I was always fascinated by the magic duel episode. More specifically by "The age spell" Twilight says: "Only the highest level of unicorn are able to master that." This implies Celestia and Luna might be able to cast it. Perhaps that's how they are keeping themselves young? The whole concept of the spell existence raises so many questions.
This was a good talk. You know, I never thought too deeply over any of this in the show, but I can somewhat see how everyone else may be inspired by it. I recall reading about the death of Mr. Hooper on Sesame Street, but that was before my time. Also, really clever use of the style change at the end.
I think I'm gushing now. It's like the equivalent of Tim Curry and Morgan Freeman interviewing each other. Nothing but pleasure as far as the ear can hear. My pants are on an another neighbourhood right now.
For me, imagining one of the mlp characters handling the death of a loved one or even their own mortality, adds a dash of realism to the show. I always love thinking about how the characters would behave in our world and death is a part of our world. Of course we know it's a part of their world too. To me it's just rinsing off the sugar coating of their lives. It can't always be big smiles and spontaneous songs after all.
I read so many fanfics on the topic of death and mortality and each time I read one it strikes me with feels as I read the story and also think about the characters moving on when someone that is close to them passes on. I lost my uncle to cancer a few months ago, on my parent's anniversary no less, and I sometimes think about the morals in those stories on the subject of death. Death is not the end, its beginning of something new. It may scary, but we must learn to accept it.
I think the fear of death is the fear of the unknown. Even when the show doesn't address this concept directly, there are times when it has been referenced here and there. When the CMC were singing their "Hearts and Hooves Day" song, there's a brief scene where a priest pony is giving a eulogy at a funeral. Another is when two shooting stars are flying across the sky, and, confirmed by Meghan McCarthy, they turned out to be Apple Jack's Parents. Even without those two aspects in the show, there's also the sense of danger. When the Mane 6's lives are put at risk; When they're falling off a cliff; when they're confronting an enemy; even when they're trying to get out of any situation where hope seems bleak, there's always this fear of uncertainty that plagues the minds of our protagonists. The writing staff on FiM has proven that they're talented enough to make this show entertaining, as well as thought provoking, for both children and adults. No matter what Hasbro has to say about it.
Loved the entire topic. Some great discussions here and I would LOVE to see you both do more projects together in the future. And that ending? Brilliant.
Personally, I think that by the time of "The Last Problem" Shining had gained wings and earth pony magic, while Flash Sentry had gained a horn and earth pony magic.
A big part also is that the mane 6 technically are young adults. They live on their own and manage their own affairs. Only Pinkie has guardians and even then she organises plenty on her own. The very first episode about Twilight leaving and feeling confused and frustrated about her new enviroment. I got into MLP when I left my parents and I could really relate to her.
Something I liked about the episode Tanks For The Memories was it made an attempt at dealing with the effects of losing a loved one (Don't worry, they didn't kill off dash's pet, he just went into hibernation). Even if it was a temporary departure, I can still relate to how dash would feel as I've lost pets and other loved ones in my lifetime
That ending was hilarious. My thoughts on Hasbro showing mortality in a cartoon is pretty much unsurprising. I mean they've showed the death of Optimus Prime in Transformers. True, he's a robot and that shows intended for boys, but none the less, it's still has the same effect as any or all other character deaths would to a viewing audience. Showing it in MLP on the other hand can be a difficult one. What has to be taken in account is who will it happen too, how will it happen, why, and when will it. Great video you two.
Great point, I got hit pretty hard by the Transformers movie when I was a kid. It's been done on Beast Wars as well, That show killed off a lot of it's characters, the most notable being Dinobot; who fought a small army of Predicons alone to stop the genocide of humanity's pre-historic ancestors... that scene brought me to tears!
Another great episode DrWolf, as well as more wonderful art from Starbat. Great topics, great points, great scott the voices! You two have the best voices in the analysis community. This video was like the Dueling Banjos of Brony Analysis.
My guess is he's a nomad; travelling wherever the show takes him during his reviews. Who knows, maybe one day he'll run into Flim and Flam in Leap of Faith.
My top 2 brony analysts in a video together?! This weeks' episode hiatus is now forgotten... I wish the show would tackle death & mortality as well, since it is one of the unavoidable facts of life, maybe as the season gets more mature the episodes will tackle more mature subjects as well?
Agreed. Also, I remember when MLP Silver Quill, and Joshscorcher did a Collaboration for Pinkie Pride. I was DYING Laughing at their commentary. As to the end of this video, Classic Silver! Sweet Celestia, I needed that laugh! For me, as to the topic of Mortality, I want to see either Fluttershy or AppleJack as for them, as AppleJack lost her Father and Mother, and would be a good pony to consult as far as how to hand the loss, as, say, Fluttershy looses a pet- er Animal.
please invite Silver Quill more, you guys rock together !!! would love for MLP FiM to take more serious themes like death, but that would be expecting too much from Hasbro...
This was a very nice discussion. I'm glad that even for a show like this their still is a form of rational thought put in to provoke a good thinking experience.
It's not that everything on Dr. Wolf's channel is a dream. It's just that Silver Quill was having a dream that he was having one of Dr. Wolf's sessions. So it was just this session that was a dream. That ending made me crack up!
During the Hearts and Hooves Day song when Sweetie Bell sing "this one's too old" she interups a funeral with a coffin and priest and everything. So yeah, ponies die. As for what origionaly started the concerns of outliving for me it was the fact that in our mythology unicorns are imortal and pegisi long living.
I think, The Railway Series shares a greater example to My Little Pony then Seasame Street does. It tackles some very mature topics. The 2 that stand out the most are scrapping (Which is essentially death for an engine BTW), and that is tackled in 'The Twin Engines' with Donald and Douglas, 'Enterprising Engines' with Oliver, and 'Stepney The Bluebell Engine' of the whole BR network. The other one is family separation, and this is tackled very heavily in 'Duke The Lost Engine' with Duke, Falcon and Stuart.
First off, this is awesome. As a raging fan of Silver Quill, I love this discussion and discovering DRWolf is a new pleasure. As far as the topic goes, as far as the show is concerned there has never been any reference to the lifespan of ponies. There's no reason why Granny Smith can't be several hundred years old, as referenced by Winter Wrap Up when Twilight mentions how Ponyville was founded by earth ponies hundreds of years ago. Ponies in this world may all be magical to some degree and have very long lifespans. There is a possibility that Alicorns live significantly longer than others, meaning that Twilight my outlive her friends. For example, from the tidbits we've seen Luna and Celestia are at least three thousand years old. But alas, we may never know. Food for thought!
What about Apple Family Reunion? They never said death or even talked about it but because we haven't seen AJ's parents and with Granny Smith saying "Who knows if they'll all be able to make the next one?" sort of hints that not everyone will make the next reunion as well as the shooting stars symbolizing AJ's parents. As much as I think Fluttershy would deal with it better AJ is the one that has already dealt with it and since parents dying is a bigger thing than pets (I cried for my dog) but I moved on with family it's much harder to move on and I think AJ would help more on how to deal with death. I try not to think about it and just live my life as happy as I can most nights it gets into my head and it scares me but I just close my eyes and imagine a place where death is not important like Equestria.
