Heartwarming / My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic - Season 2

The Return of Harmony, Part 1

• In the opener, right before the walls come up, this is kind of a nice moment.
  Twilight: Alright, girls. Let's do this.
  All Six: (step into maze) Together!
• Fluttershy admitting she's helpless and is lucky to have such great friends is heartwarming in itself. It also lets her resist Discord's initial mind games.
• The reveal that Celestia and Luna once wielded the Elements of Harmony together against Discord. As shown in the pilot, only those with a very strong bond with one another are capable of using them, showing just how much the two of them cared about each other...
  • In hindsight, this also implies a Tear Jerker. We already knew Celestia single-hoofedly wielded the Elements of Harmony to stop Nightmare Moon, which would have been painful enough on its own. But only now do we know that she was essentially taking the ultimate symbol of her bond with her sister, empowered by that same bond, and turning it against her.
    • It's worse than that. Nightmare Moon was the result of Luna's feelings of jealousy and being unappreciated festering for too long. While we don't know in canon if Celestia ever took notice, it would still mean their bond was beginning to fall apart on at least one side. No wonder Celestia couldn't free Luna. Nightmare Moon symbolized that once-strong bond as finally being broken.
  • Though, it swings straight back to heartwarming in that Luna is normal again, Celestia held no grudge against her, and the royal sisters' friendship had been fully restored (thanks, of course, to Twilight and her friends), resuming like it was never broken in the first place.
• The moment when Rarity gives Twilight her umbrella when she'd just said that she didn't want to get out from under it. Element of Generosity, everypony.
  • Before that, when she came all the way out to the apple farm to offer Applejack some help. Sure, she openly hoped her help wouldn't involve her getting dirty, but still.

The Return of Harmony, Part 2

• Twilight being inspired to fight Discord by Princess Celestia sending back all her friendship reports.
  • Not only that, but just how joyful she looks when she regains hope and her color when she figures out what she needs to do to win back her friends and fight Discord.
• Just seeing them all together again after everything that has happened in the past two episodes is a Heartwarming Moment.
• Twilight returns her friends to normal by reminding them of all the good times they've had together. Even Discord's Mind Rape was no match for how much they all care about each other once they remembered it.
• The first thing that Applejack does once freed from Discord's Mind Rape is honestly apologize for her behavior. Twilight accepting it is even more touching.
  Applejack: Can y'ever forgive me?
  Twilight: I already have.
  • And what Fluttershy said when she was freed was down right adorable.
    Fluttershy: Oh no! Twilight, Applejack, I just had the worst dream!
    • Not just cause it's cute that Fluttershy is so kind, but that being mean to her friends is a nightmare to her. Plus Andrea Libman delivers it in such a sweet tone it just makes the viewer even more glad to see the pegasus back to normal.
  • Rainbow Dash instantly asks if Ponyville is ok when she's freed, showing her loyalty towards her hometown. This is followed by a wonderful group hug.
  • Even though it's pretty funny as well, seeing Pinkie Pie her happy, joyful self again after how brutally Discord broke her is pretty touching.
  • The first thing Rarity does after she comes back is shove the big boulder out the door and deliver a perfect Rarity line that we've all missed. It's also funny.
• At the end when they're standing with Princess Celestia, being thanked by the whole kingdom for saving it from Discord and getting the respect they deserved. Not only was it touching to see the heroes rewarded in such a way, but after all they've been through the past two episodes, you know they've earned their happy ending!
  • Anyone else felt their heart melting when Twilight never truly resented them even after all they did, in spite of their Mind Rape?
• The final confrontation with Discord has an element of this trope, along with Moment of Awesome. Individually, each pony was just another plaything to Discord. Even though they have the Elements Of Harmony now, they're still facing the reality bending Spirit of Chaos that broke and Mind Raped them just a short while ago. No one could blame them for being afraid. And yet there's not an ounce of fear to be seen in them—even from Fluttershy—now that they've got each other to back them up. The Power of Friendship is powerful indeed.
• Twilight letting Discord know what they've learned from the whole experience is not only a completely awesome Shut Up, Hannibal!, it also shows that despite everything Discord put them through trying to destroy it, their friendship still means the world to all of them and they'll do absolutely anything to protect it. If anything, the whole ordeal made their friendship stronger.
  Twilight: "I'll tell you what we've learned, Discord! Friendship may not always be easy, but there is no doubt it's worth fighting for!"
• Fluttershy getting furious when Twilight points out that Discord will win if they don't catch the still corrupted Rainbow Dash becomes this when you realize the most likely reason for her being that angry. Discord spent the last two episode breaking and Mind Raping everyone she cares about and worse, brainwashing her into being extremely cruel to them. Remember what a Mama Bear Fluttershy is when her friends are threatened.
  • Not only that, but Fluttershy is from Cloudsdale, and Rainbow Dash and she have known each other since they were fillies. So letting Discord permanently mess up her lifelong friend? Unthinkable!
  • Consider how much Discord is The Sociopath, and it makes even more sense. Fluttershy is the Element of Kindness; Discord does every cruel thing imaginable just for kicks. Besides the fact that she resisted his mind games, it's quite easy to see Discord himself as being anathema to Fluttershy's sensibilities. Besides Twilight (perhaps more), she would have the most reason to loathe him, and the most reason to fight for her friends in defiance of the bastard. If Discord ever returns again, she'd likely - out of love for her friends - be the first to declare him her Arch-Enemy... If there was the slightest chance of getting hm to pull a Heel–Face Turn (unlikely as that is), she'd also most likely be the first to forgive him.
    • In Keep Calm And Flutter On, that she does.
• Although all the restorations of Harmony are heartwarming, there's something about seeing the colors return to Rainbow Dash in particular that's especially heartwarming. She's the most colorful pony in Equestria, so it's only natural to smile when the rainbow returns to her tail and mane.
• After Twilight is "un-Discorded", she joyfully levitates Spike into the air and swings him around in her excitement. Spike, already nauseated from having to barf up all the letters Celestia had sent back, is made very uncomfortable by this treatment. But right after that, we see Twilight gently lower Spike into his bed. Even in her elation, she hadn't forgotten completely about Spike's well-being after all.
• Discorded Twilight plans on leaving, and she's bringing Spike with her. Even in her darkest hour, she won't abandon him (which makes the S3 opening even sweeter.)

Lesson Zero

• One line from Celestia:
  Twilight Sparkle: I'm a bad student! I'm tardy!
  Princess Celestia: You are a wonderful student, Twilight. I don't have to get a letter every week to know that.
  • It's even more touching when you remember just what Celestia's approval means to Twilight.
• Twilight's friends standing up for her when they think she's going to be sent back to Canterlot for the trouble she caused.
• The knowledge that Spike, despite his writer's cramp/cramped claw, wrote a letter to Celestia to tell her that Twilight was losing it and he was worried.
• Twilight hugging Spike when she learns about the aforementioned letter is pretty darn adorable, too.
• All of the Mane 6 now being allowed to write letters to Celestia.
• The simple fact that, all things considered, Twilight's friends didn't do anything wrong. But once they thought Twilight was going to be sent back to Canterlot, they all rushed in and appealed to Celestia as though her entire mental breakdown was their fault alone. Celestia's raised eyebrow suggests she's fully aware of this, too—but ultimately, understanding enough to humor them.
• The sheer fact that Twilight's friends pull an epic Big Damn Heroes moment to save Twilight from being possibly punished by Princess Celestia moved many fans. Considering that they are willing to possibly defy their ruler who's basically a Physical Goddess to protect their friend shows how powerful their friendship has become all this time. Pinkie Pie nuzzling Twilight really hits home in this scenario. Twilight hugging Spike in the end also makes this moment powerful.
  • This is also a shift in focus, if you think about it. Throughout the first season and previous episodes, most of Twilight's letters and lessons learned revolved around how much her friends meant to her. This moment marks the first time we really get to see how much Twilight means to her friends in return, and Pinkie's gentle nuzzle sells that emotion so much.
• The reveal that Fluttershy wasn't actually fighting the bear was both funny and touching.
• The fact that Applejack is the first of the Mane 6 to try and calm Twilight down as well as seemingly being the only one to notice how upset and stressed out she is when none of the others did. Especially heartwarming when you remember that she once went through a similar experience and Twilight helped her out. Looks Like AJ decided to return the favor.
  • Rarity is also shown asking about Twilight when she walks out her house depressed. Considering how distracted in her work and whimsy she was at this point, and that Twilight wasn't even nearly as bad at that stage, this was a pretty touching note of concern.
• Seeing the Cutie Mark Crusaders playing together in the park. It's the first time we see them together and not try to earn their cutie marks. It really shows that despite their original association through trying to gain their cutie marks, they've evolved into close friends.

