Even if they do show progression, if thinks keep the same pace, wouldn't that make each year last about 3 ish seasons?
Night Spark - 10 years ago
Yes definitely but we shouldn't start seeing the progression till after season 5 maybe 6 because they might get carried away plus on top of that I gives the show a reason to end
On a personal note I say they start having the fans oc incorporated into the show in our own name with out them clamming it their property... reply if you agree or disagree.
Cheers!
~Night Spark
Bullet Shaba - 10 years ago
A little bit would be awesome but the cmc getting there marks is too much right now.
ShinyHappyGoth - 10 years ago
We've seen that dragon growth is a result of (or at least CAN be a result of) hoard-building. If Spike wants to grow, but not uncontrollably nor into a monster, clearly he needs a sensible investment portfolio.
I DO think that the CMCs need to get their marks eventually, or they're a dead-end plot. (Since Apple Bloom is good at arts and crafts, but her name should also be worked in somewhere, I suggest that her cutie mark should be a Happy Little Tree.)
From what I've been able to tell, it would be a significant leap, and open new comic territory, for the CMC to gradually, one by one, find their cutie marks. My reasoning:
1. The power dynamics in the trio shift, most likely envy and even desperation for whichever ends up Tail End Charlie. Learning to deal with that suggests fertile fields for plot development.
2. When all you have is a hammer... then naturally you try to nail down your friends' hidden talents. Even when your own new-found skill is manifestly unsuitable for doing so.
3. IIRC the CMC have been belittled for being blank flanks. How would acquiring their cutie marks change their relationships with other ponies? What lessons can the Mane Six teach them, that they wouldn't have been able to learn prior?
4. Need slapstick? Just wait until Pound and Pumpkin Cake enter the 'terrible twos'!
5. For more slapstick, c/f #2, but 'helping' other ponies. Being good at something, and being *competent* are two separate things.
6. The Mane Six try to do their jobs with the CMC 'helping'. Remember that at most only a year or two has elapsed in Equestria; we're not talking advancing time by *decades* (I believe Faust put Twilight's effective human age in the mid-twenties.) So there's not much need for the Mane Six to become the Old Grey Mares, unless Hasbro decrees that MLP is no longer profitable.
Since MLP's subtitle is "Friendship is Magic", it makes sense that the focus should shift from Twilight & Co. Ltd. learning the magic of friendship, to teaching what they now know. Which leads to...
7. The Mane Six try to teach what they know to the CMC. The operative term being, "try".
MASECO - 10 years ago
Before age progression, you must give Spike an alternative to size based greed.
Cheeseface Butthead - 10 years ago
I voted for other because I just want to see character development........ The age progression with the mane 6 would be a little weird........
Red Velvet - 10 years ago
To be completely honest? I really like the CMC when they are *NOT* focusing on their cutie marks. It fleshes out their personalities and character more, beyond the whole, "OMG GOTTA GET A CUTIE MARK, WE JUST GOTTA GET ONE!!!oneELEVENTY!!1" attitude, and makes them seem less...selfish, I guess? I really wanna see them move away from that, and grow, both physically and mentally. And who's to say that they can't have their cutie marks and still have adventures? To me, receiving their marks would just make the adventure of their lives start. After all, discovering who you are is just one part of the journey. ^^
Oros_Abaddon - 10 years ago
Yah know it's kinda weird when people say MLP: FIM has tons of fillers cause yah know what? That is honestly what the whole show was. They only started an overarching goal for the first time this season so I laugh every time I see a comment about how many "filler" episodes there are.
Back on topic. Yes I would love cry in tears of joy if there actually was character (age and other stuff) growth. That would be amazing. It would set bump the level of what a "family friendly" cartoon really is and I think FIM has proven itself several times.
Darklurkr23 - 10 years ago
It's gonna end some day. Might as well set up for a good series finale instead of 50 things happening at once. Plus you can devote entire episodes to more stuff and not have so much filler
BlueSkyBird - 10 years ago
@CranberrySauce: I have never seen Adventure Time. But I have seen a lot of cartoons and anime so I think age progression isn't very common. At least not very visible if any.
@Woosh: What makes people think Spike wouldn't grow? Fictional species that tends to live very long grows normally at first and then the aging progress slows down after they have matured. I see no problem with Spike growing at normal rate until he mature if the show decided to make the characters grow older.
CranberrySauce - 10 years ago
@BlueSkyBird, Adventure Time is a good example. The main character started off 12, and he's 15 now.
Woosh - 10 years ago
I highly doubt Spike would ever grow. Maybe a little, but... It's implied that dragons live a very, very long time. Seriously, who takes 100 year NAPS? If he were to grow naturally, wouldn't it take longer than 5 years for him to even be near halfway fully grown? I don't know. The possibility of him ever getting to a fully-grown mare's height in the show's time seems unlikely to me.
BlueSkyBird - 10 years ago
I actually can't think of any cartoon or anime series I've seen where they had age progression, could anyone mention any? I only know live action TV shows that has this so I'd say yes to age progression in MLP:FIM, it would make it even more original as a cartoon.
