Heartwarming / My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic - Season 3

Warning: Spoilers Off applies to Moment pages. Proceed at your own risk.

A true, true friend helps a friend in need
A friend will be there to help them see
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
To see the light that shines from a true, true friend!

The Crystal Empire Part 1

• After Twilight's done talking to Celestia about what her test is, she comes out of the castle, and Spike believes that she got a perfect score. It's just so sweet to see that her number one assistant is so sure that she would pass the test.
  • Another small moment in the scene shows him affectionately tapping her nose with his claw, when he says that she probably got a perfect score. It's a very quick moment, but a cute one nonetheless.
• Even though poor Cadance is obviously worried and extremely sleep-deprived, she still warmly welcomes Twilight with their special greeting to each other.
• Seeing Fluttershy gleefully skipping with little lambs during the 'Ballad of the Crystal Empire' song is adorable.

The Crystal Empire Part 2

• This is an unusual one, but when we see Spike's worst fears it surprisingly isn't that Rarity wouldn't love him, it was being sent away from Ponyville by Twilight forever. What exactly makes this heartwarming is that it shows how much he cares about Twilight and all the other friends he's made in Ponyville, despite what some of them do to him. It shows how much he really cherishes Twilight's companionship, and would be upset if she made him leave. Twilight's response is to hug him and tell him that would never happen. The best part is how he smiles and relaxes instantly at those words.
• Another one for Spike is that he's actually the one to save the day, not Twilight. And how do they repay him? By putting up a stained-glass window in his honor. After two seasons of being the Butt-Monkey, including him being completely sidelined in both season finales, the writers finally allow the dragon to have his day.
• A double-whammy in one moment: Spike refusing to let Twilight find the missing Crystal Heart on her own and Twilight allowing him to come, even though she initially thinks it may ruin her chance of successfully passing her test.
  • It also shows some nice Character Development for Twilight. Making Celestia proud and advancing in her studies are high priorities for her. Lesson Zero showed what happens when she believes herself to have failed. Here, there's momentary hesitation and some minor angst.
  • On a related note to the above: Celestia explaining to Twilight why she passed the test. There is no mistaking just how proud Celestia is to have Twilight as her student.
• A subtle one, but when Twilight first attempts to cast dark magic to revert the throne room to its appearance in the time of King Sombra, she struggles visibly for a long time before finally managing it - because Twilight has extreme difficulty feeling hate.
• Rarity starting the triumphant reprise of Twilight's earlier "Failure Song," with the rest of the Mane 6 following suit.
  • Special mention goes to Rarity covering Twilight's hoof at one point, demonstrating how proud she is of her.
  • This line in the song, sung by Rainbow Dash:
  Rainbow Dash: Since when does Twilight Sparkle ever fail?
  • Applejack's comradely arm-slung-over-the-shoulder to Twilight.
  • Making the whole thing even better is that the fans had been stuck with the first downbeat version of the song for weeks as one of the few released clips of the season, making the Triumphant Reprise an unexpected treat.
  • When Rarity sings the first line, Twilight blushes and smiles.
• When Spike jumps out of the crystal palace, you hear Rarity screaming as he's falling and see her fainting (without her couch, no less!) While still a scary scene, it's sweet to see that Rarity was terrified of losing her Spikey-wikey, and how much she cares about him.
• After Twilight tells the others she passed Celestia's test, Spike runs up to her and gives her a hug, and in return she nuzzles him.
• The interaction amongst the Mane 6 was heartwarming in its simplicity. Rarity taking AJ's gentle teasing in stride, Rainbow choosing Fluttershy as a jousting partner (even if it didn't fit Fluttershy's personality at all), the Mane 6 and Spike unhesitatingly following Twilight to the Arctic on their way to a totally unknown land, all of the Mane 6 being so sure Twilight would pass her test in the beginning and literally singing her praises at the end... the magic of friendship is a powerful and moving thing to witness.
• Concerned that Twilight is no longer answering his calls, Spike hurries after her down the deep, dark stairway and doing so in spite of being told not to follow or help earlier. He ends up saving her from the illusory "Worst Fears" spell. After this, Twilight tells Spike that he can accompany her on the rest of their quest which , pays off tremendously.
• Shining Armor spends 95% of the two episodes hugging or holding Cadance, as she is exhausted from keeping up her love barrier.
• The fact that, for the first time in even Celestia doesn't know when, the Crystal Ponies are free. Just imagine how it must've felt for them to see King Sombra meet his end and realizing they're finally free of his tyranny.
• The love of all the crystal ponies combined was enough to destroy Twilight's prison, obliterating the hate-crystals surrounding her and allowing her to attain crystal form. And the joyful look on her face when she realizes that Spike succeeded.
• Applejack making Rarity feel better after she expresses some dismay about losing the crystal effect she so adored:
  Rarity: I do so wish it was permanent. Did you see how my mane just absolutely sparkled?
  Applejack: But good things are better when they're a rarity. *winks*
  Rarity: *smiling* Awww.
• The restoration of the Crystal Heart, and by extension the Crystal Empire, and the Rousing Speech Princess Cadance gives.
  Princess Cadance: "The Crystal Heart has returned. Use the light and love within you to ensure King Sombra does not!"

