The Beginning of the End - Part 1

The Beginning of the End - Part 1 is the first episode of season nine of My Little Pony Friendship is Magic and the one hundred and ninety-seventh overall. It is the first part of a two-part season premiere.

Hollywood Reporter
"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna decide to retire and hand off the ruling of Equestria to Twilight Sparkle and her friends, which sends Twilight into a tailspin of self-doubt. Meanwhile, an ancient villain bands together a legion of nefarious characters to conquer all of Equestria, challenging Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the Mane 6 to step in and save the day."