Talk:Uncommon Bond/@comment-10390252-20171021160543

This was an interesting Starlight character episode in many ways. We see a lot of things that are normally only hinted about her: Low self-esteem and insecurities that all crystallise out around her relationship with Sunburst. She's so afraid that he wouldn't want to be her friend (and this is an insecurity that has held strong since the Season 6 opener) that she almost makes it a self-fulfilling prophecy.

We also see Starlight's weak-to-shaky understanding of the concept of 'consent' when it comes to transformative magic. If it helps her, she has a difficult time processing why others might not want it done to them! I'm pretty sure that this is a real and concrete behaviour and mental flaw in her.

However, what really comes out about this episode the most is that Sunburst is a very nice stallion who is genuinely good-natured. Yes, he gets on well with Starlight's other friends but, in the end, he would prefer to do things with Starlight or at least include Starlight in what he does with Twilight, Trixie and Maud. His reaction to Starlight's unhappiness and Starlight's need for his friendship has only solidified the StarBurst ship in my mind.

Finally... It's another Book with Star Swirl the Bearded's cutie mark on the cover. The last time we saw something like this, a new Alicorn Princess was created. I wonder what world-shattering consequences will happen this time? (No spoilers, please; I don't want my enjoyment of Shadow Play affected)

BenRG's Rating: 7.5/10 - Extra half-point for Sunburst being a nice stallion.