MY LITTLE PONY 7

Episode 719 / 403-719

"To Change a Changeling”

Written by

Kevin Lappin

As Broadcast Script: May 23rd, 2017

               Kelly Sheridan as STARLIGHT GLIMMER, GREEN CHANGELING
                          Kyle Rideout as THORAX, PASSING CHANGELING
                                             Kathleen Barr as TRIXIE
                                              Bill Newton as PHARYNX
  Ian Hanlin as CHANGELING 1, ASSISTANT CHANGELING, YOUNG CHANGELING
            Ellen – Ray Hennessy as GROUP LEADER, PAINTED CHANGELING
                         Ashleigh Ball as CHANGELING 2, CHANGELING 3

                            
Teaser
SC. 1 - Ext. Changeling hive - day
Starlight glimmer
Ha! Straight to the changeling hive. I told you I could do it.
Trixie
Well, not exactly "straight” Starlight. We've been popping all around Equestria, and we still have to walk.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
It's like twelve steps away. Before Chrysalis' throne was destroyed, the closest magic would have gotten us was way over there. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER (CONT'D)
On a scale of one-to-ten, how happy do you think Thorax is going to be about our surprise visit?
TRIXIE
Definitely ten. I mean, who wouldn't be happy at the chance to marvel at the overwhelming talent that is... the Great and Powerful Trixie? 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Trixie, we're coming to offer Thorax encouragement and support. His letters make it seem like the responsibilities of being the changeling leader are a little overwhelming.
TRIXIE
Yeah, I know. That's basically what I said.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
He's dealing with the wants and needs of his subjects, redesigning the hive, a Dread Maulwurf wrecking havoc outside--
TRIXIE
It does sound like a lot, but... are you sure that last thing is real.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
The Dread Maulwurf? Sure it is. Thorax said it's like half-bear, half-mole, half-raging pile of claws.
StaRLIGHT GLIMMER (CONT'D)
But now that the changelings don't feed on the love of everything around them, plants have started to grow back. But this Maulwurf keeps eating them all up.
TRIXie
Maulwurf. Uh-huh. You're just trying to scare me. But it won't work, because not only am I the Great and Powerful, I am also the Unscareable Trixie.
TRIXIE (CONT'D)
Please tell me Thorax also mentioned a terrifying-looking changeling who greets visitors but is actually nice?
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Nope.
BlACK CHANGELING
And I'm not nice.
TRIXIE
Starlight, you got us here, I'll take us home. Teleportation spell, go!
Trixie (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Did I save us?
StarLIGHT GLIMMER (o.S.)
Nope.
End teaser
main credits
Act 1
Sc. 2 - int. bag - a little later
Trixie
What are you waiting for? Use some magic to get us out of here!
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Calm down, Unscareable Trixie. We have to find out what's going on. Thorax might need our help.
TRIXIE
We need our help! Teleportation spell, go! 
Teleportation spell, go! 
Teleportation spell… 
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Why do you keep doing that? You know it doesn't work that way.
TRIXIE
I know! But this is my process.
Sc. 3 - int. Changeling hive - throne room - continuous
Black CHANGELING
I captured these trespassers.
Thorax (O.S.)
Starlight? Trixie?
THORAX (CONT'D)
It's okay, Pharynx. You can let them go.
Black changeling/Pharynx
But they were lurking on our grounds! In the old days I would have already feasted on their love.
THORAX
Well, that's why they're called the old days. Because they're old. We don't do that anymore. 
Pharynx
I liked the old days better.
ThoRAX
What are you two doing here?
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
We wanted to surprise you. Surprise!
ThoRAX
Well, it's great to see you. I'm sorry about the welcome committee.
StaRLIGHT GLIMMER
I thought Ember helped you get more assertive so you could deal with all the renegade changelings who didn't want to change?
THORAX
Oh, she did. Really helpful. I was able to convince all of them to change... except one of them. My brother.
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Your brother?!
THORAX
Yep. Pharynx is my elder brood mate. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Oh, yeah. You guys have the same... eye shape?
Pharynx
What a ridiculous comparison. We are nothing alike.
Thorax
Stop doing that! The holes in the walls are a thing of the past.
PHARYNX
The hive looked better with holes.
ThoRAX
Well,how about I show you the rest of the hive where it's less loud and bang-y?
Sc. 4 - int. changeling hive - common room - later
Thorax
There've been a lot of changes since you were here last. I'm trying to start some new activities since the only thing we did before was hunt and patrol. There's theater, swing dancing, a once a week potluck luncheon... Ooh, and who can change shape and organized craft time? This guy!
Starlight GLIMMER
I am really impressed, Thorax. The hive, all the activities -- 
PAINTED CHANGELING
He did it again! Pharynx dumped an entire can of black paint on me! He said my fuchsia color wasn't "intimidating to our enemies." What enemies?! 
THORAX
I am so sorry. I promise I'll talk to him. 
PAINTED CHANGELING
You're the ruler of the hive, Thorax. You need to do more than talk! 
trixie
Well. Maybe not everything here is amazing.
StaRLIGHT GLIMMER
Seriously, Thorax. What is up with your brother?
THORAX
Pharynx used to be Head of Patrol. But now we're peaceful, there's no need to patrol, so he just stalks around the hive making everyone miserable. The other changelings are sick of it and if I can't get him to accept love and friendship and change like the rest of us, everything I've done here is at risk.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
