And here it is, after a big delay, the number one favorite MLP episode of the frog. But first, some runner-ups:
-The Crystal Empire would have been here if Pinkie Pride was not released
-Too Many Pinkie Pies is hilarious, but can get extremely annoying in time
-Magic Duel is a long shot, but I really like Trixie
-Keep Calm and Flutter On, because Fluttershy + Discord = Win
And now, the moment you've been waiting for-
#1: Twilight's Kingdom (Season 4)
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Like anybody didn't expect this after A Canterlot Wedding was number 2.
Yes, the highlight of season 4, and my favorite episode, is the season finale. Really, what is there to say that hasn't been said already? I've seen this alone and with my friends, and every time I see it, it just reminds me of everything My Little Pony represents to a modern critic or brony like me.
After the travesty that was the season 3 finale, a lot of people wondered if season 4 was going to be the season that killed the franchise. But, surprisingly, the season worked out really well- the episodes went well, the songs were great, and it did a good job of keeping the Alicorn aspect that upset people at bay. It did well in explaining how her new role as princess mixes with her regular life and her influence on her friends. It's a great season- probably my favorite season of them all- and of course, the best way to top off a great season is with a great finale. A finale that makes you laugh, makes you cry, and brings the season to a perfect close. And Twilight's Kingdom is that finale.
This episode centers around the issue overlooked for most of the season: what does Twilight do as an Alicorn princess anyway? Celestia controls the sun, Luna the moon, and Cadance looks over the Crystal Empire- but all Twilight seems to do is smile and wave. In this episode, her power and authority come into question when a dangerous villain, Tirek, is released from prison and Twilight is not allowed to track him down due to his dangerous power (he can absorb pony energy- for example, if he absorbed Rarity, he would have the power to use her magic, and could fly super fast if he absorbed Rainbow Dash). Instead, the Alicorns decide to send the reformed Discord out to sense his magic and stop him (sadly, his tea party with Fluttershy will have to wait), causing Twilight to become distrustful.
As Discord works to take down Tirek (and in fact, does seem really committed to the cause), Twilight and her friends seek to unravel the mystery of the box uncovered in the season premiere. With some advice from Discord, they learn the keys to the box lie in their pasts and the times their elements were put in jeopardy. But Twilight never had a moment like that jeopardizing her friendship. What will they do to unlock the box, what will Discord do against Tirek, what is Twilight's place- a lot of questions are brought up in this episode, and a lot are answered.
And while I don't want to spoil the finale, the apocalyptic battle at the end between Twilight and Tirek is intense, leading to an amazing final song and scene. Honestly, the animation here is great, the song is amazing, and the ending wraps up nicely- if the entire series ended here, I would be perfectly satisfied. It is THAT GOOD.
This episode has it all- comedy, songs, great animation, some genuinely sad moments- its everything you could want in a finale. Hats off to MLP on this one. Let the rainbow remind you that this episode will always shine.....
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