History Recap / MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS5E1TheCutieMapPart1

-->'''Pinkie Pie:''' (''miserably'') I've accidentally eaten ''cardboard'' tastier than that...

* FantasyWorldMap: Though we've had a merch-produced map of Equestria before which was used in some episodes (such as "Pinkie Pride" and "Twilight's Kingdom", the castle map shows more areas that were only hinted towards, such as realms for dragons and griffons.

* GenreSavvy: With the exception of Fluttershy, the Mane Six find something "off" about a town of ponies at the outskirts of [[ConstructedWorld Equestria]] that have willingly given up their Cutie Marks and the [[FunctionalMagic special talents]] that come with them.

* CreativeSterility: Without their cutie marks, none of the ponies in Starlight Glimmer's town has any creative ability. This is shown with a clothesmaker selling only one basic style of cloak, a town of identical houses with no architectural flair, and a baker serving only muffins that even she considers "disgusting".

* DirtyCommunists: Despite what some people may tell you, Averted. Communism, while it does ruthlessly enforce-er, promote, equality, it still allows one to celebrate their special talents (each according to their ability). The communist version of equality means everyone owns an equal share in all of the businesses in town. Therefore, the profits are pooled and redistributed, with the person who runs the business getting no more of a share than anyone else, but at the same time getting a share of the profits of the businesses they don't run. It doesn't mean one is forced to half-ass something they're good at so nobody gets their feelings hurt. However, such a system promotes mediocrity since there's no incentive to excel. TallPoppySyndrome also kicks in when people try to better themselves. Misery loves company, after all.

* DirtyCommunists: Despite what some people may tell you, Averted. Communism, while it does ruthlessly enforce-er, promote, equality, it still allows one to celebrate their special talents (each according to their ability). The communist version of equality means everyone owns an equal share in all of the businesses in town. Therefore, the profits are pooled and redistributed, with the person who runs the business getting no more of a share than anyone else, but at the same time getting a share of the profits of the businesses they don't run. It doesn't mean one is forced to half-ass something they're good at so nobody gets their feelings hurt. However, such a system promotes mediocrity since there's no incentive to excel.

* UsefulNotes/{{Socialism}}: Despite what some people may tell you, Averted. Socialism/Communism, while it does ruthlessly enforce-er, promote, equality, it still allows one to celebrate their special talents (each according to their ability). The socialist version of equality means everyone owns an equal share in all of the businesses in town. Therefore, the profits are pooled and redistributed, with the person who runs the business getting no more of a share than anyone else, but at the same time getting a share of the profits of the businesses they don't run. It doesn't mean one is forced to half-ass something they're good at so nobody gets their feelings hurt. However, such a system promotes mediocrity since there's no incentive to excel.

* UsefulNotes/{{Socialism}}: Despite what some people may tell you, Averted. Socialism/Communism, while it does ruthlessly enforce-er, promote, equality, it still allows one to celebrate their special talents (each according to their ability). The socialist version of equality means everyone owns an equal share in all of the businesses in town. Therefore, the profits are pooled and redistributed, with the person who runs the business getting no more of a share than anyone else, but at the same time getting a share of the profits of the businesses they don't run. It doesn't mean one is forced to half-ass something they're good at so nobody gets their feelings hurt.

* UsefulNotes/{{Socialism}}: Despite what some people may tell you, Averted. Socialism/Communism, while it does enforce with an iron fi-er, promote, equality, still allows one to celebrate their special talents (each according to their ability). The socialist version of equality means everyone owns an equal share in all of the businesses in town. Therefore, the profits are pooled and distributed, with the person who runs the business getting no more of a share than anyone else, but at the same time getting a share of the profits of the businesses they don't run. You can be better ''at'' something, but that doesn't mean you're intristically better than anyone else.

* ObnoxiousSnarker: Rainbow Dash can't contain her incredulity at the choice the Equal Ponies have made.
-->'''Starlight Glimmer:''' Each of us was confused once as well, blinded by the false promise of our cutie marks.\\
'''Rainbow Dash:''' Whoa whoa whoa -- is she for real?

* AbsenteeActor:
** Of all the season premieres, this is the only one to not involve or feature Princess Celestia. She is briefly mentioned, however.
--->'''Night Glider:''' Do you know Princess Celestia?!
** Princesses Luna and Cadance, and Discord aren't involved, featured, or mentioned.

** Spike's foot stepping on Pinkie's rock farm has shades of ''WesternAnimation/BambiMeetsGodzilla'' (particularly in the original animatic when it was a black and white sketch.)

* FantasyCounterpart: Hoofball, as a sport, is mentioned by name. Like its {{American|Football}} counterpart, fans collect trading cards, discuss stats, and use something akin to beer hats for guzzling beverages.

-->'''Pinkie Pie:''' Something's rotten in... whatever the name of this village is that we're in right now!

* {{Retcon}}: From the looks of things, the [[https://derpibooru.org/72154 official map of Equestria]] is no longer canon.

--'''Starlight Glimmer:''' Nopony has ever come to our village and wanted to leave! Why should you be any different? But that is [[FalseReassurance entirely your choice]].

* Cult: Possible allusions to political extremism aside, the CityWithNoName is this. Its "religion" is a rejection of cutie marks and the special talents they represent, valuing [[IndividualityIsIllegal sameness above all else]].

"The Cutie Map" is the first part of the Season 5 two-part premiere. It premiered on April 4th, 2015.

* {{Deconstruction}}: This two-parter deconstructs the WellIntentionedExtremist trope with Starlight Glimmer. Starlight wanted to eliminate differences because her goal was for everyone to have friendship. Starlight actually turned out to be a [[spoiler: {{hypocrite}} because she still had her talent all along]]. Also, when she retorts that everypony would be happy if they were the same, one of the townsponies respond with "only for you!" She also goes down in history as an evil ruler.

* {{Adorkable}}: Twilight's obviously still not used to being a princess: when Double Daimond first Twilight to Starlight, she does a nervous grin and fluffs her wings before Starlight points it out.