Luna Eclipsed

• Pipsqueak, at the end, asking if Luna can come scare them again next year, and telling her "You're my favorite princess ever!" followed by a quick hug before he runs off to tell his friends.
  Princess Luna: Can it... be true? OH, MOST WONDERFUL OF... I mean, oh, most wonderful of nights!
  • The great implication of just what Pipsqueak said to her. Luna, at the very least in her own mind, has always existed in her older sister's shadow; Celestia is the one who everypony adores. So for someone, even a little colt, to declare Luna his favorite princess... one can only imagine what that must mean to her.
• Twilight's behavior towards Luna. When everyone else bows down in sheer terror of her, Twilight's first reaction is to try and walk up to greet her personally. Then she spends the rest of the episode doing everything she can to help her. Twilight never once doubted Luna was a good pony.
  • Similarly, Applejack is also pretty accepting of Luna once the initial shock wares off and tries to help Luna have fun on Nightmare Night.
• When Zecora, the former village pariah, is invited to take part in the Nightmare Night festivities. Not just taking part in it, being trusted with the foals and pretty much leading the Nightmare Night festivities for them. It's quite clear she's now fully accepted and trusted by the town.
  • The fact that the mayor called her "Our friend Zecora" counts for this all on its own.
• Pinkie Pie hanging out with the kids was also pretty cute. You know she was in full Cool Big Sis mode that night.
• Luna rushing to help Pipsqueak when he falls into the bobbing for apples barrel. It's quite nice to see how protective Luna is towards children.
• After the ice has been broken, Luna hanging out with everypony and all of them having fun.
• A much more subtle one: Not even for a moment does Rainbow Dash charge at Princess Luna or treat her with hostility, she even tries to play a prank on her, albeit a very poorly timed one, on a night where it's explicitly said that scaring is fun. Considering RD is almost always the first one to charge at villains and antagonists this is really something.
  • Made even sweeter when you remember the only ponies we've seen her prank so far are her friends. Her pranking Luna means that she considers the Princess to be a friend.

Sisterhooves Social

• Pretty much all of the interaction between Applejack and Apple Bloom in this episode ranges from sisterly teamwork to concentrated diabetes-inducing adorableness.
• Apple Bloom being willing to share her big sister with her troubled fellow Cutie Mark Crusader speaks huge volumes about how close their friendship has gotten.
  • There's also the fact that she and Applejack willingly gave up being in the Sisterhooves Social so that Sweetie Belle and Rarity can be in it.
  • There's also the fact that the extremely competitive Applejack was willing to give up being in a competition to help Rarity reconcile with Sweetie Belle.
• When Rarity sees what Sweetie Belle used the gemstones for. A decorative heart around a picture of the two of them
  • "As Celestia is my witness, I shall never be sisterless again!" Awesome and Heartwarming all inspired by one picture.
• Applejack and Apple Bloom romping around and having fun while doing chores. You can just tell that A. J. loves being the big sister.
• When it's revealed that Applejack and Apple Bloom were in on the whole switch.
• Rarity and Sweetie Belle making up in the end is certainly "d'aww"-worthy.
  Sweetie Belle: You all did this for me?
  Rarity: Us. I did it for us.
  • The moment Sweetie Belle goes to hug who she thinks is Applejack, and Rarity's white horn is revealed is just... d'aww!
    • More heartwarming is the fact that Rarity was willing to get covered from head to hoof in mud to make it up to Sweetie Belle for how badly she treated her. Rarity may act selfish at times, but she's the Element Of Generosity for a good reason. When she has to do something to help somepony else, nothing will stop her.
• Rarity seeing Sweetie Belle's picture◊ and realizing her mistake is this and a Tear Jerker.
  • Sweetie Belle hangs around Applebloom and Applejack and is amazed at their good relationship. Cut to Rarity, still bitter from their argument. She begins to falter, begins to come some way towards admitting she may have been wrong...then shakes her head and forgets it. She looks for more sapphires for her latest creation, begins to absolutely fume as she looks for the "silly little arts and crafts project" Sweetie Belle used so many diamonds for...and she finds that. She puts her hoof to her mouth and gasps, then begins to tear up. That sound you just heard was you, yelling "get back together, ya silly fillies!" at your monitor.
• When she finds Sweetie Belle, Rarity looks genuinely worried before she sees her, then absolutely overjoyed. She really was worried for Sweetie Belle and it shows that, despite how she'd acted, she really does love and care about Sweetie Belle.
• During the Friendship Report montage, Rarity and Sweetie Belle taking the "apple pie" metaphor to the next level, working together to successfully bake one.
  • From the same montage, the two of them playing in the rain together. Especially the tender and sisterly way that Rarity looks at Sweetie Belle.
• Given their former antagonism (most notably in "Look Before You Sleep"), seeing Rarity honestly taking advice from Applejack counts.
• The fact that Rarity's reaction to seeing Sweetie Belle use up her gems is 'find new ones.' The thought of just tearing them back off? Never even entered her mind.
  • Even when it did, it was already too late.
  • Well, it did enter her mind, and that was why she was looking for the drawing in the first place. But when she saw what the drawing was, there was no question she'd rather haul hoof and get dirty digging up new gems than do anything to damage it.
• Though the point of the episode was for Sweetie Belle and Rarity to reconcile, the image of Sweetie in Applejack's hat and bandana with the apple border behind her was just too cute. Who Wouldn't want to be part of the Apple family for a day?
• The fact that while Sweetie Bell was wandering around the Social talking about the competitions, she was constantly saying "oh; Rarity would say/think 'X.'" It might seem mean or angry at first, until you realize that while at the Social all she was thinking about was "What would Rarity think of this?"
• It's very minor, but even before they make up, Rarity is making a very determined effort not to not let her anger get the best of her. She's clearly extremely frustrated with her sister, but she tries to keep calm and not blow up at Sweetie Belle despite how annoyed she is. Sure, she eventually loses her cool, but even when she sees her sister as a nuisance she still tries to be patient with her.