Too Many Pinkie Pies

• Seeing Rainbow Dash and Applejack tell Pinkie that she doesn't need to worry about who she chooses to spend time with. Most shows would have this situation lead to friends fighting, but not here. Made more heartwarming when it dawns on you that these two ponies who reassured Pinkie of this are the ones usually at each others' throats competitively.
• Seeing Pinkie comfort her first clone after the latter couldn't choose between Fluttershy and Applejack is strangely heartwarming. Yes, the clone is just a facsimile, but Pinkie's reaction showed an amazing amount of empathy.
• Pinkie gave Twilight the idea on how to identify and remove the clones... by subjecting all of them to what had to amount to psychological torture. She was so dedicated to keeping her friends that she didn't even notice the last clone disappearing right next to her.
• The premise is Heartwarming- Pinkie is so dedicated to her friends and loves spending time with them so much she clones herself to be with them. If that's not heartwarming then nothing is!
  • The test that determines who the real Pinkie is proves that she'd sit through anything, no matter how boring, if it meant not leaving her friends. The clones care more about having fun then being with their friends, and they all know that's not the kind of pony the real Pinkie is.
• The episode opens up with Pinkie giving Twilight a hug "just because" (and explaining that friendship makes it better). Sure, it screwed up Twilight's spell, but Pinkie's heart was in the right place.

One Bad Apple

• The beginning shows Sweetie Belle gets so excited magic sparks fly off her horn for the first time as well as Scootaloo fluttering around with her wings. Our little crusaders are growing up!
  • Although it may be Harsher in Hindsight, as a Season 4 episode hints that Scootaloo may never fly.
• When Sweetie Belle again suggests they tell Applejack, both Applebloom and Scootaloo say no. What does Sweetie Belle then suggest? Rarity. The sisters truly have come a long way since 'Sisterhooves Social'. She then suggests Twilight, who she once referred to as "Auntie Twilight" in the comics, showing how much Sweetie respects her sister's friends.
  • Sweetie Belle suggested Twilight FIRST. That is, after Applejack, the obvious choice as she has authority over Babs, then Rarity, who Sweetie would be biased toward (With good reason). Seeing a Crusader other then Applebloom indicate trust in and respect for Twilight after certain disasterous events was a relief, and very touching.
• The ending shows Babs finally becoming friends with the CMC and says she's going to spread the Cutie Mark Crusaders to other "blank flanks" in Manehattan.
  • Even more touching because Babs is the first antagonist since Nightmare Moon to be redeemed.
  • The group pose they have after inducting Babs as the fourth Crusader. Not only is it adorable, Babs looks so genuinely happy.
  • During Babs' initiation, she's clearly blushing and on the verge of tears.
• Babs defending her new friends from Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon is both this and a Moment of Awesome.
  • Made more heartwarming when you realize that when Babs first came to Ponyville, it was to escape the constant bullying from Manehattan, so her self-esteem must have been cripplingly low. Now that she does have three little fillies who aren't judgmental that she's a 'blank flank' and love her just the way she is, she finally found the confidence to stand up for both herself and those that she calls her friends.
• The CMC, after learning about Babs's bullying troubles in Manehattan, immediately abandon their revenge plan and desperately try to make amends. They do so by pushing Babs out of the way and becoming the victims of their own prank.
  • When Babs sees that the CMC saved her, she immediately drops all bullying pretense and is genuinely grateful and remorseful.
• It's a blink-and-you'll-miss it moment, but seeing Minuette and Twinkleshine sitting together in the cinema is really sweet, considering the last time we saw them, they weren't having such a good time...

