My Little Pony: Season 2, episode 1, “Return to Harmony (Part 1)” Recap/Review
by Guest Reviewer FSin
In case you’ve been living under a rock, you may have heard about the sudden surge of popularity that the new My Little Pony cartoon has earned across the net. The show, created by Lauren Faust of Powerpuff Girls and Foster’s Homer for Imaginary Friends fame, is a reboot of the classic 80’s cartoon based on the toy line of the same name. However, unlike the more lighter and girly shows of the past, this version, known as Friendship is Magic, has earned a dedicated fanbase (surprisingly mostly male, known to the internet as bronies), through it’s smart writing, great animation, and lovable characters. Since it’s debut on the Hub back in October of 2010, it has quickly become one of the most talked about and beloved cartoons on the net.
So naturally, when season 1 wrapped up back in May, bronies everywhere were left with months to wait until Twilight Sparkle and the gang made their triumphant return. And thankfully, they wouldn’t have to wait too long. The bronies have a new season on their hands… er, hooves. And as a brony myself, I’ll gladly recap this season for you (that means spoilers, bronies!). Welcome to my first My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic season 2 recap/review.
The season premiere debuted on September 17th on the Hub television network. The premiere episode is part one of a two-part premiere known as “Return to Harmony”.
The episode opens at the Canterlot sculpture garden, as teacher Cheerilee shows her students the statues around a giant hedgemaze. But most importantly, one particular statue of a creature made up of several different beasts. A creature she refers to as a draconequis. After the Cutie Mark Crusaders argue over what the statue represents, Cheerilee informs them that it is the statue of Discord, which represents a lack of harmony between ponies. As the group continues their tour, the statue of Discord begins to break apart, as ominous laughter is heard.
After the opening theme song, we see Rainbow Dash chasing after a peculiar pink cloud. Only to discover after catching it, that it appears to be made of cotton candy, and raining chocolate milk. Yes, this is indeed chocolate rain. As a storm of rain passes by Ponyville, it begins to have affects on the agriculture, growing apples, popping corn, and stretching out the legs of bunnies. Twilight Sparkle tries to use her magic to solve the problem, but it proves unsuccessful. So, with the help of her friends, they manage to corral the storm clouds and animals. As Twilight shows pride that the day was solved with teamwork, they recieve a letter from Princess Celestia.
Celestia informs our heroes that her old enemy Discord has escaped from his stone prison. Discord is the spirit of disharmony, who once ruled over Equestria before Celestia and Luna put a stop to him using the elements of harmony. However, since neither Luna nor Celestia are connected to the elements anymore, he managed to escape. She brings them to the room where the elements have been stored since the 6 recovered them back in episode 2 of season 1. Since they wield the powers of the elements, they’re the only ones who can defeat Discord. Celestia opens the door to the room containing the box with the elements. However, upon opening the box, they discover that it’s empty. All are shocked, except Pinkie Pie, who’d much rather go back outside and drink the chocolate rain. However, before they can figure where they went, they’re greeted by Discord, who taunts them inside the painted windows. Discord is played by John De Lancie, who most Star Trek fans remember as Q. He informs the ponies that he was the one who stole the elements, and through riddles, tells them that they are located in center of the hedge maze that we saw earlier in the episode.
As our heroes head to the maze, Rainbow Dash tries to fly over the it, only to end up suddenly wingless. Fluttershy’s wings vanish as well, along with Rarity and Twilight’s horns. Discord appears in front of them in his true form, as he instructs them on the rules of his game. No flying, no magic, and any pony who leaves the maze will lead to an instant victory for Discord. Twilight reassures the group that as long as they’re all together, they’re unstoppable. However, as soon as they enter the maze, they become instantly seperated. Therein leads to the rest of the episode’s plot, and the execution of Discord’s plan. To play mind games with each pony, and reverse their personalities, making them the opposite of their respective element.
The first one to go is Applejack, who after seeing a vision of her friends hating one another, becomes hypnotized by Discord into constantly lying. Pinkie Pie is tricked into thinking her friends are laughing at her, which turns her from the always happy Pinkie, into an angry, irritable Pinkie. And Rarity’s generosity becomes corrupted into greed after she begins to see a giant boulder as a beautiful diamond. Fluttershy, however, is the only one who isn’t tricked by Discord’s scheme, constantly being overly positive despite his attempts to break her spirit. He eventually just gives up, and just turns her uncaring and sarcastic. The last one he messes with in the episode is Rainbow Dash. He offers Rainbow Dash her wings back in order to save a collapsing Cloudsdale. As the ponies try to get to the center of the maze to get the elements, they see Rainbow Dash flying away. The episode ends with Discord informing them that Rainbow’s exit has cost them the game, and that they will never get their elements back.
Return to Harmony part one is a great opener to the season. The plot is interesting, and keeps you wanting to see what happens nexxt. The jokes, while minor in comparison to more lighter eps of the series, are funny. And while the episode feels a bit rushed at the end, it still moves at a solid pace, making you anticipate the 2nd part. Discord makes for a great villain. He has a unique design, as well as a very dark, and mischievous nature. A vast improvement over season one’s first villain Nightmare Moon, but that is more of a personal opinion. The head games he plays all work quite well, and even luring them with imagery similar to their respective cutie marks is a nice touch. If I were to rate this episode out of 10, I’d give it an 8. It’s a great way to kick off the season.
But the big questions remain. Will Twilight be able to snap her friends out of Discord’s spell? Will they ever recover the elements of harmony? And can Discord be stopped before he drowns Equestria in a storm of chaos? We’ll just have to wait and find out next week with part two of “Return to Harmony”.
Until next week Bronies.