Heartwarming / My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic - Season 6

The Crystalling

• Seeing Starlight once again after her redemption in the Season 5 finale. Highlights include...
  • Starlight is now a part of the group photo in the opening.
  • As her student, Starlight is living in the castle with Twilight and Spike. Looks like the castle is becoming even more of a home now.
  • Possibly the biggest heartwarming moment for Starlight is her successfully rekindling her friendship with her childhood friend Sunburst. Especially when you remember what Twilight told Starlight to convince her to change.
  Twilight: And if something that you can't control happens that changes things, work through it together. That's what friendship is!
• Starlight's flashback of herself and Sunburst as foals. The two of them were always together, Sunburst encouraging Starlight and helping her learn magic, even smiling proudly whenever she accomplished something.
• Twilight's excitement and joy about learning that she's an aunt.
• The rest of the Mane 6 made little gifts for Flurry Heart, like Applejack making a crib and Rainbow Dash making a mobile.
  Applejack: (referring to the crib) All the Apple family members get them. And any relative of Twilight's is practically family.
• Spike encouraging and helping Starlight try to reconnect with Sunburst. He even turns down opportunities to brag about himself as the Crystal Empire's national hero.
• Once again it's shown that babies love Pinkie. After just playing with her once, the little Princess Flurry Heart is already attached to Pinkie to the point she starts crying when separated. Too bad it's said crying that breaks the Crystal Heart, leading up to the episode's events.
• Starlight has such a high opinion of her childhood friend Sunburst, that she refuses to believe he's anything less than a famous and great wizard. Even after learning the truth about Sunburst, that he isn't a wizard or even good at magic, she still believes in him.
• In spite of Sunburst lacking the credibility of a proper wizard, Shining Armor and Cadance not only agree to follow his plan, but also let him be their daughter's crystaller. Once the crisis is over, they give him a job as official crystaller and are counting on him to be somepony Flurry Heart can look to for advice on magic.
• Cadance putting Flurry to sleep and giving her a kiss. In spite of her exhaustion from giving birth to her and the shock of giving birth to the first pure alicorn in Equestria over a thousand years, it's clear that Cadance still loves her baby above all else.
• Shining Armor's first choice for his daughter's crystaller is his sister Twilight. He only chooses somepony else when Twilight is unable. It's a position of great honor, so it's very sweet that he'd offer the role to her.
• Celestia recognizing Sunburst instantly as one of her former students, considering she's probably had a lot of different ponies go through her school over the years.
• Twilight tracking down Sunburst so Starlight can reconcile with him. Even more so when you consider she probably started looking for him immediately after Starlight became her student.
• Flurry Heart takes an instant liking to Sunburst. After only a brief moment of interaction, she is seen reaching for him just before Shining asks him to be her crystaller, and playing with his face when he holds her. With it being stated that Sunburst will be the one Flurry Heart will look to for magical advice in the future, the two of them are already off to a great start.
• Flurry meeting her grandparents, Twilight Velvet and Night Light. The pair's reaction to her is utterly heartwarming. Unlike other characters who were shocked at her being an alicorn, these two are more interested in meeting the baby. To them, Flurry Heart is more than a princess or the first born alicorn in Equestria in more than a thousand years, she is their first born grandchild. It's quite a beautiful way to highlight an Unusually Uninteresting Sight and a nod that Twilight's Humble Heroine status is In the Blood.
• Twilight giving Flurry a goodbye kiss on the cheek. It's the greatest display of physical affection that she's ever shown besides hugging and nuzzling and a sign of how much she loves her niece since their first meeting.

The Gift of the Maud Pie

• The idea of Pinkie setting up a day in the year to spend with each of her three sisters. It shows how close the four of them are.
• Maud and Rarity are getting along rather well, considering Maud's inability to show outward emotion easily.
• Maud saying that Rarity's shop location is the perfect spot, especially since Rarity was worried about it.
• During the trio's visit to the toy store, we see a filly and an older pony (either her father or brother) dancing together on a floor piano.
• When Pinkie Pie realizes that Maud got her some fancy confetti for her Party Cannon, she sniffles and says "Maud, you know me so well." Maud may not be into the things that her little sister is into, or heck, even understand why Pinkie likes them, but that she simply understands that those things make Pinkie happy is enough.
• Upon finding out Pinkie gave something up for her rock pouch, Maud refuses to let it go, and after getting the whole story out of Rarity she promptly goes off to reverse the trade. She then treats Pinkie to a speech about how the amount of love you put into a gift is the truly important thing, and Pinkie always wins on that count.
• Pinkie and Maud announcing that they will be including Rarity on their next Sister Swap Day.
• While it also counts as funny, Rarity being able to do a spot-on impression of Pinkie Pie, up to even bouncing around pinball-style, is a testament to just how much Rarity adores her friends, to the point she remembers their every behavioral tic and mannerism.
• Just the idea that the abrasive Limestone, and the Shrinking Violet Marble Pie go on a trip with Pinkie once a year to hang out, swap gifts and have fun is surprisingly adorable.
• Maud smiles!

