My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic

Season 2 Analysis

Season Woke Score

1.8

out of 10

Season Overview

The second season of animated television series My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, developed by Lauren Faust, originally aired on Hub Network in the United States. The series is considered to be the fourth generation of the My Little Pony franchise, following earlier lines and television show tie-ins in the 1980s and 1990s. Season 2 of the series premiered on September 17, 2011, on Hub Network, an American pay television channel partly owned by Hasbro. The show follows a studious unicorn pony named Twilight Sparkle as her mentor Princess Celestia guides her to learn about friendship in the town of Ponyville. Twilight becomes close friends with five other ponies: Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. Each represents a different face of friendship, and Twilight discovers herself to be a key part of the magical artifacts, the "Elements of Harmony". The ponies share adventures and help out other residents of Ponyville, while working out the troublesome moments in their own friendships. Hasbro selected animator Lauren Faust as the creative director and executive producer for the show. Faust sought to challenge the established "girly" nature of the existing My Little Pony line, creating more in-depth characters and adventurous settings, incorporating Hasbro's suggestions for marketing of the toy line.

Season Review

Season 2 of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic remains anchored in traditional storytelling, emphasizing character growth through the lens of universal virtues. The narrative focuses on the 'Elements of Harmony,' which serve as an objective moral framework. Rather than dismantling institutions, the show portrays the monarchy and local community as essential structures for peace. Male characters, though in supporting roles, are depicted as protective and essential to the family unit. The season concludes with a grand celebration of a traditional marriage, reinforcing normative social structures.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics2/10

Characters are judged by their actions and adherence to the Elements of Harmony. The different pony tribes function as a meritocratic society where unique biological skills are utilized for the common good rather than used to fuel grievances.

Oikophobia1/10

The season honors the history and founding of the nation. Traditions like Hearth's Warming Eve are depicted with reverence, and the ruling Princesses are portrayed as wise, benevolent protectors of the civilization.

Feminism3/10

While the leads are female, they are frequently shown as flawed and in need of correction. Traditional masculine traits are respected in characters like Shining Armor, and the importance of family bonds is a recurring central theme.

LGBTQ+1/10

The show follows normative structures without deviation. The season's major narrative arc culminates in a traditional royal wedding between a stallion and a mare, centering the nuclear family model.

Anti-Theism2/10

The show operates on a foundation of objective truth and transcendent moral laws. Characters seek guidance from higher authorities and believe in the power of redemption and spiritual-like harmony.