Magic Duel

• In one small scene, Spike tells Twilight that her magic has really improved since they've come to Ponyville, and that the Princess will love her new tricks. It's so cute to see the little guy encouraging, and praising her. He truly is her #1 assistant.
  • The scene also serves to show us that Spike's right. Our little Twily is growing up!
• More Spike - watch the little guy holding and comforting Fluttershy while Twilight is doing her magic with the animals... while still enjoying the show. Good Guy Spike much?
• Another Fluttershy one; it's heartwarming to see Rainbow Dash personally nominating Fluttershy for the vital mission, after her attempts to help earlier were all ignored; even if she doesn't seem so thrilled by the thought.
  • The fact that Rainbow has such great confidence and faith in Fluttershy is also touching considering that back in Season 1, Rainbow only thought that she would slow them down (like in "Dragonshy"). Yet now, she believes Fluttershy to be the best mare for the job. Seeing this nice change of Rainbow's confidence in Fluttershy is pretty touching.
• The Mane 6 and Spike, in spite of seeing just how powerful Trixie has become and how cruel she can be in her spells, immediately defending Twilight, determined to never let her be banished.
• When Trixie magically conjures an ugly dress and puts it on Rarity, Applejack catches her before she faints, while Pinkie Pie leads them off to find a different one. Later, Applejack is hugging Rarity, who's wrapped in a pink blanket. It's played for laughs, but the fact stands that they take their friend's worries seriously in a position where other ponies would dismiss it as a petty concern, because they know her so well (especially considering that in earlier seasons Applejack had no patience for Rarity's gripes).
• Trixie's redemption arc coming full-circle as she adds a little spice to Twilight's entertainment for Celestia and the delegates, refers to herself as "The Great and Apologetic Trixie," and asks and receives Twilight's forgiveness and friendship before leaving town in the same manner as Boast Busters.
  • Bonus points for being Adorkable in the process.
  • When Trixie follows her apology and Twilight's forgiveness with a Large Ham proclamation, Twilight rolls her eyes, but gives Trixie a smile anyway. Not only is it nice to see Trixie back to her normal hammy self (almost normal) after spending the episode corrupted by the Alicorn Amulet, Twilight accepts her personality quirks as Trixie just being Trixie, instead of being annoyed by them.
• In her normal mix of heartwarming, hilarious, and just a little bit scary, Fluttershy's Mama Bear moments concerning her animal friends at the beginning and end of the episode.
• Subtle, but upon discovering that the Alicorn Amulet corrupts the wielder, the rest of the mane six go from overjoyed at discovering the source of Trixie's new-found power to looking genuinely concerned. Even after all Trixie did, they still become concerned at the realization the Amulet is corrupting her.
• Also subtle: Trixie is willing to lift the barrier to let the beavers out. Even corrupted by the Amulet, Trixie isn't so evil as to torment innocent animals.
• When Trixie expresses contempt at rock farms because she had to get a job on one, Pinkie angrily defends them, having grown up on one and despite being completely different from the rest of her family shows no shame about her roots.

Sleepless in Ponyville

• The entire episode can be summed up in the following image. Spoilers.◊
• A lot of Rainbow Dash's casual and affectionate behavior towards Scootaloo during the camping trip definitely counts, even more so after the episode's ending. From her hair tousles and shoulder punches to her proud compliments, you really get the sense that Dash more or less already sees Scootaloo as something akin to a kid sister, which is exactly what Scootaloo wanted in the first place.
• Rarity willingly goes with Sweetie Belle on the camping trip. She really did take the lesson from "Sisterhooves Social" to heart.
  • And during the final scene she first puts on her usual haughty act when Sweetie Belle wants to race with her, then giggles and heads right into it.
• The entire final part between Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo finally tells Rainbow Dash that she was afraid that she'd think of her as uncool for being a scaredy pony and all she wanted was for her to take her under her wing. Rainbow Dash sits down and reveals that as a filly she was just as afraid of the scary story as Scootaloo was and is perfectly fine with taking her under her wing. Seeing Rainbow Dash acting sisterly towards Scootaloo is by far one of the most Heartwarming moments in the entire series.
  • A subtle example that's also in-universe: Rainbow Dash's face when Scootaloo finally spills the beans. - she's visibly touched◊ at that moment, almost as if to say "Wow, I had no idea." and it makes you wonder if she's been secretly hoping for this the whole time herself.
  • As of the episode "Parental Glideance", it becomes possibly even more Heartwarming in Hindsight. Scootaloo said that she never got any encouragement growing up. Now at least she has a Cool Big Sis to fill that gap.
  • During the race with Applejack and Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle and Rarity, Rainbow Dash flies through the sky while carrying Scootaloo. Many tears were shed at that scene.
    Rainbow Dash: "Hah! They think they can beat the two of us?"
  • In the end, Scootaloo has one last nightmare with the Olden Pony once again confronts Scootaloo about her rusty horseshoe. This time, however, Rainbow Dash gets her to leave by tossing the rusty horseshoe at her. She and Scootaloo then share a hug.
• Princess Luna's role in the episode. We finally learn part of what she does as the Princess of the Night: protect ponies from their own nightmares.
  • Scootaloo's reaction to seeing the former "Nightmare Moon" in her dream is one of relief, not fear. Luna's finally got the acceptance she wanted so much.
  • Another bit of heartwarming: After imparting wisdom to Scootaloo in her dream, Luna manifested herself behind Rainbow Dash in the moon to encourage Scootaloo to conquer her fears, and then appears in a later dream to check up on her, just in case. Let there be no doubt that Luna cares about her subjects just as much as Celestia does.
  • Related to the above: Luna is first seen wandering through the dream, looking around. It's likely she realized she'd entered a nightmare and was searching for Scootaloo to help her and simply didn't reach her before she woke up. She came back the next night because she saw Scootaloo was having a nightmare the night before and wanted to help her.
• Applejack and Rarity making their little sisters feel safe on both nights. And by the end of the episode, Rainbow Dash is able to do the same for Scootaloo.
• Applejack and Rarity pulling their sisters close when Rainbow Dash starts telling them the second horror story, knowing how scared they were of the first one.
  • Rarity even sat on a log rather than her fainting couch so that she could sit with Sweetie. This being Rarity, that's pretty big.
  • Rarity stroking Sweetie Belle's mane and saying, "Don't worry, you'll be safe with me tonight." D'awws were had.
• Applejack's concern for Scootaloo throughout the course of the episode was pretty touching. It's obvious that, even if she's technically just Apple Bloom's sister, she really does stand as another sister for all of the CMC.
• The brief shot of Apple Bloom sleeping on top of Applejack, who is in turn sleeping on top of Rarity.
• Right after Sweetie Belle finishes her song and falls asleep, Rarity magically picks her up and levitates her all the way to their tent. Sibling bickering and fighting or not, she's still a caring big sister.