On Your Marks

• The CMC nail their first two jobs since getting their cutie marks, quickly helping both Bulk Biceps and Tender Taps with their issues. It's clear they definitely got the right marks in the end.
• Tender Taps and Apple Bloom encouraging each other despite still being down in the dumps.
• Apple Bloom's willingness to be laughed at for her dancing and falling off the stage, if it meant helping Tender Taps come out of his shell and dance his best.
• Tender Taps excitedly showing off his new cutie mark.
  • While the two ponies that he shows it to initially look confused, they both give him a smile as they walk offscreen.
• Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon happily making a pie with another filly, which they then all share together. It seems they're starting to really fit in since making their Heel–Face Turn.
• When Apple Bloom takes the other crusaders to make potions, they go to Zecora's house and Apple Bloom does a lot better with the plant-growing potion than she did in "Twilight Time". This implies she's been spending a lot of time with Zecora improving her potion skill.
• When Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle confirm to the very upset and lonely Apple Bloom that just because they are pursuing their own interests sometimes, doesn't mean they'll gone forever and they always intended to be together a good part of the time. At the end of the story, Apple Bloom goodheartedly realizes that she was being silly about her concerns and apologizes to the others accordingly.

Gauntlet of Fire

• Rarity is swarmed by bats and ends up absolutely filthy (which is likely to be from the bats' droppings) as a result of Spike's glowy condition. Does the fashion-conscious, cleanliness-obsessed pony freak out? She sure does — not over herself, but over Spike, whom she rushes to the castle for help as fast as she can while still covered in gunk and without even bothering to ditch her mining costume. For all her neat-freak tendencies and drama queen hysterics, when push comes to shove, there's zero doubt that Rarity cares for her friends more than anything.
• Spike, despite getting permission from Torch to leave, decides to participate anyway so Garble or some other nasty dragon can't win and threaten Equestria.
• While Garble obviously wants to become The Caligula, other dragons actually express some pretty benign — if completely Cloudcuckoolander-ish — reasons for wanting to rule (such as making an official dragon greeting out of burping, improving sleeping conditions for all of dragonkind by stealing all of Equestria's pillows, etc.). Looks like Spike, Ember, and (arguably) Torch aren't the only sympathetic dragons here.
• Spike treating Ember as a friend in spite of her abrasive behavior.
  • Spike treating Garble with respect, despite the fact he's a irredeemably horrible person. This really gets to him.
• Twilight and Rarity brave through the Gauntlet of Fire with Spike, risking their lives, just so they can support their friend during the trial.
• Celestia and Luna paying Twilight a casual visit, showing that this kind of stuff does happen even if it's usually out of our sight.
• Torch abdicating his throne to his daughter after she proved she was far stronger than he thought.
  • He initially banned her from the contest for being too small and weak to be the dragon lord. After her return he sincerely apologizes, and states that while she may be small she is anything but weak.
• Twilight mentions at the end that now that Ember is Spike's friend and the new Dragon Lord, relations between the ponies and dragons will begin to improve.
  • Twilight, despite her giddiness of learning and studying the Gauntlet Of Fire, is mostly doing it so she can write a book about dragons to help other ponies understand the species better.
• The first dragon Garble hugs on the way home seems to really appreciate it. Maybe this will do its part getting them to consider friendship too.
• Ember's friendship with Spike in the episode. She's the first dragon outside of Spike to show open kindness for someone else. Even after just meeting him she covers for his pony friends, who she doesn't know anything about, so Garble won't discover them. She later willingly gives up her chance to win the contest by holding off Garble so Spike can win instead, and is surprised when he passes the title of Dragon Lord to her.
• Second time watching this episode, Ember has one such moment while under disguise. When Garble mocks Spike's inability to fly, all the other dragons laugh at the little dragon. ...Except for Ember. She doesn't seem the slightest amused by Garble's lowbrow humor. Why? Perhaps it's because she knows what it's like to be looked down upon as weak and incapable. That's empathy for you.
• When Spike rushes off to save Rarity from falling in a chasm, Ember reacts as if to say, "Oh my gosh! Is he going to get there in time!?"