Lol! Love that ending. Silver Quill can always make me laugh. All that aside, this is an interesting topic. As a fanfic writer who has delved into the topic before, I can easily say that death is a very good topic for stories; why else would there be so many sad fics revolving around the subject? I suppose it just comes from watching somethjng where everything is happy; you can't help but wonder if those happy characters experience pain and suffering as well, so people write about it.
it should be noticed that MLP HAS touched on mortality, even if just in the background. During the hearts and Hooves song for example, we see a coffin and funeral service. This does show the fact even if just in the side bar, that ponies have to deal with mortality and death.
I think they did a good job with dealing with a loss in "Tanks for the memories" without putting a bullet in the back of RD's head or something like that.
I've always kind of wanted an episode about AJ's parents. Not so much about how they died (although that's be interesting to know) but more about how the family dealt with it and were able to move on. There are different POV's the story could take given the different family members relationships with the two.
ok, correct me if im wrong. however haven't they given us a hint that there is mortality in Mlp fim? durring hearts and hooves didnt one of the cmc disrupt a funeral to call the minister old durring there song when they were trying to find the perfect stallion for there teacher?
Ahhh MLP-Silver-Quill , with both of you and DRWolf001 sharing thoughts, I know that I'm going to gain a lot of insight toward the fandom, and you guys did not disappoint, Excellent discussion you guys.
I think we've been given plenty of reason to believe that Applejack's parents have past on, even having it confirmed by the writers and animators, but I look forward to the day, if ever when this will be verbally addressed. I really do wish this was something they could do in this kind of show, and maybe some day, but pulling this off could be seen as very difficult in the time we are in.
There was a show in the 80's and 90's called "Mighty Max." One episode called "The Maxificent 7" dealt with courage, sacrifice and facing a hopeless situation and what it takes to do what must be done, in spite of the cost. If you get a chance, have a look at it.... and bring a hankie. You'll need it.
That reminds me of the fan animation snowdrop when Princess Luna was upset because she had to get rid of the snowflake that snowdrop has made earlier and after snowdrop his past she couldn't bear to part with the snowflake that she made I really felt Lunas pain there
Ha, ha, ha, ha... that ending. We need that after such a heavy subject. Yeah, that subject is a heavy one. It is something we had to deal with. My lastest loss was my pet cat, Shimba. (Brother's idea for a name, by the way.) He was critally injuried beyond recovery. It was suggested that he has to be put to sleep. While the animal control is on thier way, I was the one who stayed with him to comfort him. It was heartbreaking to see him go but I knew where he's going, somewhere out of this mortal world. It is great to see you and Silver Quill together. You two are my favorite analysts. While you are the calm one while Quill is energetic that makes me laugh. Oddly, your choice of an avatar is a wolf not seen in the show and Silver Quill is a Hippogyrph, not seen in the show. Coinsodence? I think n... Yeah it is coinsodence.
My two favorite MLP analysts together on an issue I was very curious about? This made my day~ Good job~ ^w^ On a side note: I'm very happy that you're one of the rare few who don't use profanity in your content. It feels very refreshing as I'm the same way. So...thank you, Doctor. ^^
I have to say, as someone that has just lost his mother, I myself have been questioning my own mortality. I hate to admit it, but my way of seeking comfort, was to lose myself in the world of mlp, both by watching the show more, and by writing more fanfiction. Perhaps it's unhealthy, but I have few things left in life to look forward to now, at least, that's how I feel.
I think an important part is not only dealing with death but also dealing with aging. That somepony you admire or care about is reduced to a shell of their former self. Like in that drawing of Twilight being carried by Spike. It's clear Twilight is still alive but she is now very old and nothing like the energetic and curious mare that Celestia cared about so deeply. I think that can be even harder to deal with. When someone dies it's painful but you'll eventually put it behind you. To see someone you love crippled can be even more painful as you can't run away from it.
While it appears that the writers are avoiding directly touching on the matters of mortality in the show, there have been a couple cases where the storyboard artists have slipped in references that death is a normal part of the pony world. A good example of this is a scene in Hearts and Hooves day were Sweetie Belle disrupts a funeral. On the subject of information regarding the show being presented outside the show, I come across this grievance frequently and in regards to other shows as well. While I can partially understand the concern, it's not exactly uncommon these days where media is so multifaceted. I could list of a series of other franchises that have a similar approach, but chances are people are already aware of a few. While the TV show, is the core material the comics, the novels, the movie(s), and other miscellaneous references are all part of the canon world being presented to us. Do I expect all fans to keep up with and know all the information from the various sources? Of course not, because some are only fans of the show and no other aspects of MLP. Myself am a fan of the franchise and that of most things Hasbro, so the I actively take in every source of informing regarding these things that I can.
At 5:57 when the feels hit TOO HARD, I have had the same (kinda) dream back in 2009-2012 before I started watching MLP and started watching it in the beggining of 2013 and end of 2012. Here is the dream I had and felt compeled to write it down in my journal in 2011 and should share to everyone! :D I don't mean to make this all about me, but I thought this comment was revelant to Silver Quil's dream and hope this it's okay to say. Please don't take my words before the story TOO SERIOUSLY. Sometimes a dream can be real or fake in some eyes. It only depends on the dream/person and how the dream feels and what the dream is trying to tell the person having the dream. I hope this has helped you Silver Quil in any way shape or form. Love & Light To All Who Read! :) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ I was wondering around in the forest and found a destroyed cabin. I walked through what was left of the door and cabin and was one big room. In the middle of the room was a rug. I lifted the rug up and thru it away before doing anything els. In the center of the room now was a handle on the floor. I pulled the handle up and a little box shaped area where you can store a tiny chest was revealed. The tiny chest was conformed perfectly with Gold & Ruby. The outline and legs where gold. The interior and faces where where all pure Ruby Crystal. When my eye's first layed on the chest it shined golden light from it in the most Holiest way possible. It wanted me to see the light it was showing it's self to me. When I opend the chest it looked like a hologram from strar wars coming out from inside the chest. There where four objects/people/anything. The one on the way right had a beautiful river flowing twords my stomach, just below my heart. The one next to the right one was a perfect black ball the size of my hand. The next one was a orange star shooting up in the little hologram sky it made. The far left one was a rainbow Aurora Borealis. I closed the chest, took it home with me and that was ------ The End -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I hope you found something out of this story everyone! Light & Love ---
Omgosh, SilverQuill and Dr.Wolf together.... and talking about such HUGE matter... certanly you two are the most indicated bronies out there to talk about mortality and such (I like your soft voices, since it's a matter... that well... it's tough, hearing it from a soft voice makes me calm and think about it in a calm way, if that made sense, hehe). I do agree with Dr.Wolf, I think there's 0% chance of having some episode on MLP talking about death (in a direct way or not), but of course... it could be possible at the same time, since the target audience it's growing up and it would be pretty cool if they make the series grow along with the kids. On a side note I'm writing a small story containing this issue in a non direct way... hehe~
We had rainbow dash demonstrating coping with death with a pet. Now, Twilight could demonstrate that with Celestia and show us the true meaning of a mentor/student relationship, and AppleJack could do it with her parents. Oh the possibilities! I just hope you would touch this issue once more to get an additional insight!
2:05, ((the whole part about fluttershy dealing with a pet dying)) There was a Dragons Tail episode (#BackWhenPBSKidsWasGood) that touched that subject. I have been waiting for an MLP version for like two years. Is that normal? ^.^'...
1. Best ending ever! 2. Granny Smith...will she be the center of mortality character (and not in the "Twilight's Laboratory Adventure" way) in the show (or AJ's missing parents)?