Estelle - 10 years ago
@oneradicaldude: Spike would probably look different if he grew up normal rather than greed. At least that's my view on it.
Xiomara Morrill - 10 years ago
or they can grow in the branch of "canon" story
Xiomara Morrill - 10 years ago
not yet,
maybe in season 7 ;-)
or
in "future" like Twilight in "About Time",
or
future vision by "Zecora's white potion(s4e1)
oneradicaldude - 10 years ago
I'm not so sure about seeing them age on the show. If Spike ages like he did in "Secret of My Excess", no way! I preferably want to see him and the CMCs develop more character-wise and see some new abilities from them.
Michelle - 10 years ago
I'd like them to grow a little and have G5 a sequel from G4 rather than new characters. I would want the CMC have the main roles and the Mane Six supporting roles, meaning the two groups switch roles from how G4 is where the CMC are supporting characters.
Liggliluff - 10 years ago
• I'd like to see age progression, like how CMC grows up and takes the Mane 6's place and becomes the new Mane 3 (or bigger, depending on which characters are their friends). They earn their Cutie Marks and don't do their CMC-stuff no more, but takes upon new tasks instead.
• Mane 6, except Twilight, grows towards being elderly. They don't do much more action adventures and slides into becoming background characters like Granny Smith.
• Twilight grows and becomes a "real" Princess, and takes upon her a more important job. She might rule over a new kingdom in need of rescue, defence and guidance.
• Spike grows as well, but are still Twilights servant. Twilight still has her royal guards helping her, but Spike can help with more personal, closer things, of habit and nostalgia.
• Princess Celestia, Luna and Cadence won't change, and continues with their tasks they had before. They've ruled their kingdoms for 1000 years... least Celestia... Luna was trapped... and Cadence did whatever she did.
nein - 10 years ago
People seem to be forgetting that FIM is an episodic cartoon, not an anime. Age progression is never going to happen.
Pyrmappege - 10 years ago
I think it would be good, especially since the voice actor's voices are clearly aging as time goes on. Twilight is making story progression, it would be good to see the same in the CMC.
Metal0Jazz - 10 years ago
It'll be cool to see the Cutiemark Crusaders gain their cutiemarks, but I don't realy think that spike growing up or the mane six getting older is such a good idea...
Pony not a Brony - 10 years ago
I'd rather they didn't, but if they need to progress the story along and maybe give the show some kind of ending, then yeah. (though if they do age I want it to be a gradual thing)
Hence why I chose "other"
Some_Donkus - 10 years ago
Sweetie Belle's voice is clearly less squeaky than it used to be. As the voice actors age, I don't think they need to be replaced, the characters could age along with them and it still fit perfectly with the story of the show while opening new doors for the writers. Envision a couple seasons from now where the CMC and their classmates are maybe a little bigger now and have their cutie marks but that's certainly not the end of the CMC; they can start showing signs that they're becoming the next generation of local heroes with their focus no longer on cutie marks and now on serving the community much like their sisters/role model.
I don't know if any of that is a good idea or not and I seriously doubt Hasbro would let them do that, companies are usually averse to disrupting the status quo, but I could see good writers pulling it off.
This is beyond the scope of the subject but I could see it taken even further (G4.5?) as the CMC are young adults walking in the hoofsteps of their sisters/role model (right where the mane 6 were in S1), there's another club of a couple of fillies and maybe colts in Cherrilee's class perhaps carrying on the CMC title, Rarity and Rainbow Dash are household names, and Twilight is learning the true burdens of leadership; that when many others are depending on you to make big decisions, you'll have no choice but to send others into harms way to do the things that you can't... then the student has truly become the master and the world keeps turning.
Centaur71 - 10 years ago
some 'aging' is necessary to move plots along (the CMC get their cutie marks or Scootaloo's wing develop etc.) When Twilight got her Alicorn status, this ushered in a whole new division in the MLP story accounts; they even went back an revamped the title into to MLP! I believe 'aging' is needed to help define character development better as well Just my $0.02
Snail_Mail - 10 years ago
I'm all up for character progress and some physical growth, but the latter not to everyone.
CMC I can understand that they get their cutie marks, or at least stand as tall as "teenager"-height. Perhaps an episode where their growth is not only physical and mental, but also on the aspects of responsibilities? And will turn into an episode of cutie marks vs society's expectations on what we should grow up as (AB suddenly taking on more labor jobs in SAA, when she instead is more at peace with organizing and finances; SB being introduced by her sister to the fashion world, when she has an inkling to be a singer; SL being... well... actually, I got nothing).
Spike? While many would argue he's a dragon and logically point out that dragons shouldn't physically grow quickly, take note that Twilight got Spike as an egg when she was a filly. Right now, Twilight's probably in her equivalent-"20's", while Spike sounds and acts like a 10-year-old kid, so it's safe to say his dragon-species grows as fast as a pony, more or less. (It's important to note I said -his- dragon-species, to allow the prospect that he's a different dragon from the rest, so that both long-living and short-living dragons can exist in the world)
Would be nice to have the Cakes grow up into toddlers, and have Pinkie worry-warting over them like a surrogate mother. She already showed her clingy-motherly-side in that episode where Rainbow Dash left the group, so why not put on your continuity hat and have that as part of an episode?