No Second Prances

• The overjoyed smile on Starlight's face when she tells Twilight she's made a new friend, not to mention how happy Twilight is for her (before finding out just who the friend is).
  • The fact that Starlight made a friend on her own without Twilight's guidance, and that friend just so happens to be Trixie.
• The rest of the Mane Six all eagerly jumping in to help Starlight make a new friend.
  • This includes Rainbow Dash now being on such friendly terms with Spitfire that she feels comfortable heading to see her old instructor to ask for help at a moment's notice.
• Even if Trixie was just trying to get back at Twilight the bonding she has with Starlight is great. Especially given their pasts and how Starlight is willing to give her a chance, despite Twilight telling her not to.
  • The fact that they bond over their past misdeeds by joking about them shows how far they've come. They're at a point where they can look back on those acts and laugh, as opposed to allowing themselves to be defined by them.
  • Also, in a moment that the fans have been waiting for since forever, Trixie finally confesses, in full confidence with Starlight, that she is jealous of Twilight Sparkle and how she always beats Trixie at everything. The fact that she chose to confide this to Starlight is all the proof we need that Trixie does consider Starlight to be a real friend.
• While this may be a minor moment, coupled with a bit of Tear Jerker, when Starlight runs off crying after Trixie accidentally reveals that she initially just became her friend to get back at Twilight, Trixie immediately regrets what she did, placing her hoof to her head in sadness. Showing that Trixie does genuinely care for Starlight.
• Twilight eventually encouraging Starlight's friendship with Trixie after realizing that the latter really did end up seeing the former as a friend, and urging Starlight to forgive her.
• Trixie and Starlight mending fences after the big performance.
  • On a related note, Twilight apologizing to Trixie for being so suspicious of her (even if she did turn out to be somewhat justified in her paranoia), and Trixie gratefully accepting her praise.
• There's something strangely sweet that Starlight got Angel Bunny, of all creatures, to like her.

Newbie Dash

• Rainbow Dash finally becomes a Wonderbolt! After spending the first five seasons of wishing to join them, Rainbow officially fulfills her childhood dream.
  • Rainbow Dash achieving her Goal in Life can be this compared to Twilight's Awesome Moment of Crowning or Rarity opening her new boutiques around Equestria. Take into account that the former never asked or wanted to be a princess despite being grateful for the opportunity and the latter never spoke about her dream until she opened her first new boutique at Canterlot, so watching the only member of the Mane Six who is open about her dream finally accomplish it is quite touching.
  • The way it goes down is great as well. Scootaloo asks Dash if she'll be in the upcoming Wonderbolt show in Ponyville, Dash says she'll be there as just a reserve. Then Spitfire arrives and tells Dash she's been promoted to full time Wonderbolt. Dash is stunned silent, but Scootaloo starts celebrating. And when Dash recovers, she gives the biggest smile ever.
  • And consider this: Scootaloo adores Rainbow Dash more than anypony else (aside from Dash's parents), and she got to be there when she heard the big news and share in Dash's joy.
• Similar to the way Rarity impersonated Pinkie Pie four episodes ago, that Rainbow Dash could emulate all five of her best friends so well (their mannerisms and speech patterns) shows just how much she cherishes them. And the friend that she emulated the most accurately? Fluttershy.
• Rainbow Dash's bond with Scootaloo in this episode. Normally, her appearances with her are ONLY when Scootaloo's having an event that requires the assistance of a sister figure. The episode has Rainbow Dash spending time with Scootaloo without compromise. It shows that Rainbow has become close enough with Scootaloo that she doesn't need an excuse to hang out with her.
  • Additionally, during Rainbow Dash's plan, her only confidant was Scootaloo. It shows that after the rest of the Mane Six, Rainbow Dash holds Scootaloo in such high regards that she's willing to share her secret plans with her. It's quite endearing considering how badly Scootaloo wanted to hang out with her in the early seasons and is now THE pony she trusts the most after her friends.
• There are subtle moments throughout the episode that show how, in their own way, the Wonderbolts are welcoming Rainbow Dash to the team. For Dash, these are overshadowed by her current problems, and even viewers may only pick up on these with a second watch-through. So many of the Bolts' lines are Heartwarming In Hindsight:
  Spitfire: We're all expecting you to make quite an impression.

  Soarin: Are you okay, Rainbow Dash?

  Misty Fly: Classic rookie move, Rainbow Crash — That was amazing.

  Fleetfoot: Hey, Crash, I know it was a tough day today, but don't worry. You'll get the hang of it.

  Rainbow Dash: It's the dream of near every little pegasus pony to grow up and fly with the Wonderbolts! And here you all are doin' it!
  Fleetfoot: (in a "no duh" tone) So are you.