About ponie's deaths in fanfics: Well, often if you turn to MLP Creepypastas (know in the MLP fandom as "Grimdarks"), you notice some major trends: One, it's often one of the Mane 6 killing another one of the Mane 6, and two, the pony most often getting the short end of the stick is Rainbow Dash, as I will now demonstrate each ponie's deaths in Grimdark fanfics. *Rainbow Dash* Death total: 2 (PONY.MOV and Cupcakes). Cause(s) of death: Chainsaw to the head by Fluttershy (PONY.MOV) and Torture, Electrocution, Dissection and Cannibalization by Pinkie Pie (Cupcakes). *Applebloom* Death total: 1 (PONY.MOV). Cause(s) of death: Stepped on by Discord. *Fluttershy* Death total: 1 (Flutter Island). Cause(s) of death: Torture and Psychological breakdown by Creepybloom. *Princess Luna* Death total: 1 (Luna Game). Cause(s) of death: Torture and Psychological breakdown by Zalgo (Note: one of the few occasions where a pony is killed by a creature outside of the MLP Universe). *Princess Celestia* Death total: 1 (PONY.MOV). Cause(s) of death: Eaten by Discord. *Derpy Hooves/Ditzy Doo* Death total: 1 (PONY.MOV). Cause(s) of death: Unknown, but her skin was made into a "decorative toaster cozy" after being murdered by Fluttershy. *Angel Bunny* Death total: 1 (PONY.MOV). Cause(s) of death: Unknown, but was murdered and turned into wall art by Fluttershy. *Glinda the Gryphon* Death total: 1 (Cupcakes). Cause(s) of death: Unknown, but was Tortured and the body destroyed by Pinkie Pie. (Possible consumption by Pinkie Pie)
Hmm...AJ could also be a good way to pull this off. Say...it's the anniversary of her parent's passing and she is upset, given she likely lost them at a young age, and the other Mane Six have to find a way to help the Apples work this out, especially the older three as AB was likely too young to remember them but is equally upset as she never had that chance to fully know her parents
Some of those fanfics touching those issues I was moved beyond words. I think that the isssue of life and death would be an interesting episode. I also think that the Rainbow Power will allow the mane 6 to live a long time.
Yeah, I've heard a lot about the concept of mortality in MLP too. In the case of Celestia and Luna, it's proven on numerous occasions that they are at least 1,000 years old. So as far as we can tell, Twilight and Cadance MIGHT be able to live that long, but we don't have any way of knowing for sure. But hey, I like analyzing things like this. :P
Having only now come across this video, I would supose that an episode where Fluttershy copes with the loss of one of her animals would be good to watch, but then you would also have to add in Applejack and the loss of her parents. To which, we might get some interaction between Granny Smith and any of the mane 6 other than Pinky. (which i don't really recall seeing, and twilight's arrival in ponyville in ep 1 does not count in context). Maybe Luna could also play a part talking about how some of her loved one's from before she was banished are long gone and how she coped knowing her old friends are dead. But then maybe i'm getting too adult in the episode theme. Although the death of a pet would be good for children for any who have familly pets who have died or will die. It would give them a way of relating and help parents talk to their children about the death of a pet or a grandparent, or even another relative due to an accident like a car crash or in the millitary overseas.
1:08 "We almost lost Pinkie Pie to that boulder!" "Stop the bats, make them go and not come back" Along the (onscreen) death of king Sombra AND the giant Timberwolf (we never saw it get reassembled and everyone acted like the danger is over, so I'm guessing it's actually dead). Not to mention all the times they hinted at death like with the piller of stone falling on "Angel" or the things the chimera was saying to AB ("You don't have to worry about anything anymore", "Any last words?") or even Fluttershy snapping Harry's neck. With all that in the show, would a direct reference to death really be that big of a deal? It's not like kids are completely oblivious to everything, and I remember watching a lot of children's cartoons growing up, and a lot of them had references to death, even as jokes! Why do people suddenly think it's too much for kids to handle? It was fine during the 90's and the begining of the 00's but for some reason it's an issue now... I just don't get it...
I think that If they would approach this topic it would be something similar to Testing 1,2,3 where it would view different ways of copping with what was going on. Half of my family remembers the good times and never cries when embracing the idea that a loved one is gone. the other half is overridden with grief and self destruction. (which leaves me to remember for a long time and cry without meaning to when thinking about that person) I know there are some others who are forced to keep a straight face for fear of completely breaking apart or being judged by family for showing too much/too little emotion.
Seeing as this is from 2014, it would be interesting to see what 3 years has done to move towards the ideas expressed here. Other than characters that have already passed on, there hasn't been any death or serious illness for the characters to deal with. I have to wonder if it isn't because the subject would be off-putting, but rather the show is supposed to be a 20 minute commercial for some pastel colored horses. The fact that Lauren Faust (and the current production staff) was able to transform that into a show that has an ever growing fan base well outside of its target market, is really something interesting. It really has become artistic, in that it has moved from providing a jumping off point for little girls to explore what their imagination can do, to an allegory to what is going on in one's life. This provides an avenue for fathers and daughters to bond, as well as an entire family, That is also the greatest weakness. Because of that, aging and mortality cannot come into play. If that was the case, the CMC would be getting into mid to late teens right now, and the mane six would be pushing thirty(ish). Well beyond a time where long term familial bonds would be formed. In part, this may be why there is such a nearly fanatical shipping community. However, all the characters have not aged much less the 7 years. However, for logistics sense, say a year in Equestria is more than 365 1/4 days. Other than flashbacks, there doesn't seem to be any aging. As someone who's parents are starting to get to the end of their lives, I've often thought about what I will do when they are gone. Who would be my emotional rock to help me get through tough times. As someone who lives alone, and no prospects for a girlfriend much less a wife, I really don't know how I would handle it. It scares the crap out me. I have a few very close friends, and my cousins from both mother and father sides, but no siblings and live in a different part of the country. I don't expect a show like MLP to reflect my situation, as it offers more of escapism than therapy. However, it would be good to have a character experience the loss of a loved one, but then there's the danger of making it a "Very Special Episode of Blossom". and not able to get the point across. I look at what RoosterTeeth did with a fan favorite character in "RWBY" [SPOILERS FOR A 2 YEAR OLD EPISODE OF ANOTHER SHOW YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH!!!!]. Killing off the character was planned from Volume 1, Chapter 1, and through a heroic struggle during a battle, the character is killed. There are may in the fandom that think she isn't actually dead, even though the creators/writers have stated she is - the point being that there are very high stakes in war, and good people are killed. If one of the mane six ended up dying for whatever reason, I suspect there would be a similar backlash. However, how would Twilight deal with the death of a parent? In actuality, how close is Twilight to her parents? It seems as though Celestia replaced them in Twilight's mind. OR more over, what does an alicorn mean in her relation to other ponies. How does a demi-god relate to the ones around her? We see this addressed in "The Watchmen" with Doctor Manhattan. Well, if you aren't "too long, didn't read" by now, thank you for reading. I didn't mean to go off on some tangents, there, but it has helped, and future posts should be a bit more more coherent.
