Heartwarming / My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic Season 9

The Beginning of the End

• Tirek taking the time to actually explain who Grogar is to Cozy Glow.
• Discord acts all offended when Celestia announces Twilight will be taking over instead of him, but in reality he's nothing but supportive of the decision. He just doesn't admit it outright. It's a big change from the way he reacted the last time somepony else got a leadership position he wanted.
• The way that the rest of the Mane Six and Spike all comfort Twilight while she's having her continued panic attack in the throne room. Applejack gets special mention for the way she starts the comfort; she gently picks up the still-panicking Twilight and places her down on her throne, all while wearing the warmest smile on her face, like a mother soothing her child.
• Twilight contacting Discord alongside Starlight and the rest of the Mane Six following Sombra's first attack. Not only does she now know how to get into contact with him, but she called him in alongside the rest of her friends. It seems she's acknowledged Discord's problems with being left out, and made an effort to include him.
• When Twilight and her friends seemingly defeat Sombra in the Crystal Empire, Flurry Heart immediately celebrates their victory by hugging her Aunt Twilight, and she is quickly joined by Spike and later her parents. It is touching seeing nearly Twilight's entire family in a group hug together.
• After being trapped by Sombra in the cave with the destroyed Tree of Harmony, Twilight attempts to dig her way out. Rainbow Dash is the first pony to offer her assistance, showing why she is the Element of Loyalty.
• Discord taking a magic blast head-on in order to protect Fluttershy.
  • And when he's hurt, all of the Mane 6 are concerned for him, not just Fluttershy. Also a TearJerker, but Fluttershy herself is cradling him, tears in her eyes, begging him to wake up.
• Discord gives a heartfelt speech to all of the Mane 6, inspiring them to stand against Sombra.
  Discord: You're here, together, willing to give everything you've got for Equestria. Nothing and nopony can ever take that away from you, because that's who you are.
  • This becomes a massive CMOH when you compare this scene to Discord's first-ever appearance 7 seasons ago; there, in stained glass window form, he addresses all of the Mane Six by name and the element they represent, but he does so with malicious intent, seeing them as no threat to him at all. Here, Discord does the same, but this time he's saying it with sincerity and even love. He truly has come full circle.
• The above speech is so inspiring to her that Twilight fully embraces her power as an alicorn for perhaps the first time, seeming to get more and more powerful against Sombra's attacks as her confidence grows, right to the point that she can swat aside a blast that she was initially struggling against.
• Discord freely admits he went so far with the speech and fake injury because he believes Twilight will be a truly great leader and wants her to believe that too.
  • The fact that even though the speech and injury protecting Fluttershy were fake, none of the characters suspected it. They now have so much faith in him that it's seen as entirely plausible, even coming from a notorious Trickster Mentor figure.
• A villainous example: while also funny, there is actually something kind of sweet about Cozy Glow making a "best friends rock sculpture" of her and Tirek that she excitedly shows the latter, and about her hiding behind him whenever she feels intimidated. She also feels the need to add "No offense, you look great" after saying that he's really old. She may not understand friendship, but she does seem to hold some real affection toward her centaur mentor. Subverted as all of her affection towards Tirek and her attempts to befriend him are merely her trying to manipulate him.
  • And in turn, while Tirek does find her irritating, he still lets her hide behind him when she's scared without a complaint.
• Tirek seems concerned when Grogar gets up in Cozy Glow's personal space because she doesn't know who he is. Chrysalis does too, despite the fact that she absolutely despises ponies.

Uprooted

• Ocellus's entire family signs her permission slip, even the babies.
• This gem of yak wisdom from Yona:
  Yona: Yaks know things not forever. That's why smash and rebuild.
• The Young Six coming together to make the Tree's remains into something that truly symbolizes what the Tree is and the fact that their efforts and their friendship are powerful enough to help the Tree regenerate as something new and stronger.
• The Tree evidently knows how much Silverstream loves stairs.

Sparkle's Seven

• The episode itself is a "thank you" to the voice actors of the main characters. Each chose something they wanted to see their characters do, and the episode's story was written around these ideas. They're credited at the beginning of the episode for writing the script.
• Even though Twilight and Shining Armor had a sibling rivalry in the past, it never corroded their bond as Best Big Brother Friend Forever or Little Sister. In fact, it was such an affable rivalry that it only served to enforce their bond with activities they did together.
• Baby Spike in the flashback.
• Applejack's story about her gig as Apple Chord becomes this when it concludes with Applejack deciding she was happiest performing for her family.
• Remember "Father knows Beast" where Twilight's familial relationship with Spike was left vague, at best? The show outdoes itself by ending the episode with Twilight and Shining Armor finally establishing Spike as their little brother.
• Spike's moment with Fluttershy is actually very genuine. Fluttershy actually notes that her own brother could take notes on being a better sibling from Spike.
• On the subject of Twilight and Shining Armor finally acknowledging Spike as their little brother, flashbacks in the episode reveal that the Sparkle family raised Spike in their own home.