  Spitfire: Now it's official. Welcome to the Wonderbolts, Crash!
• Dash has just trashed the show and is sure she's going to be booted out of the Wonderbolts for dangerously breaking the routine. Though upset, Spitfire and the others tell her that they absolutely want her on the team because she's that good, and one by one, they reveal their own embarrassing nicknames. Spitfire gets bonus points for having the worst one of all, yet she still whispers it to Dash, not-so-subtly showing how much she trusts Dash and sees her as a true teammate.
  • How much did the Wonderbolts want her on the team? They were hoping somepony would leave or retire so Dash could have their spot. Just goes to show that, for all her initial missteps, the Wonderbolts still know that Dash is that good.
• In Rainbow Dash's flashback to being called Rainbow Crash in Flight school, all of the pegasi, even the instructor, are laughing at her—except for Fluttershy.
• The final scene has the Mane Six come across Dash, who says she's got to clean the barracks for punishment. They ask why she's in such a good mood. It's because she's a Wonderbolt.

A Hearth's Warming Tail

• The ponies of Ponyville singing and carousing as they decorate and celebrate.
  • Cookie Crumbles and Hondo Flanks giving Sweetie Belle and her friends a cart ride.
  • Lemon Hearts kissing a stallion Under the Mistletoe, with both of them blushing right after.
  • Dashie and Fluttershy providing snow for the foals.
  • Granny Smith passing out presents.
• Twilight holding a Hearth's Warming party in her castle, and inviting what looks like most, if not all, of Ponyville.
• The main premise of the episode, Twilight taking the time to leave the party and mentor/teach Starlight with the story is heartwarming in and of itself.
• The Ghost of Hearth's Warming Presents' song, which is not only one of Pinkie's best songs overall but has a lovely little message that's later relayed adorably by Twilight.
  "And the reason is to be with your friends!"
  • Before the song, Pinkie explaining that the point of gift giving isn't the gift itself, but the thought behind the gift.
• The mere fact that Twilight has a "Pinkie Pie voice" and she and Starlight are close enough now that Starlight knows about this.
  • Not to mention that Tara Strong was asked to be the voice for Pinkie and Twilight, but Andrea Libman got Pinkie and Fluttershy instead.
• Snowdash being excited at Snowfall's admittedly last minute gift.
• Starlight finally deciding to join in on the festivities, having fun with her friends and the citizens of Ponyville.

The Saddle Row Review

• Rarity letting a sick Coco go home and rest despite the massive amount of stuff to do.
  • And not freaking out when Coco repeatedly sneezes on her.
• Despite all the chaos, the review is positive in the end.

Applejack’s "Day" Off

• Twilight and Spike offering to help so Rarity and Applejack can get some quality time in at the spa.
• After Applejack and Rarity twice catch Rainbow Dash going to the spa, they all just roll with it and can now all go together.
• Look closely: when Applejack has given a summation of what's causing the steam to build up slowly, among the ponies who agree with her analysis, Spoiled Rich is among the ponies agreeing.

Flutter Brutter

• While he is annoying, it is clear that Zephyr Breeze loves his sister dearly, even if she finds him a tad irritating.
  • But even then, she does love her younger brother back and wants him to make something of himself, so it's nice that she goes the effort to get him a job for him, even if he's not excited about it.
• After finding out what happened to Zephyr Breeze after he left her house, Fluttershy's first instinct is to reassure him about her own doubts when he points out that she's saved the world.
• The motivational song that Fluttershy and Rainbow sing to Zeph is meant to help him become more motivated into doing what he wants to do and not give up.
• Dash stays with Fluttershy throughout most of the episode, advising her and helping her whenever possible. Rainbow may as well be Fluttershy's older sister.
  • She's also willing to help Zephyr Breeze get back on his feet and is happy that he passed mane therapy school, even though Zephyr has been constantly irritating her with his flirting throughout the whole episode.
  • The fact that Rainbow's apparently on very familiar terms with Fluttershy's family, indicating that they've been hosting her regularly for a long time, possibly since they were fillies together.
• The sibling hug between Fluttershy and Zephyr when she helped him out. And she says it best here:
  Fluttershy: That's what big sisters are for.
• When Pinkie Pie is ignored after trying to get the attentions of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, Applejack helps her out.

Spice Up Your Life

• Saffron reminding her father of how she used to love cooking with him when she was a kid.
  • The two then chuckling when they remember how Saffron used to hide the ingredients she didn't like.
• Everypony embracing the new restaurant and its unique style. It even inspires other chefs to start cooking the food they like again instead of cooking bland food to conform to Zesty's hideous standards.

Stranger Than Fan Fiction

• Even though Twilight can't go, she's still helping Rainbow pack.
  • The reason Twilight can't go? She has to help Celestia with a friendship summit in Griffonstone. That's right, Griffonstone is hosting a friendship summit. Gilda must really be doing a good job spreading friendship there.
  • Rainbow does her best to comfort Twilight over not being able to make to the convention, and points out that since they know AK Yearling is really Daring Do her appearance wasn't going to be too exciting. She even promises Twilight that she'll get the author to sign her book.
• Before it goes off the rails, Rainbow Dash and Quibble Pants' burgeoning friendship speaks very deeply to the joy of finding someone who loves the same stuff you do and can discuss it at length, something many fans of the show have gotten quite familiar with.
• The moral of the episode is that neither Rainbow or Quibble were completely right or wrong, that sometimes fans can disagree about what makes the thing they love work, and that's perfectly fine, and nothing to end a friendship over. Again, this really speaks to the people watching the show.