Overall, I'm not against the idea of showing age-progression, but it has to be put in a more reasonable spotlight, rather than the two extremes of having either EVERYONE grow up, or NO ONE grow up.
Deadstones - 10 years ago
I really don't see any way they could continue the show without giving the crusaders their marks at some point.
L4R63N7 - 10 years ago
I would like to see the crusaders finally get their marks. They've been failing for so long, it would be nice to see them finally succeed. But I would like to see it happen one pony at a time. I don't want to see an episode where all three miraculously have an epiphany and then BOOM! cutie marks (though this is probably how it will go). But as far as the characters aging and spike growing up, I would prefer the ponies stay as they are. I just have this uneasy feeling about them getting older. Like, if they aged and looked different, they somehow wouldn't be the same characters anymore. But that sounds rather extreme. Who am I to say what will and won't work? The writers have done amazing stuff with the show. Despite some of the things in the show that I really didn't care for at first (Rarity), I have re-watched those episodes and find I have a new found love for them (Rarity is awesome!). So, if they want to progress the show by making the characters age and grow, more power to them. If they can make Equestria Girls work (sort of), then there's no reason to doubt they could take a concept such as this and make it work too. I don't necessarily see this happening in the future, but who knows, a lot can happen in five years.
ShadowGentleman - 10 years ago
I could see the CMC growing, getting their cutie marks, and deciding to recruit younger ponies to be the new CMC. Spike will still have dragon swag no matter what the age, so no real problems there.
Rockpath5 - 10 years ago
I have no strong opinion one way or the other.
anonymous - 10 years ago
I DON'T want the CMC to get cutie marks. Their struggle of finding out who they are is something many people can relate to, and a big part of their character. If they did get their cutie marks, what would they do? They wouldn't be the CMC anymore, and since almost every episode that involves them has something to do with getting their cutie marks, they wouldn't have anything to DO anymore. They'd be about as important as any background pony. I also do not want to see any physical aging, since it would alter how the character looks and probably end up making the character(s) look weird. Mental aging would be okay, though, along with mentions of birthdays now and again.
roboTurkey - 10 years ago
Really? I was just thinking about this today. hahaha I think it would be amazing, especially now that Sweetie Belle's voice is noticeably deeper in Twilight Time. And yes, I would definitely watch a spinoff with the CMCs as older ponies. Heck, I'd watch it if they made a Strawberry Shortcake crossover. lol
Invader TAK - 10 years ago
I feel the CMC getting their cutie marks would be a good way to signal that the show's about ready to wrap up and it should be saved for the final season.
Ebonysdagger - 10 years ago
I'm okay with age progression for most everyone. Spike I don't think would show any real aging regardless of how much time passes. He is still a baby dragon even though he is clearly only a handful of years younger than the mane 6. Even if this show were to do a time skip of 50 years I doubt we would see him much older than maybe a tween by then.
Dogman15 - 10 years ago
I want to see some aging, like with the CMC and Pound and Pumpkin Cake, and the other kids/foals, but not necessarily the CMC getting their cutie marks - yet.
Somebrony - 10 years ago
Some aging would be nice to go along the fact that at least one whole year has gone by in the show based on the Summer Sun Celebration.
One year worth of physical aging for four seasons worth of show seems like a fair trade to me. While the CMCs might dial back their stunts, I can imagine the Cakes' foals keeping them on edge... http://dstears.deviantart.com/art/Are-These-Yours-405964389
As for Spike, most people agree that dragons should grow more slowly and live much longer so aging him up one year should not make much of a difference... except possibly making him too heavy for Twilight-back rides. Then again, we have his episode where it seems his size and temperament are tied to his hoard so as long as he is not allowed to start hoarding, there would hypothetically be little to no physical growth.
I'm in the middle with this one. I would love to see the CMCs get their cutie marks eventually, maybe within the last season or so. I'm down for some character progression age-wise, but it would have to fit into or add to the story without messing it up.
amychno - 10 years ago
I suppose what is being said makes a good point but seeing how the CMC try to get their cutie marks is in a comic style way which results in them always failing, that adds humor to the show, if they did get their cutie marks then would that take away the humor?. And for Twilight well thinking back to what Megan McCarthy said "We didn't want to do was change who Twilight is as a character, because she’s certainly someone that everyone’s proud to know and love" If they did make a big change to her then that would change the show completely which would cause the brony fan to fade away then Hasbro would loose money, which is something that they do not want to do. I think some people are having big ideas and worries and all this but must say they Hasbro will try to keep the show as entertaining as possible because if the characters do change then it might take feel of the show away, look at Peter Griffin and Homer Simpson, they have not changed in years and the Simpsons has over 20 seasons and family Guy is up to season 12
Mandy - 10 years ago
We already saw Spike grow up, because of greed. Dragons don't grow the way other creatures do so he will stay the way he is as long as he doesn't turn into a greedy jerk again. Besides, a grown up Spike would suck, he's perfect the way he is.