The Point of No Return

• Twilight was invited to Dusty Pages' house for tea all the time when she was younger. Once again, it's shown that pre-Ponyville Twilight had more friends than she realized.
• While it was brief, Twilight and Moondancer seeing each other again was a nice moment. And Moondancer sharing a meal with First Folio proves that the formerly-reclusive pony's social life has gotten even better since we last saw her.
• Dusty Pages actually thanks Twilight for never bringing the book back, as it helped her grow as a person, and drove her to seek out new goals, even if she ended up failing at them. She then imparts the very lesson about perfection she learned onto Twilight, telling her that she doesn't need to be perfect all the time.

Common Ground

• Quibble Pants spends the whole episode trying to get Wind Sprint to like him, because even though Clear Sky loves him, he doesn't want to force himself into their family if Wind Sprint isn't on board. When he thinks Clear Sky wants to end their relationship, he gracefully bows out because he doesn't want her to have to choose between him and her daughter.

She's All Yak

• Sandbar asking Yona to be his "pony pal" for the Amity Ball. After Yona agrees, he rushes down the school corridors to buy their tickets, laughing happily.
• In return, Yona wanted to learn everything about how to fit in at a "pony dance" because she didn't want to let Sandbar down.
• When Yona's wig falls over her eyes and she starts running and stomping around trying to get it off her friends all move in to try to help her.
  • Yona ends up accidentally whacking them with her loose braids. None of them are upset with her for that later.
• Sandbar knew Yona well enough to know she'd retreat to the Treehouse of Harmony after the dancing disaster. He encourages her to return to the dance by saying he didn't invite her because she was "the best pony", but because she is "the best Yona", and that he never wanted her to be anything else. This leads to Yona hugging him tightly, and agreeing to go back with him.
• All of Yona's friends stand with her when she and Sandbar return to the dance, which is still badly damaged from before.
• Sandbar and Yona being awarded the newly-renamed "Annual Amity Ball Award for Friendship".
  Rainbow Dash: We all decided you and Yona totally earned this.
  Rarity: Your actions tonight exemplify the true meaning of friendship.
  Twilight Sparkle: Congratulations, you two!
  • The trophy, instead of being of two Ponies, is now a Pony and a Yak in their honor.
• The whole school wanting Yona to teach them the "Yakyakistan Stomp".

Frenemies

• In a minor moment, Rusty Bucket references the Friendship Journal and one of its lessons, stating a real friend wouldn't ask him to do something he wasn't supposed to do. It just shows he is another pony who actually understands the purpose of the journal and is another pony Twilight and her friends helped by publishing it.
• When Tirek and Cozy Glow are arguing at Tirek's campsite, Cozy mentions that Tirek talks to his grandma, or "Gram-Gram" as he calls her, in his sleep. This is the only redeeming quality Tirek has shown in his time in the series to this point, and he immediately shows to be defensive of her when Cozy mentions her, showing that he does indeed love her.
  Tirek: Don't you dare bring Gram-Gram into this!
• Tirek, Cozy, and Chrysalis are learning to work during their mission and start bonding with each other, (becoming something like friends).
  • Chrysalis trusts Tirek enough to lend him her magic so he can create an opening for Cozy. Tirek does not betray her trust and gives her her magic back afterward.
  • Tirek also clearly strains himself in maintaining the opening for Cozy, who will be trapped forever if it closes. While he would likely claim he did it so that they could get the bell, there's a definite sense that he actually does care about Cozy's well-being deep down.
• Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy realizing that Good Feels Good, even if just for a brief moment, shows that perhaps their hearts aren't entirely black after all.
  • Chrysalis compares the feelings she's experiencing to ones she felt with her Hive. As awful as she was and still is it seems she did genuinely care about her subjects to some degree.