The Cart Before The Ponies

• Even if it was a (comically) shattering moment in Rarity's childhood, filly!Derpy winning the ribbon for "Most Creative Cart" is utterly adorable.
• Rainbow Dash cheering on Scootaloo at the end of the episode.
• It's in the background, but Diamond Tiara is shown actually helping her butler construct their cart and when the big crash happens later on, she actually seems to be checking on him. It's a small thing, but given last we saw him she treated him like a slave, it's sweet to see her being nicer to him due to her Character Development.
• While they eventually get carried away, all three of the Crusaders' sisters were more than happy to lend their support. Rainbow Dash in particular is downright ecstatic upon hearing the news!
• At the end, the three older ponies helping their little sisters make the carts they wanted.

28 Pranks Later

• While she acts like a jerk for most of the episode, Rainbow is obviously very concerned when it seems like her prank has caused actual harm. Even when it seems like she's the only unaffected one left, she passes up a chance to escape to try to stop the others from eating any more of the cookies that seem to be making them sick.

The Times They Are A Changeling

• Spike befriending the Changeling and standing up for him in the end even though it looked like the whole Empire and Equestria (through Twilight) was against him.
• Thorax was so inspired just by seeing the Mane Six's friendship that he decided to leave his hive to try and fulfill his dream of having friends.
• The whole time Spike is showing Thorax in disguise around the Crystal Empire. He's just so happy to have a chance to make friends and talk with ponies normally.
  • That, and the ponies seemed to really like talking and being friends with Thorax before they knew he was a Changeling. A few guards even compared him to Spike, the Crystal Empire's hero.
• Thorax saving Spike even after their brief falling out.
• Spike turning everyone's attitudes towards Thorax around with an epic song at the end about acceptance and how he can't call himself a hero if he abandoned his friend.
• Twilight being the first pony to take Spike's side, recognizing his bravery in standing up for his friend at the cost of losing his fame and friendships with her, her family, and friends, and the lesson he just taught them all about friendship, convincing her sister-in-law and B.B.B.F.F. to overlook their past with Chrysalis and accept Thorax.
• Thorax saying he wants to learn about friendship so he can teach it to other Changelings and maybe then they'll be able to create their own love instead of stealing it from others.
• Baby Flurry Heart is not scared of Thorax at all.
  • Really, Flurry Heart in general during this episode is heartwarming. She's loved so much by her family and the entire Crystal Empire that Thorax can't keep his disguise on in her presence due to just how overpowering the love is.
  • In any other work, Flurry Heart would be an Evil-Detecting Baby. Here, however, she's portrayed as the opposite—the fact that she likes Thorax (even after his disguise fails) signals to the audience that he's a good guy.
  • Also, not long into the episode, Cadance says that Flurry Heart has really been looking forward to seeing her Aunt Twilight again. As soon as she says that, Flurry Heart starts giggling and reaching for Twilight, wrapping her hooves around Twilight's foreleg.
• On a small note, Starlight going along with Twilight to the Crystal Empire so she can visit Sunburst.
• Cadance and Twilight finally do the Sunshine dance in this episode. After not doing so since Twilight's coronation, it's extremely heartwarming to finally see it again.
• Though a little mitigated by the context, the guards' concern for the "real" Crystal Hoof is quite sweet. They even try and reassure Spike that his friend will be okay and would want to see him.

Dungeons And Discords

• It's a testament to how much Discord cares for Fluttershy that he's willing to literally beg her to let him come along on the trip just so he can spend time with her.
  • He also shoots down her reverse psychology attempts by saying she's "better than that." Given how little Discord normally thinks of anyone else, actually praising someone is indeed notable.
  • Likewise, her annoyed-but-tolerant reaction to his putting a volcano on the train tracks to try to make her stay, and the fact that she only has to raise one eyebrow to make him cut it out. Shows how much their relationship has grown.
• Spike and Big Mac inviting Discord to their Guy's Night because they knew he'd feel lonely. When Discord finds this out, he immediately stops picking on them.
• Discord actually apologizing for his actions...even if it took him three tries to actually get the words out.
• Spike and Big Mac feel bad about kicking Discord out and invite him back even after he acted like a jerk to them most of the night. They even ask him to use his magic again to make the game more fun.
  • At the end, the whole thing looks like so much fun that Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie decide to join in too. And Discord appears to have anticipated that, as they each get a personalized costume upon entering (Rainbow Dash looks like a Rogue while Pinkie seems to be a Bard).
• The callback to Spike and Big Mac being close friends.