Flutterlicious - 10 years ago
Cutie Marks...Yes. Spike growing....NO.
Magic - 10 years ago
I do what some of this, however, it has to be within reason. I want to see the CMC get their marks. I want to see Spike grow some. However, I don't want to see characters disappearing, or similar things. What I want to see is Progression. Characters fulfill some things, and so on. Things happen, but they don't go crazy. Now that is the realistic idea.
But everyone has headcanon, and mine more or less includes the Mane 6 as alicorns that serve as heirs to the royal pony sisters. This line of thought is beginning to make more sense, in a way. Now, that part is just and idea, it probably won't happen. If it does, I totally called it though.
Even still, everyone has different ideas of what could happen, so don't crush me for mine, and I won't crush you for yours!
I would like to see a grown up Spike flirting with Rarity ;) His age fascinates me as clearly he is only 4 or so years younger than Twilight as she was very young when he hatched and he must not be a kid as I'm sure Twilight would have put in him the school with the CMC if he was instead of putting him to work as her assistant. Maybe they could find something other than greed that makes him grow? But the show may not do this as an older Spike may loose the cute factor.
I would love to see the CMC get their cutie marks. I think one getting it before the other two would make an interesting episode as there could be the question of can you still be in the CMC if you have your cutie mark?
Bryce Kanyon - 10 years ago
It's not so much that I would rather see them age physically, such as increasing by an age or getting slightly taller, but what I admire with the current season of the show and so forth is that each character is at least maturing in a more mental phase. Though the CMC are still kids, they are rapidly progressing in maturity they are starting to take responsibility as seen when they admit their mistakes like the recent episode of Season 4. But there's one thing the show must understand (If they haven't already): The CMC cannot be blank flanks forever and it's not like doing so is going to mean either the end of the show or the end of the Crusaders. The signs of their talents have been clear at least in one episode of the first season and the best I can see them getting their cutie marks (IMO) is that they repeat the same song but having Sweetie Belle doing the singing, Scootaloo at choreography (possibly some scoot tricks) and "possibly" Apple Bloom at setwork (Maybe back-up singing) and I can just picture a glowing imagery of their cutie marks appearing by the time they reach the final verse of their song to a huge uproar of applause from the fans... That's just what I think anyway. So until then, I hope to see further character progression and maturity whether its from our main cast, supporting cast, or whichever works smashingly well.
Derpy - 10 years ago
I would like to see the CMC to get their cutie marks but Spike growing up might ruin the show...
serbian_swag - 10 years ago
If you look closely, it appears that Twilight's horn is a little longer in the newest episode than at the end of season 3. I bet in a few seasons she's going to look more like the other princesses.
Emptybee - 10 years ago
I think we'll see Spike and the CMC gain maturity, but physically remain the same. DHX has 4 seasons of baby dragon/filly art assets to draw from - if the characters grow they have to start over from scratch.
Telus - 10 years ago
Spike won't grow unless he gets more greedy, as explained by previous episodes. CMC will have to grow, they can't go blank flank forever. The show has already stated age by an Episode where Fluttershy explains that she is older than RainbowDash. Twilight already looks somewhat older, mainly because of her added wings, and the other characters show sign of emotional advancement, but not physical advancement. (That's visible to us) Most shows don't have characters get older, look at shows such as... Simpsons. Lisa is still 1. Family guy, Stewie is still 2. I think there will be minor progression in character development, but maybe not a whole lot of physical developement, with Twilight being an exception, and maybe, (and hopefully) the CMC will get cutie marks and age up a bit.
ShinyCharlizard - 10 years ago
I want MLP to last for as long as possible and that's not going to happen if the show never changes. The best way I can see that change happening is with character progression. Who knows, maybe G5 will be based on the cutie mark crusaders in the same world but aged slightly! I would love that!
Niko Johns - 10 years ago
It was Laurens goal from the beginning to have each character grow and achieve goals throughout the seasons. Like alicorn Twilight. Lauren wanted Twilight to "become Celestias successor" and she did, Rarity would get a boutique in Canterlot (which we haven't seen yet) and so on.
So yes, I do believe we will see them "grow".
Compare current CMCs to CMCs being babysat by Fluttershy. They're already acting a bit older. Like they went from 3rd grade to 5th.
doublepinkiepie - 10 years ago
There is going to have to be some age progression if the show wishes to stay strong for five more years. I know shows like the simpsons made it to season 9 without losing too much integrity but the show, being for small children, has a limited ways they can develop and explore the characters without them progressing.
platinumpika - 10 years ago
Let's be honest, guys. The series has been going for four seasons, and spike has still not grown an inch. We know that spike does grow, because of twilight's history with him. He was hatched out of an egg in one scene, where he did resemble an infant. Also, let's not forget how long the writers have been dragging out the crusades of the three determined fillies. I think it's about time to see at least some progression in age with characters who have been otherwise neglected on the topic. All we have seen after 3 seasons was Twilight getting her wings, which leads us all to believe that Twilight is the only character worthwhile, when we want to focus on other characters like Pinkie or Applejack. This is a main grievance to the show's reputation, and left us all a bit confused at first. But to many these days, we think that writers are picking favorites (at least that's how I feel).
hugo - 10 years ago
MAMAHEEN
fyn - 10 years ago
@onex What you just said reminded me of my favorite episode of puke island.
