Horse Play | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Season №: | 8 |
Season episode №: | 7 |
Overall episode №: | 176 |
Original airdate: | April 28, 2018 |
Written by: | Kaita Mpambara |
Storyboard: | Karine Charlebois and Aynsley King |
Featured characters: | Princess Celestia Method Mares |
See also | |
credits • transcript • gallery • allusions animation errors • statistics • speculation | |
Episode guide | |
Previous Surf and or Turf | Next The Parent Map |
Horse Play is the seventh episode of season eight of My Little Pony Friendship is Magic and the one hundred and seventy-sixth overall. The title is a play on horseplay, referring to rough or boisterous playing.
In this episode, Twilight Sparkle casts Princess Celestia in her stage play, only to discover that Celestia's talents lie elsewhere.
Production
Supervising director Jim Miller stated on Twitter that Celestia's "ones-versary" was originally only 1,000 years in the script.[1]Summary
Celestia's "ones-versary"

Celestia really loves theater.
Upon learning that Celestia has never been in a play herself, Twilight offers her the leading role in her own play. Celestia and Spike are uncertain about Twilight's sudden casting decision, but Twilight says she is more than happy to do something nice for someone who has always put herself before others. Celestia is especially uncertain because she has no acting experience, but Twilight assures her she doesn't need experience since she will be playing as herself.

Twilight tells her friends the good news.
Celestia takes the stage

Celestia's acting skills leave a lot to be desired.
Twilight is unable to speak out against Celestia's poor acting out of fear of hurting her feelings, but she fears even more that Celestia will be humiliated in front of the audience. Applejack suggests telling Celestia the truth, and Spike suggests cancelling the play altogether since most of Equestria is unaware that a play is even being organized. Unfortunately, Rainbow Dash returns after already spreading the word and says everyone in Equestria will be attending. Despite Applejack's insistence, Twilight is determined to keep her promise to Celestia and let her be in the play.

Celestia takes an acting workshop with the Method Mares.
The truth comes out

This can't possibly end well.
This sends Twilight over the edge, and in her fit of anger, she finally voices her frustration about Celestia's terrible acting, unaware that Celestia is standing behind a curtain and hears the whole thing. Upset by Twilight lying to her this entire time, Celestia flies off. Twilight follows after her while her friends stall the waiting audience.

Twilight has a heart-to-heart talk with Celestia.
A New Day in Equestria
As Spike's efforts to stall the crowd fail, Twilight and Celestia return. Stepping down from her leading role, Celestia tasks Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity with calming the crowd and Rainbow Dash with making a new stage backdrop. She also appoints Spike as the new narrator and Fluttershy as the new lead actress. The play goes on as planned, and Celestia uses the techniques she learned from the Method Mares to assist the acting ponies from off-stage.

