Now in all honesty, and I do speak for myself here, that I honestly find Spike to be a very interesting character both by himself and in a supportive role. His very intimate and affectionate relationships with all his friends derive realistically from the fact that he literally has no other family, so his interactions with his friends are always heart-warming and intriguing to watch, as we understand why his relations to characters are held incredibly dear to him, primarily seen through King Sombre's mirror in "The Crystal Empire". He has child like tendencies, yet people seem to enjoy him most when he is acting either maturely as a voice of reason or snarkily as comic relief. His constant quick snarks and remarks are what made him both a comical and relatable figure in the show's introduction, and although he can be devious and mischievous, his good intentions towards his friends are always apparent. His mysterious origins and dragon nature create a great undercurrent of tension for his role in Equestria, as is the fact that he himself is often oblivious to his own skills and maturity. His love for Rarity also offers a dynamic relationship between two main characters not really seen prominently or as frequently in the show.

As season 4 goes, I believe "Inspiration Manifestation" to be the best example of how Spike stories should be done. But should the writers just try and replicate stories like that in future, or are there other areas to explore?

Like I said, his origins, his history with Celestia, and his capabilities as a Dragon are the most ambiguous parts of his character, that may be more interesting to explore. Should his strength as an advisor and sidekick to other characters dictate his future episodes to always be a co-star with someone else? Should is just be about him and Rarity from now on? Or is there something else completely different they could try? I honestly did find Spike's greedy and jealous nature to be quite emotionally justified in "Owl's well that ends well" and "Secret of my excess", and I enjoyed those stories thoroughly because of that. And while I found the moral of "Dragon Quest" to be a bit flawed in it's presentation, I was still rooting for Spike throughout, and found his quest for self-discovery to be worthwhile watching. Yet, in "just for sidekicks", his main motivation and moral dilemma centres mainly around a cake.......well, that's just not very investing at all, regardless of what character lead that story.

So hopefully you'll understand what I'm saying here in that I do think Spike has potential and is very interesting, but the writers just seem to be a bit....misguided shall we say. They have shown to listen to the fan community before, so if you were to approach them and give them advice on how you as an audience member would enjoy the show more, how would you recommend they structure  future spike-centric episodes? Because, I don't think they need to stop being made. On the contrary, some past Spike stories have been great, but there's potential for something greater to be made.

Whether you are a fan of Spike or not, please express your thoughts below. Maybe if you don't like Spike, what would you have them do so that you would like him more? Have fun!

[Ribbonfree 2,383]

inb4 haters say they want to see less Spike episodes period

 

I definitely agree with your interpretation of his character having a lot of different angles to it. I feel Spike as a character is an interesting one because he acts a lot like a child, children have their moments of precocious maturity and almost always genuinely care for others, but often get caught up in petty problems that promptly get out of hand. Makes sense, he is after all a baby. I honestly think he's fine the way he is, in this sort of role. Out of every main character who gets episodes devoted to them, he along with the CMC are arguably is the only ones who they actually really make sense for. The Mane Six are goddamn adults for crying out loud, this is the sort of shit they should have figured out a long time ago.

 

The changes I want to see are actually dependent on a shift in the general premise of the show. The Mane Six should start maturing and becoming real paragons of their elements instead of constantly shifting between being awesome and incompetent, and they should start guiding and helping others like Spike to realize the elements within themselves.

[Shanks 10,816]

I think season 1 and 2 had it right with Spike, he had his doofus side to him and sometimes made an ass out of himself because of it but in season 3 and 4 that seems to be almost his entire character which makes his character seem awfully bland and inconsistent. He also had a fairly intelligent, thoughtful and mature side as well and on some occasions even acted as a voice of reason. One thing I do like that was introduced in season 4 to his character was him being a comic book geek, this both differentiates him a bit from Twilight who tends to prefer novels and non fiction but also places a similarity as well because even  though Spike choice of reading material is different he does like to read.

[Pastel 7,630]

I agree with you when saying Inspiration Manifestation is an example of a good Spike episode.

But his relation with Rarity can't make good episodes anymore in my opinion. It has already been done several times now, additional episodes about it would be boring.

