History Recap / MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E5FlightToTheFinish

One day, Cheerilee's classroom is visited by Miss Harshwhinny, the inspector for the Equestria Games. She announces that the class can have the honor of carrying a flag at the Equestria Games in the Crystal Empire if they win a skit competition, with Rainbow Dash helping to provide feedback... with "professionalism," of course. The Cutie Mark Crusaders decide to enter the contest, intending to show off Ponyville as a place where ponies of all different types come together as friends.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, who have also entered the competition, attempt to get under the [=CMC's=] collective skin by saying that they can't represent Ponyville as "blank flanks." This doesn't slow the Crusaders down at all, as they come up with a very nice routine that impresses Rainbow Dash in just a day. Rainbow, still trying to maintain an aura of "professionalism," tells them the skit was "okay" and suggests they tweak it more. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon also see the demonstration, and are worried that the routine will beat theirs. Since calling them "blank flanks" didn't work, Diamond Tiara decides to mock Scootaloo's inability to fly, saying that Miss Harshwhinny will never pick a pegasus who can't fly to represent Ponyville. This deeply affects Scootaloo, who changes the whole routine around, ending up making it almost all about her. Try as she might, Scootaloo can't muster up the wing power to fly, which exhausts Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle after the [=CMC=] spend the rest of the day practicing.

When Scootaloo arrives at the train station, she tells Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to go without her, calling herself the weak link in the group. Apple Bloom, furious at Scootaloo for being a quitter, jumps on the train with Sweetie Belle and Rainbow Dash, leaving the young pegasus alone. When Rainbow Dash hears what happened, she chastises Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle for leaving a friend behind, then stops the train to rush back to Ponyville. They find Scootaloo tearing off the posters in her room, and even throwing away her scooter, still kicking herself over her inability to fly like her idol. Rainbow Dash tells Scootaloo that she shouldn't try to be Rainbow Dash; she should try to be herself, because she's already got her own talents. With some reassurance from her friends, Scootaloo perks back up, hopping on her scooter and speeding to the Crystal Empire with the other [=CMCs=] in tow. The Cutie Mark Crusaders win the competition, earning the right to carry the flag in the Equestria Games. Miss Harshwhinny herself calls it the most amazing thing she's ever seen... right before Rainbow Dash reminds her to act with "professionalism." Scootaloo, meanwhile, is hopeful that she and her friends can finally earn their cutie marks in flag-carrying.

* AesopAmnesia: The lesson from Babs' episode is forgotten, Sweetie Bell nor Apple Bloom tell their sisters or Rainbow Dash about the latest bullying from Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, and because of that the two aren't punished or discouraged from taunting anyone. [[spoiler: however the CMC do end up winning their competition, while whatever routine Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara had planned WASN'T good enough so it's not as if the bullies were actually successful or happy at the end.]]
* AlphaBitch: Standard routine for Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Besides the usual teasing of the CMC for lacking cutie marks (which is now so played out it doesn't even bother them), they have a KickTheDog moment when they tease Scootaloo about her inability to fly.

** Possibly some development for the bullies as well. Unlike Apple Bloom's loopty hoop demonstration in a previous season, the fillies cannot think of a legitimate criticism for the CMC's original routine. They privately acknowledge that the CMC could actually win unless they do something to discourage them, and then note that the Blank Flank insult won't work. So while Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon may not have learned the 'right' lesson (that teasing is bad) they have learned that their previous methods of teasing their rivals won't work anymore.

* IAmGreatSong: "We Got Hearts As Strong as Horses", by the CMC.

* NotImportantToThisEpisodeCamp: Only Rainbow Dash shows up; the other members of the Mane Six don't appear at all. Maybe they were in the stands and just not shown, otherwise you would have expected Applejack and Rarity at the very least, supporting their sisters.

* RevealShot: "We Got Hearts As Strong as Horses" gently spoofs a TrainingMontage showing the CMC doing feats of athleticism only to zoom back to show that they are helping each other.

* [[WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes Why did it have to be Butterflies]]: Snowflake (the really muscular pegasus) is apparently deathly scared of butterflies.