The Cutie Pox

• Sweetie and Scootaloo weren't jealous when Apple Bloom got her Cutie Mark.
  "Our friend is the most special pony ever!"
  • Even more heartwarming considering that it's Scootaloo that says, "it's just a cutie mark". Scootaloo is the last Cutie Mark Crusader you'd expect to say that. That one line shows Scoot definitely cares about her friends more than getting a cutie mark.
• At the beginning of the episode, the two trying to cheer Apple Bloom up. It was especially sweet that Sweetie Belle turned to her sister to cheer Apple Bloom up right after the Sisterhooves Social.
• Applejack, Big Macintosh, & Granny Smith all expressing their happiness at Apple Bloom getting her Cutie Mark. Even more Heartwarming when you realize, save one Freeze-Frame Bonus in Dragonshy, this is the first time since the pilot we actually see the four Apple family members together.
  • The look of joy on Granny Smith's face when Apple Bloom shared her loopty hoop with her Granny. You can tell it meant a lot to her dear Granny.
• Zecora forgiving Apple Bloom for stealing from her after Apple Bloom was sure she'd never want to see her again.
• Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle actually having fun bowling despite not getting their Cutie Marks from it. Sweetie Belle's happy grin after getting a gutterball is especially cute.
• The reaction of the ponies bowling to the one who gets a bowling ball and pin Cutie Mark was very sweet. The special talents are clearly considered a big deal, but cheering on a stranger for it was pretty heartwarming.
• Although mostly a Funny Moment, the fact that Pinkie was willing to publicly admit an "embarrassing secret" to try to help Apple Bloom. Sure, she may not be telling the whole truth by the end, but at least she is the only pony who tries to help (though, to be completely fair to Applejack and Twilight, they were on their way to try to find a cure and neither of them had any truths to admit that weren't blatantly obvious).
  • Also, just the fact that she got so upset over admitting to such a minor little thing, like it was some great felony. For a scene that was mostly a silly joke, it really reinforces what a sweetheart she is.
• When the town learns that Apple Bloom has Cutie Pox, most of them panic and either leave town, shut themselves inside, or don Hazmat Suits. Despite this, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are among the few ponies who stay outside, despite their inability to help and not knowing what Apple Bloom could be forced to do next. They clearly consider their concern for Apple Bloom more important than their own health and safety.
• This episode features a continuation on how much Zecora's image in Ponyville has improved between "Bridle Gossip" and "Luna Eclipsed." During Zecora's introduction, Applejack's the most vocal of the Mane Six of her contempt in Zecora, especially when Apple Bloom is around. Now? Zecora's the first person behind Twilight she turns to for help in finding a cure for Apple Bloom's Cutie Pox, without the slightest trace of reluctance.

May The Best Pet Win

• It's a small moment, but Fluttershy looking through the binoculars after literally shoving Twilight away when Rainbow Dash is missing. Funny, but also heartwarming.
• Rainbow Dash choosing the tortoise over the falcon for her pet, realizing its unwillingness to give up and finding the strength to help her when she needs it most, giving it the name Tank.
• And what did the falcon (who was first to cross the finish line) do when Tank was declared the winner? Shake its wing with Tank's foreleg and accept Rainbow Dash's decision.
• Pinkie's excitement at realizing the Loophole Abuse that will allow Rainbow to make Tank the winner.
• Rainbow Dash coaxing Tank out of his shell. She spent most of the episode putting him down and then she talks to him like a mother soothing a child.
  • A bit earlier, when Dash awkwardly thanks Tank and gives him a high five.
• The Mane Cast playing around with their pets is pretty touching as well.
• Tank the tortoise emerging from the fog, carrying a slightly battered Rainbow Dash. Doubles as a Moment of Awesome.

The Mysterious Mare Do Well

• The Rainbow Dash Fan Club. The way Scootaloo idolizes her enough to start it even before she becomes a hero to the town specifically instead of "merely" one of the six ponies who saved the world TWICE, and also everyone acting perfectly like little kids who all look up to someone.
• Throughout the whole episode, Rainbow Dash has nothing but pure utter loathing for Mare Do Well. After the big chase sequence, she finally pins down Mare Do Well and gets The Reveal for the mysterious heroine's secret identity. It's the other members of the Mane Six. Well, Rarity was just the designer. After Rainbow Dash's initial (and justified) shock, she completely abandons her feelings of hatred and reacts warmly to her friends' efforts. However boastful she might get, Rainbow Dash will always be loyal to her friends first and foremost.
  • The whole elaborate masquerade up to that point has taught Rainbow Dash absolutely nothing about humility. She's more desperate for attention than ever and seething with jealousy. So what does it take for Rainbow to learn her lesson? About a minute of talking it over with her friends.

Sweet and Elite

• Rarity choosing her friends over the Canterlot ponies near the end of the episode.
  Rarity: Yes, yes I do know them. They may not be as sophisticated as you Canterlot ponies, but they are my very best friends, and they are, without a doubt, the most important ponies I know.
  • A subtle touch: when Rarity is first exposed, she doesn't know what to say. As she dithers, her friends start to look surprised and hurt at her hesitation...and it's this that brings her to her senses and causes her to stand by her friends. She can keep up the facade only until it looks like her friends will actually be hurt, then she drops it at once.
  • In spite of that, the aesop of the episode itself. Unlike most kids' shows, the message is never that it's wrong to become successful and popular; only a reminder not to lose sight of yourself and where you came from, no matter how far you go. Fancy Pants is the perfect example: He's highly regarded among Canterlot's elite, and he's actually a pretty nice guy.
• Twilight's complete acceptance of the dress Rarity made, which she spent little time on and was worried Twilight wouldn't like it. The hug and Twilight actually looking adorable in it help quite a bit.
  • Likewise, her acceptance of Rarity mingling with the Canterlot ponies. Rarity and the viewers are both expecting Twilight to be hurt. Instead she's completely understanding of how heavily Rarity's job is influenced by networking.
• Celestia giving both a private suite to Rarity, and opening the ballroom for Twilight's birthday. No Trollestia here.
  • Also one for Twilight, as she was the one who asked Celestia to provide Rarity a place to stay. This is the first time we've seen Twilight ask Celestia for anything, and it's for one of her friends.
• Twilight moving her whole party to Canterlot after Rarity says she can't leave, as it's just that important for her to have all of her friends there.
  • The completely overjoyed look on Twilight's face when Rarity answers the door.
• Fancy Pants' approval of both Rarity's friends, whom he considers "charmingly rustic", and the simple dress Twilight wears. After an episode's worth of snobbish, shallow Canterlot ponies, it's a pleasant surprise to see one who is rich, influential, a member of high society, and a Nice Guy who's an Uncle Pennybags.
  • The character of Fancy Pants in and of itself is a CMoH. It has previously been established that Canterlot's upper class is riddled with snobs who wouldn't give the time of day to anyone not of their pedigree. Having Fancy Pants, a pony Rarity acknowledges as one of the most influential non-royal ponies in Equestria, act like a true gentleman, even going so far as to tolerate the Mane 6's crashing of the garden party, speaks volumes about the character and the show's dev team.
• It's subtle, but seeing Fluttershy finally making friends with some of the animals in the Royal garden was just so sweet.
  • It becomes more heartwarming once one considers the Gala.
• The fact that, while it was clearly an awkward and embarrassing moment for her, Rarity was perfectly polite and cordial to Hayseed Turniptruck when he became excited after seeing her. It would've been very easy to pretend that she had no idea who he was or get annoyed or angry with him for his over-the-top display, but she doesn't.
• Twilight's entire birthday, in fact. She really had a fun day which was not even ruined by Rarity's social conflict. She'll be remembering this particular birthday for a long time.
  • Manages to be even more heartwarming when you factor in the following: Before coming to Ponyville, Twilight has all but stated she had no friends. Aside from the possibility of her parents arranging something when she was a filly, this birthday party is quite likely the first one she ever had.