Sweet and Smoky

• Fluttershy gushing over the eggs and later the baby dragons is just adorable all around.
• The setup for the episode is Smolder being concerned for her brother, as he's been unhappy since she left and she wants to check up on him.
• When Ember sees Fluttershy cooing over the eggs, she gives a bit of a snarky response—"It can't answer you, it's an egg."—but there's no sarcasm or irritation in her voice, and she's even smiling. She also has no qualms with Fluttershy's presence in the hatching grounds, a place you'd think dragons would be hyper-protective of.
  • Although the moment is Played for Laughs due to Ember's nervousness and short temper, it is very sweet to see Ember try Fluttershy's motherly approach with the eggs herself and coo the eggs.
• As much as Smolder loves her brother, she's not so deluded about him that she'd be reluctant to call him out for mistreating Spike, which is exactly what she does.
  • Her anger over him picking on Spike even has tones of Big Sister Instinct and Violently Protective Girlfriend; we don't know which is the driving factor but both are sweet.
• Smolder and Spike's Ship Tease moments.
• It's underplayed, but Garble is shown to be a Cool Big Bro to Smolder, being excited when he first sees her, the two having a welcoming handshake, and she's the only dragon he opens up to his poerty for until the end. She even nicknames him "Gar-Gar". As much of a jerk as he is to Spike, there's no doubt Garble really loves his little sister.
• Following his Heel Realization, Garble doesn't join in when his gang once again mock Spike's blanket-making abilities. He also congratulates Spike for giving him his "Eureka!" Moment, and calls him by his Affectionate Nickname of "Spikey-wikey" (with no trace of spite or mockery in his voice).
• Fluttershy FLIES TO WHERE SHE COULD EASILY BE HIT BY LAVA BALLS to yell at Garble and company because they were throwing bullying Spike. To restate how heartwarming that is, she willingly puts herself in danger to stand up for her friend. The Element of Kindness, fillies and gentlecolts.
• Garble performing his beatnik poetry in front of the other dragons is both this and an Awesome Moment. Unlike the subverted crowd expectations of "Yakity-Sax", Garble is 100% accurate in his fear that he'll be mocked for his poetry, with the twist that that's the whole point. The game plan is for everyone's laugh-fire to be hot enough to hatch the eggs. He's willing to subject himself to the humiliation and mocking he's dreaded would come with his passion in order to ensure the survival of the baby dragons. And it works.
• When the other dragons begin mocking Garble's beatnik poetry, Dragon Lord Ember doesn't hesitate to come to his defense.
  Dragon: [...] What kind of weakling writes poetry?
  Ember: (flies up so her shadow looms over him) The Hero of the Dragon Lands! That's who!
  • Followed by Smolder talking about how Garble was able to save the eggs because he found the strength to be who he truly was regardless of everyone else's derision, and how she was taught by her friends to celebrate differences instead of make fun of them. Several dragons actually nod at each other in agreement before Ember makes a royal decree that that's exactly what dragons will do from now on. She then asks Garble to teach her how to write poetry.
• Seeing Fluttershy hugging three of the newly hatched baby dragons.
  • The fact that no-one goes Mama Bear or Papa Wolf over her doing this. Even Ember, whose job it is to watch over the eggs, doesn't say a word of protest.
  • Look at the baby dragons' expressions as Fluttershy hugs them closer. Contrary to Ember's earlier comment that Dragons aren't into "touchy-feely" stuff, they're clearly loving the affection!

Going to Seed

• Applejack and Applebloom bonding while looking for the Great Seedling.
• When Applejack expresses how guilty she felt that her family was shorthanded for the confluence because she got caught in one of her own Seedling traps when she was a filly, Granny is quick to point out that they were able to finish their harvest just fine and just laughed about the mess later.
• Applebloom's, and later Applejack's, hunting shenanigans cause a lot of work and trouble for Big Mac, but the last time he gets caught in a trap and the former two burst out laughing, he smiles at their amusement, making it clear he's not upset with them.
• In the flashback we see Bright Mac give Big Mac his horse collar, the colt grinning in delight.
  • Buttercup carrying foal Apple Bloom around, the baby gumming an apple.

Student Counsel

• Even if Maud takes even more liking to Mudbriar after he gets petrified by a cockatrice, she still wants him to be back to normal.
• Mudbriar shows he has Took a Level in Kindness. In his first appearance he refused to apologize for his over-corrections even when it was clear he was annoying Pinkie, now he can tell when they aren’t welcome and that nobody, even his girlfriend Maud, is interested in them at the moment and he quickly corrects himself to stop from angering anyone.