I would love to see mortality explored in a subtle and believable manner within the context of the show. I do like it when a show handles important themes and doesn't talk down to its audience just because their primary target is children. Mortality is a concept that children should learn about, begin to understand, but not learn to fear. I always think that when writing a story that has children as a possible demographic (or the main demographic), you should think of them as less experienced adults, fully worthy of your respect. Because of this, I think that having an episode that explores morality could be a beautiful thing. Fluttershy would be a great character to frame the story with. But I think Apple Bloom's perspective and Applejack's struggle to help her sister understand what morality entails. If Granny Smith ended up passing away, Winona did, or Apple Bloom ended up asking about her parents. I think any of those three premises could be a great framing device for it. In fact I think AB talking to AJ about their parents would be my favourite way to frame it. I imagine that AB has talked to her sister about it in the past and knows that her parents are gone and has grown to accept that, likely with less trouble than even AJ must have had. But I think having an episode where Apple Bloom brings it up because she doesn't fully understand the entirety of the situation, and AJ having to deal with being honest, not just with her sister, but with herself and how she feels about the situation, would be a fantastic episode to see. Although I doubt that they'll ever deal with this subject, one can always hope. After all, they surprised me with bringing up something akin to disabilities in Flight to The Finish, so who knows? In any case, your videos are thought-provoking as always, DR.Wolf. Thanks for spending the time to make this. I appreciate it. ~SilentBelle
Inception xD But seriously, I have read a lot of works that deal with death and I agree, it would be interesting to see the show cover that. We have another season on the way and characters are continuing to grow. There is a chance that we may see something like it in the future.
Watching this got me thinking about how the MLP movie in 2017 (which i think might be a series finale) could be about Twilight having to watch her friends die of old age, and Celestia having to help her cope with her losses and moving on. Or maybe we could get a Luna episode with missing her old friends before being banished, but if it were going to be done with Luna it would've happened in Luna Eclipsed.
I've heard the movie is about spike finding out who his parents are during a mission of some sort (along with twilight and friends) and having to to choose whether to stay or go. Also.... though this sounds stupid... I hear they are making spike's parents the rulers of the dragon kingdom, thus making Spike a prince. Though, it could just be internet rumors spread by some troll, so don't take this comment to seriously
Mortality on the show has been very subtle. One evidence of this the episode Heart n' Hooves Day during the CMC's singing where Sweetie Belle interupts what at first looks like a book-reading. In reality it's a funeral.
As interesting as this was, I was kind of hoping for more of why bronies are so obsessed with dark stories, like Cupcakes or Rainbow Factory, or the fanfic about Pinkie Pie in Silent Hill. Maybe an idea for another video? Anyways, great video!!!
this was an interesting topic it would be interesting to address this in the show but i it has to be done correctly you would have to do it in a way that both the original audience and the broney community (the formal harder that the ladder) but im sure it could be done. also i loved the ending was not expecting that
In a recent episode, Applejack hints at the Apple siblings' parents being dead (something along the lines of this after Applebloom got her cutie mark: Line from AJ: "If Mom and Dad were here, they would be so proud!") and not only that, but in "Apple family reunion", there are two shooting stars that go over the Apple Family home before the end of the episode. Could that be another hint at Applejack's parents death? Maybe there should be an episode (flashback?) to explore how Applejack, Big Mac and Applebloom's parents died and when it happened.
Thing is, someone is going to 'outlive' someone else, if by a few days, a few years, or entire decades; the question being rather to ask if "Twilight will 'outlive' her friends" if to ask if she would be with them all killed by the next Terix? Or have to sacrifice their lives to the Rainbow for one last final act? (as is a popular theme so seems,like Digimon) To say that Twilight may end up living a fair bit longer for being an 'arisen' Alicorn, then again it could be that her and Cadence the kind they are do not actually get "Life Extensions"? Or perhaps it is that the rest of the 6 ends up getting 'extensions' of their own as with the Rainbow powers? So A) they all are/become "Immortal" to some way, or B) they all die from the same event. Else some with "outlive" others if even just by a few days or a few years or more. People don't all just have a set 'clock' of life that ticks past then "ding" you fall dead, lol.... (real life isn't "Out of Time", lol)
you know after finding a au of gravity falls called transcendence and how it delves into the counterpart of mortality, immortality and how it effects on said immortal or being specific one that has close ties to people they care for
My creative writing teacher once gave my class an assignment to think about during the early stages of writing our novel. It was to think of the worst ending possible. In the case of MLP I think it would be the rest of the Mane Six becoming Alicorns. At least according to many of the fans.
Now, I've never actually dealt with the loss of someone really close to me, so I don't have any experience in that regard. However, in my faith we believe in the afterlife and living with your family and other loved ones forever, so I don't know, death doesn't scare me at all. Even if one of my family members died, it would be hard and would take a long time to get used to not having them around all of the time, but I'm pretty good at remembering that our time on Earth is so short, not even comparable to eternity so I think that it doesn't matter if I'm lonely on this Earth because I'll get to spend time and all eternity with them once I die. Though again I've never dealt with something like that so I don't know how hard it is, and anybody who has gone through that, just know you're not alone and there will always be somebody who loves you.
the one about spike outliving twilight made me tear up. It is an actual fear that many of us as bronies had when she was just a Unicorn, now that she's an alicorn we fear she might out live her friends, spike included, and the only few people that will live along side her would be Celestia Luna and Cadence.
Okay, I can tell Hasbro is messing with you now. They see you say you want an episode about Fluttershy dealing with a pet passing away. So they make an episode that's basically about that, but make it have Rainbow Dash instead of Fluttershy. They're totally messing with you.
I COMPLETELY misread the title,
I thought we were going to delve into Silver Quill's issues with his MORALITY.
+Zonagon Knightingale XD
+Zonagon Knightingale Silver Quill has morality?
Me to I would have loved to see that.
Zonagon Knightingale Same.
What morality he’s insane
I really love these segments!! I wish more shows handle adult topics, as I think I they had enough time to do it properly, it could be amazing!!
I was always fascinated by the magic duel episode.
More specifically by "The age spell"
Twilight says: "Only the highest level of unicorn are able to master that."
This implies Celestia and Luna might be able to cast it. Perhaps that's how they are keeping themselves young?
The whole concept of the spell existence raises so many questions.
This was a good talk. You know, I never thought too deeply over any of this in the show, but I can somewhat see how everyone else may be inspired by it.
I recall reading about the death of Mr. Hooper on Sesame Street, but that was before my time.
Also, really clever use of the style change at the end.
I think I'm gushing now. It's like the equivalent of Tim Curry and Morgan Freeman interviewing each other. Nothing but pleasure as far as the ear can hear. My pants are on an another neighbourhood right now.
For me, imagining one of the mlp characters handling the death of a loved one or even their own mortality, adds a dash of realism to the show. I always love thinking about how the characters would behave in our world and death is a part of our world. Of course we know it's a part of their world too. To me it's just rinsing off the sugar coating of their lives. It can't always be big smiles and spontaneous songs after all.
I read so many fanfics on the topic of death and mortality and each time I read one it strikes me with feels as I read the story and also think about the characters moving on when someone that is close to them passes on. I lost my uncle to cancer a few months ago, on my parent's anniversary no less, and I sometimes think about the morals in those stories on the subject of death. Death is not the end, its beginning of something new. It may scary, but we must learn to accept it.
I just loved this vid. The humor of Silver Quill just fits with you DrWolf001.
I think the fear of death is the fear of the unknown. Even when the show doesn't address this concept directly, there are times when it has been referenced here and there. When the CMC were singing their "Hearts and Hooves Day" song, there's a brief scene where a priest pony is giving a eulogy at a funeral. Another is when two shooting stars are flying across the sky, and, confirmed by Meghan McCarthy, they turned out to be Apple Jack's Parents. Even without those two aspects in the show, there's also the sense of danger. When the Mane 6's lives are put at risk; When they're falling off a cliff; when they're confronting an enemy; even when they're trying to get out of any situation where hope seems bleak, there's always this fear of uncertainty that plagues the minds of our protagonists. The writing staff on FiM has proven that they're talented enough to make this show entertaining, as well as thought provoking, for both children and adults. No matter what Hasbro has to say about it.