Secret of My Excess

• Spike giving the fire ruby he's been looking forward to for months to Rarity, the Element of Generosity being on the receiving end for once.
  • Rarity bouncing across the screen like Pinkie Pie because she's so happy. Aww.
  • And then gives Spike a peck on the check, completely breaking his depression from sacrificing the ruby.
    Spike: I'll never wash this cheek again.
  • If you pay close attention, Rarity makes a token effort not to try and talk Spike out of his gem. Sure, it fails because well, it's Rarity (both for her own love for gems and Spike's love for her), but still. On top of it, she has it set in a necklace and wears it the rest of the episode.
  • When Rarity refuses to surrender her ruby to the greedy Spike, she speaks mainly about how her dear friend gave it to her. It's quite clear that she values it because it was an extreme act of generosity from a friend more than the fact it's a rare and glamorous object.
    • Also, think about this. Nopony could hear her, she was basically all alone with what she thought was a random rampaging dragon. Nopony would ever know it if she were to just hand over the gem to save herself, or at least she has every reason to think that. She doesn't; she tells him exactly what it means to her and how important it is to her. That's something that makes that scene so powerful.
  • She wears the necklace under her original cape, then turns it into a brooch for the new one in the final scene. About as close to a pony wearing her heart on her sleeve as you can get.
• Okay; admittedly it did inadvertently start his transformation, but despite only just finding out it was his birthday and not being one of his closer acquaintances, Cheerilee gives Spike a hat she happened to be carrying simply because "Everypony should get fun gifts on their birthday".
  • And after he gets the gift, Spike ecstatically gives her a huge hug. The whole scene is just adorable.
  • Cheerilee is a teacher. Spike is a kid. Her devotion to all children, not just her own, is obvious and quite touching in this scene.
• Recognizing that Spike is in trouble, Twilight's first instinct is to take him to a pediatrician rather than a vet. She thinks of him as a child rather than as an animal.
• When Spike and Rarity are falling after Spike returns to his normal size, Spike decides, in case they don't make it, to tell her he has a crush on her. But before he can finish his confession, Rarity simply puts a hoof to his mouth and smiles. She knew.
  • Her eyes tear up as she does. There are a lot of ways this scene could be interpreted, and almost all of them are some variant of CMOH.
  • More importantly is how Spike starts by saying "If we don't make it..." She cut him off not just because she always knew, but because he made it clear that he thought they were going to die. Even while plummeting through the air, she didn't want him to give up hope. She knew their friends would come and rescue them.
  • Especially heartwarming if you recognize what appears to be a Shout-Out to Spirited Away.
  • Even more if you've confessed to a crush before and have the same thing happen.
• After she & Rainbow Dash saved Rarity & Spike from falling Fluttershy exclaimed "We did it! I can't believe we did it!" in the most adorable way possible.
• Rarity comforting Spike at the end, calling him her hero and giving him a kiss on the cheek.
• It turns out everyone really did learn their lesson in "Suited for Success," eagerly accepting the new outfits Rarity made for them.
  • A nice Call-Back for Applejack's cape, which has the same green collar as her Gala dress.
• Rarity paying Spike's generosity's forward by designing those outfits for her friends.
• It's very small compared to some of the other moments in this episode, but the return of Lyra Heartstrings and Bon Bon surely counts for those who've missed seeing them together.
• Though more subtle, the fact that Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle both try to help Scootaloo hold onto her scooter while Spike tries to take it, even though they don't understand Spike's sudden urge to steal it - or, for that matter, why he's three times his usual height and suddenly talking in deep-voiced Hulk Speak. All they know is that someone is trying to take their friend's stuff, and they're not letting it happen.
• If you pay attention, you hear Spike say that back in Canterlot, he would only get one present from Twilight, for his birthday. While every year he gets a book, and isn't really thrilled about it either, it's still heartwarming to know that every year Twilight got him something special. It really shows the close bond these two must have, and had back in Canterlot. And shows that these two stuck by each other.

Family Appreciation Day

• Apple Bloom defending Granny Smith from Diamond Tiara, calling her "the most amazing pony in all of Ponyville" and nuzzling her in class.
• Considering that she was ready to laugh at Apple Bloom with Diamond Tiara if Granny Smith did anything embarrassing, Silver Spoon being the first to clap after Granny Smith's presentation was surprising.
• Princess Celestia giving the Apple family a plot of land to settle down on, simply because she encountered them when they looked worn out and in need.
• When you see Filthy Rich asking for the first 100 jars of jam, it just seems like a usual thing. When you realize that his grandfather fell in love with those jars of jam 100 years ago and founded Ponyville because of them, then it shows that despite his upbringing, he still cares for his grandpappy's roots and the friendship between their family and the Apple's—well minus Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom—has still stayed strong for all these years.
• After tasting some of the Zap Apple Jam at the end of the episode, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle remark how it's the best Zap Apple Jam they ever tasted, and say that it's probably because Apple Bloom helped out with it. D'awww...
  • Given that magic is commonplace in this series, it's entirely possible that the jam really does taste better for them because their friend had a hand in its making.
• The fact that Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were instantly willing to help save Apple Bloom from embarrassment (even if their plans failed) counts as well.
• It may have just been an egotistical thing, but Diamond Tiara's reaction to her dad's performance. It may have been boring, but it was her father, so she sat there with a big smile the entire time.
  • Even bad girls love their papas.
  • Not only that, it's probably the first time we see Diamond Tiara smile without any cruelty attached to it, and it's beautiful.
    • The same can be said of Silver Spoon.◊
• For all that Apple Bloom learns, the episode doesn't end with a letter to Celestia. There's something strangely sweet about that, maybe because it shows the genuine care the writers put into this story. They knew it didn't need one.
• It's clear that until Diamond Tiara got to her, Apple Bloom never once considered any of Granny Smith's silly little habits anything to be embarrassed about.
• This exchange from the ending:
  Apple Bloom: My Granny Smith is super special! I just forgot that for a little while.
  Granny Smith: Aw, don't fret. I forget things all the time.
• Apple Bloom rushing to hug Granny who she previously was so embarrassed by, and hugging her repeatedly and proudly for the rest of the episode.
• And finally, the entire wordless epilogue. It says a lot that the familiar Western settlers-type music used here actually fits, even if Ponyville is hardly your average Western town.

Baby Cakes

• Our introduction to the twins, Pound and Pumpkin Cake.
• The babies cheering up Pinkie Pie when she finally cracks under the pressure of trying to be responsible.
• At the end, when Pinkie is about to balk at the prospect of babysitting again, she overhears Pound and Pumpkin Cake's first words: "Pinkie" and "Pie," respectively. She tears up and changes her mind instantly.
• At one point, the babies show that they can already fly and do magic as a Pegasus and a Unicorn. When they do, Pound, the Pegasus colt starts flying. Pumpkin, the Unicorn filly, then starts to levitate herself. Why? So she can be with her brother! It's always adorable when twins are so close like that.
  • And when they perform a quick moment of synchronized flying/levitation together.
• Despite not knowing Mr. and Mrs. Cake as well as Pinkie, the rest of the Mane 6 showing up at the hospital after the twins are born is pretty nice of them.
• Sure it went straight to pot pretty quickly, but it was really sweet to see how excited Pinkie was at the prospect of babysitting Pound and Pumpkin, who are essentially her foster siblings.
  • Not to mention how enthusiastic she was about celebrating the twins being born and becoming a month old.
    • And the scene of her playing with the foals before the Cakes realize they've got a big job to do. Mr. Cake gives a big smile as he watches them. This is even more touching when you remember, even though Pinkie isn't their child, the Cakes still think of her as such (confirmed by Word of God).
    • Also, considering Pinkie's own childhood possibly wasn't all that fun , it's quite sweet that she's ensuring that the twins will have the chance to play and laugh while they're growing up.
• Pinkie is extremely stressed from dealing with the twins all afternoon and has just rather sternly put them down for a nap. Nevertheless, as soon as they're asleep, she smiles and kisses them goodnight, showing that no matter how much trouble they cause her, she'll always love them.
• After everybody (including herself) doubting that Pinkie can actually be responsible, it was nice of the Cakes to acknowledge that she had done a splendid job babysitting and would be their first candidate to watch their kids again.
• A lot of the stuff that the twins do is extremely adorable. Except for the crying and the various instances of trouble-making, whenever they're running around excitedly or playing is just too cute for words!
  • When Pinkie Pie moves the broomstick over to Pumpkin (as a microphone during her stand-up comedy show), Pumpkin looks confused for a while and then leans over to chew on it. Small, but looks insanely cute.
• After feeling bad on what they've done to Pinkie, the twins cheered her up by pouring a sack of flour onto themselves.