The Last Crusade

• A minor one, but when the cragadile attacks the classroom, what does Cheerilee do? Grabs Scootaloo, leaps on the top of her desk, and hugs the young filly as a way of protecting her. She really does care about her students.
• Scootaloo's Reunion with her Parents
• The Cutie Mark Crusaders get a big celebration at town hall by all of the ponies/creatures that they have helped out, including Babs Seed, Terramar, Trouble Shoes, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, Gabby, Tender Taps, and the foals from their cutie mark day camp, showing that they are all grateful for all the CMC have done for them. The only pony the Crusaders have helped out who is absent is Cozy Glow, but we all know how the Crusaders' "friendship" with her turned out...
  • It's also very cute seeing Diamond Tiara wave at the CMC, showing how she's very grateful for them helping her change her bullying ways.
  • Add on to that, this is the first time Babs Seed has seen Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon post reformation. Though Babs almost certainly knew about this beforehand do to staying in contact with the Crusaders, it's still nice for her to actually meet with them again, considering she was friends with them back when they were bullies before she changed. While the three don't interact onscreen they likely did catch up either before or after the celebration.
  • Terramar and Gabby claw bumping is significant because it shows two of the non-ponies that the Crusaders have helped proving that their influence goes beyond Equestria, and because Terramar and Gabby must have met at this party and are apparently getting along quite well, meaning that the Crusaders are still helping by bringing others together.
  • Scootaloo being allowed to stay in Ponyville.
  • Aunts Holiday and Lofty will now be living in Ponyville with Scoots.
• Although it was also tremendously tear-jerking, the scene where the CMC are crying at their supposedly final clubhouse meeting is heartwarming too; that all three of them could ugly cry in front of each other, so messily and openly, just goes to show how much they really do love one another, and how heartbroken they'll be if they have to separate.
• Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle choosing to come with Scootaloo, with Bloom saying AppleJack would do the same for her friends. Scootaloo hugging her best friends afterwards is equally heartwarming, showing how truly close they’ve become.
  Scootaloo: You’re the best, you know that?
  Apple Bloom: We’re the best!
  Sweetie Belle: Together!

- -

Between Dark and Dawn

• Just the premise of the episode is sweet; Celestia and Luna going on a sister-vacation. Initially at least, the two are practically overjoyed to spend time together.
• Luna bouncing with joy over the Hawaiian type shirts she bought for her and Celestia to wear together. And while Celestia is reserved about it she does put on the shirt to make her little sister happy.
• Somehow Luna getting excited just to go to the post office of all places, even bouncing with joy while there, manages to tug at your heart. It maybe just the almost childlike wonder she has at what’s normally the most mundane business in existence.
• Although she did say it in anger, during a heated argument, Celestia makes it clear she feels responsible for Luna.
  Celestia: You think I like that kind of pressure?! Being responsible for every little thing in Equestria and you?!
• After Celestia and Luna have their falling out, it doesn't take long for them to start missing each other and eventually reconcile. And this time, they managed to mend fences without a "Freaky Friday" Flip.
• When they next run into each other after their argument, Luna says she was climbing Mount Filly-mane-jaro to watch the sunrise, while Celestia says she was going to watch the moonset. In other words, they were each going to watch the body that the other is in charge of, and this is before they reconcile.
• Spotting a lucky star at the same time as Celestia brings Luna a fond fillyhood memory.
  Both: Lucky star!
  Luna: You taught me to look for those when I was a filly.
• When they then see both the sun and the moon moving uncontrollably in the sky, they immediately deduce Twilight's having trouble with the amulet they gave her and go to help her without hesitation.

The Last Laugh

• When Cheese Sandwich loses his ability to laugh, Pinkie is the one pony he thinks of that can help him out.
• In turn, Pinkie's delight at being able to see Cheese again. It's obvious they both look up to and respect each other.
• While his tone doesn't necessarily show it, Sans Smirk genuinely loving Pinkie's various comedic items for the factory.
• Even though he could have easily been the "money-obsessed business pony sucking all the creativity out of an artist"-type character, Sans Smirk turns out to be a decent pony genuinely worried about Cheese Sandwich.

A Trivial Pursuit

• Fridge Heartwarming: The fact that Cranky's first thought when he wakes up for good is where his morning haycakes are implies that Matilda always makes sure he has breakfast waiting for him first thing when he wakes up.

The Summer Sun Setback

• When Chrysalis goes to tell the others her plan to sabotage the festival, they lean in to listen without hesitation. Compare this to their power struggle in "Frenemies"; whether or not it's the magic of friendship at work, their mutual trust has definitely improved.
• Once the sun is raised, Twilight announces to the gathered crowed that although this is the last Summer Sun Celebration, it will now be replaced by a new holiday. To honor Celestia and Luna for all they have done for Equestria, the holiday will now be known as the "Festival of the Two Sisters".
  • Celestia is so touched by this that she gives Twilight a big hug.
  • It gets better if you remember "Horse Play". Twilight finally managed to give something to her dear teacher to thank everything she's done for her.
    • Even better, she's making sure nobody will ever forget Princess Luna again.
• Discord actually goes along with Twilight's instructions for him to not do anything "Discord-y" during the Celebration. And though he is clearly annoyed over Twilight not falling into another Freak Out as he'd expected, he still helps to clean up the mess caused by the Terrible Trio, and privately admits that Twilight may actually be ready for whatever comes next.
  • Also, even though Discord was enjoying watching everything fall into chaos, everyone believes him when he says he didn't cause it this time.
  • And the fact that Discord genuinely wanted to help with the celebration since he's "known Celestia and Luna longer than any of you".
  • There's also the fact that Discord just went up to the Mane Six and asked to be included, without resorting to any of his usual manipulations or trickery. It seems he took what Starlight told him at the end of "A Matter of Principals" ("Next time you want something, just ask for it") to heart after all.
• A minor villainous example and though it’s likely Played for Laughs, but Tirek catches a bird when it get knocked off wind by one of the fans on the Canterlot rooftops from the 200th episode.