Buckball Season

• The Adorkable little ditty Snails sings while fetching buckets of water:
  Snails: Carryin' m'water, m'water, m'water! Carryin' m'water, on my shoulder pole!
• Showing their Character Development, the very competitive Rainbow Dash and Applejack are more than happy to let Pinkie and Fluttershy to take their places at the Buckball team, openly admitting that they're better players, and, once they realize their training methods are making them uncomfortable, they comfort, encourage and support them properly.

The Fault in Our Cutie Marks

• Gabby's personality as a Genki Girl has to say something about her time in Griffonstone. And when she saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie help Gilda out, it inspired her to go help others.
  • When she arrives in Ponyville, the ponies are glad to point her in the direction of the CMC, showing that ponies don't seem to harbor any ill will towards griffons.
• The CMC helping a family who were unsure of their daughter's skull-and-cross bones cutie mark of finding bones in the backyard. The parents were still proud, just concerned.
  • In the same vein, the fact Petunia's parent's actually went to the trouble of buying a pirate outfit for her before the reveal of her true talent. Showing that, even if they were concerned, they were fully willing to support her.
  • Petunia looks so adorably proud of herself for finding the fossil she makes one want to hug her and praise her.
• The CMC creating their own cutie mark for Gabby and making her the first griffin member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
• One of the good deeds Gabby does is help a pony, who looks completely worn out, put her baby down for a nap and hang up her laundry while she gets some rest.
• Gilda and RD still send each other notes. A strong indicator that their friendship is truly mended and that Gilda's grown out of her more aggressive self.
• Incredibly subtle, but Gilda and Gabby's brief interaction in the flashback. Gilda takes one look at the over-eager girl and, with a knowing smirk, hands her the letter. It's clear she realizes it's just the excuse the girl needs, and equally clear that she's totally okay with facilitating Gabby's dream.
• At the end of the episode, Gabby resolves to go spread the Crusaders' values to Griffonstone. Looks like Gilda is going to get some help in her efforts.
• Gabby comforting a depressed Goldengrape.
• Once it sinks in that she will never have a Cutie Mark, the first thing Gabby does is to get a fake one. Turns out this wasn't due to her going into denial, but because she didn't want the CMC to think they failed in their life purpose. Despite her having every reason to hate them, Gabby couldn't leave town with the CMC unhappy.

Viva Las Pegasus

• Fluttershy convincing Applejack to give Flim and Flam a chance and help get the brothers back together in order to deal with the much more serious problem happening in Las Pegasus.
• Although they have a tendency for Greed, it's somewhat nice to see that Greed is not what causes the falling out between Flim and Flam. No, they didn't break apart because they couldn't agree on splitting their profits or whatever. They broke apart because it was something personal (Gladmane's lies about how each thought poorly of the other). And once those lies were disproven, they're instantly back together like their previous feud never happened.
• A minor note, the fact that the Tree of Harmony wanted to help Flim and Flam. Considering that in "The Cutie Re-Mark", the brothers were responsible for one of the alternate timelines.

Every Little Thing She Does

• While the Mane 6 are understandably upset over Starlight's actions, they are very forgiving once she apologizes and admits she did wrong. Twilight also proves herself a nice, caring teacher, that doesn't get angry with her pupil while still expressing her disappointment, giving Starlight a push in the right direction to both accomplish her friendship lessons and make up for her transgressions.
  • Starlight's apology is very sincere and heartfelt.
  Starlight Glimmer: What I did was wrong, a-and I can't take it back. You're right to be upset, and I hope one day I can make it up to you. But all I can say is... I'm sorry.
  • Considering Rainbow Dash's considerable (and justifiable) anger when she yelled at Starlight about not casting spells on friends, it's telling that she was the first to note and accept the sincerity of Starlight's apology.
  Rainbow Dash: That was a pretty good apology.
• Spike shows how close he and Starlight are when he goes to check on her before he and Twilight leave for the day. Living with Twilight his whole life, he's familiar with the stress and self-doubts that can affect a promising yet not-so-social student.
• A picture in Starlight's bedroom is clearly of Trixie. It's nice to see that even if she's not in the episode, Starlight is still thinking about her.

P.P.O.V. (Pony Point Of View)

• In the end, it's revealed that part of the reason the trip went so badly was because Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie each were trying a bit too hard to make the other two ponies to enjoy the trip, considering that they were all 'out of their element' when sailing. Basically, each one was making an effort for her friends' sake.
• Everypony in the end, including Twilight, Spike, and even the bunyip, finishing the day in a high note, enjoying themselves together.
• Opal, who usually acts like a mean cat to anyone who isn't Fluttershy, gets along very well with Twilight and Spike this episode. She affectionately rubs against them both when delivering Rarity's message.