Hearth's Warming Eve

• Smart Cookie, Clover the Clever, and Private Pansy's newfound friendship being strong enough to unfreeze themselves, their leaders, and their new land.
  • The three acknowledging that they are all ponies alike and, as they freeze over, leaning their heads in together — choosing to accept death as friends.
  • Worth pointing out is that they had no expectation that this would help them at all, and declared their friendship simply so they wouldn't die as pointless enemies.
• The song at the end of the play is a CMoH.
• Although part of the moral of the play, Private Pansy explaining that she doesn't truly hate Commander Hurricane for the way she was treated. It's implied that the other beleaguered assistants feel the same way, especially given their reactions after their leaders are thawed.

The Last Roundup

• The Apple family dogpile after AJ comes back. Including the literal dog.
• This quote from Fluttershy: "Applejack, we can always find a way to fix the hole in the roof. If you never came back, we could never find a way to fix the hole in our hearts." Awwwww.
  • Which even gets Rainbow Dash to shed a few tears and complain that the sappiness is starting to get to her.
    Rainbow Dash: Darn it! Now you've got me acting all sappy!
• Some mailpony stumbles upon the surprise party, on his birthday no less, and Twilight slams the door on his face. Thankfully for him, Pinkie decides to give him a (very big) piece of cake which cheers him right up.
• Knowing how much Applejack wanted to earn money for her family last season, it's selfless that she promised to give any money she won from the rodeo to the town to fix town hall's "saggy roof" because she felt that it was only fair to give back to the hometown that has always cheered her on in competitions.
  • And if you remember Feeling Pinkie Keen, there's no way Derpy wasn't fired after the big cargo spill. Applejack knows Derpy can't pay for the damage, so she volunteers to take on the debt herself.
• When RD crashes through the hall's creaky floor, Derpy's first response is "You okay, Rainbow Dash? Anything I can do to help?"
• When the Mane Cast discover Applejack isn't coming back to Ponyville, their first reaction is to drop everything and hurry to Canterlot to find her. There's absolutely nothing they won't do to find out what's wrong with their friend.
  • In addition note how the one pony most vehement in returning Applejack and devising many of their plans is Rainbow Dash. Given they are arguably the two ponies most often at each other's throats, this says a lot.
• The Mayor constantly asked Applejack to earn money for the town hall before she left. However at the end, she was happy to see Applejack back home safe and sound, not angry whatsoever.

The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000

• The Mane 6's concern and desire to help the Apple family when they continue to fall further and further behind the Flim Flam brothers.
• Twilight and Applejack calling the Mane 6 "honorary family" to the Apple family.
  • Considering how she's been constantly cheated out of cider the entire episode, the fact that Dashie's willing to delay gratification to help the Apple family win is pretty sweet. Note we don't see her doing any contemplating of this, she does without a second thought.
  • Her reaction to the Flim Flam Brothers rubbing in their victory and the fact the Apple Family has lost everything? Try to kick their flanks for hurting her friend. She's Loyalty for a reason.
    • That shows just how much emphasis she puts on the "best buds" part of her Vitriolic Best Buds relationship with AJ.
• Not just the Apple family, not just the Mane 6, but the whole town tearing up at the thought of the Apple family being forced out of business. Just goes to show how much everyone really does care.
  • Enhanced if you consider this part of their motivation for running the Flim Flam Brothers out of town in the end.
• During the end of the episode, Rainbow is up next for the cider she'd been wanting since episode's beginning, only to find out the last barrel's been emptied. Again. Rainbow is understandably upset, so what happens next? Pinkie Pie, who had tasted the cider many times before, gives her the mug she had. This gesture proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that Pinkie Pie is, for all intents and purposes, the Element of Laughter. That's what it does; lifts people up when they're down.
• Rainbow Dash waking Fluttershy up so that they could be the first in line at the cider stand is sweet when you put the two's past into consideration.
  • And she lets Fluttershy go ahead of her, despite her frustration at getting beaten to the punch—er, cider.
  • Also, while she's cut off by a frustrated Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy starts saying "I don't mind-" in her sweet and timid voice. While we're left to imagine what she was going to say.
• Applejack's letter in of itself was a Funny Moment, but the last line is particularly heartwarming when you think about how much Applejack appreciates her friends, noting Applebuck Season in particular.
  Applejack: Sure, I could tell you I learned something about how my friends are always there to help me and I can count on them no matter what, but, truth is, I knew that already, too.
  • There's another, more subtle thing about that letter. The fact that she's pretty much sending a casual (if still a bit heartfelt) letter to Celestia shows just how close she and the Element-Bearers have become.
• If you look closely, you can see Rainbow Dash comforting Pinkie Pie after she releases Ocular Gushers in response to Applejack leaving. This is especially sweet considering Pinkie unintentionally tormented her earlier in the episode

Read It and Weep

• Twilight and Fluttershy showing up with Rainbow Dash's favorite board game. From their descriptions it seems like they were fully expecting Rainbow Dash to beat them easily and then be smug about it for the rest of the visit - and they were fine with that if it meant cheering her up.
• The final shot of Rainbow Dash having fully embraced her love of reading and kicking her legs in excitement at pulling a new book off the giant stack next to her bed.
• You know what's really nice? Twilight and Rainbow Dash have now found an activity that the both of them can do together that doesn't require magic powers or flight.
• There's also the moment Rainbow confesses her fear that she's an "egghead," only to find that all her friends reassure her that just because she's found that she likes to read does not mean she's any different inside. After a painful childhood being teased as "Rainbow Crash," it must be gratifying for Rainbow to realize that she has friends who are so firmly non-judgemental and supportive.

Hearts and Hooves Day

• When the episode was announced, every fan assumed it would involve the CMC thinking they could get matchmaking cutie marks. But that's never once brought up, showing that they truly had no kind of ulterior motive in making Cheerliee happy.
  • The fact that the CMC so clearly adore their teacher is pretty heartwarming, too. Nothing says "Best teacher ever" like a giant heart valentine.
• Twist accidentally hanging a heart-shaped game piece on Cheerilee is pretty cute, especially when she takes off the blindfold and they both smile.
• Twist and that chubby pony. Sadly at the expense of this filly. Now watch as fans make Future Fics dealing with this triangle, with Twist and that filly vying for the attentions of the colt.
  • Or the colt and the filly vying for Twist's attention.
• Cheerilee's and Big Mac's Held Gaze (both of them) were rather cute, too before the Sickening Sweethearts kicked in.
  • Not to mention Cheerilee's dreamy sigh of "He's my special somepony". Even the Cutie Mark Crusaders d'awwed at that!
• "Cheerilee is sweet and kind. She's the best teacher we could hope for."
  • It also says something of their opinion of Big Macintosh. Cheerilee deserves the best, and he's it.
• Many of Big Mac and Cheerilee's moments outside of the love potion— sharing a laugh at the girls' efforts to pair them up, drinking a toast to their friendship, and finishing off the day with a picnic together. Whether or not their relationship is romantic, it's still undeniably sweet.