TERRY - 10 years ago
Ok, I'm gonna have to answer that with a big fat NO.
onex - 10 years ago
It looks like truth and justice (i.e. age progression) is winning. Come on, MLP: grab another weapon against the "reset the universe after every episode" shows!
TigeR - 10 years ago
Did I... did I really just give the first vote? What? That never happens!
Even if they do show progression, if thinks keep the same pace, wouldn't that make each year last about 3 ish seasons?
Yes definitely but we shouldn't start seeing the progression till after season 5 maybe 6 because they might get carried away plus on top of that I gives the show a reason to end
On a personal note I say they start having the fans oc incorporated into the show in our own name with out them clamming it their property... reply if you agree or disagree.
Cheers!
~Night Spark
A little bit would be awesome but the cmc getting there marks is too much right now.
We've seen that dragon growth is a result of (or at least CAN be a result of) hoard-building. If Spike wants to grow, but not uncontrollably nor into a monster, clearly he needs a sensible investment portfolio.
I DO think that the CMCs need to get their marks eventually, or they're a dead-end plot. (Since Apple Bloom is good at arts and crafts, but her name should also be worked in somewhere, I suggest that her cutie mark should be a Happy Little Tree.)
From what I've been able to tell, it would be a significant leap, and open new comic territory, for the CMC to gradually, one by one, find their cutie marks. My reasoning:
1. The power dynamics in the trio shift, most likely envy and even desperation for whichever ends up Tail End Charlie. Learning to deal with that suggests fertile fields for plot development.
2. When all you have is a hammer... then naturally you try to nail down your friends' hidden talents. Even when your own new-found skill is manifestly unsuitable for doing so.
3. IIRC the CMC have been belittled for being blank flanks. How would acquiring their cutie marks change their relationships with other ponies? What lessons can the Mane Six teach them, that they wouldn't have been able to learn prior?
4. Need slapstick? Just wait until Pound and Pumpkin Cake enter the 'terrible twos'!
5. For more slapstick, c/f #2, but 'helping' other ponies. Being good at something, and being *competent* are two separate things.
6. The Mane Six try to do their jobs with the CMC 'helping'. Remember that at most only a year or two has elapsed in Equestria; we're not talking advancing time by *decades* (I believe Faust put Twilight's effective human age in the mid-twenties.) So there's not much need for the Mane Six to become the Old Grey Mares, unless Hasbro decrees that MLP is no longer profitable.
Since MLP's subtitle is "Friendship is Magic", it makes sense that the focus should shift from Twilight & Co. Ltd. learning the magic of friendship, to teaching what they now know. Which leads to...
7. The Mane Six try to teach what they know to the CMC. The operative term being, "try".
Before age progression, you must give Spike an alternative to size based greed.
I voted for other because I just want to see character development........ The age progression with the mane 6 would be a little weird........
To be completely honest? I really like the CMC when they are *NOT* focusing on their cutie marks. It fleshes out their personalities and character more, beyond the whole, "OMG GOTTA GET A CUTIE MARK, WE JUST GOTTA GET ONE!!!oneELEVENTY!!1" attitude, and makes them seem less...selfish, I guess? I really wanna see them move away from that, and grow, both physically and mentally. And who's to say that they can't have their cutie marks and still have adventures? To me, receiving their marks would just make the adventure of their lives start. After all, discovering who you are is just one part of the journey. ^^
Yah know it's kinda weird when people say MLP: FIM has tons of fillers cause yah know what? That is honestly what the whole show was. They only started an overarching goal for the first time this season so I laugh every time I see a comment about how many "filler" episodes there are.
Back on topic. Yes I would love cry in tears of joy if there actually was character (age and other stuff) growth. That would be amazing. It would set bump the level of what a "family friendly" cartoon really is and I think FIM has proven itself several times.
It's gonna end some day. Might as well set up for a good series finale instead of 50 things happening at once. Plus you can devote entire episodes to more stuff and not have so much filler
@CranberrySauce: I have never seen Adventure Time. But I have seen a lot of cartoons and anime so I think age progression isn't very common. At least not very visible if any.
@Woosh: What makes people think Spike wouldn't grow? Fictional species that tends to live very long grows normally at first and then the aging progress slows down after they have matured. I see no problem with Spike growing at normal rate until he mature if the show decided to make the characters grow older.
@BlueSkyBird, Adventure Time is a good example. The main character started off 12, and he's 15 now.