Oh Silver, I feel bad that he works himself so hard, but it's still funny to watch. Good video!
can we please think of the fact that silvetquill just casually mentioned dreaming about flurry heart TWO YEARS before she was even announced?
Seeing the final episode's last group shot, I thought of this video again.
Loved the entire topic. Some great discussions here and I would LOVE to see you both do more projects together in the future.
And that ending? Brilliant.
Personally, I think that by the time of "The Last Problem" Shining had gained wings and earth pony magic, while Flash Sentry had gained a horn and earth pony magic.
A big part also is that the mane 6 technically are young adults. They live on their own and manage their own affairs. Only Pinkie has guardians and even then she organises plenty on her own.
The very first episode about Twilight leaving and feeling confused and frustrated about her new enviroment. I got into MLP when I left my parents and I could really relate to her.
Something I liked about the episode Tanks For The Memories was it made an attempt at dealing with the effects of losing a loved one (Don't worry, they didn't kill off dash's pet, he just went into hibernation). Even if it was a temporary departure, I can still relate to how dash would feel as I've lost pets and other loved ones in my lifetime
That ending was hilarious. My thoughts on Hasbro showing mortality in a cartoon is pretty much unsurprising. I mean they've showed the death of Optimus Prime in Transformers. True, he's a robot and that shows intended for boys, but none the less, it's still has the same effect as any or all other character deaths would to a viewing audience. Showing it in MLP on the other hand can be a difficult one. What has to be taken in account is who will it happen too, how will it happen, why, and when will it. Great video you two.
Great point, I got hit pretty hard by the Transformers movie when I was a kid. It's been done on Beast Wars as well, That show killed off a lot of it's characters, the most notable being Dinobot; who fought a small army of Predicons alone to stop the genocide of humanity's pre-historic ancestors... that scene brought me to tears!
Another great episode DrWolf, as well as more wonderful art from Starbat. Great topics, great points, great scott the voices! You two have the best voices in the analysis community. This video was like the Dueling Banjos of Brony Analysis.
Does Sliver Quill live in Canterlot?
I thought he lived in the everfree forest; that's his background more often than not.
In his review of twilight time he lived in twilight's library, hu I guess he travels a lot
My guess is he's a nomad; travelling wherever the show takes him during his reviews. Who knows, maybe one day he'll run into Flim and Flam in Leap of Faith.
playfulpippapony
He gets frequent flier miles.
that still probably doesn't pay for rent. looks like he broke in to Twilight's old place
My top 2 brony analysts in a video together?! This weeks' episode hiatus is now forgotten...
I wish the show would tackle death & mortality as well, since it is one of the unavoidable facts of life, maybe as the season gets more mature the episodes will tackle more mature subjects as well?
Agreed. Also, I remember when MLP Silver Quill, and Joshscorcher did a Collaboration for Pinkie Pride. I was DYING Laughing at their commentary.
As to the end of this video, Classic Silver! Sweet Celestia, I needed that laugh!
For me, as to the topic of Mortality, I want to see either Fluttershy or AppleJack as for them, as AppleJack lost her Father and Mother, and would be a good pony to consult as far as how to hand the loss, as, say, Fluttershy looses a pet- er Animal.
please invite Silver Quill more, you guys rock together !!!
would love for MLP FiM to take more serious themes like death, but that would be expecting too much from Hasbro...
I got linked here through Silver Quill's channel and I must say your videos are very well done and it gives alot of food for thought. **Subscribes**
***** Glad to hear that you enjoy my work.
***** You think about food?
This what i like abut both this guys, never afraid of going deep in to subject. What ever it may be.
This was a very nice discussion. I'm glad that even for a show like this their still is a form of rational thought put in to provoke a good thinking experience.
Glad to hear that you enjoyed it.
Everything in Dr. Wolf's channel is a dream? MIND...BLOWN!
I don't think I'd be intelligent enough to dream up Dr Wolf.
Twilight Acorna Sparkle
Don't say things like that. Life could be a dream, sweetheart.
I just really wanted to make that reference.
Thunderflare (insert qhote from inception/matrix here)
Thunderflare Row, row, row your boat...
It's not that everything on Dr. Wolf's channel is a dream. It's just that Silver Quill was having a dream that he was having one of Dr. Wolf's sessions. So it was just this session that was a dream.
That ending made me crack up!
During the Hearts and Hooves Day song when Sweetie Bell sing "this one's too old" she interups a funeral with a coffin and priest and everything. So yeah, ponies die.
As for what origionaly started the concerns of outliving for me it was the fact that in our mythology unicorns are imortal and pegisi long living.
I think, The Railway Series shares a greater example to My Little Pony then Seasame Street does. It tackles some very mature topics.
The 2 that stand out the most are scrapping (Which is essentially death for an engine BTW), and that is tackled in 'The Twin Engines' with Donald and Douglas, 'Enterprising Engines' with Oliver, and 'Stepney The Bluebell Engine' of the whole BR network.
The other one is family separation, and this is tackled very heavily in 'Duke The Lost Engine' with Duke, Falcon and Stuart.
Silver Quill, you're amazing as always! And thank you for introducing me to this channel :D
I look forward to more of your videos Dr. Wolf!
First off, this is awesome. As a raging fan of Silver Quill, I love this discussion and discovering DRWolf is a new pleasure.
As far as the topic goes, as far as the show is concerned there has never been any reference to the lifespan of ponies. There's no reason why Granny Smith can't be several hundred years old, as referenced by Winter Wrap Up when Twilight mentions how Ponyville was founded by earth ponies hundreds of years ago. Ponies in this world may all be magical to some degree and have very long lifespans. There is a possibility that Alicorns live significantly longer than others, meaning that Twilight my outlive her friends. For example, from the tidbits we've seen Luna and Celestia are at least three thousand years old.
But alas, we may never know. Food for thought!
munch munch mmmm good food two munch munch
I remember watching an episode of The Big Comfy Couch that focused on this. Cried my eyes out.
Very interesting take on the whole thing.
I like your art.
That ending had me laugh.
What about Apple Family Reunion?
They never said death or even talked about it but because we haven't seen AJ's parents and with Granny Smith saying "Who knows if they'll all be able to make the next one?" sort of hints that not everyone will make the next reunion as well as the shooting stars symbolizing AJ's parents.
As much as I think Fluttershy would deal with it better AJ is the one that has already dealt with it and since parents dying is a bigger thing than pets (I cried for my dog) but I moved on with family it's much harder to move on and I think AJ would help more on how to deal with death.
I try not to think about it and just live my life as happy as I can most nights it gets into my head and it scares me but I just close my eyes and imagine a place where death is not important like Equestria.
silver's comedy never gets old
Lol! Love that ending. Silver Quill can always make me laugh.
All that aside, this is an interesting topic. As a fanfic writer who has delved into the topic before, I can easily say that death is a very good topic for stories; why else would there be so many sad fics revolving around the subject? I suppose it just comes from watching somethjng where everything is happy; you can't help but wonder if those happy characters experience pain and suffering as well, so people write about it.
it should be noticed that MLP HAS touched on mortality, even if just in the background. During the hearts and Hooves song for example, we see a coffin and funeral service. This does show the fact even if just in the side bar, that ponies have to deal with mortality and death.