Wonderbolts Academy

• Even though it might be a little bit funny, it's also quite sweet seeing Rarity hugging Thunderlane like she did (partially because of him saving her from falling to her doom).
• Pinkie Pie, full stop. From her concern about Dash getting into the Academy, to her refusing to leave the mailbox so she and the rest of the Mane 6 can read and reply to her letter immediately, to her spearheading the campaign to get Dash a care package, she just exudes heartwarming by the truckload.
• Rainbow Dash was willing to give up ever joining the Wonderbolts because she thought that continuing to pursue her dream would require her to endanger the lives of her friends, her teammates and other ponies. Rainbow Dash. Who has dreamed of nothing else since practically the moment she was born. That is loyalty.
  • RD's whole character just really shines through in this episode. She's competitive and cocky, but there's no doubt that she never wants any sort of success at the expense of others, and that she won't hesitate to let go of even her lifelong aspiration if achieving it means she has to do things that she considers plain wrong. Rainbow Dash really is altruistic and heroic in nature, especially when it comes to the stuff that really matters.
  • It's also clear that, as much as Rainbow Dash likes being the star, what's really important to her is the success of the team. Unlike Lightning Dust, she's not willing to sacrifice the team to ensure her own success. And as a followup to "Hurricane Fluttershy", she demonstrates yet again that she is a natural and conscientious leader who truly cares about those she leads.
  • Spitfire agrees. It makes the fans realize once and for all that there is a reason she's the leader of the Wonderbolts, and there's a reason Rainbow Dash respects her so much.
• The fact Rainbow finally got to take one hoofstep down the path to actually succeeding in reaching her dream. After spending her entire life working towards that goal, she's finally on her way.
• During the Cold Open, all five of Rainbow Dash's friends waiting at the mailbox with her for the acceptance letter.
• Spitfire deeming Rainbow Dash a worthy leader, and the other pegasi demonstrating their loyalty to and respect of RD by saluting. Especially heartwarming when you notice that several of these pegasi had also worked with Rainbow in "Hurricane Fluttershy".
  • This spotlighting of Rainbow Dash's leadership potential also manages to highlight another aspect of her character: as the Element of Loyalty, Dash not only demonstrates loyalty, but she inspires it in others.
• Now this is a subtle one. When Spitfire was chewing RD out at the beginning and RD stayed stone cold giving the correct response, she gave a small smile; showing that she remembers Rainbow Dash saving her life, but she still had to use the drill-sergeant persona to weed out the slackers and is glad that RD is showing the right response.

Apple Family Reunion

• Apple Bloom calling Babs Seed her favorite cousin, showing how much all has been forgiven since her last appearance.
  • Even more so for how completely overjoyed she is she'll be seeing Babs again.
    • Her hopping for her return probably helped as well.
• Baby Applejack. BABY. APPLEJACK. And she talks too!
• Granny Smith mentions a quilt the Apple family's been working on since their first reunion, and as seen in the images flashback, it's done by hoof. That's just an amazingly heartwarming keepsake, since probably every Apple pony has put pieces in.
• Several bronies breathed sighs of relief when it's mentioned that Babs is in a new school.
  • Even better, Babs mentions that there are two blank flanks that want to join the Manehatten Crusaders.
• Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Spike all help Applejack set up the reunion.
• Although it also ultimately confirms that Applejack's parents are indeed dead, it is really heartwarming to see them appear in the sky as two shooting stars, knowing that they are still there with their children, even after death.
• A lot of the interactions between all of the other Apples, and the photos at the end of the episode involving Applebloom with Babs and Applejack posing with Braeburn. It really gives a sense of how close the Apple family is.
  • Their mingling during the song, too. For instance, Big Mac dancing with his cousin Babs Seed.
  • The last verse of "Raise This Barn", sung by the entire Apple Family:
  We raised this barn, we raised this barn
  Yes, we did
  Together we sure raised this barn
  Yes, we did
  Being together counts the most
  We all came here from coast to coast
  All we need to strive to be
  Is part of the Apple family
• An easy-to-miss shot of Applejack sitting on her big brother's back to put up the last of the decorations before the reunion begins.
• Apple Bloom sleepily entering Applejack's room to see why she's still awake, and the cozy little scene that follows. It's just a really nice, warm sisterly moment.
• The entire episode is really one huge feel-good moment showing how close-knit the entire Apple family is, but it's especially notable and sweet with the three Apple siblings and Granny Smith — the episode ends with the four of them together in their living room and looking through the photo album.
• Similar to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo in "One Bad Apple", one quick shot during Applejack's preparation for the reunion has Apple Bloom bucking a tree by herself. She's growing up, too!
• When the hay ride goes wrong after the fruits bats appear, you see the members of the Apple family jumping to safety before the wagon crashes. For a split second when Big Mac jumps out, you can see Granny Smith, Apple Rose and Auntie Applesauce on his back. It's pretty sweet of the big fella to make sure his elders are safe.