I highly doubt Spike would ever grow. Maybe a little, but... It's implied that dragons live a very, very long time. Seriously, who takes 100 year NAPS? If he were to grow naturally, wouldn't it take longer than 5 years for him to even be near halfway fully grown? I don't know. The possibility of him ever getting to a fully-grown mare's height in the show's time seems unlikely to me.
I actually can't think of any cartoon or anime series I've seen where they had age progression, could anyone mention any? I only know live action TV shows that has this so I'd say yes to age progression in MLP:FIM, it would make it even more original as a cartoon.
@oneradicaldude: Spike would probably look different if he grew up normal rather than greed. At least that's my view on it.
or they can grow in the branch of "canon" story
not yet,
maybe in season 7 ;-)
or
in "future" like Twilight in "About Time",
or
future vision by "Zecora's white potion(s4e1)
I'm not so sure about seeing them age on the show. If Spike ages like he did in "Secret of My Excess", no way! I preferably want to see him and the CMCs develop more character-wise and see some new abilities from them.
I'd like them to grow a little and have G5 a sequel from G4 rather than new characters. I would want the CMC have the main roles and the Mane Six supporting roles, meaning the two groups switch roles from how G4 is where the CMC are supporting characters.
• I'd like to see age progression, like how CMC grows up and takes the Mane 6's place and becomes the new Mane 3 (or bigger, depending on which characters are their friends). They earn their Cutie Marks and don't do their CMC-stuff no more, but takes upon new tasks instead.
• Mane 6, except Twilight, grows towards being elderly. They don't do much more action adventures and slides into becoming background characters like Granny Smith.
• Twilight grows and becomes a "real" Princess, and takes upon her a more important job. She might rule over a new kingdom in need of rescue, defence and guidance.
• Spike grows as well, but are still Twilights servant. Twilight still has her royal guards helping her, but Spike can help with more personal, closer things, of habit and nostalgia.
• Princess Celestia, Luna and Cadence won't change, and continues with their tasks they had before. They've ruled their kingdoms for 1000 years... least Celestia... Luna was trapped... and Cadence did whatever she did.
People seem to be forgetting that FIM is an episodic cartoon, not an anime. Age progression is never going to happen.
I think it would be good, especially since the voice actor's voices are clearly aging as time goes on. Twilight is making story progression, it would be good to see the same in the CMC.
It'll be cool to see the Cutiemark Crusaders gain their cutiemarks, but I don't realy think that spike growing up or the mane six getting older is such a good idea...
I'd rather they didn't, but if they need to progress the story along and maybe give the show some kind of ending, then yeah. (though if they do age I want it to be a gradual thing)
Hence why I chose "other"
Sweetie Belle's voice is clearly less squeaky than it used to be. As the voice actors age, I don't think they need to be replaced, the characters could age along with them and it still fit perfectly with the story of the show while opening new doors for the writers. Envision a couple seasons from now where the CMC and their classmates are maybe a little bigger now and have their cutie marks but that's certainly not the end of the CMC; they can start showing signs that they're becoming the next generation of local heroes with their focus no longer on cutie marks and now on serving the community much like their sisters/role model.
I don't know if any of that is a good idea or not and I seriously doubt Hasbro would let them do that, companies are usually averse to disrupting the status quo, but I could see good writers pulling it off.
This is beyond the scope of the subject but I could see it taken even further (G4.5?) as the CMC are young adults walking in the hoofsteps of their sisters/role model (right where the mane 6 were in S1), there's another club of a couple of fillies and maybe colts in Cherrilee's class perhaps carrying on the CMC title, Rarity and Rainbow Dash are household names, and Twilight is learning the true burdens of leadership; that when many others are depending on you to make big decisions, you'll have no choice but to send others into harms way to do the things that you can't... then the student has truly become the master and the world keeps turning.
some 'aging' is necessary to move plots along (the CMC get their cutie marks or Scootaloo's wing develop etc.) When Twilight got her Alicorn status, this ushered in a whole new division in the MLP story accounts; they even went back an revamped the title into to MLP! I believe 'aging' is needed to help define character development better as well Just my $0.02
I'm all up for character progress and some physical growth, but the latter not to everyone.
CMC I can understand that they get their cutie marks, or at least stand as tall as "teenager"-height. Perhaps an episode where their growth is not only physical and mental, but also on the aspects of responsibilities? And will turn into an episode of cutie marks vs society's expectations on what we should grow up as (AB suddenly taking on more labor jobs in SAA, when she instead is more at peace with organizing and finances; SB being introduced by her sister to the fashion world, when she has an inkling to be a singer; SL being... well... actually, I got nothing).
Spike? While many would argue he's a dragon and logically point out that dragons shouldn't physically grow quickly, take note that Twilight got Spike as an egg when she was a filly. Right now, Twilight's probably in her equivalent-"20's", while Spike sounds and acts like a 10-year-old kid, so it's safe to say his dragon-species grows as fast as a pony, more or less. (It's important to note I said -his- dragon-species, to allow the prospect that he's a different dragon from the rest, so that both long-living and short-living dragons can exist in the world)
Would be nice to have the Cakes grow up into toddlers, and have Pinkie worry-warting over them like a surrogate mother. She already showed her clingy-motherly-side in that episode where Rainbow Dash left the group, so why not put on your continuity hat and have that as part of an episode?