"It's time for a new day in Equestria."
- "...Gotcha! Maybe I'm not such a bad actress after all."
- — Princess Celestia
Quotes
- For more quotes, see the episode's transcript.
- Twilight Sparkle: To commemorate your first sunrise, I've written a play. We'd like to perform it at my School of Friendship, if you don't mind.
- Princess Celestia: [giggling happily] Mind? Oh! Of course not! Oh! I think a play is a fantastic idea!
- Spike: Did she just... prance?
- Applejack: Wormy apple cores, Pinkie! How many times have I told you to keep your special effects away from my sets?!
- Pinkie Pie: Three hundred twenty-seven. Oh! Unless you just did. Then it's three hundred twenty-eight. [squee]
- Starlight Glimmer: I can't believe you've memorized your lines already, Fluttershy.
- Fluttershy: Once you get past terrifying, paralyzing stage fright, the rest is easy.
- Princess Celestia: [flat and stilted] It is time for a new day in Equestria-aaa.
- Rainbow Dash: Uh... did I miss something?
- Twilight Sparkle: Just the bright light of hope being snuffed.
- Raspberry Beret: Whoosh! Whoosh! Oh, it's so snowy today! Brrr! I'm getting chilly!
- Princess Celestia: Should I get you a blanket?
- On Stage: All aboard! The Ponyville Express is leaving the station! Whoo-whoo! Chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga...
- Princess Celestia: It is? But I don't see anything.
- Twilight Sparkle: Uh, Pinkie? That looks unsafe.
- Pinkie Pie: Why would untested magic fireworks that I bought in a back alley from Trixie at midnight be unsafe?
- Twilight Sparkle: I can't take it anymore! It was supposed to be a simple play! Just one simple play! And then everything goes wrong, from the stage to the props, right down to the worst! Lead! Actress! In Equestria!
- Princess Celestia: You had good intentions, Twilight. But you know that the truth is always better than a well-meant lie. Didn't Applejack remind you?
- Twilight Sparkle: [sighs] About a hundred times.
- Princess Celestia: Fluttershy will be our new lead.
- Fluttershy: Oh, my. Me? Playing you? While you watch me playing you? Oh, no. Oh, no. I think my stage fright is coming back. [hyperventilating]
- Princess Celestia: I had so much fun tonight, I've decided to give up my crown, step down from the throne, and devote all of my time to the theater!
- Twilight Sparkle Y-You... what?!
- Princess Celestia: Gotcha! Maybe I'm not such a bad actress after all.
Gallery
References
- ↑ Jim Miller (2018-05-13). Big Jim on Twitter: "Well, it was originally only 1000 years in the script. That’s the change we were able to affect.". Twitter. Retrieved on 2018 May 13.
Episodes, films, and animated shorts |
---|
Season one | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 1 Friendship is Magic, part 1 | Episode 2 Friendship is Magic, part 2 | Episode 3 The Ticket Master | Episode 4 Applebuck Season |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 5 Griffon the Brush Off | Episode 6 Boast Busters | Episode 7 Dragonshy | Episode 8 Look Before You Sleep |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 9 Bridle Gossip | Episode 10 Swarm of the Century | Episode 11 Winter Wrap Up | Episode 12 Call of the Cutie |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 13 Fall Weather Friends | Episode 14 Suited For Success | Episode 15 Feeling Pinkie Keen | Episode 16 Sonic Rainboom |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 17 Stare Master | Episode 18 The Show Stoppers | Episode 19 A Dog and Pony Show | Episode 20 Green Isn't Your Color |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 21 Over a Barrel | Episode 22 A Bird in the Hoof | Episode 23 The Cutie Mark Chronicles | Episode 24 Owl's Well That Ends Well |
![]() | ![]() | ||
Episode 25 Party of One | Episode 26 The Best Night Ever |
Season two | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 1 The Return of Harmony Part 1 | Episode 2 The Return of Harmony Part 2 | Episode 3 Lesson Zero | Episode 4 Luna Eclipsed |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 5 Sisterhooves Social | Episode 6 The Cutie Pox | Episode 7 May the Best Pet Win! | Episode 8 The Mysterious Mare Do Well |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 9 Sweet and Elite | Episode 10 Secret of My Excess | Episode 11 Hearth's Warming Eve | Episode 12 Family Appreciation Day |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 13 Baby Cakes | Episode 14 The Last Roundup | Episode 15 The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 | Episode 16 Read It and Weep |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 17 Hearts and Hooves Day | Episode 18 A Friend in Deed | Episode 19 Putting Your Hoof Down | Episode 20 It's About Time |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 21 Dragon Quest | Episode 22 Hurricane Fluttershy | Episode 23 Ponyville Confidential | Episode 24 MMMystery on the Friendship Express |
![]() | ![]() | ||
Episode 25 A Canterlot Wedding - Part 1 | Episode 26 A Canterlot Wedding - Part 2 |
Season three | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 1 The Crystal Empire - Part 1 | Episode 2 The Crystal Empire - Part 2 | Episode 3 Too Many Pinkie Pies | Episode 4 One Bad Apple |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 5 Magic Duel | Episode 6 Sleepless in Ponyville | Episode 7 Wonderbolts Academy | Episode 8 Apple Family Reunion |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 9 Spike at Your Service | Episode 10 Keep Calm and Flutter On | Episode 11 Just for Sidekicks | Episode 12 Games Ponies Play |
![]() | |||
Episode 13 Magical Mystery Cure |