I want another episode like Dragon Quest. Because this episodes had an excellent idea (where does Spike come from?) but in itself the episode was very disappointing. Spike didn't meet real, strong and huge dragons but a couple of annoying teenager dragons. Eventually, he didn't learn anything.

I think Spike meeting his parents would be an excellent episode, or at least REAL dragons (serious and adult dragons...), so he can learn more about himself.

Edited May 16, 2014 by Blobulle

[Megas 27,785]

I want to see them explore Spike's background more. I know that they said he shouldn't worry about it after Dragon Quest, but I think it could make him more interesting.

 

 

Also have him hang out with ponies other than Twilight and Rarity

[Red Cedar 1,408]

Spike has been used a bit too much as a doormat in the past, as either the cause of problems, or just not being taken seriously by the rest of the Mane 6 (even Twilight was guilty of this from time to time!) however I was pleased to see some of that come home to roost in season 4. We had two Spike episodes dealing precisely with the notion that his self-esteem is through the floor. It would have been nice to see these issues tied in with the way he'd been treated in previous episodes, but dealing with it at all was good to see. I mean, you know a guy has some serious self-esteem issues when he feels like he can't do anything right when he's standing in the middle of an entire province of Equestria that thinks he's a hero.

 

In any case, I'd like to see him treated a little more like an equal. They may also want to deal with certain issues regarding his age. He keeps getting called a baby, but mentally he's closer to a teenager. He may grow to resent the term when he's the same age or older than the CMC and they don't get called babies any more.

[Frozen The Unicorn 484]

Spike seams to be a doormat, People consistently Treat him as if he is the age of the CMC which he is definitely not, He appears to be much older.

I hope they do right him better in the new series

[Swirl 90]

I tend to strongly dislike Spike heavy episodes, but S4 had quite good ones for him...although having the Equestria Gamed based around him was quite a let down. I think exploring his background would be best...maybe if we were to meet his parents? It'd be interesting to see that certainly, especially since Spike is pretty much a pony...it'd also be a twist if his parents were villains and Spike had to choose between them.

 

Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself here. I think his background would be the best area to explore in the future. Plus it could add some interesting continuity.

[Motion Spark 7,807]

I'll be honest, I don't like spike, that doesn't mean that I hate him it's just that he's a character that I don't really care about, and I want him out of the way as much as possible, however finding out about an upcoming spike episode doesn't get me less excited especially if he shares the spotlight with somepony esle.

Inspiration Manifestation and Equestria Games were the peak of great Spike's potential and I don't even care if the games were focused more on Spike, that was an episode with real and deep emotions that I throughtly enjoyed and it's one of my favorites of the whole season.

 

I don't know, I don't thing anything big would happen with spike in the next season.

[Singe 2,111]

Spike is like the CMC. They're just there to fill in episode slots, with Spike lacking any getting to the heart of the matter like the CMC with their cutie marks.

 

Spike was suppose to be the male character with his "Dragon" equating to manliness. In Season 1, he was sexist at times and wanted to avoid anything girly. Actually, he tended to not want to be around the Mane 6. Then at some point he flips and became the pony pleaser.

 

He's just written to a point where the only thing he can do is just be more of a pony pleaser and less of a dragon. While the show also tends to make dragons look bad.

Edited May 17, 2014 by Singe

[Rainboom Dash 1,056]

I actually like Spike episodes, but I do feel they could use more complex storylines which can relate to the audience, as Spike is usually the audience perspective character. I too would like a story about Spike discovering more about his race / family.

[Wind Chaser 4,768]

The answer really is simple: The writers should stop focusing on his immaturity as a comedic prop and think of character development.

 

In MLP's focus on characters before plot, Spike's writing is as much an outlier as many of Season 4's weaker episodes have been to the show at large. On a show full of well-developed characters working toward definitive goals in their lives, here's a second-class servant who gets used as a plot device or the target of a joke while thrown a few bones that are allegedly supposed to acknowledge him as a full character on this show. Add the fact that he's the only male main character and the only one of an entirely different species that shares little to nothing in common with ponies (species difference might imply a race difference to some observers) and this situation carries a lot more baggage given the show's target demographics.

 

On certain shows you can have a character be a designated punching bag and get away with it (My personal preference is that they don't do it unless the audience has something to identify with in the character). However, that is a device that this show's writing style should logically leave no room for. If he's a full, regular character, then treat him like one!