Spike at Your Service

• When Twilight gives Spike the day off.
  • When Spike leaves the library, you can briefly see Fluttershy taking Winona for a walk.
• When Applejack saves Spike's life, from the Timberwolves.
  • When Spike is grateful for this, he tries repaying her, by doing anything for her.
• Rarity was willing to eat the disgusting pie, that Spike made, just so she didn't hurt his feelings. She has come a long way: from insulting him for being dirty from taking out her garbage, to actually eating something bad he made, just to spare him from feeling hurt.
• In the end of the episode Applejack tells Spike that he didn't have to do all of that work for her, to make her think that he's a noble dragon. They already thought he was! Awww
• At the end of the episode, when Twilight is reading her book in the dark, clearly straining to read it, Spike comes in with a lantern for her, and she thanks him for his help. He then hugs her leg, and tells her, he'd do anything for her, and she shows that she is clearly touched by this.
• It's a brief moment but when Spike says that Rainbow Dash's impression of a Timberwolf roar was spot on, it cuts to Rainbow Dash hi-fiving Fluttershy, both with the biggest smile on their faces.
• A similar brief moment, but Twilight is clearly horrified and ashamed she inadvertently let Spike think he was unwanted and led him to serve Applejack. Up keeping her Innocently Insensitive personality, Twilight often takes Spike for granted, but loathes the prospect of having mistreating him.

Keep Calm and Flutter On

• Princess Celestia instilling confidence in Fluttershy's ability to reform Discord.
  Fluttershy: You really think I can do that?
  Princess Celestia: *taking Fluttershy's head in her hoof, and looking her in her eyes* I do.
  *Fluttershy smiles, blushes, and turns away*
• Fluttershy declares she's being so easy on Discord's pranks "Because that's what friends do," and hugs him. Discord is stunned at the idea that Fluttershy truly considers him her friend, and the end of the episode confirms this was completely genuine.
  Discord: *dumbfounded* Oh... Well, I've... Never really had a friend before...
  Fluttershy: *smiles and holds Discord's hand* Well now you do.
  • This is also the first time we actually see Discord smile with absolutely no malice to be seen. Keep in mind that this is Discord we're talking about. This is the same guy who broke and brainwashed Twilight's friends For the Evulz.
• Discord's reaction when he realizes, to his own surprise, that Fluttershy's friendship is important to him.
  Discord: Well played, Fluttershy... well played...
• Fluttershy holds Discord's paw at the end of the episode and declares that "he can be a real sweetheart once you get to know him." It's so heartwarming that all the ponies and Spike look away!
• Discord (although reluctantly) admitting that Friendship Is Magic.
• A subtle one, but after tricking Fluttershy into promising never to use the Element Of Kindness against him in exchange for "fixing" Sweet Apple Acres, and winning the freedom to do whatever he wants forever, Discord immediately asks Fluttershy to go ice skating with him. He doesn't instantly go on a worldwide rampage of chaos, he doesn't immediately make Ponyville the chaos capital of the world, he doesn't immediately go around making everyone miserable... He asks his first and only friend in the world to have fun with him. Yes, even before he admitted that she had succeeded in reforming him, she had already succeeded in making him better than he was. This is backed up an even earlier appearance in the scene where he's calling to Fluttershy to join him in water-skiing.
  • Keep in mind, for all his Dog Kicking, Discord asked the same thing from Twilight Sparkle in "The Return To Harmony". He quickly brushes it off when she refuses, but there was some subtle implication all along he wanted a companion to enjoy his chaos with him.
• Another one is that Twilight shoots down Discord's attempt to manipulate her fear of disappointing the Princess by saying the Princess trusts them enough to know that if they turn him back to stone, it's because he gave them good reason to. Considering how strong that fear is, it says a lot that Twilight finally understands how hard it is to disappoint Celestia.
• Fluttershy pausing to catch a falling Angel Bunny before flying off to meet Twilight.
• When Discord tells Angel Bunny that he's playing Fluttershy for a fool, Angel is noticeably infuriated; even more infuriated when he was at his worst in "Putting Your Hoof Down".

