I buried The Last Problem in the recesses of my mind because I didn’t want to think about it. I didn’t want to dwell on how the last episode left me feeling bitter about the show I loved for years. But with the G5 movie premiering tomorrow, I feel a need to talk about the end of G4, maybe to gain some sense of closure or to try to collect my thoughts if nothing else.
Twilight never really had a choice in becoming the ruler of Equestria. It was never presented as a choice. Celestia and Luna pushed Twilight into the role, knowing her unhealthy hero worship of Celestia prevented her from objecting to the destiny they forced upon her. I don’t think assuming responsibility for an entire country is what Twilight actually wanted to do with her life. I think Twilight was happiest leading her school, which was her own idea and not a task foisted on her by Celestia. Twilight as Headmare of the School of Friendship was a perfectly good ending to her character arc. Twilight had a passion for teaching. The school gave her a chance to spread friendship throughout Equestria and beyond. I earnestly believe that was what she was meant to do.
After all the times the Mane Six saved not only Equestria but Celestia and Luna personally, did the Royal Sisters ever think about what they wanted? Did they ever consider the feelings of the mares to whom they owed their eternal gratitude? They tore them apart. The whole focus of the show was the friendships between the Mane Six and Celestia tore them apart by making Twilight move to Canterlot. I was as heartbroken as they were in the scene before they boarded the train.
Sure, the Mane Six remained friends, but the damage was done. The distance put between them was a permanent and detrimental change in their friendships. And all for what? So Celestia and Luna could retire? They could have taken a long vacation or taken turns ruling with Twilight. They could have waited another generation in their ageless lives and found another talented pupil to willingly take their place.
Twilight’s coronation being a disaster seemed to underscore that it was wrong.
It hurt me that my beloved Rarity was implied to be alone as she turned gray.
The Last Problem made me see Celestia and Luna as selfish and manipulative and Twilight as too subservient and lacking agency over her own life.
If the finale were in three parts, if there was no long time skip and epilogue, if Twilight were a stronger character, it might have been better.
“Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, ’It might have been.”