 

Spike is a great presence on the screen and alternative point of view on events when the writers don't hone in on that single aspect of his personality that says that he's "greedy", "immature", or "clumsy", or in any case, "just a kid". He also has some story potential seeing how different he and his friends are. It's for the best if they stop thinking of how to exploit him for a cheap laugh and give him a moment to shine every once in a while.

Edited May 17, 2014 by ~Happy Gilda (WCP)

[LZRD WZRD 1,929]

I think Spike's character (and all of the mane six for that matter) has been thoroughly developed and explored. The Equestria Games really felt like a perfect end to the whole "Spike is incompetent/unappreciated" conflict we've had since season one. I'd like to see a new focus for his character, whether it be a new passion or goal or something. He needs to grow up and try to establish what he is meant to be. Maybe he could even end up like the CMC and try to find a new talent. Staying with the same concepts we've had would be redundant at this point

[Jeric 46,860]

I just want to know how Spike's egg ended up as an entry test. I don't think it would have been your typical examination since we don't see a handful if baby dragons running around Caterlot, and Dragon history and knowledge appears to be lacking in Pony society.

 

That story would be a decent avenue to explore Spike.

[Pastel 7,630]

I just want to know how Spike's egg ended up as an entry test. I don't think it would have been your typical examination since we don't see a handful if baby dragons running around Caterlot, and Dragon history and knowledge appears to be lacking in Pony society.

 

That story would be a decent avenue to explore Spike.

Maybe the ponies steal the eggs from their parents (dragons) to organize the entrance exams. Edited May 17, 2014 by Blobulle

[Singe 2,111]

Now that Spike is done chasing after Rarity's tail, the show should introduce a female child dragon into the show. A "bad" girl. 

[MLPFanatic34 3,234]

I would like to see Spike's family and I know that's probably a stretch, but hey I can hope lol, I also would love to see more dragons appear since there were episodes that featured teenage dragons and those two adults that were causing trouble in Ponyville.

[Metemponychosis 1,262]

I think that Spike would be better used if he gravitated towards the CMC instead of the Mane Six.

That's really all I have to say about him now that they've made it abundant clear that he just wants to be friends with Rarity. Honestly, I don't want to see him carrying luggage from one place to another again. If he goes back to being Twilight's assistant he will just be re-used the same way he always is.

[Spinelspike 78]

I think that Spike would be better used if he gravitated towards the CMC instead of the Mane Six.

That's really all I have to say about him now that they've made it abundant clear that he just wants to be friends with Rarity. Honestly, I don't want to see him carrying luggage from one place to another again. If he goes back to being Twilight's assistant he will just be re-used the same way he always is.

Interesting. What potential do you personally see with him interacting more with the CMC? Personally I find their personalities to be perhaps a bit too juvenile for Spike, as his sense of humour and loyalty resides more closely with the Mane Six. I think that there is potential for Spike in interacting with the CMC, but so far from what we've seen from "Just for Sidekicks", I don't have too many high hopes. I do like how he did take a more authoritative role towards them in that episode though. It's an interesting idea though I'll agree

 

Do you really think they've made it abundantly clear that he wants to be just friends with Rarity? I'll admit, the intimacy between the two has been toned down a little this season, but from what we saw in Just for Sidekicks and Equestria Girls, Spike was still completely head over heels for her. I didn't really see a reduction of that in season 4. In Inspiration Manifestation, he still swoons and blushes whenever she acknowledges him, so as far as I can see, I still think he's interested in her. Then of course, you do have "Simple Ways", and I'll admit, it was strange that Spike didn't bat an eyelid about Rarity's romantic endeavours, though it could have been because he was used to Rarity fantasising about celebrities. I don't know, though I am intrigued as to why you think that

 

Well, as an assistant, I think Spike's role will change in relation to how Twilight's duties change. Seeing as she has now officially been crowned a princess of friendship, we don't really know what her duties will entail at this point, or whether Celestia has any plans for Spike himself. 

 

Your opinion is still an interesting one though. Thanks for sharing

[Red Cedar 1,408]

Maybe the ponies steal the eggs from their parents (dragons) to organize the entrance exams.