We know a thing or two about what it's like to be outsiders. Maybe we could talk to him for you.
THORAX
Do you really think you can help?
Trixie
Thorax, if there's anypony who can help your brother... it's me. And with Starlight helping, it might take slightly longer, but I guarantee you we can do it.
Assistant changeling
Thorax, we're ready to start on the trail of plants to lead the Maulwurf away.
THORAX
I have to head outside. You're sure you're okay handling Pharynx?
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Absolutely!
TrixIE
Yeah. We totally got this!
End of act 1
Act 2
Sc. 5 - int. Changeling hive - commom room - moments later
Trixie
So. How do you want to play this? I'm thinking good pony/bad pony. You yell and blast him with magic, while my natural charisma will convince him that-- Starlight?
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Hey, Pharynx. I know when we first met, it didn't go so well...
Pharynx
I put you in a bag. I thought it went great.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Right. So... not a big fan of the vines, huh?
PHARYNX
They're a safety hazard. An enemy could hide in them, or use them as weapons. I don't even know why they're here. 
sTARLIGHT GLIMMER
Because they're pretty?
PHARYNX
That's ridiculous.
starLIGHT GLIMMER
Totally. We get you. But maybe don't express how you feel by destroying them?
Pharynx
I don't take advice from ponies. The only thing I take from you is breakfast. At least I used to.
Trixie
You know, you're a lot like us.
PHARYNX
Doubt it.
TRIXIE
It's true. Do you know who Twilight Sparkle is?
PHARYNX
No.
TRIXIE
Well, she's the most well-liked, studious, do-goodiest pony in Equestria.
PHARYNX
She sounds awful.
TRIXIE
Oh, you'd hate her. I used to. 
She made me unsure about my place in the world, which led me to act out against her. 
StaRLIGHT GLIMMER
And I used to be a dictator who ran a village with an iron hoof! 
Pharynx
Really? Hmm. Maybe you two do understand me.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Yes! We do! But now, Trixie has come to terms with being second-best--
STARLIGHT GLIMMER (CONT'D)
--and I no longer control ponies against their will. And our lives are so much better for it.
Pharynx
Wow. So you're both losers. Stay away from me, or I'll do to you what I did to the vines.
thorax
Well, operation Lead Maulwurf away is coming along. How'd it go with Pharynx?
starLIGHT GLIMMER
Your brother is... challenging.
Thorax
That bad, huh? 
staRLIGHT GLIMMER
It wasn't great.
THORAX
Wanna talk it out? You can come with me to the Feelings Forum.
Trixie
The Feeling what, now?
THORAX
It's a place for changelings to express their feelings so we all gain a better understanding of each other. It's really helped bring the hive closer together.
Sc. 6 - int. changeling hive - feelings forum - later
GREEN changeling
Sometimes I feel like I'm a blue changeling. Sometimes I feel like I'm a purple changeling. But here I am, a green one.
Group leader
You can be anything you want to be. Be blue one day and purple the next. Be both on the same day!
Green changeling
But then I feel like I'd be living a lie.
Group leader
It's very brave of you to share something so personal. Does anyone else have similar concerns?
Changeling 1
I used to, but craft time has given me such a creative outlet I feel great now.
Changeling 2
Everyone loves craft time.
changeling 1
Well... everyone except for you-know-who.
changeling 2
Yeah. You-know-who spends all his craft time making spears.
changeling 1
He's scary and intimidating. You-know-who makes me uncomfortable.
Green Changeling
He makes us all uncomfortable!
Thorax
Everyone, please, I understand Pharynx can be challenging at times--
changeling 1
That's an understatement. He lined the hallway with thorns!
Changeling 2
He teaches little changelings to growl and hiss!
Changeling 3
My soup is too hot! 
ChaNGELING 3 (CONT'D)
What? I thought the Feelings Forum was for sharing our problems? 
Pharynx (O.S.)
It sounds like your lame Feelings Forum is for talking about me behind my back.
GroUP LEADER
The Feelings Forum is for talking about anything that's bothering you. Is there something you'd like to share, Pharynx?
PHARYNX
Actually, there is. The changelings used to be a fearsome swarm. Now we sit around talking about our feelings so much you can't even stop a Maulwurf from eating all your pretty plants. I could've sent that thing packing before, but I guess now we'll just try to lead it away and hope that keeps us safe! 
changeling 1
I don't feel safe with him around.
changeling 2
I'd feel safer if he were gone.
ThORAX
I can't do that.
Entire group
We want him banished!
Changeling 3
Hey! My soup cooled down! These Feelings Forums are great for solving problems!
Group leader
Everyone, please, if we are interrupting each other, we are not affirming each other... That's it! Feelings Forum is over!
Sc. 7 - int. Changeling hive - tunnel - later
StarlighT GLIMMER
I…. I want to say something, but it goes against everything I've been taught as Twilight's pupil.
TRIXIE
Oh, then by all means, say it.
starLIGHT GLIMMER
I think Pharynx is a lost cause.
TRIXIE
I'm all for second chances, third even, but he just seems like a bad bug. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
And Thorax has a duty to the whole hive, not just his brother. 
TRIXIE
If he keeps sticking up for Pharynx, the hive might decide they don't want Thorax as their leader.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
I think he might have to kick Pharynx out, but I don't want to be the one to tell Thorax that.