The [[Creator/TheHub Hub Network]]'s [[http://press.discovery.com/us/hub/press-releases/2013/everypony-wants-fly-flag-equestria-games-and--2839/ synopsis]] of this episode: ''Rainbow Dash is over the moon to be coaching the young ponies in Scootaloo’s class for their competition to carry the flag at the upcoming Equestria Games. Just as the Cutie Mark Crusaders find their rhythm, Diamond Tiara‘s taunting becomes too much to handle and Scootaloo begins to doubt herself and her team[.]''

Zap2it's [[http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-flight-to-the-finish/EP013304160074 synopsis]] of this episode: ''Sco[o]taloo becomes convinced that the best way to carry the Ponyville flag at the Equestria Games is to fly.''

Animatics for this episode were the first of four segments included in an animatic compilation [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfPxAa2waiw&t=2604 shown]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnlquKcFM58 at]] San Diego Comic-Con 2013. It involves Scootaloo, the CMC, and Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

A clip and an image from the episode can be seen [[http://family-room.ew.com/2013/12/13/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-exclusive-2/ here]], another image from the episode can be seen [[http://press.discovery.com/media/ugc/press/My_Little_Pony_Episodic_Storyline_Ep405_12-14-13_FINAL.pdf here]], and two more images from the episode can be seen in [[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=772826722734767 these]] [[https://twitter.com/HubTVNetwork/status/411193692867686400 two]] images.

This episode is set to air on the [[Creator/TheHub Hub Network]] on December 14, 2013.

** The song itself during the montage [[https://twitter.com/dannyimusic/status/411898315111165952 was influenced]] by "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Film/Mulan.

* VerySpecialEpisode: The dialog from the animatics released before season four's premiere clearly highlighted Scootaloo's inability to fly at her present age. The showrunners have hinted they would be doing an episode regarding handicaps, and Lauren Faust even stated that it was her idea that Scootaloo was handicapped and would never be able to fly. It ended up being downplayed in the episode itself, as Scootaloo's condition being a disability never comes up, and the {{Aesop}} instead focuses on not obsessing over not being able to do some things other people can, but accepting one's own strengths.

** Possibly some development for the bullies as well. Unlike Apple Bloom's loopty hoop demonstration, the fillies cannot think of a legitimate criticism for the CMC's original routine. They privately acknowledge that the CMC could actually win unless they do something to discourage them, and then note that the Blank Flank insult won't work. So while they may not have learned a good lesson (that teasing is bad) they have learned that their previous methods of teasing their rivals won't work anymore.

* AesopAmnesia: The lesson from Babs' episode is forgotten, Sweetie Bell nor Apple Bloom tell their sisters or Rainbow Dash about the latest bullying from Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, and because of that the two ''again'' become KarmaHoudini's.

* CharacterDevelopment: After three seasons of personal growth, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's "Blank Flank" comments barely even ''faze'' the CMC anymore. Sweetie Belle even rolls her eyes and the CMC look between themselves, as if saying ''"Seriously?"''.

* AbsenteeActor: Rainbow Dash is the only one of the Mane Six to appear in this episode.

* NoodleIncident: Admit it. We all want to know what Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon's routine was like.

* CharacterDevelopment: After three seasons of personal growth, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's "Blank Flank" comments barely even ''faze'' the CMC anymore. Sweetie Bell even rolls her eyes after CMC look between themselves, as if saying ''"Seriously?"'' non verbally.

* CharacterDevelopment: After three seasons of personal growth, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's "Blank Flank" comments barely even ''phase'' the CMC anymore. Sweetie Bell even rolls her eyes after CMC look between themselves, as if saying ''"Seriously?"'' non verbally.

* AlphaBitch: Standard routine for Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Besides the usual teasing of the CMC for lacking cutie marks, they have a KickTheDog moment when they tease Scootaloo about her inability to fly.
* AnAesop: BeYourself and don't focus on what others can do, even if you can't do them yourself, you have your ''own'' strengths.

* CharacterDevelopment: After three seasons of personal growth, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's "Blank Flank" comments barely even ''phase'' the CMC anymore. Sweetie Bell even rolls her eyes after CMC look between themselves, as if saying ''"seriously?"'' non verbally.

* GravityIsAHarshMistress: The CMC are posing in midair at the end of "We Got Hearts As Strong as Horses", but when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon start sarcastically clapping they fall.