A Friend In Deed

• Pinkie reuniting Cranky and Matilda.
• Pinkie giving Cranky his new toupee. You expect him to reject it like everything else, given how ridiculous it looks, but instead he sincerely thanks her for it.
  • These two scenes define a very important element of Pinkie Pie: for all her Innocently Insensitive behavior, she does care when she accidentally hurts somepony's feelings, and will go out of her way to make up for her actions.
• The fact that Pinkie knows when everypony's birthday is, and wishes them a happy one, even if it's months away or already happened.
• The reason that Pinkie Pie remembers everything about everypony is "everypony's my friend and I love to see my friends smile!"
• Pinkie cheering Apple Bloom up during "Smile, Smile, Smile". Apple Bloom's expression as she sits on Pinkie's head absolutely makes that whole sequence work.
  • Likewise in the same song, Pinkie cheering up Applejack and Applejack returning the favor by lifting her onto her head during Pinkie's impromptu parade.
    • The fact that the Mane Cast are the ones carrying Pinkie during the parade, it's just a touching visual. Even though ALL of Ponyville are her friends, the Mane Cast are still her True Companions.
  • Pinkie cheering up the two unnamed fillies during Smile, Smile, Smile.
  • The Doctor being a part of Smile, Smile, Smile.
  • Pinkie cheering herself up during Smile, Smile, Smile.
  • The whole damn song. It is the Pinkie Pie song.
  • "There's one thing that makes me happy and makes my whole life worthwhile And that's when I talk to my friends and get them to smile"
• Pinkie playing with the twins and doing her morning workout at the same time.
• We see Zecora on what's apparently just a casual visit to Ponyville, her friendly relationship with the town now complete.
• That Cranky exists at all. How many other shows have a genuinely sympathetic introverted character at all, much less have his polar opposite understand that it's okay to be that way?
  • Not only that, but he also proves that even the gloomiest of individuals can still find happiness eventually.
• It's kind of heartwarming to see other species of animals in this episode. It's just nice to see that Ponyville can be a diverse place with more than just ponies living in it.
• Cranky's backstory. He's so grumpy because he lost Matilda years ago and he's been searching for her ever since. And then it becomes double heartwarming when they're reunited at the end.
• The brief scene of Twilight and Rainbow Dash hanging out together and reading. It's cute on its own, but it's also nice to see that the lesson Dash learned in "Read It and Weep" hasn't been abandoned.

Putting Your Hoof Down

• Rarity and Pinkie Pie going to Fluttershy's house because they were concerned about her and then trying to keep Iron Will from taking advantage of her miserable state even after New! Fluttershy left them both in tears by mocking their passion for designing and parties, respectively.
• Rarity and Pinkie tearfully smiling and confirming that Fluttershy is back to her old self and still their friend before instigating a three-way group hug.
• Regardless of how she acted after this, the smile on Fluttershy's face is beyond adorable.◊
• While pretty awesome as well as heartwarming, Rarity and Pinkie Pie physically standing up to Iron Will, a minotaur several times the size of either of them, to try to protect Fluttershy from his demands. Turns out that they were wrong about his intentions (he respectably backed down after Fluttershy stood up to him), but they had no idea that would happen.
• At the beginning of the first market scene, Bon Bon can be seen on the right, walking towards the background, where Lyra Heartstrings is slumped over a table with a bored/dejected look on her face. The next time they're shown, the two are chatting happily with one another, and they remain together drinking shakes for the rest of the scene. Not only is it an in-universe Heartwarming Moment, but whereas every other pony seen is wearing a saddlebag with their cutie mark or something relevant to their interests, Bon Bon's saddlebag's buckle is in the shape of Lyra's cutie mark.
  • In the same scene, Derpy makes a short appearance behind Fluttershy as she dashes up to the cherry salesman. The buckle on her saddlebag? A muffin. They really do care!
• At the start of the episode, when Angel refuses to eat the food first served to him, Fluttershy takes a bowl of salad off the table, presumably her own meal, and serves that to him instead; it's rather touching that she was willing to give up her lunch to feed her number one pet.
• Rarity and Pinkie Pie defending each other when New!Fluttershy starts insulting them. Especially when Pinkie Pie defends Rarity after Fluttershy starts mocking her love of fashion. Pinkie immediately goes from being shocked and hurt to telling Fluttershy to "Leave [Rarity] alone!"

It's About Time

• Fluttershy taming Cerberus by treating it like a real dog is a mix of this, CMoA, & CMoF.
• After Applejack has finished plastering up cracks in the dam, Rarity wipes off some of the concrete with her magic. And later picks out some leaves from Applejack's mane. Seeing two ponies who used to argue get along well with one another is rather sweet.
• The episode defies expectations by having all of Twilight's friends, and apparently several others, immediately believe her story about a warning from her future self. After so many cases of Dude, Where's My Respect?, that was really nice to see. They learned their lesson from Lesson Zero and furthermore, it doesn't hurt to fix "loose bolts and leaky pipes."
• Pinkie Pie accompanies Twilight and helps her out in the second half of the episode. She has no personal reason to do this at all except to help her friend, even if she is acting a little crazy.
• Twilight pushing Spike out of the way when she thinks the disaster is about to happen. Also, her motherly concern when he ends up getting a stomachache after eating so much ice cream.
• After Twilight realizes she was responsible for the whole mess, what's Pinkie's reaction? To make her laugh and try to cheer her up.
• Kinda small, but Twilight asking Pinkie to help use her Pinkie Sense to predict the disaster might count. Considering how skeptical she was of the Pinkie Sense at first, it is a little sweet that Twilight considered using something that she initially had a hard time believing.

Dragon Quest

• When Spike starts to break down in tears, wondering who he is, Twilight offers to try and help him look for some books on dragons. Sure they didn't succeed in finding anything, but it's the thought that counts.
  • Also, when he starts to cry again, Twilight tries to wipe away his tears.
    • Her deciding to let Spike go and find himself.
• Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash dressing up as a dragon, to join Spike on the Dragon migration, to make sure he stays safe.
  • Not to mention the moment when they see Garble and the others threaten Spike, and the dragon disguise comes off. The battle has just gone from three-on-one to three-on-four.
• The ending, when Spike says that the ponies are his family, and they all hug him.
  • In one of the photos at the end, you see little Twilight with baby Spike. It's so sweet to see a photo of those two when they were so young. It pretty much proves that he and Twilight knew each other the moment he was hatched, and were always by each other's side.
• Spike refusing to smash the Phoenix egg, and later taking it home with him, and adopting the baby bird "Peewee" as his new friend.
  • He also relates to it, having also been a helpless egg that was hatched into an unfamiliar land.
• It's very heartwarming when Rarity sticks up for Spike, when Rainbow Dash picks on him. Heck her in this whole darn episode is heartwarming.
  • Rarity in general here is a nice Call-Back to "Secret of my Excess". It's adorable that she really cares for Spike's safety.
• Cranky Doodle Donkey helping Spike for part of the journey, even if it's a brief scene.
• The fact that the other ponies didn't want Spike to leave. Seeing him go through some cases of Dude, Where's My Respect?, it's very sweet to know that they would be very upset if he left.
• Rainbow Dash watching the butterfly migration with Fluttershy. It's sweet that she wanted to spend time with her friend even if it meant doing something boring.
  • And for bonus points, she's carrying around a photo of them spending time together!
• The brown dragon asks Spike if he rides on his mommy's back to the migration, meaning that some baby dragons ride on their mothers' backs when traveling. Not notably heartwarming per se, but remember how Spike rides on Twilight's back.
• Garble and Spike's moment together after the dragon party is touching. Garble's assurance that he would "teach Spike all he needs to know about being a dragon" is a heartwarming sentiment - it basically means that Garble is willing to be Spike's surrogate big brother. Spike's never had an older male role model before because he was raised by Twilight (and maybe Celestia). Sadly, said prospective role model turns out to be a massive jerk.
• The indignance that Twilight shows when Garble tosses Celestia's letter into the lava and calls her a "namby-pamby pony princess". The fact that she's offended by this show of disrespect, shows just how much her mentor means to her.
• Despite making fun of Spike for being a "lame dragon", it's very heartwarming to know that Rainbow Dash still does care for him, as is made clear by her genuine concern for him when he makes his plans to join the Great Dragon Migration.