I think that tactic would be a very good way to have large sections of Equestria burned to the ground. Celestia must have come across Spike's egg some other way.

[Creamy Arty 6,252]

Spike has shown himself to be very intelligent and organized, something that while handy for Twilight as a student could become instrumental in her fulfilling her duties as a princess. I would like to see him permitted more autonomy. He's ready for more tasks to tackle that require him to exercise his best judgement rather than making things easier or more convenient for Twilight. He could serve as some sort of dignitary in her new castle, overseeing matters too mundane for her to deal with with constantly. Having him take some long trips on his own to the Crystal Empire or Canterlot to handle some business in Twilight's stead too. He's young, but he's competent, and should be in more of an equal role to the ponies now rather than often being subservient or simply along for the ride.

 

If not something so official, at least have him interact with the Mane 6 as more than a yes-man or handyman, hanging out just for fun and maybe teaching them something for a change. Perhaps making new friends of his own and having some thrilling escapades with them.

[Metemponychosis 1,262]

 

 

Interesting. What potential do you personally see with him interacting more with the CMC? Personally I find their personalities to be perhaps a bit too juvenile for Spike, as his sense of humour and loyalty resides more closely with the Mane Six. I think that there is potential for Spike in interacting with the CMC, but so far from what we've seen from "Just for Sidekicks", I don't have too many high hopes. I do like how he did take a more authoritative role towards them in that episode though. It's an interesting idea though I'll agree

 

It's true that the CMC are maybe too young next to Spike, but I feel that the same is true about him next to the Mane Six. I don't know. Maybe this is because of how I think that he has been so badly used this season, but it seems that every time he is not the focus of the episode he is used for comedic relief. He is always carrying stuff. If not he is being an idiot that creates problems. I think that the writers could come up with interesting stories between him and the CMC. In the end, I'm not sure what is Spike's level of maturity because in some episodes he acts mature, in others he just doesn't. But specifically, I'm not sure how would these episodes go.

 

 

 

Do you really think they've made it abundantly clear that he wants to be just friends with Rarity? I'll admit, the intimacy between the two has been toned down a little this season, but from what we saw in Just for Sidekicks and Equestria Girls, Spike was still completely head over heels for her. I didn't really see a reduction of that in season 4. In Inspiration Manifestation, he still swoons and blushes whenever she acknowledges him, so as far as I can see, I still think he's interested in her. Then of course, you do have "Simple Ways", and I'll admit, it was strange that Spike didn't bat an eyelid about Rarity's romantic endeavours, though it could have been because he was used to Rarity fantasising about celebrities. I don't know, though I am intrigued as to why you think that

Well, Rarity seems to make it pretty clear in Inspiration Manifestation, and so do Spike, who says he was trying to be a supportive friend. I used to be, but now I'm not so sure Spike expects Rarity to be more than a friend. As much as I like Sparity in the fics.

 

 

 

Well, as an assistant, I think Spike's role will change in relation to how Twilight's duties change. Seeing as she has now officially been crowned a princess of friendship, we don't really know what her duties will entail at this point, or whether Celestia has any plans for Spike himself. 

Well, we'll see that in next season. I just hope I don't have to see Spike cooking and cleaning the palace for Twilight. Most of the time, he felt more like a maid than an assistant to Twilight.

[Thespian 78]

I would like to see Spike maturing. He was very child like in season 4. I want Spike to start taking things more seriously, and actually begin thinking about his actions and his relationships.

This will get at least one person on here *cough* Ghostface *cough to hate me, but I want Sparity to end. Not just stop, because I hate when story lines are not finished, but resolved. I want either Spike to find some reason to stop liking Rarity, or for Rarity to let Spike down gently. I feel that would add some depth to the show rarely seen thus far. Right not Spike, to me, is the annoying puppy dog always at Rarity's feet, and I feel Rarity purposefully leads Spike on.

Another thing about Spike I would like to see happen, is to not be used as just "I cause the problems, now I'm gonna cry." or "Look at how awesome I am. Oh wait, I guess I am not as awesome as I thought I was.". My favorite Spike moment is from Winter Wrap up when he says that Twilights bird house should be condemned. I thought that was so funny, yet snarky. I would love for Spike to return to those days.