Where the Apple Lies

• We see more of the Apple's and Filthy Rich's business together. Happily loading up a cart full of Zap Apple jam, and Filthy Rich immediately returning the crates when he realizes he was accidentally given Apple Cider instead, not wanting Granny Smith to think he was stealing any.
• Young Filthy Rich's eagerness to sell Apple Family cider turns to anger and threatens to have his financial ties with the Apple Family cut when it turns out Applejack can't keep up her end of the bargain. However, when he is told Granny Smith is sick, he immediately drops his threats, wishes to offer his aid, and tries to visit her. Granny Smith being sick might've been a lie, but his concern is very much genuine.

Top Bolt

• Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger's relationship (while it has some negative sides) is overall made of heartwarming. They befriended each other because they found in each other a deep need met in their respective situations (Sky wanted someone who would give him attention and recognition, while Vapor wanted someone to give attention to and take the spotlight off herself). Its especially sweet with Vapor Trail, who seems to lose her usual introversion when it comes to tackle hugging Sky Stinger. And while Sky is usually quite self-absorbed, he twice urges Twilight and Rainbow to help Vapor with her flying, showing that he wants his best friend to become a great flyer like he thinks he is.
  • And then there's how quickly they reconciled after their falling out. All it took was a quick explanation of each others' viewpoints from Twilight and Rainbow for them to rekindle their friendship. This is followed by a montage of the two of them encouraging each other as they train, their friendship stronger than ever.
• Seeing Rainbow Dash mentoring Vapor Trail, using her own reputation to build Vapor's confidence.
• There are lots of subtle moments that show how much Rainbow Dash's relationships with her fellow Wonderbolts have improved since "Newbie Dash".
  • Rainbow Dash wears her Wonderbolt Jacket that has her Embarrassing Nickname on it without a problem. Spitfire calls Rainbow "Crash" and Rainbow laughs it off. Both show that she has overcome her problems with it.
  • Also, there's Dash telling Spitfire "You love blowing your whistle and yelling." when Spitfire says she is going to be stuck at the academy training new recruits all week, and Spitfire laughing gently and answering "Yeah, I do."
  • Rainbow excitedly talks about her plans for the weekend with Misty Fly and Spitfire, including her Darring Do series interest.
  • Misty Fly comes to Rainbow Dash with an emergency.