trixie
Me neither. But somepony probably should. I nominate you.
Sc. 8 - int. Changeling hive - common room - later
staRLIGHT GLIMMER
Thorax... we have something to tell you.
ThORAX
It's about Pharynx, isn't it?
TrIXIE
Maybeeee...?
Thorax
Look, I know he's an aggressive warrior type, but when I was little, every young changeling wanted to be like that.
Sc. 9 - int. Changeling hive - TRAINING CLASS - flashback
Thorax (v.O.)
Every young changeling except me.
Thorax (V.O.)
The others would pick on me for not wanting to fight.
Young changeling
Look at the little grub playing with his dollies.
Young Pharynx (o.S.)
Step away from my brother.
Thorax (v.O.)
But Pharynx never let them hurt me.
Young changeling
We were just complimenting his dollies.
Young thorax
Thanks, Pharynx.
Young Pharynx
Why are you hitting yourself? Stop hitting yourself. Why are you hitting yourself?
YOUNG THORAX
Ouch! Cut it out, Pharynx!
Young PharYNX
They're right, you know. You need to have tougher skin.
Sc. 10 - int. Changeling hive - common room - present time
trixie
Awwww. That was a really sweet story-- until the end.
ThoRAX
I know Pharynx loved me, in his own way. And I know there's still good in him. That's why I keep sticking up for him. Anyway, what did you want to talk to me about?
TRIXIE
Me? No. But Starlight has something she'd--
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Actually, Thorax, um... never mind. Come on, Trixie, we've got... a thing to do.
Sc. 11 - int. Changeling hive - tunnel - continuous
Trixie
What are you doing? I thought we agreed you'd tell Thorax he had to kick his brother out of the hive.
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Maybe we don't have to. Get Pharynx and meet me at the hive entrance. I'll explain everything.
TriXIE
And how am I supposed to know where Pharynx is?!
Passing changeling
I just saw Pharynx.
TRIXIE
Oh. Well, that was easy.
Sc. 12 - Ext. Changeling hive - entrance - later
StarlighT GLIMMER
We'll just use one problem to solve another. I switched the trail of plants around to lure the Maulwurf here. The changelings may not be able to stop it anymore, but Pharynx certainly can. When it attacks, he'll save his brother, showing everypony his good side. The others will accept him and Pharynx will finally let love and friendship into his life and transform!
Trixie
Wow.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
I know, right? Great idea. Where's Pharynx?
TRIXIE
He's gone. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Gone like gone to the throne room?
Trixie
Gone like gone. One of the changelings said Pharynx left the hive for good.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Then who's going to stop the Dread Maulwurf I'm leading here?!
End of act 2
Act 3
Sc. 13 - int. Changeling hive - common room - later
Starlight GLIMMER
Thorax! There you are! Pharynx is missing--
TriXIE
Wait for it...
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
--and the Dread Maulwurf is coming this way!
Trixie
Told ya.
THORAX
That doesn't make any sense. The trail of plants should have lead the Dread Maulwurf away.
Starlight glimmer
I might have re-laid them to lead it back toward the hive.
THORAX
Why would you do that?!
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
I thought if Pharynx saw you were in danger, the loving, caring side of him would come out when he protected you.
THORAX
But instead he's out there alone somewhere between us and that rampaging monster? I have to save him.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
I'm coming with you.
THORAX
Of course you are. This is all your fault.
Trixie
Oh don't be too hard on Starlight. Her heart was in the right place.
THORAX
You’re coming too!
TrIXIE
Oh. Right. I mean, I was gonna volunteer anyway...
THORAX
Who else is coming?
ThORAX (CONT'D)
Fine.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Oh sure, you could all stay here. Not help Pharynx and he won't bother you anymore. It's your choice. But remember when you didn't have a choice. When you were forced to obey Chrysalis. You might have been unstoppable, but you weren't free to choose - and now you are. Because of Thorax. Well, it's his brother out there. And now is your chance to prove you're just as strong embracing love as you were feeding on it. Now is your chance to show what changelings can really be. Not because you have to, but because you choose to!
Sc. 14 - ext. changeling hive - a little later
Trixie
That was an amazingly epic speech, Starlight.
TrIXIE (CONT'D)
I just can't believe not a single changeling was moved by it.
Thorax
I can't blame them. If he wasn't my brother I don't think I'd be here. We're going to have to face the Maulwurf by ourselves.
starLIGHT GLIMMER
Maybe it'll be long gone, and we'll find Pharynx out here alone.
starlIGHT GLIMMER (CONT'D)
Or maybe not.
Sc. 15 - ext. desolate landscape - later
Thorax
Pharynx!
Pharynx
What are you doing here?
THORAX
I'm here to save you!
Pharynx
Get out of here! Let me handle this!
Starlight glimmer
We're not leaving you!
ThoRAX
I may have forgot to mention in my letters that Maulwurfs have really thick hides.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
I thought you said you could beat this thing!
PhaRYNX
Yeah, with the rest of the swarm. Not alone!
changeling 1 (O.S.)
Good thing you're not alone!
trixie
I told you it was an epic speech.
ThORAX
It's no use! We're out of practice and he's too tough!
Trixie
And strong. Too bad we can't get it to fight itself.
Pharynx
That's it! Thorax! Remember when we were young and I made you hit yourself?
THORAX
Now is not the time to make fun of me, Pharynx! Oh! Right! Of course! 
Pharynx
Why are you hitting yourself? Why are you hitting yourself? Why are you hitting yourself?