Nice work as usual, Doc! Always nice to hear from you and Silver Quill.
I think they did a good job with dealing with a loss in "Tanks for the memories" without putting a bullet in the back of RD's head or something like that.
Poor Silver Quill. Even in his very own sleep, all he dreams about is MLP Analysis videos.
Sweet little discussion!
Got to love MLP introducing subtle concepts into the show without most of us realizing that there even there good job Hasbro you made us feel :)
I've always kind of wanted an episode about AJ's parents. Not so much about how they died (although that's be interesting to know) but more about how the family dealt with it and were able to move on. There are different POV's the story could take given the different family members relationships with the two.
ok, correct me if im wrong. however haven't they given us a hint that there is mortality in Mlp fim? durring hearts and hooves didnt one of the cmc disrupt a funeral to call the minister old durring there song when they were trying to find the perfect stallion for there teacher?
i had thought one of the cutie mark crusaders called the funeral director old. . .
Immortality is more trouble then it's worth in my opinion.
Ahhh MLP-Silver-Quill , with both of you and DRWolf001 sharing thoughts, I know that I'm going to gain a lot of insight toward the fandom, and you guys did not disappoint,
Excellent discussion you guys.
So calmed down by your voice... Ahh sooo relaxing!
This voice combo though
I think we've been given plenty of reason to believe that Applejack's parents have past on, even having it confirmed by the writers and animators, but I look forward to the day, if ever when this will be verbally addressed. I really do wish this was something they could do in this kind of show, and maybe some day, but pulling this off could be seen as very difficult in the time we are in.
There was a show in the 80's and 90's called "Mighty Max."
One episode called "The Maxificent 7" dealt with courage, sacrifice and facing a hopeless situation and what it takes to do what must be done, in spite of the cost.
If you get a chance, have a look at it.... and bring a hankie. You'll need it.
I don't know what you guys did with the audio, but Silver Quill's voice sounds amazing in this review.
This was such an interesting video, I have a degree in psychology myself so the discussion of mortality at certain ages was very intriguing.
this episode made me think quite a bit... it made me relook the show, and to connect the dots on other show.. i like this episode :)
That reminds me of the fan animation snowdrop when Princess Luna was upset because she had to get rid of the snowflake that snowdrop has made earlier and after snowdrop his past she couldn't bear to part with the snowflake that she made I really felt Lunas pain there
Ha, ha, ha, ha... that ending. We need that after such a heavy subject.
Yeah, that subject is a heavy one. It is something we had to deal with. My lastest loss was my pet cat, Shimba. (Brother's idea for a name, by the way.) He was critally injuried beyond recovery. It was suggested that he has to be put to sleep. While the animal control is on thier way, I was the one who stayed with him to comfort him. It was heartbreaking to see him go but I knew where he's going, somewhere out of this mortal world.
It is great to see you and Silver Quill together. You two are my favorite analysts. While you are the calm one while Quill is energetic that makes me laugh.
Oddly, your choice of an avatar is a wolf not seen in the show and Silver Quill is a Hippogyrph, not seen in the show.
Coinsodence? I think n...
Yeah it is coinsodence.
My two favorite MLP analysts together on an issue I was very curious about? This made my day~ Good job~ ^w^
On a side note: I'm very happy that you're one of the rare few who don't use profanity in your content. It feels very refreshing as I'm the same way. So...thank you, Doctor. ^^
I have to say, as someone that has just lost his mother, I myself have been questioning my own mortality. I hate to admit it, but my way of seeking comfort, was to lose myself in the world of mlp, both by watching the show more, and by writing more fanfiction. Perhaps it's unhealthy, but I have few things left in life to look forward to now, at least, that's how I feel.
I'm sorry for your loss, man.
I think an important part is not only dealing with death but also dealing with aging. That somepony you admire or care about is reduced to a shell of their former self. Like in that drawing of Twilight being carried by Spike. It's clear Twilight is still alive but she is now very old and nothing like the energetic and curious mare that Celestia cared about so deeply.
I think that can be even harder to deal with. When someone dies it's painful but you'll eventually put it behind you. To see someone you love crippled can be even more painful as you can't run away from it.
While it appears that the writers are avoiding directly touching on the matters of mortality in the show, there have been a couple cases where the storyboard artists have slipped in references that death is a normal part of the pony world. A good example of this is a scene in Hearts and Hooves day were Sweetie Belle disrupts a funeral.
On the subject of information regarding the show being presented outside the show, I come across this grievance frequently and in regards to other shows as well. While I can partially understand the concern, it's not exactly uncommon these days where media is so multifaceted. I could list of a series of other franchises that have a similar approach, but chances are people are already aware of a few.
While the TV show, is the core material the comics, the novels, the movie(s), and other miscellaneous references are all part of the canon world being presented to us. Do I expect all fans to keep up with and know all the information from the various sources? Of course not, because some are only fans of the show and no other aspects of MLP. Myself am a fan of the franchise and that of most things Hasbro, so the I actively take in every source of informing regarding these things that I can.
At 5:57 when the feels hit TOO HARD, I have had the same (kinda) dream back in 2009-2012 before I started watching MLP and started watching it in the beggining of 2013 and end of 2012. Here is the dream I had and felt compeled to write it down in my journal in 2011 and should share to everyone! :D I don't mean to make this all about me, but I thought this comment was revelant to Silver Quil's dream and hope this it's okay to say. Please don't take my words before the story TOO SERIOUSLY. Sometimes a dream can be real or fake in some eyes. It only depends on the dream/person and how the dream feels and what the dream is trying to tell the person having the dream. I hope this has helped you Silver Quil in any way shape or form. Love & Light To All Who Read! :)
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------------ I was wondering around in the forest and found a destroyed cabin. I walked through what was left of the door and cabin and was one big room. In the middle of the room was a rug. I lifted the rug up and thru it away before doing anything els. In the center of the room now was a handle on the floor. I pulled the handle up and a little box shaped area where you can store a tiny chest was revealed. The tiny chest was conformed perfectly with Gold & Ruby. The outline and legs where gold. The interior and faces where where all pure Ruby Crystal. When my eye's first layed on the chest it shined golden light from it in the most Holiest way possible. It wanted me to see the light it was showing it's self to me. When I opend the chest it looked like a hologram from strar wars coming out from inside the chest. There where four objects/people/anything. The one on the way right had a beautiful river flowing twords my stomach, just below my heart. The one next to the right one was a perfect black ball the size of my hand. The next one was a orange star shooting up in the little hologram sky it made. The far left one was a rainbow Aurora Borealis. I closed the chest, took it home with me and that was ------ The End -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I hope you found something out of this story everyone! Light & Love ---
Late to see this video, but it holds up so well.
Omgosh, SilverQuill and Dr.Wolf together.... and talking about such HUGE matter... certanly you two are the most indicated bronies out there to talk about mortality and such (I like your soft voices, since it's a matter... that well... it's tough, hearing it from a soft voice makes me calm and think about it in a calm way, if that made sense, hehe).
I do agree with Dr.Wolf, I think there's 0% chance of having some episode on MLP talking about death (in a direct way or not), but of course... it could be possible at the same time, since the target audience it's growing up and it would be pretty cool if they make the series grow along with the kids.