Dragon Dropped

• Gabby and Spike's friendship is really adorable to see, with the two flying together on Gabby's rounds and sharing shakes. Gabby even feeds Spike a cherry at one point.
  • The ending implies Spike having a crush on Gabby, visibly blushing when asking to accompany her on her rounds. Especially if one considers this episode as the ending to the "Sparity" subplot.
• While Played for Laughs and deliberately hammy, Rarity was genuinely willing to apologize to Spike when she thought he was upset with her, even if she didn't know the supposed reason why.
• It's subtle, but Rarity does seem genuinely concerned that Spike and Gabby had a falling-out and hopes they reconcile, even if she doesn't realize she caused it. Even when she's monopolizing Spike's time, Rarity never shows any maliciousness or resentment towards Gabby herself.
• The reason Gabby gets to show up more to Ponyville is because Grandpa Gruff asks for so many updates on Gallus' progress at Twilight's school. Seems the old griffon cares more for Gallus than he lets on.
• Rarity telling Spike how much she missed their time together. This episode finally confirms that Rarity doesn't keep Spike around just because she needs a helper, but because she genuinely enjoys his company. And when she hears this, Gabby says "I can see why, you're kind of awesome". After spending so long being the Butt-Monkey and suffering from low self-esteem, it's heartwarming to see Spike so appreciated by his friends.

A Horse Shoe-In

• Trixie standing up for Gallus when Grampa Gruff doesn't show any care towards Gallus' school progress. This shows that Trixie does indeed care about the students and their well-being. While Starlight initially insists that she shouldn't have done this, she later specifies that she's glad that Trixie stood up for a neglected student. Starlight just didn't want a potential vice head-mare to fight with parents/guardians.
  • Starlight also states that Gallus told her that no one had ever stood up for him in front of Grampa Gruff like that before.
• At the end of the episode, Trixie gets Starlight's old job as school counselor, while Sunburst becomes Vice Head-Mare of the School of Friendship. Sunburst even remarks happily that working in a school is something he always thought he'd do, so he is extra happy to finally do so. And now all three friends will get to spend more time together than before.

Daring Doubt

• Fluttershy manages to earn the friendship of Caballeron and his henchponies just by being her regular kind self. They become attached enough to her to unhesitatingly save her from being burned.
• Dashie is more concerned about saving Fluttershy from Caballeron than restoring Daring's reputation. It's nice to see her so willing to protect her childhood friend from a villain, even if in the end it turned out Fluttershy had already convinced Caballeron to leave crime behind. Rainbow also shows some shades of Mama Bear, especially when she yells at Caballeron for manipulating Fluttershy.
• In the end, Daring and the reformed Caballeron write a new book together, showing that there's no hard feelings between them. Rainbow comes to the book signing, indicating that she's also forgiven Dr. Caballeron.
• Ahuitzotl's book managed to outsell Daring and Caballeron's own collaboration, with many ponies attending a reading. After being mistaken for a monster for so long, it's touching to see that he is now being recognised for who he really is.

Growing Up is Hard to Do

• When the Cutie Mark Crusaders happen upon Spur and Biscuit (and are mistaken for "wild swamp ponies"), Spur places a protective hoof in front of the terrified Biscuit. Even though they were arguing just seconds earlier, she doesn't hesitate to defend him.
• Spur quickly manages to calm Bloofie down, showing how strong their bond is.

The Big Mac Question

• In stark contrast to his attitude toward romance in "The Break Up Breakdown", Discord is positively ecstactic when he hears about Big Mac's planned proposal to Sugar Belle (to the point of shouting it out very loudly).
• Even though Discord inadvertently messes things up or well causes chaos, he was trying to help Big Mac give the apple invations.
• The CMCs do everything they can to help Sugar Belle with her proposal. They're mostly motivated by a desire to make up for the mess they made when Big Mac and Sugar Belle first got together, but Apple Bloom is also overjoyed by the idea of having Sugar Belle for a sister-in-law (also to the point of shouting it out very loudly).
• In a beautiful Meaningful Background Event, Fan-Preferred Couple Lyra and Bon Bon are briefly seen proposing to each other.
• When Big Mac is down in the dumps over how his wedding plans didn't go as perfectly as his parents' own perfect marriage, Sugar Belle cheers him up by giving him a different perspective on it. From what she's heard, Bright Mac and Pear Butter had it hard being a couple (given the Apple-Pear feud and Grand Pear disowning his daughter). Yet, it serves to inspire Sugar Belle to see that although disasters will happen, their love will get them through anything. In turn, this helps Big Mac realize their love and happiness is indeed what counts most.
• Big Mac and Sugar Belle get married before the merged apple and pear tree Big Mac's parents created on their wedding day. They might not be there physically but they are there in spirit.
  • Even sweeter, Grand Pear is there, not to sour the memory like last time, but as an invited guest and a far happier on-looker to his own grandson's wedding.
  • Sugar Belle's friends from Our Town, Double Diamond, Party Favor, and Night Glider, also show up, with Party Favor starting to cry as Sugar Belle walks down the aisle.

