The “Problem” With A Royal Problem
Ok so for me A Royal Problem is easily the worst episode in Season 7. This was supposed to be the “Princess development episode” we’ve waited for...and it didn’t deliver. Luna Eclipsed and Horse Play showcase the princesses better in those episodes than A Royal Problem...but let’s get in why this episode was so bad for me.
1. Starlight (Not surprised in the least)
The mare that “graduated” everybody. When I first saw the synopsis for A Royal Problem and it said that the princesses were arguing and Starlight had to help them...I instantly knew that this episode was going to end in disaster. Typical Starlight behavior:
Uses magic impulsively which causes more issues than solves them
Uses magic so that she thinks it benefits her with consulting anyone else
Just rolls with her mistakes and let’s it play out
When the problem worsens she has no idea what to do and just breaks down crying
Everything gets resolved and instead of punishing her she gets praised
You know what I wanna see. I wanna see a Starlight episode where she messes up big time and SOMEONE punishes her for it. No good job Starlight! No “You almost destroyed Equestria but it’s ok because you’re our friend! Have Tempest put her in check! Discord even had a shot to remove her horn in “A Matter Of Principals” but didn’t. (But he gave her a long overdue insult) Just something! It’s kinda sad that I was relieved that Starlight got trapped in that bubble of magic by Cozy Glow but let’s be honest...SHE HAD IT COMING FOR A LONG TIME!
2. How They Portrayed Twilight
Get it...cause the sun...and the moon...and twilight is the middle of the day and night...nevermind.
But seriously though, Twilight is my favorite character in the entire series...but I hated how she was portrayed as a worrywart the entire time...WHEN SHE DIDN’T HAVE TO BE! So instead of calling the one other pony that:
Can easily be a third party to solve the argument based on experiences with both Celestia and Luna
Saw with her eyes the battle between both sisters
Brought the two princesses back together in the first place
Helped Luna with internal struggles on multiple occasions
Has. A. Close. Relationship. With. Celestia. And. Luna.
Has known Celestia and Luna longer
We go with a psychopathic impulsive magic using unicorn that brainwashed a town and messed up multiple timelines just for the sake of being bitter about losing her friend over a cutie mark...BECAUSE LOGIC!
Here’s how Twilight could’ve easily solved the problem if she was chosen: Simply with take with both princesses or talk with them separately about their issues and her experiences with the other sister. This would’ve made the episode ten times better for me. Twilight can stop being nervous around the princesses because she can see first hand that they aren’t perfect. They executed that in the comics and did it better.
3. Celestia and Luna Arguing
I’m going to be honest...when I wanted the princesses to get character development...turning them into whiny teenagers who fight and have a competition to prove something over who has the hardest job isn’t what I had in mind. And Luna won by the way, she has to protect the dream realm and save ponies from their nightmares, Celestia couldn’t even handle Starlight’s without Luna’s help and she straight up admitted to that. Honestly Twilight’s fears of having Nightmare Moon return would scare me too considering all it takes is the princesses arguing to the point where they turn evil AND SPEAKING OF WHICH...
4. Solar Flare. Wait no Nightmare Star. No Rapidash Twilight. Wait, I got it! Fiery Nightmare Moon...I mean Daybreaker.
As far as designs go...she’s literally the inverted colors of Nightmare Moon. Those are my jokes for Daybreaker’s design and name. As far as personality...she’s malicious and power hungry and wants to destroy Nightmare. Speaking of which despite Nightmare making an AMAZING return...these two are no better than Celestia and Luna arguing. Their fight serves nothing to the story and everyone kept on forgetting that it was just a dream and the only one who would be harmed would be Starlight...internally. But Daybreaker wasn’t interesting. Call me when Midnight shows up as Princess Twilight’s evil side since apparently these two have them and Cadence could possibly have one. Oh and it does confirm that Celestia and Daybreaker are the same pony. Nicole is credited as Celestia/Daybreaker as Tabitha is credited as Luna/Nightmare.
But that’s it...call me when we get a good “Princess” episode. Luna Eclipsed still reigns as best stand alone princess episode.