On a side note I'm writing a small story containing this issue in a non direct way... hehe~
Sesame Street....
Huh. Interesting... comparison choice.
Interesting video, and what a lovely ending!
We had rainbow dash demonstrating coping with death with a pet. Now, Twilight could demonstrate that with Celestia and show us the true meaning of a mentor/student relationship, and AppleJack could do it with her parents. Oh the possibilities! I just hope you would touch this issue once more to get an additional insight!
this was a deep discussion, but i loved it, it something that is kinda important to think about
I love how you draw SQ
2:05, ((the whole part about fluttershy dealing with a pet dying))
There was a Dragons Tail episode (#BackWhenPBSKidsWasGood) that touched that subject. I have been waiting for an MLP version for like two years. Is that normal? ^.^'...
Oh man a wolf and a gryphon pony thing. Such a mix!
Eagle-equine mix is usually referred to as a hippogriff
Oke docter wolf silver quill u 2 need to colab again with after the facts this was briliant and so was the ending great work both of u
That end though. Great video.
1. Best ending ever!
2. Granny Smith...will she be the center of mortality character (and not in the "Twilight's Laboratory Adventure" way) in the show (or AJ's missing parents)?
About ponie's deaths in fanfics: Well, often if you turn to MLP Creepypastas (know in the MLP fandom as "Grimdarks"), you notice some major trends: One, it's often one of the Mane 6 killing another one of the Mane 6, and two, the pony most often getting the short end of the stick is Rainbow Dash, as I will now demonstrate each ponie's deaths in Grimdark fanfics.
*Rainbow Dash* Death total: 2 (PONY.MOV and Cupcakes). Cause(s) of death: Chainsaw to the head by Fluttershy (PONY.MOV) and Torture, Electrocution, Dissection and Cannibalization by Pinkie Pie (Cupcakes).
*Applebloom* Death total: 1 (PONY.MOV). Cause(s) of death: Stepped on by Discord.
*Fluttershy* Death total: 1 (Flutter Island). Cause(s) of death: Torture and Psychological breakdown by Creepybloom.
*Princess Luna* Death total: 1 (Luna Game). Cause(s) of death: Torture and Psychological breakdown by Zalgo (Note: one of the few occasions where a pony is killed by a creature outside of the MLP Universe).
*Princess Celestia* Death total: 1 (PONY.MOV). Cause(s) of death: Eaten by Discord.
*Derpy Hooves/Ditzy Doo* Death total: 1 (PONY.MOV). Cause(s) of death: Unknown, but her skin was made into a "decorative toaster cozy" after being murdered by Fluttershy.
*Angel Bunny* Death total: 1 (PONY.MOV). Cause(s) of death: Unknown, but was murdered and turned into wall art by Fluttershy.
*Glinda the Gryphon* Death total: 1 (Cupcakes). Cause(s) of death: Unknown, but was Tortured and the body destroyed by Pinkie Pie. (Possible consumption by Pinkie Pie)
Hmm...AJ could also be a good way to pull this off. Say...it's the anniversary of her parent's passing and she is upset, given she likely lost them at a young age, and the other Mane Six have to find a way to help the Apples work this out, especially the older three as AB was likely too young to remember them but is equally upset as she never had that chance to fully know her parents
Some of those fanfics touching those issues I was moved beyond words. I think that the isssue of life and death would be an interesting episode. I also think that the Rainbow Power will allow the mane 6 to live a long time.
What can I say other than I loved this vid? Great topic, well done, loved it :D
Yeah, I've heard a lot about the concept of mortality in MLP too. In the case of Celestia and Luna, it's proven on numerous occasions that they are at least 1,000 years old. So as far as we can tell, Twilight and Cadance MIGHT be able to live that long, but we don't have any way of knowing for sure. But hey, I like analyzing things like this. :P
Having only now come across this video, I would supose that an episode where Fluttershy copes with the loss of one of her animals would be good to watch, but then you would also have to add in Applejack and the loss of her parents. To which, we might get some interaction between Granny Smith and any of the mane 6 other than Pinky. (which i don't really recall seeing, and twilight's arrival in ponyville in ep 1 does not count in context). Maybe Luna could also play a part talking about how some of her loved one's from before she was banished are long gone and how she coped knowing her old friends are dead.
But then maybe i'm getting too adult in the episode theme. Although the death of a pet would be good for children for any who have familly pets who have died or will die. It would give them a way of relating and help parents talk to their children about the death of a pet or a grandparent, or even another relative due to an accident like a car crash or in the millitary overseas.
1:08
"We almost lost Pinkie Pie to that boulder!"
"Stop the bats, make them go and not come back"
Along the (onscreen) death of king Sombra AND the giant Timberwolf (we never saw it get reassembled and everyone acted like the danger is over, so I'm guessing it's actually dead).
Not to mention all the times they hinted at death like with the piller of stone falling on "Angel" or the things the chimera was saying to AB ("You don't have to worry about anything anymore", "Any last words?") or even Fluttershy snapping Harry's neck.
With all that in the show, would a direct reference to death really be that big of a deal? It's not like kids are completely oblivious to everything, and I remember watching a lot of children's cartoons growing up, and a lot of them had references to death, even as jokes! Why do people suddenly think it's too much for kids to handle? It was fine during the 90's and the begining of the 00's but for some reason it's an issue now... I just don't get it...
I think that If they would approach this topic it would be something similar to Testing 1,2,3 where it would view different ways of copping with what was going on. Half of my family remembers the good times and never cries when embracing the idea that a loved one is gone. the other half is overridden with grief and self destruction. (which leaves me to remember for a long time and cry without meaning to when thinking about that person) I know there are some others who are forced to keep a straight face for fear of completely breaking apart or being judged by family for showing too much/too little emotion.
Seeing as this is from 2014, it would be interesting to see what 3 years has done to move towards the ideas expressed here.
Other than characters that have already passed on, there hasn't been any death or serious illness for the characters to deal with. I have to wonder if it isn't because the subject would be off-putting, but rather the show is supposed to be a 20 minute commercial for some pastel colored horses. The fact that Lauren Faust (and the current production staff) was able to transform that into a show that has an ever growing fan base well outside of its target market, is really something interesting. It really has become artistic, in that it has moved from providing a jumping off point for little girls to explore what their imagination can do, to an allegory to what is going on in one's life. This provides an avenue for fathers and daughters to bond, as well as an entire family,
That is also the greatest weakness. Because of that, aging and mortality cannot come into play. If that was the case, the CMC would be getting into mid to late teens right now, and the mane six would be pushing thirty(ish). Well beyond a time where long term familial bonds would be formed. In part, this may be why there is such a nearly fanatical shipping community. However, all the characters have not aged much less the 7 years. However, for logistics sense, say a year in Equestria is more than 365 1/4 days. Other than flashbacks, there doesn't seem to be any aging.
As someone who's parents are starting to get to the end of their lives, I've often thought about what I will do when they are gone. Who would be my emotional rock to help me get through tough times. As someone who lives alone, and no prospects for a girlfriend much less a wife, I really don't know how I would handle it. It scares the crap out me. I have a few very close friends, and my cousins from both mother and father sides, but no siblings and live in a different part of the country. I don't expect a show like MLP to reflect my situation, as it offers more of escapism than therapy. However, it would be good to have a character experience the loss of a loved one, but then there's the danger of making it a "Very Special Episode of Blossom". and not able to get the point across.