Hurricane Fluttershy

• Seeing the normally brash and bad-tempered Rainbow Dash being gentle with Fluttershy, trying to convince her she's got what it takes to contribute to Tornado Day. It's even more heartwarming if you consider that Dash's Element is the Element of Loyalty, which means that you're always there for your friends! Taken to the max if you understand that Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy have been friends since Fillyhood!
  • In Fluttershy's current state, her participation would do little to nothing in helping Rainbow Dash break the record, and RD knows this. However, she's still trying her hardest to convince Fluttershy that she's not useless and that she should give it a shot, because lifting Fluttershy's low spirits and self-esteem is infinitely more important to Dash than breaking any record.
  • After Rainbow Dash finds Fluttershy trying to play sick to avoid tornado duty, she doesn't berate her. Instead she puts a hoof around her friend's shoulder and seriously asks her what's wrong.
• When Fluttershy tells Rainbow that she's too scared of failure to join in Tornado Day, Rainbow's first reaction is a disgusted "Well, suck it up, Fluttershy!" until she remembers who she's talking to, and immediately changes her tone, asking her gently what's wrong.
  Rainbow Dash: But I need you!
  • After this fails, she accepts and leaves with a bummed but respectful "Well thanks anyway". Double points in that Fluttershy, despite all the crippling trauma she pointed out all of a second ago, changes her mind out of guilt which overjoys Rainbow Dash.
• The joy on Rainbow Dash's face when Fluttershy finally decides to join her in the tornado as they fly side by side. You can tell that all she really wanted was for Fluttershy to join her, whether she had the wingpower or not.
  • Rainbow Dash's look of utter devastation when Fluttershy flees after realizing she'd only improved her wingpower to 2.3 is on the Tear Jerker page, but the deeper meaning brings it into heartwarming territory. Rainbow Dash is taking no comfort whatsoever from Twilight's assurances that the team still has a solid shot of breaking the record without Fluttershy. Winning-obsessed Rainbow Dash is more concerned with her friend's anguish than setting a record.
    Spike: It's okay, Rainbow Dash, you've still got plenty of wing power for your tornado. You'll be able to lift tons of water up to Cloudsdale!
    Rainbow Dash: [sighing] If only there were a way to lift Fluttershy out of the dumps.
    • Especially heartwarming is the way that Twilight and Rainbow Dash were encouraging Fluttershy over her improvement. No, she wasn't anywhere near what they needed to break the record, but they still recognized and cheered on the improvement and hard work that their friend had done in hopes of helping to break the record.
  • After how much of a jerk she's been this season, just everything Rainbow Dash does in this episode shows how much she's matured. You can really see her struggling to behave better this time even as one thing after another goes wrong for her; Fluttershy repeatedly backing out, learning that they can't possibly break the record, and failing in their first attempt. She keeps coming this close to acting out, but she keeps her cool and stays focused on what's important, showing that all those lessons she's learned have paid off.
• Fluttershy's animal friends convincing her to believe in herself and work through her performance anxiety.
  • Angel brushing her mane and being the most supportive of all, especially considering what an jerk he was in his last appearance.
• Everypony cheering Fluttershy for being the one who gave the tornado enough power to get the water to Cloudsdale for rainy season.
• Despite Flitter and Cloudchaser earlier laughing at Fluttershy during her first dismal attempt at measuring her wingpower, they're also the first ponies after Rainbow Dash to immediately start congratulating her after the tornado is successfully formed.
• Rainbow Dash putting her arm around Fluttershy, hugging her, and the two high-fiving with their wings.
• The fact that Rainbow Dash told Spitfire that Fluttershy is her #1 flyer really shows how much Rainbow Dash believes in her friend.
• When Spitfire congratulates Rainbow Dash, she passed the praise, and praise from one of her idols at that, onto Fluttershy.
• When it turns out that 8 of the fliers are genuinely sick and they won't be able to break the speed record that Rainbow Dash has been going on about all episode, she immediately decides to forget breaking the record, and simply do their job. For a pony whose passion (in her own words) is winning, it's nice to see her focused more on keeping her team together and providing the service they need to. Then again, you can't expect anything less from the Element of Loyalty.
• If you look in the background during some of the crowd scenes, you can see Thunderlane and Rumble standing next to each other. Since they are brothers, it's a nice little detail thrown in from the animators.

Ponyville Confidential

• The CMC's public apology to the entire Ponyville population.
  • The coinciding scene of the mane six (bar Pinkie, who presumably didn't hold much of a grudge against them) forgiving the CMC, particularly Fluttershy hugging all three of them at once.
• The previous episode had started the rehabilitation of Angel for the fandom, and this one continues it with the way he stands up for Fluttershy after the nasty article about her.
  • He's even willing to help her feel better after the CMC deliver a copy of their apology letter to her, making it evident that he may have an easily forgiving side to him after all, even towards the CMC.
• The Rarity and Sweetie Belle subplot is really sweet with how much she liked Sweetie's work on the paper (Until the reveal and following Tear Jerker) and really seemed to love her company.
  • Interestingly, Rarity was a lot more understanding than the rest of Ponyville, confronting Sweetie Belle about what she had done rather than outright shunning her.
    Rarity: Do you really think writing nasty things and making everypony feel horrible is your destiny?
  • Rarity's come a long way since Sisterhooves Social with her initial praise of Sweetie Belle.
• The "Applebloom Embarrassing Old Photo collection" is positively massive, and when you account for the fact that Applebloom is still a pre-Cutie Mark filly, it just goes to show how much Granny Smith (and likely the other Apples) have cherished her existence.

MMMMystery On The Friendship Express

• The look of pure happiness on Pinkie's face when Twilight lets her take over the investigation for finding out who ruined the other bakers' desserts.

A Canterlot Wedding, Part 1

• Twilight's memories of her brother and Cadance.
  • Ever since "The Cutie Mark Chronicles" if not before, most people had the impression that Twilight had been a social outcast throughout her childhood and had no real friends prior to the series premier. When she imagines being sent back to kindergarden, she automatically pictures the children laughing at her. It seemed that her childhood was very sad and lonely. In A Canterlot Wedding, we learn that while she may not have had any friends her own age, she did have an older brother and a foalsitter who loved her, cared for her, played with her and brought her countless hours of joy. The scenes of Twilight as a filly with Shining Armor and Cadance truly are heartwarming.
• The whole relationship between Twilight and Shining Armor. Big Brother, Best Friend Forever indeed.
  • You could even consider their relationship a CMOH for animation in general as, these days, it seems rare to see an older brother character who is this openly kind and loving towards their sibling.
• Notice who it is that's helping Twilight cope with her unease about Shining Armor's marriage, helping remind her that her big brother is still the awesome, great, amazing guy with whom she shared her hopes and dreams. Applejack, that's who. Out of all the Mane Six, she's the only one we know of who actually has a big brother to look up to and to share like Twilight has, so it only makes sense that she be there for her friend in this difficult time because she knows she'd feel the same way about Big Macintosh, but would still want to remember that he's always going to be her Big Brother, Best Friend Forever too.
• Luna: "Rest, my sister. As always, I will guard the night." Heartwarming for many reasons. Finally, we see what Luna's been doing all the time. Also, it's nice to see the sisters work together.
• Probably a minor thing to some, but Rarity and Rainbow Dash (who, out of the mane six, interact with each other the least) sharing a look of glee in their bridesmaids dresses.
• Right after fake Cadance expresses her dislike for Rarity's dresses, her bridesmaids pipe up that they love them.