The Ending of the End

• Although a minor moment, there is one for the villains at the beginning. When they are finally ready to use Grogar's bell for themselves, Tirek tells for Chrysalis and Cozy to take his hands, otherwise, he will end up taking all the magic himself. Given how Tirek is obsessed with power and has spent all season trying to reclaim his stronger forms, he could have jumped at the chance to take all the power in the bell for himself but instead made sure to share it with the others.
• As Celestia and Luna begin crying Tears of Joy over Twilight having grown up, Luna refers to her as "Our little Twilight". Even if she hasn't known Twilight for as long as Celestia has, she still loves her and sees her as part of the family just as much as Celestia does.
• Although it went horribly wrong, Discord was trying to help Twilight, in his own way, and goes to warn her immediately when it goes south.
  • As angry as everypony is with him for causing this mess none of them turn their backs on him or suggest punishing or imprisoning him again, a far cry from the earlier seasons.
• The scene of Twilight appointing Spike as her Royal Advisor. It is basically Twilight making her little brother/son the second most powerful political figure in the country, maybe even the whole world!
• When Discord tells the others he intends to make up for the trouble he's caused, Rainbow Dash tells him it's going to have to be some serious making up. In short order, Discord orchestrates Starlight being freed from captivity, allowing her to free the other members of the Main Six. Rainbow acknowledges that it was, indeed, some impressive making up. He can also be seen later joining the battle against the villains without any powers so his friends can escape, which is quite brave of him considering how fearful of the villains he was earlier. He found his inner strength to make things right.
• Starlight performs a Heroic Sacrifice to free the captive members of the Main Six, stating in no uncertain terms that Twilight needs them, not her.
• When Starlight is wounded by Chrysalis, Celestia shields the unicorn with her own body.
• Despite the seeds of discord and distrust the Treacherous Trio has planted in the three pony factions, Sugar Belle is by Big Mac's side. Even while watching her new home fall apart in wake of the crisis, she is not abandoning her husband or her new family over a few lies.
  • The same goes for vice versa, as Big Mac doesn't turn away his wife, nor do the rest of the Apple Family turn their backs on their granddaughter/sister-in-law. Despite the Pegasus and Earth Ponies believing the Unicorn faction have become "snooty", no one in the Apple Family believes those empty lies either. "Apples together" indeed.
• Twilight breaks down in tears and admits she's scared because she believes the fate of Equestria is hopeless. Nobody knows what to do or say until Fluttershy steps up with the beginning of a Rousing Speech:
  Fluttershy: [gently lifting Twilight's chin with her hoof] I probably know more about being scared than anypony. But thanks to all of you, I've learned I'm always less scared when I'm with my friends.
• When Twilight thinks all her efforts to help Equestria and teach friendship have been all for naught, it's Applejack who comes forward and says that's not true. As the Element of Honesty, she's letting Twilight know that from the bottom of her heart, their lives would be very different if she hadn't come along and made them all friends. Twilight is moved to tears and admits even the Princess of Friendship needs to hear these words.
  • What's more, this is one of the few instances that Applejack exercises her honest advice without having it brushed aside.
  • This also counts as a Book Ends to how she first befriended Twilight, by telling her a truth that comforted her.
• Rarity and Spike protecting each other from Chrysalis, and combining their unicorn magic and fire breath into a Beam-O-War.
• Blink-and-you-miss-it, but as the Mane 7 are ready to Face Death with Dignity, Spike has his claw on Twilight the whole time, while the first thing she does when they all huddle together is to wrap her foreleg around him. Family to the end.