Season four | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 1 Princess Twilight Sparkle - Part 1 | Episode 2 Princess Twilight Sparkle - Part 2 | Episode 3 Castle Mane-ia | Episode 4 Daring Don't |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 5 Flight to the Finish | Episode 6 Power Ponies | Episode 7 Bats! | Episode 8 Rarity Takes Manehattan |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 9 Pinkie Apple Pie | Episode 10 Rainbow Falls | Episode 11 Three's A Crowd | Episode 12 Pinkie Pride |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 13 Simple Ways | Episode 14 Filli Vanilli | Episode 15 Twilight Time | Episode 16 It Ain't Easy Being Breezies |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 17 Somepony to Watch Over Me | Episode 18 Maud Pie | Episode 19 For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils | Episode 20 Leap of Faith |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 21 Testing Testing 1, 2, 3 | Episode 22 Trade Ya! | Episode 23 Inspiration Manifestation | Episode 24 Equestria Games |
![]() | ![]() | ||
Episode 25 Twilight's Kingdom - Part 1 | Episode 26 Twilight's Kingdom - Part 2 |
Season five | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 1 The Cutie Map - Part 1 | Episode 2 The Cutie Map - Part 2 | Episode 3 Castle Sweet Castle | Episode 4 Bloom & Gloom |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 5 Tanks for the Memories | Episode 6 Appleoosa's Most Wanted | Episode 7 Make New Friends but Keep Discord | Episode 8 The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 9 Slice of Life | Episode 10 Princess Spike | Episode 11 Party Pooped | Episode 12 Amending Fences |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 13 Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep? | Episode 14 Canterlot Boutique | Episode 15 Rarity Investigates! | Episode 16 Made in Manehattan |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 17 Brotherhooves Social | Episode 18 Crusaders of the Lost Mark | Episode 19 The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows | Episode 20 Hearthbreakers |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 21 Scare Master | Episode 22 What About Discord? | Episode 23 The Hooffields and McColts | Episode 24 The Mane Attraction |
![]() | ![]() | ||
Episode 25 The Cutie Re-Mark - Part 1 | Episode 26 The Cutie Re-Mark - Part 2 |
Season six | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 1 The Crystalling - Part 1 | Episode 2 The Crystalling - Part 2 | Episode 3 The Gift of the Maud Pie | Episode 4 On Your Marks |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 5 Gauntlet of Fire | Episode 6 No Second Prances | Episode 7 Newbie Dash | Episode 8 A Hearth's Warming Tail |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 9 The Saddle Row Review | Episode 10 Applejack's "Day" Off | Episode 11 Flutter Brutter | Episode 12 Spice Up Your Life |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 13 Stranger Than Fan Fiction | Episode 14 The Cart Before the Ponies | Episode 15 28 Pranks Later | Episode 16 The Times They Are A Changeling |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 17 Dungeons & Discords | Episode 18 Buckball Season | Episode 19 The Fault in Our Cutie Marks | Episode 20 Viva Las Pegasus |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 21 Every Little Thing She Does | Episode 22 P.P.O.V. (Pony Point of View) | Episode 23 Where the Apple Lies | Episode 24 Top Bolt |
![]() | ![]() | ||
Episode 25 To Where and Back Again - Part 1 | Episode 26 To Where and Back Again - Part 2 |
Season seven | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 1 Celestial Advice | Episode 2 All Bottled Up | Episode 3 A Flurry of Emotions | Episode 4 Rock Solid Friendship |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 5 Fluttershy Leans In | Episode 6 Forever Filly | Episode 7 Parental Glideance | Episode 8 Hard to Say Anything |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 9 Honest Apple | Episode 10 A Royal Problem | Episode 11 Not Asking for Trouble | Episode 12 Discordant Harmony |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 13 The Perfect Pear | Episode 14 Fame and Misfortune | Episode 15 Triple Threat | Episode 16 Campfire Tales |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 17 To Change a Changeling | Episode 18 Daring Done? | Episode 19 It Isn't the Mane Thing About You | Episode 20 A Health of Information |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 21 Marks and Recreation | Episode 22 Once Upon a Zeppelin | Episode 23 Secrets and Pies | Episode 24 Uncommon Bond |
![]() | ![]() | ||
Episode 25 Shadow Play - Part 1 | Episode 26 Shadow Play - Part 2 |
Season eight | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 1 School Daze - Part 1 | Episode 2 School Daze - Part 2 | Episode 3 The Maud Couple | Episode 4 Fake It 'Til You Make It |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 5 Grannies Gone Wild | Episode 6 Surf and/or Turf | Episode 7 Horse Play | Episode 8 The Parent Map |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 9 Non-Compete Clause | Episode 10 The Break Up Break Down | Episode 11 Molt Down | Episode 12 Marks for Effort |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 13 The Mean 6 | Episode 14 A Matter of Principals | Episode 15 The Hearth's Warming Club | Episode 16 Friendship University |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 17 The End in Friend | Episode 18 Yakity-Sax | Episode 19 Road to Friendship | Episode 20 The Washouts |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Episode 21 A Rockhoof and a Hard Place | Episode 22 What Lies Beneath | Episode 23 Sounds of Silence | Episode 24 Father Knows Beast |
![]() | ![]() | ||
Episode 25 School Raze - Part 1 | Episode 26 School Raze - Part 2 |
Feature films | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Equestria Girls | Rainbow Rocks | Friendship Games | Legend of Everfree |
![]() | |||
My Little Pony The Movie |
Specials | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Dance Magic | Movie Magic | Mirror Magic | Forgotten Friendship |
![]() | ![]() | Spring Breakdown | |
Rollercoaster of Friendship | Best Gift Ever | Spring Breakdown |