Overall, I'm not against the idea of showing age-progression, but it has to be put in a more reasonable spotlight, rather than the two extremes of having either EVERYONE grow up, or NO ONE grow up.
I really don't see any way they could continue the show without giving the crusaders their marks at some point.
I would like to see the crusaders finally get their marks. They've been failing for so long, it would be nice to see them finally succeed. But I would like to see it happen one pony at a time. I don't want to see an episode where all three miraculously have an epiphany and then BOOM! cutie marks (though this is probably how it will go). But as far as the characters aging and spike growing up, I would prefer the ponies stay as they are. I just have this uneasy feeling about them getting older. Like, if they aged and looked different, they somehow wouldn't be the same characters anymore. But that sounds rather extreme. Who am I to say what will and won't work? The writers have done amazing stuff with the show. Despite some of the things in the show that I really didn't care for at first (Rarity), I have re-watched those episodes and find I have a new found love for them (Rarity is awesome!). So, if they want to progress the show by making the characters age and grow, more power to them. If they can make Equestria Girls work (sort of), then there's no reason to doubt they could take a concept such as this and make it work too. I don't necessarily see this happening in the future, but who knows, a lot can happen in five years.
I could see the CMC growing, getting their cutie marks, and deciding to recruit younger ponies to be the new CMC. Spike will still have dragon swag no matter what the age, so no real problems there.
I have no strong opinion one way or the other.
I DON'T want the CMC to get cutie marks. Their struggle of finding out who they are is something many people can relate to, and a big part of their character. If they did get their cutie marks, what would they do? They wouldn't be the CMC anymore, and since almost every episode that involves them has something to do with getting their cutie marks, they wouldn't have anything to DO anymore. They'd be about as important as any background pony. I also do not want to see any physical aging, since it would alter how the character looks and probably end up making the character(s) look weird. Mental aging would be okay, though, along with mentions of birthdays now and again.
Really? I was just thinking about this today. hahaha I think it would be amazing, especially now that Sweetie Belle's voice is noticeably deeper in Twilight Time. And yes, I would definitely watch a spinoff with the CMCs as older ponies. Heck, I'd watch it if they made a Strawberry Shortcake crossover. lol
I feel the CMC getting their cutie marks would be a good way to signal that the show's about ready to wrap up and it should be saved for the final season.
I'm okay with age progression for most everyone. Spike I don't think would show any real aging regardless of how much time passes. He is still a baby dragon even though he is clearly only a handful of years younger than the mane 6. Even if this show were to do a time skip of 50 years I doubt we would see him much older than maybe a tween by then.
I want to see some aging, like with the CMC and Pound and Pumpkin Cake, and the other kids/foals, but not necessarily the CMC getting their cutie marks - yet.
Some aging would be nice to go along the fact that at least one whole year has gone by in the show based on the Summer Sun Celebration.
One year worth of physical aging for four seasons worth of show seems like a fair trade to me. While the CMCs might dial back their stunts, I can imagine the Cakes' foals keeping them on edge... http://dstears.deviantart.com/art/Are-These-Yours-405964389
As for Spike, most people agree that dragons should grow more slowly and live much longer so aging him up one year should not make much of a difference... except possibly making him too heavy for Twilight-back rides. Then again, we have his episode where it seems his size and temperament are tied to his hoard so as long as he is not allowed to start hoarding, there would hypothetically be little to no physical growth.
I'm in the middle with this one. I would love to see the CMCs get their cutie marks eventually, maybe within the last season or so. I'm down for some character progression age-wise, but it would have to fit into or add to the story without messing it up.
I suppose what is being said makes a good point but seeing how the CMC try to get their cutie marks is in a comic style way which results in them always failing, that adds humor to the show, if they did get their cutie marks then would that take away the humor?. And for Twilight well thinking back to what Megan McCarthy said "We didn't want to do was change who Twilight is as a character, because she’s certainly someone that everyone’s proud to know and love" If they did make a big change to her then that would change the show completely which would cause the brony fan to fade away then Hasbro would loose money, which is something that they do not want to do. I think some people are having big ideas and worries and all this but must say they Hasbro will try to keep the show as entertaining as possible because if the characters do change then it might take feel of the show away, look at Peter Griffin and Homer Simpson, they have not changed in years and the Simpsons has over 20 seasons and family Guy is up to season 12
We already saw Spike grow up, because of greed. Dragons don't grow the way other creatures do so he will stay the way he is as long as he doesn't turn into a greedy jerk again. Besides, a grown up Spike would suck, he's perfect the way he is.
Cutie Marks...Yes. Spike growing....NO.