• We get to see ALL of the characters who have helped or been helped in the past show up to the final battle, including all of the other races, as well as characters from the movie.
  • Highlights include moments like Garble, of all dragons, helping fight the Legion of Doom.
  • Forget Garble, Flim and Flam were amongst the crowd shots. Even after making themselves the enemy of Applejack, and the Mane 6 to a lesser extent, they’re still willing to help them out in their time of need. Most people figured they'd be joining the Terrible Trio before they fought for the heroes side.
  • And the pony leading the multi-creature assault? Former racist mini-villain Chancellor Neighsay.
  • And alongside Neighsay is none other than Tempest Shadow. From questioning how she’d move on from her destruction of Canterlot and very cynical view of friendship to actively helping the Mane 6 in their darkest hour, she’s definitely learned what true friendship really is.
• The tide is turned by the students from Twilight's school helping to convince their respective races to overcome their prejudices and join in the fight against the villains.
• The Young 6 giving their respective piece of the speech, each a piece of the elements of friendship.
  • Sandbar and the two foals making the ponies finally understand the real moral behind the heart's warming legend, reminding them once again that if they forget their differences and stick together, even they could make the same difference the Mane Six does.
  • Yona acknowledging to the other yaks that while both they and ponies are strong, they're all strong together and the ponies are deserving of their loyalty.
  • Smolder telling the other dragons that she's seen the power of kindness and generosity.
  • Gallus of all people saying that "playing together, laughing together, singing together" is what true heroes look like. Aww!
  • Silverstream tells the other seaponies to be honest with themselves. They weren't really happy hiding at the bottom of the ocean for years and they can't go back to it again. The ponies showed them a better way to live, and they need their help now.
  • Ocellus reminding the other changelings that at this point, the other races are their friends.
• Another blink-and-you-miss-it moment: Just before the Flashback showing the Young Six giving their collective speech, Yona and Sandbar are holding hooves.
• When Twilight teleports the captives out of the dungeon, Discord is included among them, showing she holds no grudge against him for unwittingly causing the crisis in the first place. The overjoyed look on his face when he realizes he's joining the others says it all.
• The fact that Spike is included among the representatives of the Elements during the combined friendship blast, especially when one remembers how Twilight's last-ditch plan to have him stand in for Rainbow Dash in "The Return of Harmony" failed.
• The relief that washes over one when Cozy Glow, Tirek and Chrysalis are turned to stone. After seasons of watching each villain exact cruelty upon Twilight and her friends (from destroying the Golden Oak Library to threatening to pull off Spike's wings), one can finally breathe a sigh of relief that it's over: these monsters can't hurt any pony any more.
• Princess Celestia's speech to Twilight as to how far she's come as protector of Equestria. Following that, she and Princess Luna bow to Twilight.
  • Not only that, Discord also bows! And it's a genuine bow at that! This comes a long way from the Discord of Season 4 who was somewhat derisive about Twilight becoming an official princess. As of now, his feelings about Princess Twilight have become sincere, bringing the entire thing full circle. In Twilight smiles and puts her hoof to her chest in response, showing that she was moved by this.
• Once the villains are defeated, Twilight declares that she and her friends have to do something important. That turns out to be going to Pony Joe's donut shop (which had survived Canterlot's destruction) for a snack so they can spend some peaceful time together.
  Twilight: For now, I just want to spend a quiet moment with the six best friends I've ever had.