To Where and Back Again

• Twilight praising Starlight's progress, not just in the field of friendship, but all the positive changes she's made for herself, even humbly deflecting her own part in it.
  Twilight Sparkle: I may have offered some guidance, but you are responsible for the pony you've become. I'm proud to call you my student, and my friend.
• The interactions between Princess Luna and Starlight. Luna encourages Starlight to share her worries with the Mane Six, admits that she sees a lot of herself in Starlight, and assures her that things will get better for her. And after the changelings' Heel–Race Turn, Luna commends Starlight on her success.
• Trixie's response to Starlight's invitation speaks volumes about their friendship. Starlight basically said "would you like to drop everything to immediately travel to a remote village as my security blanket?" and Trixie's reply was basically "sure". On the way there, she makes a "great and powerful promise" to have her back no matter what happens. Starlight is clearly not the only pony to learn the value of friendship in this season.
• The ponies of Our Town welcome Starlight with open hooves, even asking her for guidance concerning the Sunset Festival's events. This proves just how much they've forgiven her for her past misdeeds, truly considering her a friend, and respecting her leadership abilities in spite of what her leadership initially did to them.
• Discord joined the misfit band to save Equestria not because of his reformation, but because they took Fluttershy. He does so with absolutely no second thoughts or hesitation unlike his usual self. Even without his powers, he's less concerned about the potential dangers they're gonna face and more about how they're going to save Fluttershy without his godmode powers.
  • He also shows moments of camaraderie for his fellow rescuers, allowing them to use his body as a ladder to enter the hive, and showing concern for Starlight when she admits she's "just barely keeping it together". He even goes along with Starlight's suggestion to bring everyone to her former village when the adventure is over, which is particularly sweet considering he's not in the habit of doing favors for anyone except Fluttershy.
• In relation to the above, while Fluttershy is the reason for his enthusiasm, Discord still makes it clear he is helping for the sake of the others as well and refers to the kidnapped Royal Family and Elements of Harmony as a whole as his friends.
• While Trixie still enjoys getting under Twilight's skin, the first thing she does when she hears that the changelings are back is to suggest going to Twilight for help. This shows that she has a level of respect for Twilight in spite her continued animosity towards her.
• The fact that a Changeling changes into Fluttershy to trick Discord and even though he knows it's fake, Discord is still deeply affected by the sight of a crying Fluttershy. It really shows how much Discord cares about his first friend.
• In her first appearance, Trixie was a show-off that ran away at the first sign of real danger. Here, when it seems like they're about to be ambushed, she doesn't spare a second thought about sacrificing herself for the others. While she is still rather boastful, it shows that her friendship with Starlight has also changed her for the better.
  • Trixie's reassurance that Starlight can save the day without herself or any magic just before her Heroic Sacrifice deserves mention too.
  Trixie: Starlight, you got us this far with just my illusions and Discord's annoying personality. You don't need magic to figure out what to do next. I know you're afraid to be in charge, but you're really good at it. Listen to your best friend.
• All of Trixie's friendship moments toward Starlight, particularly when she helps her escape her old town when she suffers a panic attack over being put in charge of something there again, and before she makes her sacrifice play against the Changeling disguised as Discord.
• Starlight's speech to Thorax when he despairs that he can't hold on to the love Queen Chrysalis is taking.
  Starlight: Then.. don't! Sharing love is what made you different from the other changelings to begin with. You should share yours with Chrysalis. Give her ALL OF IT!
• When Thorax turns into a magical cocoon, Starlight rushes past the Changeling guards who were holding her back. She is concerned and wants to make sure he's okay in there.
  • Upon emerging from his magical cocoon, Thorax has been changed into a Changeling King. It's like an MLP equivalent of "The Ugly Duckling", watching a shy timid creature with an Ugly Cute appearance transform into a thing of beauty so naturally! The whole thing is topped with Thorax's surprised delight upon seeing what he's become.
  • When, per Starlight's insistence, the changelings follow suit and share their love too, look at their expressions. They look unsure about sharing their love. But they go ahead with their Heel–Face Turn and share the love anyway, because they trust that their new King Thorax has the right idea. If you want a MLP textbook example of faith, look no further.
• Fridge Heartwarming: After sharing love and going through the transformation, the changelings are apparently delighted. They aren't just happy because of their new appearance. They're happy because they aren't hungry anymore.
• After they've performed their Heel–Race Turn and destroyed Chrysalis' throne, freeing the Royal Family and Elements of Harmony in the process, whom only a few hours ago they had kidnapped for Chrysalis, several of the Changelings show their reformation and apology for the kidnapping by helping Shining Armor and Princess Cadance out of what's left of their shattered cocoons and even returning Flurry Heart to them.
• As the Royal Family and Elements of Harmony recover and come to after being freed from their cocoons after being stuck in them for so long, Princess Luna rushes over to help her big sister back to her hooves, as Princess Celestia was struggling to get back to her hooves on her own. Celestia is grateful for her little sister's aid.
• Discord's first reaction to being freed from the cocoon is to try and find Fluttershy, and the moment that he sees her, he picks her up and hugs her tightly, with her responding in kind.
• Despite what they've been put through by the Changelings within the last few hours, if not days, seeing that the Changelings made up for kidnapping them by destroying Chrysalis' throne and freeing them as a result, the Royal Family and the Elements of Harmony are more than willing to defend their new friends from their former Queen.
• Thorax fulfills his promise to Spike to bring Friendship back to the Changeling Empire, forever changing it for the better in the process.
  • Speaking of Spike, Thorax is seen helping Spike out of the remains of his cocoon. Thorax might be a King now, but he'll never forget his first friend, the one who made all of this possible.
• Starlight offering Chrysalis a hoof and a chance to become a benevolent ruler for her people. It may have been rejected but it still shows how much Starlight has grown.
  • After this, Twilight gives Starlight an approving smile, showing just how proud she is of her student.
• Discord makes an open invitation for "celebratory tea" at Fluttershy's cottage. He isn't simply suggesting he and Fluttershy have tea together, but is fully willing to have everyone else there join them.
• Discord growing to have a certain affection/respect for fellow Friend Nobody Likes Trixie and offering to participate in her performances whenever she wants.
  • It's even more heartwarming when you consider that, after all the bickering and verbal potshots they threw at each other, it was Discord who chose to extend the olive branch and make peace with Trixie, without anyone prodding him to do so. That moment really speaks for his Character Development.
• Despite her defeat at Chrysalis' hooves (twice) and being rendered seemingly unconscious/unaware during the changelings' Heel–Race Turn, Celestia accepts her new allies and extends offers of peace negotiations to the newly crowned Thorax with absolutely ZERO hesitations.
• The Mane Six and Spike's reaction to Discord's antics in the closing scene. Rather than be annoyed or angered, most of them simply smile (and in Twilight's case, rolls her eyes). This shows how much they've come to accept Discord's craziness.