I do what some of this, however, it has to be within reason. I want to see the CMC get their marks. I want to see Spike grow some. However, I don't want to see characters disappearing, or similar things. What I want to see is Progression. Characters fulfill some things, and so on. Things happen, but they don't go crazy. Now that is the realistic idea.
But everyone has headcanon, and mine more or less includes the Mane 6 as alicorns that serve as heirs to the royal pony sisters. This line of thought is beginning to make more sense, in a way. Now, that part is just and idea, it probably won't happen. If it does, I totally called it though.
Even still, everyone has different ideas of what could happen, so don't crush me for mine, and I won't crush you for yours!
I would like to see a grown up Spike flirting with Rarity ;) His age fascinates me as clearly he is only 4 or so years younger than Twilight as she was very young when he hatched and he must not be a kid as I'm sure Twilight would have put in him the school with the CMC if he was instead of putting him to work as her assistant. Maybe they could find something other than greed that makes him grow? But the show may not do this as an older Spike may loose the cute factor.
I would love to see the CMC get their cutie marks. I think one getting it before the other two would make an interesting episode as there could be the question of can you still be in the CMC if you have your cutie mark?
It's not so much that I would rather see them age physically, such as increasing by an age or getting slightly taller, but what I admire with the current season of the show and so forth is that each character is at least maturing in a more mental phase. Though the CMC are still kids, they are rapidly progressing in maturity they are starting to take responsibility as seen when they admit their mistakes like the recent episode of Season 4. But there's one thing the show must understand (If they haven't already): The CMC cannot be blank flanks forever and it's not like doing so is going to mean either the end of the show or the end of the Crusaders. The signs of their talents have been clear at least in one episode of the first season and the best I can see them getting their cutie marks (IMO) is that they repeat the same song but having Sweetie Belle doing the singing, Scootaloo at choreography (possibly some scoot tricks) and "possibly" Apple Bloom at setwork (Maybe back-up singing) and I can just picture a glowing imagery of their cutie marks appearing by the time they reach the final verse of their song to a huge uproar of applause from the fans... That's just what I think anyway. So until then, I hope to see further character progression and maturity whether its from our main cast, supporting cast, or whichever works smashingly well.
I would like to see the CMC to get their cutie marks but Spike growing up might ruin the show...
If you look closely, it appears that Twilight's horn is a little longer in the newest episode than at the end of season 3. I bet in a few seasons she's going to look more like the other princesses.
I think we'll see Spike and the CMC gain maturity, but physically remain the same. DHX has 4 seasons of baby dragon/filly art assets to draw from - if the characters grow they have to start over from scratch.
Spike won't grow unless he gets more greedy, as explained by previous episodes. CMC will have to grow, they can't go blank flank forever. The show has already stated age by an Episode where Fluttershy explains that she is older than RainbowDash. Twilight already looks somewhat older, mainly because of her added wings, and the other characters show sign of emotional advancement, but not physical advancement. (That's visible to us) Most shows don't have characters get older, look at shows such as... Simpsons. Lisa is still 1. Family guy, Stewie is still 2. I think there will be minor progression in character development, but maybe not a whole lot of physical developement, with Twilight being an exception, and maybe, (and hopefully) the CMC will get cutie marks and age up a bit.
I want MLP to last for as long as possible and that's not going to happen if the show never changes. The best way I can see that change happening is with character progression. Who knows, maybe G5 will be based on the cutie mark crusaders in the same world but aged slightly! I would love that!
It was Laurens goal from the beginning to have each character grow and achieve goals throughout the seasons. Like alicorn Twilight. Lauren wanted Twilight to "become Celestias successor" and she did, Rarity would get a boutique in Canterlot (which we haven't seen yet) and so on.
So yes, I do believe we will see them "grow".
Compare current CMCs to CMCs being babysat by Fluttershy. They're already acting a bit older. Like they went from 3rd grade to 5th.
There is going to have to be some age progression if the show wishes to stay strong for five more years. I know shows like the simpsons made it to season 9 without losing too much integrity but the show, being for small children, has a limited ways they can develop and explore the characters without them progressing.
Let's be honest, guys. The series has been going for four seasons, and spike has still not grown an inch. We know that spike does grow, because of twilight's history with him. He was hatched out of an egg in one scene, where he did resemble an infant. Also, let's not forget how long the writers have been dragging out the crusades of the three determined fillies. I think it's about time to see at least some progression in age with characters who have been otherwise neglected on the topic. All we have seen after 3 seasons was Twilight getting her wings, which leads us all to believe that Twilight is the only character worthwhile, when we want to focus on other characters like Pinkie or Applejack. This is a main grievance to the show's reputation, and left us all a bit confused at first. But to many these days, we think that writers are picking favorites (at least that's how I feel).
MAMAHEEN
@onex What you just said reminded me of my favorite episode of puke island.
Ok, I'm gonna have to answer that with a big fat NO.
It looks like truth and justice (i.e. age progression) is winning. Come on, MLP: grab another weapon against the "reset the universe after every episode" shows!
Did I... did I really just give the first vote? What? That never happens!