Just For Sidekicks

• The fact that the ponies trust Spike to take care of their pets, is pretty nice. They know he's responsible, and will try to take care of them (even though he has an ulterior motive for watching them).
• Tank gives Rainbow Dash a very looong lick on the cheek. She blushes.
• All of the Mane Six's affectionate goodbyes to their pets. They adore each other, and it seriously shows.
  • Opal being friendly with Rarity, as opposed to making her life painful and difficult.
  • Later, Rainbow Dash nose rubs Tank; after making sure no one's watching, of course.
• This episode proves what whatever animosity was left between Spike and Owlowiscious is gone.
• Owlowiscious picks up pretty quickly that Angel intends to cause trouble for Spike and gives him a Death Glare into subordination. It didn't keep Angel at bay, but Owlowiscious at least tried to make Spike's job easier.
• Opal and Tank rubbing heads. It seems they'd become very friendly towards each other.
  • Later, when Spike is dragging the pets around the train station, Tank is carrying Opal.
  • The pets sans Angel staying with Spike and not scattering was pretty nice! He may have had ulterior motives for watching them, but none of them felt the need to make his life any more difficult (intentionally anyway).
  • When Spike calls for order and all the pets to come to him, Winona immediately dashes up in front of him, sitting loyally.
• The Cold Open that shows different pictures of Spike and Peewee being together that ends with one of Spike giving him back to his parents.
• Although it causes trouble for Spike, Angel Bunny boarding a train to the Crystal Empire just to follow his owner. At the station, he homes in on Fluttershy and charges for her.
  • Angel Bunny and the other pets forgiving Spike for not taking his job of looking after them as seriously as he should have.
  • Look carefully for a Freeze-Frame Bonus at the end of the scene, Gummy looks happy as does Opal!
• The SECOND he thinks something happened to Tank, Spike dropped everything and ran to the clubhouse.
• Pinkie Pie saying "Spike time is the best!" is nice, especially when you consider Spike was feeling a bit left out earlier.
• When Rarity gives Spike his jewel for watching Opal, he says it's "Almost as beautiful as the pony who gave it to me."
  • On Rarity's side of the exchange too. This gem on its own was able to buy an industrial strength dryer. The other gems, despite being large, could not buy anything nearly so expensive. Of the major cast, Rarity and Spike are the only ones that can accurately appraise the value of gems (Rarity being the one who goes around collecting gemstones for her fashion creations, and for Spike a valuable gemstone is a delicious meal). A smaller gem can be worth more than a large one because its size means it is less likely to have flaws. As an example, a flawless Burmese ruby of the same size as the one given to Spike would, depending upon the number of carats in it, be worth something in the neighborhood of fifty thousand dollars. That's more than some people make in a year and Rarity gave that to Spike without a second thought. Rarity is the element of generosity, and don't you ever forget it.
    • Debatable, gems have never been shown to have monetary value in this show, they're always used for decorations or dragon food. Spike EATS gems, so the size would matter more than the monetary value (unless it tastes better, stranger lore occurs).
• Remember Screwloose, the crazy barking pony from "Read it and Weep"? She shows up for a cute Funny Background Event; she's at a house smiling and being checked up on by a nurse. She's making progress!
  • Speaking of background events, in the same scene you can briefly see Big Mac and Cheerilee walking down the road together. Couple or not it's nice to see them hanging out.
• Sweetie Belle having a very Rarity-esque bit of Squee at the thought of going to the Crystal Empire.
• As Spike is running through the train station, Golden Harvest/Carrot Top and Written Script can be seen sharing a touching reunion or a poignant good-bye. The point is, they're nuzzling.
• In the train, it's a brief moment, but when you hear Rainbow Dash saying that "It's a bummer that Spike missed out on all the fun." It shows that she does care about him, and that they do feel bad when he's left out sometimes, even if, in this case, the Mane 6 went through hell mistaking a tourist for the actual games inspector in "Games Ponies Play".
• A rather subtle one: the fact that Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders managed to work together with the pets in the end really shows that Spike and the CMC are still on good terms. This after the Crusaders subjected Spike to Tickle Torture earlier in the episode and also in light of Spike's bitterness towards the CMC when their identity somehow got exposed in "Ponyville Confidential".
• When Spike's Growling Gut threatens to expose himself, the pets and the Crusaders to the Mane Six, Angel denies him the opportunity to take the fall by rushing off the train to retrieve his last gem. He feeds Spike half not only so he'll be satisfied for the entire trip home but it also leaves him enough for his cake. He eats it just before it can go in the cake, though.
  • Just before Angel hops off the train, Owlowiscious comforts Spike by using his wing to pat his head.