* {{Jerkass}}: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, per the ususal.
* KickTheDog: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. In addition to the usual teasing about the CMC lacking cutie marks, when they that the CMC aren'y going to back down, and that their routine was better than the two thought it would be they start mocking Scootaloo's inability to fly.

* NotImportantToThisEpisodeCamp: Only Rainbow Dash shows up, the other members of the Mane Six don't appear at all. Maybe they were in the stands and just not shown, otherwise you would have expected Applejack and Rarity at the very least, supporting their sisters.

* SarcasticClapping: Provided by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon after the CMC give themselves a pep talk after Rainbow Dash's ... confusing appreciation.

* VerySpecialEpisode: The dialog from the animatics released before season four's premiere clearly highlighted Scootaloo's inability to fly at her present age. The showrunners have hinted they would be doing an episode regarding handicaps, and Lauren Faust even stated that it was her idea that Scootaloo was handicapped and would never be able to fly. It ended up being downplayed in the episode itself, as Scootaloo's condition being a disability never comes up, and the {{Aesop}} instead focuses on not obsessing over not being able to do some things other people can, and accepting own unique strengths.

* HeroicBSOD: The teasing of Diamond Tiara

* HereWeGoAgain: After going pretty much the entire episode without mentioning it, the CMC hope to get their cutie marks in the final seconds, frustrating Rainbow Dash to no end.
* HeroicBSOD: The teasing of Diamond

* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: Snowflake (the really muscular pegasus) is apparently deathly scared of butterflies.

* AlphaBitch: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, as usual. This time, in addition to mocking the CMC for their lack of Cutie Marks, their mocking Scootaloo for her inability to fly.
* BadassTeacher: Technically she's a coach, but Rainbow Dash definitely qualifies especially since she's good with kids.
* BeYourself: Rainbow Dash's advice to Scootaloo when her spirit is crushed for not being able to fly.

* CharacterDevelopment: After three seasons of personal growth, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's "Blank Flank" comments barely even phase the CMC anymore.
* GenkiGirl: Rainbow Dash acts a little more pumped up than usual in this episode.
* HereWeGoAgain: After almost going a whole episode without mentioning it, the CMC are again hoping to get their cutie marks in the final seconds, which Rainbow Dash looks quite frustrated about.
* IAmGreatSong: "We Got Hearts As Strong as Horses"

* KickTheDog: As with previous episodes, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon mock the CMC for their lack of Cutie Marks. However, after seeing that they aren't willing to back down and that their performance was far better than they thought, the two start mocking Scootaloo for her inability to fly.
* NotImportantToThisEpisodeCamp: None of the mane six appear aside from Rainbow Dash, which is especially bizarre for Rarity and Applejack who don't even get cameos to support their respective sisters.
* NotSoAboveItAll: After trying to get Rainbow Dash to act professionally in class, when the [=CMC's=] performance is done, even she is geeking out over it.
** At the end, so is Ms. Harshwhinny, to the point where it become an IronicEcho when Rainbow Dash has to remind her to act professionally.
* UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom: Scootaloo wouldn't have been so insecure about the routine if Rainbow Dash told her what she really thought, which is in turn due to Ms. Harshwhinny admonishing her to stay calm and professional.

* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: Snowflake (the musclebound pegasus) is apparently deathly afraid of butterflies.

