Hey guys, I'd like to get your thoughts on something I've been mulling over for a while.
So I've heard people criticize Discord's reformation lately, saying that while at least characters like Starlight, Sunset, and others are
trying to be good and nice friends with others, Discord is still a massive jerk who just isn't evil anymore. And to be honest, I have no intention of contradicting that, it is what it is. But there is another perspective to look at it from that I think might offer more insight as to how solid their "reformations" really are.
See, just about every character who reformed themselves didn't really have all that much of a choice. There were many different reasons why this was the case, and while many of them could possibly have just run away like Chrysalis, the truth of the situations at hand were that there simply wasn't any logical option other than to try to join the good guys. I'm not saying it makes their attempts to improve themselves ingenuine, but after having been beaten once, trying to stay evil would simply lead to constantly worrying about magical princesses knocking them into the dirt again.
But compare this to Discord. His reformation began at a time when he had essentially
won. He had
nothing to worry about should he try to turn all of Equestria into a funhouse mirror, yet he
wanted to change. This I think is what sets Discord wholly apart from all the other reformed villains. He could go back to being evil and try to take over at any time, and he'd probably succeed if he did. The fact that he actively reins himself in and chooses to stay on mostly friendly terms with the good guys, I think that speaks to his reformation and growth far more than any amount of times Sunset or Starlight help save the world.
In fact, think back to when Discord and the others all went to the changeling hive. Whatever Starlight's exact motivations, the fact remains that, again, she really didn't have much choice in the matter. If the changelings take over, she won't be able to live her life. Same with Sunset saving the world from the sirens, sure it's a good thing she did, but there just wasn't another option at the time if she wants to keep living in the world. But what about Discord? He could get by just fine no matter how bad the situation gets for the ponies. But he willingly puts himself in da
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