Games Ponies Play

• Twilight and Cadance finally get do their Secret Handshake when they're not in danger, just like Cadance wished at the beginning of the season.
• When the Mane 6 arrive at the spa, Princess Cadance says happily, "There are my girls". It's nice to see that she's gotten close to all of the Mane 6 and not just Twilight.
• When Rainbow Dash expresses her regret that Cloudsdale never got to host the Equstrian Games, it cuts to a very brief flashback where we see a filly Rainbow Dash and her father! Although Dash ultimately is disappointed, seeing her so excited and standing on top of her dad is adorable.
• The fact that Rainbow Dash wants the Crystal Empire to host the games because she doesn't want a little filly to feel the same disappointment that she felt when she found out her hometown wasn't hosting the games.
• When the inspector declares that the Empire can host the games, amidst the general celebrating you can see Rainbow Dash sweep that same filly into the sky for a huge celebratory hug.
• When Twilight Sparkle pulls the other Mane Five towards the palace, she takes a moment to give the filly back the flag she dropped when Rainbow Dash butted in. Small acts of kindness are always worth noting.
• The pure delight the tourist takes in her unexpected tour of the Crystal Empire, except the parts when her claustrophobia kicks in. Then she makes sure the real inspector picks the city by describing how well she was treated.
• Cadance giving Twilight a long-needed method of stress relief, which prevents another lapse of sanity. No doubt it will be useful when she meets her destiny in the Season Finale.
  • The best instance is when Twilight explains the situation to Shining Armor, and how it's getting royally screwed up. Shining tells her it's nothing, that it'll end well...
  Twilight: I know. I'm not worried. (Beat, as she realizes what she just said) I'm not worried! It works!
• When the announcement that the Crystal Empire has won the appointment is made, the elation of the city is powerful enough to activate the Crystal Heart.
• Rainbow Dash taking the rap for leaving the real inspector and supposedly blowing the mission. Especially notable since she did so to prevent Twilight from doing so instead, who has a long history of being absolutely terrified of letting down peers.
• When greeting the games inspector (or at least whom they THOUGHT was the games inspector), how does shining armor introduce himself? "I'm Shining Armor." not PRINCE Shining Armor. not CAPTAIN shining armor. JUST "I'm Shining Armor". it shows that he's remained humble, despite becoming royalty.