* AlphaBitch: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, as usual. This time, in addition to mocking the CMC for their lack of Cutie Marks, their mocking Scootaloo for her inability to fly.
* BadassTeacher: Technically she's a coach, but Rainbow Dash definitely qualifies especially since she's good with kids.
* BeYourself: Rainbow Dash's advice to Scootaloo when her spirit is crushed for not being able to fly.
* CallBack: Ms. Harshwhinny and the preparation for the Equestria Games first shown in "[[Recap/GamesPoniesPlay Games Ponies Play]]" take a big part in this episode.
** Rainbow Dash can be seen with her cap and whistle [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E7MayTheBestPetWin from]] [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E22HurricaneFluttershy before]].
* CharacterDevelopment: After three seasons of personal growth, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's "Blank Flank" comments barely even phase the CMC anymore.
* GenkiGirl: Rainbow Dash acts a little more pumped up than usual in this episode.
* HereWeGoAgain: After almost going a whole episode without mentioning it, the CMC are again hoping to get their cutie marks in the final seconds, which Rainbow Dash looks quite frustrated about.
* IAmGreatSong: "We Got Hearts As Strong as Horses"
* IronicEcho: "Constrain your enthusiasm, Miss Dash/Harshwhinny. Professionalism."
* KickTheDog: As with previous episodes, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon mock the CMC for their lack of Cutie Marks. However, after seeing that they aren't willing to back down and that their performance was far better than they thought, the two start mocking Scootaloo for her inability to fly.
* NotImportantToThisEpisodeCamp: None of the mane six appear aside from Rainbow Dash, which is especially bizarre for Rarity and Applejack who don't even get cameos to support their respective sisters.
* NotSoAboveItAll: After trying to get Rainbow Dash to act professionally in class, when the [=CMC's=] performance is done, even she is geeking out over it.
** At the end, so is Ms. Harshwhinny, to the point where it become an IronicEcho when Rainbow Dash has to remind her to act professionally.
* UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom: Scootaloo wouldn't have been so insecure about the routine if Rainbow Dash told her what she really thought, which is in turn due to Ms. Harshwhinny admonishing her to stay calm and professional.
* VerySpecialEpisode: The dialog from the animatics released before season four's premiere clearly highlighted Scootaloo's inability to fly at her present age. The showrunners have hinted they would be doing an episode regarding handicaps, and Lauren Faust even stated that it was her idea that Scootaloo was handicapped and would never be able to fly. It ended up being downplayed in the episode itself, as Scootaloo's condition being a disability never comes up, and the {{Aesop}} instead focuses on not obsessing over not being able to do some things other people can, and accepting own unique strengths.
* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: Snowflake (the musclebound pegasus) is apparently deathly afraid of butterflies.

* VerySpecialEpisode: The dialog from the animatics clearly will highlight Scootaloo's inability to fly at her present age. The showrunners have hinted they would be doing an episode regarding handicaps, and Lauren Faust even stated that it was her idea that Scootaloo was handicapped and would never be able to fly.

* AlphaBitch: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, as usual. This time, in addition to mocking the CMC for their lack of Cutie Marks, their mocking Scootaloo for her inability to fly.
* BadassTeacher: Technically she's a coach, but Rainbow Dash definitely qualifies especially since she's good with kids.
* BeYourself: Rainbow Dash's advice to Scootaloo when her spirit is crushed for not being able to fly.
* CallBack: Ms. Harshwhinny and the preparation for the Equestria Games first shown in "[[Recap/GamesPoniesPlay Games Ponies Play]]" take a big part in this episode.
** Rainbow Dash can be seen with her cap and whistle [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E7MayTheBestPetWin from]] [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E22HurricaneFluttershy before]].
* GenkiGirl: Rainbow Dash acts a little more pumped up than usual in this episode.
* IAmGreatSong: "We Got Hearts As Strong as Horses"
* IronicEcho: "Constrain your enthusiasm, Miss Dash/Harshwhinny. Professionalism."
* KickTheDog: As with previous episodes, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon mock the CMC for their lack of Cutie Marks. However, after seeing that they aren't willing to back down and that their performance was far better than they thought, the two start mocking Scootaloo for her inability to fly.
* NotImportantToThisEpisodeCamp: None of the mane six appear aside from Rainbow Dash, which is especially bizarre for Rarity and Applejack who don't even get cameos to support their respective sisters.
* NotSoAboveItAll: After trying to get Rainbow Dash to act professionally in class, when the [=CMC's=] performance is done, even she is geeking out over it.
** At the end, so is Ms. Harshwhinny, to the point where it become an IronicEcho when Rainbow Dash has to remind her to act professionally.
* VerySpecialEpisode: The dialog from the animatics clearly will highlight Scootaloo's inability to fly at her present age. The showrunners have hinted they would be doing an episode regarding handicaps, and Lauren Faust even stated that it was her idea that Scootaloo was handicapped and would never be able to fly.
* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: Snowflake is apparently deathly afraid of butterflies.