I look at what RoosterTeeth did with a fan favorite character in "RWBY" [SPOILERS FOR A 2 YEAR OLD EPISODE OF ANOTHER SHOW YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH!!!!]. Killing off the character was planned from Volume 1, Chapter 1, and through a heroic struggle during a battle, the character is killed. There are may in the fandom that think she isn't actually dead, even though the creators/writers have stated she is - the point being that there are very high stakes in war, and good people are killed. If one of the mane six ended up dying for whatever reason, I suspect there would be a similar backlash. However, how would Twilight deal with the death of a parent? In actuality, how close is Twilight to her parents? It seems as though Celestia replaced them in Twilight's mind. OR more over, what does an alicorn mean in her relation to other ponies. How does a demi-god relate to the ones around her? We see this addressed in "The Watchmen" with Doctor Manhattan.
Well, if you aren't "too long, didn't read" by now, thank you for reading. I didn't mean to go off on some tangents, there, but it has helped, and future posts should be a bit more more coherent.
Have you done one with Gilda yet? I haven't been able to find it. I really like all of these!
The clip itself: good The ending: HILARIOUS!!!!!! XD
I would love to see mortality explored in a subtle and believable manner within the context of the show. I do like it when a show handles important themes and doesn't talk down to its audience just because their primary target is children. Mortality is a concept that children should learn about, begin to understand, but not learn to fear.
I always think that when writing a story that has children as a possible demographic (or the main demographic), you should think of them as less experienced adults, fully worthy of your respect. Because of this, I think that having an episode that explores morality could be a beautiful thing. Fluttershy would be a great character to frame the story with. But I think Apple Bloom's perspective and Applejack's struggle to help her sister understand what morality entails. If Granny Smith ended up passing away, Winona did, or Apple Bloom ended up asking about her parents. I think any of those three premises could be a great framing device for it.
In fact I think AB talking to AJ about their parents would be my favourite way to frame it. I imagine that AB has talked to her sister about it in the past and knows that her parents are gone and has grown to accept that, likely with less trouble than even AJ must have had. But I think having an episode where Apple Bloom brings it up because she doesn't fully understand the entirety of the situation, and AJ having to deal with being honest, not just with her sister, but with herself and how she feels about the situation, would be a fantastic episode to see.
Although I doubt that they'll ever deal with this subject, one can always hope. After all, they surprised me with bringing up something akin to disabilities in Flight to The Finish, so who knows?
In any case, your videos are thought-provoking as always, DR.Wolf. Thanks for spending the time to make this. I appreciate it.
~SilentBelle
LMAO! Loved that ending. xD
Inception xD But seriously, I have read a lot of works that deal with death and I agree, it would be interesting to see the show cover that. We have another season on the way and characters are continuing to grow. There is a chance that we may see something like it in the future.
I think the mane 6's conetion with the elements and the tree makes them live as long as alicorns
Watching this got me thinking about how the MLP movie in 2017 (which i think might be a series finale) could be about Twilight having to watch her friends die of old age, and Celestia having to help her cope with her losses and moving on. Or maybe we could get a Luna episode with missing her old friends before being banished, but if it were going to be done with Luna it would've happened in Luna Eclipsed.
I've heard the movie is about spike finding out who his parents are during a mission of some sort (along with twilight and friends) and having to to choose whether to stay or go. Also.... though this sounds stupid... I hear they are making spike's parents the rulers of the dragon kingdom, thus making Spike a prince. Though, it could just be internet rumors spread by some troll, so don't take this comment to seriously
Mortality on the show has been very subtle. One evidence of this the episode Heart n' Hooves Day during the CMC's singing where Sweetie Belle interupts what at first looks like a book-reading. In reality it's a funeral.
That ending. xD I actually imagined what would have happened if Luna had appeared in the middle of all that.
As interesting as this was, I was kind of hoping for more of why bronies are so obsessed with dark stories, like Cupcakes or Rainbow Factory, or the fanfic about Pinkie Pie in Silent Hill. Maybe an idea for another video? Anyways, great video!!!
this was an interesting topic it would be interesting to address this in the show but i it has to be done correctly you would have to do it in a way that both the original audience and the broney community (the formal harder that the ladder) but im sure it could be done. also i loved the ending was not expecting that
Silver Quill was dreaming?!
In a recent episode, Applejack hints at the Apple siblings' parents being dead (something along the lines of this after Applebloom got her cutie mark: Line from AJ: "If Mom and Dad were here, they would be so proud!") and not only that, but in "Apple family reunion", there are two shooting stars that go over the Apple Family home before the end of the episode. Could that be another hint at Applejack's parents death? Maybe there should be an episode (flashback?) to explore how Applejack, Big Mac and Applebloom's parents died and when it happened.
Celestia quotes in the Season 4 Finale:What is the Princess of Friendship *without* her friends?
What is the name of that picture with old Twi, Adult Spike, and Celestia?
Thing is, someone is going to 'outlive' someone else, if by a few days, a few years, or entire decades; the question being rather to ask if "Twilight will 'outlive' her friends" if to ask if she would be with them all killed by the next Terix? Or have to sacrifice their lives to the Rainbow for one last final act? (as is a popular theme so seems,like Digimon)
To say that Twilight may end up living a fair bit longer for being an 'arisen' Alicorn, then again it could be that her and Cadence the kind they are do not actually get "Life Extensions"? Or perhaps it is that the rest of the 6 ends up getting 'extensions' of their own as with the Rainbow powers?
So A) they all are/become "Immortal" to some way, or B) they all die from the same event. Else some with "outlive" others if even just by a few days or a few years or more. People don't all just have a set 'clock' of life that ticks past then "ding" you fall dead, lol.... (real life isn't "Out of Time", lol)
you know after finding a au of gravity falls called transcendence and how it delves into the counterpart of mortality, immortality and how it effects on said immortal or being specific one that has close ties to people they care for
I know much about mortality. Hear a lot about it on other shows, but never experienced it personally.
My creative writing teacher once gave my class an assignment to think about during the early stages of writing our novel. It was to think of the worst ending possible.
In the case of MLP I think it would be the rest of the Mane Six becoming Alicorns. At least according to many of the fans.
Now, I've never actually dealt with the loss of someone really close to me, so I don't have any experience in that regard. However, in my faith we believe in the afterlife and living with your family and other loved ones forever, so I don't know, death doesn't scare me at all. Even if one of my family members died, it would be hard and would take a long time to get used to not having them around all of the time, but I'm pretty good at remembering that our time on Earth is so short, not even comparable to eternity so I think that it doesn't matter if I'm lonely on this Earth because I'll get to spend time and all eternity with them once I die.
Though again I've never dealt with something like that so I don't know how hard it is, and anybody who has gone through that, just know you're not alone and there will always be somebody who loves you.
Two of my favorite analysts discussing a topic I've thought of a lot myself on the show...is it my birthday?
the one about spike outliving twilight made me tear up. It is an actual fear that many of us as bronies had when she was just a Unicorn, now that she's an alicorn we fear she might out live her friends, spike included, and the only few people that will live along side her would be Celestia Luna and Cadence.
Okay, I can tell Hasbro is messing with you now. They see you say you want an episode about Fluttershy dealing with a pet passing away. So they make an episode that's basically about that, but make it have Rainbow Dash instead of Fluttershy. They're totally messing with you.
But Tank didn't pass away.... He just hibernates for a number of months
Yasmeen Zulaikha Khairudin Affendi Rainbow takes it much more severely.
I loved the ending! I laughed out loud.