A Canterlot Wedding, Part 2

• Cadance singing and telling Twilight about how much she truly loves Shining Armor is one of the most heartwarming things of the episode.
  • The lyric she sings is beautiful enough by itself to qualify, but it's Twilight's reaction that really sells it as a Heartwarming Moment. It's at this part that it hits Twilight that this is the mare for her brother.
• Cadance, who, despite being trapped in this cave without food for who knows how long, runs right past Twilight and tries to push a mining cart by herself. Twilight steps in to help her and Cadance remembers that the filly she once foalsat has grown into her world's version of a battle hardened warrior mage, for whom nothing is impossible.
• Right after Rainbow Dash saves Fluttershy from three Changelings, she proceeds to pick her up and hug her quickly. It's easy to miss.
• Shining Armor and Princess Cadance use The Power of Love to kick Queen Chrysalis' flank. They didn't know that would happen; Cadance was just trying to encourage her husband-to-be to cast a last ditch spell to repel them. Also counts a Moment of Awesome.
• The build-up to the real wedding after Chrysalis' defeat, with Twilight magically adjusting her brother's tux, their parents tearfully smiling, Fluttershy providing music with her birds, the Cutie Mark Crusaders as flower girls and Spike as the ring-bearer.
• At the wedding, Twilight has one final question for her beloved brother:
  Twilight: Seriously though, I get why the Queen of the Changelings wanted to be with you, but how did you get someone as amazing as Cadance to marry you?
  Shining Armor: I told her that she wouldn't just be gaining a husband, she'd be getting a great sister too.
• Shining Armor and Cadance's slow dance, pony style, at the reception. It is then capped off by Twilight who serenades them by singing "Love is in Bloom."
• Although we didn’t get to see it, it is implied that shortly after Chrysalis and the Changelings' defeat, Shining Armor reconciled with Twilight and apologized to her for not believing her about Fake!Cadance and telling her to not come to the wedding.
• Shining and Twilight's conversation at the end, when you remember that without Twilight's stubborn love, Cadance would have been dead in the mine, Shining would have remained a mindless puppet of Queen Chrysalis and all of Canterlot would been under the horrific domination of the Changelings.
  Shining Armor: Twilight! None of this would have been possible without you, little sis. Love ya, Twily.
  Twilight Sparkle: Love you too, B.B.B.F.F. *hug*
  • What makes this moment even sweeter is how it serves as a refreshing reminder on how they're still on good terms, considering how in the previous episode, we saw Shining Armor bitterly revoke Twilight's status as Best Mare and all but officially withdrew her invitation to his wedding, and Twilight thought she had permanently destroyed her relationship with him. You might even say that it's Shining Armor's way of apologizing to his little sister.
• The way Luna and Celestia look at each other at the end of the wedding. Imagine how many weddings Celestia had to attend alone in those 1000 years, but now she has her sister back.
• The real Cadance proving herself to Twilight by doing Twilight's beloved fillyhood song and Dance. Equally heartwarming is Twilight's smile, complete with Squee, when she realizes that it's actually Cadance in front of her.
  • Keep in mind that Twilight was going through a severe Trauma Conga Line until she accidentally finds the real Cadance behind the crystal rubble, so learning that the foalsitter she looked up to hadn't actually changed at all is when she finally catches a break.
• When a weakened Cadance has trouble moving the mine cart, Twilight clears away the rubble and lifts her in. It gets better when you realize that this is where she sings about how much she loves her husband-to-be, who just so happens to be Twilight's brother. Twilight is realizing that she's not helping the bride, she's helping her sister. Other than Cadance's singing, there aren't any words, but the scene is still very powerful.
• When The Mane Cast have to redo the wedding preparations with the real Cadance and have the pleasure of working with a bride who sincerely appreciates their efforts. Fake!Cadance is quick to reject Applejack's appetizers. Real!Cadance tries one to see how they taste, then grins and quickly eats another one. Awww!
• The little snapshots of the wedding.
  • Rainbow Dash squeeing over Soarin. Awww!
  • Applejack hanging out with her cousin Apple Fritter, who helped make the wedding cake. It was kinda nice to see AJ spend time with a family member who is little more than a background pony in the grand scheme of things.
  • The whole wedding reception was just brimming with heartwarming, especially considering how awful things had been up to that point.
• Twilight standing next to Shining Armor as his best mare. D'awww.
• Queen Chrysalis saying that Equestria has more love than any place she's ever encountered. It's heartwarming that Equestria is full of love.
  • While it sucks that it helped Queen Chrysalis overpower Celestia, it's heartwarming to know that Shining Armor's love for Cadance is so great that it's powerful enough to overcome the pony equivalent of a god.
• Celestia congratulating Twilight, saying that the success of the wedding was just as much her victory as it was Shining Armor and Cadance's since she was able to follow her instincts and bring the real Cadance back. After Celestia's cold response to Twilight's outburst at the wedding rehearsal in Part 1, it's touching to see Celestia praise her faithful student.
  • Some may view this as Celestia's way of apologizing to Twilight for not trusting her at the Wedding Rehearsal.
    • Twilight having no ill-feelings towards Celestia because of her cold response. The first thing she does after Chrysalis is defeated is to rush to Celestia to see if she is alright and help her up.
  • A similar scene earlier with Applejack, who Twilight comforts after she apologizes on behalf of everypony for distrusting her. That she felt the need to do this in the middle of a Near-Villain Victory makes it all the more meaningful.
  • Then Twilight saying that it's not their fault since Chrysalis fooled everypony, most likely meaning that while they still should have listened to Twilight earlier on, it wasn't their fault for not suspecting Chrysalis masquerading as Cadance, since that didn't even occur to Twilight either.
• The words that Celestia said about Cadance and Shining Armor when the true wedding took place at the end.
  Celestia: The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love undeniable.
• The moment Pinkie Pie pulled Vinyl Scratch/DJ Pon-3 out of Hammerspace. 1, because the finale was just that: a grand finale to an amazing season. 2, because it proves Hasbro and Lauren love their fans by bringing back such a loved background character. 3, because Lyra, Minuette, and Twinkleshine got speaking lines, maybe not as many as Derpy, but they got them. 4, after everything that happened, The Power of Love wins out. Truly, friendship is magic.
• "Love Is In Bloom", a fun song describing the wedding as sealing Shining Armor and Cadance's love forever, with a catchy beat to boot; it's a very nice way to end the season.
• Twilight Sparkle herself, never a mare who holds a grudge even after all of this happening; something most people, let alone a fictional character are incapable of.
  • Case in point: even after having her heart crushed by Shining Armor telling her she just shouldn't come to the wedding at all, she was still ready to fight, and maybe even kill Imposter!Cadance for taking advantage of her brother.
  • To add another point, she also rushes to the defeated Celestia and leads her friends who, moments ago, outright abandoned her. Turn the Other Cheek anyone?
• In a way, especially after what they put her through in Part 1, Twilight had every right to be mad and upset at her friends, and even Celestia and Shining Armor, for not only dismissing her beliefs about Chrysalis/Imposter!Cadance, but for abandoning her and thinking that it was a good idea for her to be kicked out of her own brother's wedding. Heck, she even had the opportunity to pull an "I told you so" lecture for not believing her in the first place. But what does she do instead? She forgave them like nothing had ever happened and reassured them that it was no one's fault.
• They waited until Luna arrived to start the party, even after she terrorized the town in Luna Eclipsed, not to mention the stunt she pulled in the pilot. All she ever wanted was to be loved as much as Celestia and now she is.
• When Celestia has fully recovered after being defeated by Chrysalis, you know everything's cool.
  • Not only that, but as soon as she is free from the cocoon in which Chrysalis imprisoned her and, as mentioned above, Twilight runs over to help her up, the warmness in her voice when she tells Twilight "Don't worry about me, I'm fine. You have a real wedding to put together." makes it clear that she and her most faithful student are still on good terms, especially after Celestia's ice-cold demeanor at the end of part 1.
• When Twilight hears Twinkleshine, Lyra, and Minuette had to be replaced, she immediately gets worried, which may prove she still cares about them even before Amending Fences.

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