The Last Problem

• Just how wise and regal Twilight has become after ruling for so many years, showing herself as a worthy successor to Celestia and Luna, and just how far she's come.
• Twilight has adjusted the School of Magic's curriculum to have more focus on the greatest magic of all: friendship.
• When Luster Dawn arrives to see Twilight, she bows down in respect. Twilight of course will have none of this.
  Twilight: Luster, I may be the ruler of Equestria, but I am still just your teacher.
  • Luster Dawn's response is to immediately say how much she's loved being Twilight's student.
• How diverse Equestria has become under Twilight's rule, with multiple species living in harmony and studying friendship in Ponyville. The Cold Open also shows the many races interacting with the ponies and each other in an expanded Canterlot, and even has a dragon giving a pony a flower. While Equestria was always depicted as a friendly and welcoming place under Celestia and Luna, it shows just how much Twilight and her friends have changed the world for the better, essentially turning it into a near utopia.
  • Luster's new group of friends who will be learning friendship lessons from each other are a pony, a yak, a griffin, and a kirin, as opposed to Twilight's own all-pony friend group. This speaks mountains of how much the different races are now in harmony.
    • Also, the fact that her situation will be much easier than Twilight's was. Twilight was sent to Ponyville on short notice and was essentially "forced" to make friends because of the upcoming threat of Nightmare Moon. Now Luster will have all the time she needs and (unlike Twilight) has a whole Friendship School at her disposal, plus she'll probably never have to wear the fate of Equestria on her haunches, and it's all thanks to the Mane Six.
  • Spike mentioning that he just recently helped create peace between Abyssinians (Capper's species) and the Diamond Dogs. The former is nice because the likes of Capper now know generosity, just as Rarity showed it to Capper. The latter is sweet because it means Diamond Dogs are not all evil creatures.
• During the third act, just as Luster assumes Twilight and her friends drifted apart due to the coronation ceremony not going off perfectly, Twilight tells her that was not the case. Cue all of her friends showing up one by one, clearly showing that even if they don't spend as much time together as they used to, their friendship is as strong as ever.
  • Just seeing the rest of the older Mane Six counts as this. Seeing them all happy, proud and accomplished with their lives in their later years after all the trials, hardships and work they've done together really makes things come full circle.
  • Pinkie Pie is the first to show up, accompanied by her adorable son, Lil' Cheese.
  • Fluttershy arrives via Discord's portal who then hands her her lunch and briefly greeting the others before leaving.
  • A smaller, but still noticeable observation is that when Rarity first enters the castle she has a noticeable grey streak in her mane. This is the same pony who would’ve had an aneurysm over the most minuscule of details, even on herself, yet she isn’t even phased by the whole thing, and has instead embraced that she won’t be as young as she used to be.
  • Applejack and Rainbow Dash arrive together bickering Like an Old Married Couple about chores. First off, the fact that these two evidently live together, second off, how often would you expect Rainbow Dash to argue with someone because she wants to help with household chores? That is Character Development
• The final shot of the show's usual time frame, shortly after Twilight's coronation, where Twilight (with tears in her eyes) thanks Celestia for everything Celestia has done for her, following by a large group hug between the Mane Six, Spike, Starlight, Celestia, and Luna.
• The final Friendship Song of the series, "The Magic of Friendship Grows", an incredibly appropriate ending and summary of the show's main theme. All interspersed with shots of the many wonderful characters from over the years, including Sunset Shimmer's only appearance in the show itself.
  • Not to mention how it starts: Luster Dawn is worried over where she'd even start learning about friendship. Everyone else has looks of glee on their faces as Twilight gives her answer.
    Twilight Sparkle: That's all right, because I know exactly where to send you.
  • The epilogue montage showing the lives of everyone's favorite characters:
    • Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon having a friendly chat with Twist, the schoolmate they used to bully.
    • Lyra and Bonbon walking side by side, still together even after all these years.
    • Probably the most famous Ensemble Dark Horse in the show, Derpy flies over delivering mail, and she still looks the same after all these years.
    • The Cake Twins are now all grown-up and running Sugarcube Corner. When Lil' Cheese approaches them, they instantly play with him affectionately as Pinkie and Cheese Sandwich ride on a now larger Gummy.
    • Rainbow Dash is now the captain of the Wonderbolts, as she flies alongside a new generation of Wonderbolts.
    • Twilight, her friends and Luster visit the School of Friendship (who are met by Silverstream at the front door), and are immediately greeted by Starlight and Sunburst. Not long after, we see Trixie guiding a young griffin to the now-grown Cutie Mark Crusaders who have also become teachers as well. And not long after that, we see Ocellus giving Smolder a cup to drink from.
    • Applejack and Luster pass by Sweet Apple Acres to visit Big Macintosh and Sugar Belle who now have a son - said son immediately jumps out of an apple cart to hug his dear old aunt.
    • Rarity passes by Carousel Boutique, which is now run by Yona and Sandbar. Yona grabs both of them into a hug.
    • Fluttershy in her sanctuary as several animals come and go from Discord's portals. Discord also pops up as the two look at each other tenderly.
  • The final notes of the song are a gentle instrumental rendition of the iconic riff from the theme not just of Friendship is Magic, but of the entire franchise that has lasted for more than three decades by this point. My little pony, my little pony, ah-ah-ah-ah-aaaaaaaaah...
  • During the part where the Mane Six are amongst a backdrop of all the friends they made, blink and you’ll miss it, but you’ll see Sunset Shimmer amongst Twilight’s as well. It’s good to know they don’t undermine Equestria Girls.
• During the multiple backdrops of friends the Mane Six have made, Quibble Pants is shown playfully lifting up a happy Wind Sprint. Clearly, Wind has come to accept Quibble even more since we last saw them.
• A small one, but Gallus in the Time Skip has become The Captain of the Canterlot Guards. The heartwarming part comes when one bears in mind he was an orphan in Griffonstone. He worked hard to be captain so he could have a decent home and be closer to his friends.
  • Speaking of which, they live closer together too! Smolder, Ocellus, and Silverstream are teachers at the School of Friendship. And Yona and Sandbar run the Ponyville Carousel Boutique!
• The final episode ending literally on a Book Ends, on the same book Twilight read in the very first episode, complete with a bittersweet riff of the show's theme song. It's the perfect send-off to the show, as though the entirety of it were a storybook finally bidding farewell to our little ponies.

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