THORAX
Yeah, Maulwurf. Why are you hitting yourself? Why are you hitting yourself?
TrIXIE
Ooo. That looks like it hurts.
StarlIGHT GLIMMER
We did it! It's gone!
THORAX
What were you doing out here?
Pharynx
Leaving. I'm done with all of you.
Thorax
Oh. It's just, why bother fighting the Maulwurf then? You could have left it alone.
PhaRYNX
Well I couldn't just let it attack you!
Thorax
But I thought you were done with us and you didn't care.
Pharynx
I never said that! The hive is the thing I care about most.
THORAX
Well you certainly don't act like it.
PHARYNX
Well, I'm sorry if I don't get excited about pretty flowers and Feelings Circles.
THORAX
It's a Feelings Forum.
PHARYNX
Whatever. It doesn't matter. Even if I do care about the hive, I obviously don't have a place there anymore.
changeling 1
Actually, you do. Because we've been wrong.Um. The hive may be a gentler, nicer place--
changeling 2
--But that doesn't mean we won't have to defend ourselves. Clearly.
ThoRAX
And who better to help us do that than the only changeling who never stopped protecting us? 
PhaRYNX
You all... want me to stay?
ThORAX
Unless you still want to leave the hive.
PhaRYNX
Why would I want that? I love the hive!
trixie
He did it! He transformed!
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
I always knew you had it in you!
PHARYNX
Really? Because I thought you said I was a lost cause and you were going to tell Thorax he should kick me out.
TriXIE
Starlight! How could you say that?
StarlIGHT GLIMMER
Wha?... that's... I mean...but you… 
Thorax
Lucky for us you weren't a lost cause.
PhaRYNX
Lucky for me you didn't give up on me.
TriXIE
So... Glad everything worked out.
THORAX
Yeah. Let's talk about how you not only lead the Maulwurf to the hive, but also drove my brother away from it?
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
I am soooo sorry about that. But I would like to point out that my admittedly terrible plan did bring everything together in the end.
Pharynx
Hey, do you guys want to hear the story about how I used to make Thorax hit himself?
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Absolutely. Yes. Right now!
Pharynx
Well, when we were young, every changeling wanted to be a warrior. Except for Thorax...He was a little weak.. but I had to protect…..
FADE OUT
end