Magical Mystery Cure

• After Twilight fulfills her destiny, the first group of people she thanks were her friends, whom she said made it possible for her to be where she is. Broken Base or not, this scene will make you gush with "liquid pride", much like Shining Armor did.
  Twilight: A little while ago, my teacher and mentor Princess Celestia sent me to live in Ponyville. She sent me to study friendship, which is something I didn't really care much about. But now, on a day like today, I can honestly say I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the friendships I've made with all of you. Each one of you taught me something about friendship, and for that, I will always be grateful. Today, I consider myself the luckiest pony in Equestria. Thank you, friends. Thank you, everypony!
  • As she says the speech, you can see the other Mane 6 holding back tears and smiling.
  • In thanking her friends, she waves them out onto the balcony to share the praise of the citizens. She even offers her friends a little bow. Quite a gesture from a princess while her entire nation is watching.
• When Twilight becomes an alicorn, Rainbow Dash is overjoyed that she has a "new flying buddy". Heck, the fact that none of the mane six change how they view her one bit, proving Word of God was right. This isn't changing their relationship, they're still her True Companions and nothing will change that.
• When Celestia and Twilight walk together and she shows Twilight all of her best moments from episode 1 to up until that point while telling Twilight how much she is proud of her. It's such a beautiful moment.
  • Celestia singing for the first time solo.
    Celestia: You've come such a long, long way
    And I've watched you from that very first day
    To see how you might grow
    To see what you might do
    To see what you've been through
    And all the ways you've made me proud of you.
  • And what do we see right after Celestia says those words? Twilight watching all the images of her past accomplishments, a big smile on her face and her eyes twinkling. Not only is her mentor proud of her, but she's proud of herself as well.
  • Celestia and Twilight HUGGING! Although Celestia has always hinted at how much she cares for Twilight (Making random visits just to see her for example) this is the first time since the Pilot that she's shown Twilight physical affection. What makes this moment and the one in the pilot so notable is that, in pretty much every appearance Celestia has had, Twilight is usually too busy worrying about disappointing Celestia for there to be any affection between them!
  • After appearing to explain the the rest of the Mane Six that Twilight is now a princess, Celestia bows down in respect to her most faithful student.
  • Listen to Celestia when she addresses everypony upon welcoming Princess Twilight. For a brief moment, you can hear her struggle to hold back her emotions in her voice.
• When Twilight suffers from her Heroic BSoD, Spike lifts her spirits, and tells her that he knows that she can fix everything. And he helps her regain her faith in herself. Number one assistant, indeed!
  • The scene when he pets her head as a way to calm her down.
• The mixed up cutie marks are fixed because of just how much the Mane Six care about one another. Twilight's plan is so simple, but so immediately effective.
  Fluttershy: But I don't really know anything about animals.
  Twilight: But you do know something about Rainbow Dash.
  Fluttershy: I... know that she's a true friend, and I'll do anything I can to help her!
• "A True True Friend." If there's one song in the entire series distills the message of the show, its this one. It's even the closing credits for the episode!
  • At the start of the song in Fluttershy's cottage (when Twilight sings "A true, true friend helps a friend in need") a squirrel looks up and sees a mouse who's hungry and sad. The squirrel gives the mouse an acorn and the mouse cheers up and smiles.
  • When trying to do their true job, each pony starts by doing it hesitantly and unsure of themselves. As they succeed in doing it they get more and more confident until at the end they're smiling and joyful. At the same time, the pony they're trying to help is severely depressed (and Rarity and Applejack are in tears), but their spirits are lifted by the sight of their friend helping fix things.
  • When each pony turns back to normal, they immediately help their friends.
    Twilight: It worked! It worked! Oh, I'm so happy you're back to normal! Now we need your help!
    (Twilight and Fluttershy sing to Rainbow, telling her to help Rarity)
    Rainbow: Uh, what just happened?
    Twilight: There's no time to explain, but we need your help. Applejack's trying to make dresses!
    Rainbow: Say no more!
    (Rainbow sings to Rarity, telling her to help Applejack)
    Rarity: (gasps) Oh my, what a terrible dream I had. Or, maybe I'm still having it.
    Twilight: Rarity, Pinkie Pie is about to lose the apple farm. We need Applejack's help!
    Rarity: Lose the apple farm? Well we can't let that happen, now can we?
    (Rarity sings to Applejack, telling her to help Pinkie)
    Applejack: Yee-haw! Now that's more like it, what's next?
    Twilight: The townspeople are furious, we need the old Pinkie Pie back.
    Applejack: I'm on it, I know just the thing.
    (Appleack sings to Pinkie, telling her to cheer up the ponies in the town)
  • In light of Look Before You Sleep, Rarity immediately turning to help Applejack after her cutie mark is restored. The two used to barely tolerate each other, and now you couldn't separate them with a reality-twisting unfinished spell.
  • Seeing Pinkie Pie start to slowly cheer up as Applejack and her friends help her, especially her giving a smile (the first we've seen from her in the episode), to Applejack. It's been made clear in the past that Pinkie has some insecurities about how her friends feel about her, which makes this moment even more heartwarming.
    • How overjoyed all of Ponyville is to see Pinkie Pie. That pony really is friends with the entire town. All it takes is the mere sight of Pinkie to instantly cheer up the townsponies. For fans of Pinkie Pie, the enormous cheer the Ponyville residents give upon her restoration is a CMOH to the entire series.
      Pinkie Pie: Come on, ponies! I wanna see you SMILE!!
      Entire population of Ponyville: PINKIE!!!
  • And to top off such an awesome, heartwarming song, this.◊ Nothing will ever break apart the Mane Six. Nothing.
• The final spark of magic that turns Twilight into an alicorn princess doesn't come from Twilight's horn. It comes from her heart.
• Shining Armor and his "liquid pride."
  • Also, the looks on her parent's faces which show how proud they are of Twilight.
• Angel, for all that he originally had against Fluttershy, is the first to embrace her after she feeds them. Small to say the least, but still heartwarming.
  • The other animals are also happy after she feeds them. The bear even picks her up and kisses her.
• Fluttershy telling Twilight that they all love her. For some strange reason, these two sweet, gentle, mature and socially awkward ponies, have had so little direct interaction with each other, so having Fluttershy be the one to say it was a lovely touch.
• For her coronation, Twilight is given her own chariot to ride in...and jumps out to march with her friends instead. Awww....
  • Earlier, during the parade for all of Ponyville, the rest of the Mane Six lift Twilight over their heads...and Twilight promptly lifts her friends up via telekinesis to share the spotlight with her
• As Twilight's friends release the full power of the Elements of Harmony on Twilight, all of them start to panic, except for Twilight, who closes her eyes and smiles. She trusts so much in the love of her friends that she knows nothing that's happening in that moment is going to hurt her.
• Celestia announced that Twilight has done many amazing things in Ponyville. The one she calls out by name? Reuniting Celestia with her sister Luna.
  • Also, look at her face when she's on the balcony near the end; there are no tears, but it sure looks like there were going to be.
• At Twilight's coronation, if you look, you can see several Crystal Ponies in the background. After a thousand years, they're finally getting involved with the other ponies!
  • Another interpretation might be that the Crystal Ponies are there out of gratitude for Twilight's role in freeing them from that thousand-year curse. This would be just as heartwarming because it would be an aversion of the Dude, Where's My Respect? attitude that follows the mane six around the rest of Equestria.
• After a season long absence, Derpy sneaking in a cameo and giving the audience a wink.
  • Several cameos, each of them blink-and-you-miss-it. Equestria Daily's episode followup shows her in five separate scenes!
• With Pinkie Pie out of usual commission, everypony in Ponyville becomes depressed and upset, even though they don't remember her being any other way. When everypony immediately brightens up and screams her name ("PINKIE!") once she returns in "A True, True Friend," the heart melts. It becomes even more wibbly when you realize that Twilight was going around reminding the mane six what they meant to all their friends and what their friends mean to them. With Pinkie Pie, Twilight reminded her of how much she meant to every single pony in Ponyville.
  • Also qualifies as a Continuity Nod to the "Smile, Smile, Smile" song, which focuses on the same concept.

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