The Jinxie Games is the third episode in Chapter 4 of My Little Pony: Make Your Mark and the tenth episode overall.
Synopsis[]
When Queen Haven postpones brunch, Zipp and Pipp suspect the worst. Hitch competes in Forest Critter Field Day but struggles to understand the rules.
Plot[]
Pipp and Zipp are concerned when Queen Haven is late for their monthly mother-daughter brunch, sending Cloudpuff with a message to postpone it for a later date. Meanwhile, Hitch and Sparky train for a pony and critter sporting competition in Bridlewood, with Izzy refereeing their training. Unfortunately, in compliance with the rules, Sparky can not be Hitch's partner, necessitating him to find a new critter.
When Hitch witnesses Cloudpuff's flying speed, he believes the royal pup to be the perfect Forest Critter Field Day partner. A while after the Mane 5 travel to Bridlewood, Misty sneaks into the Crystal Brighthouse, attempting to find Sparky. When she finds the Brighthouse empty, she begins watching the Forest Critter Field Day coverage on TV.
In Bridlewood, Hitch and Cloudpuff compete in the Forest Critter Field Day events, and are forced to contend with the weird arbitrary rules and nonsensical scoring system. Meanwhile, Pipp and Zipp begin an investigation on the whereabouts of their mother, concerned that something has happened to her. On their way to the Crystal Tea Room to question Alphabittle, however, they hear Queen Haven's giddy "real laugh" from inside the Tea Room.
Inside, much to their annoyance, they discover that the reason their mother has postponed family brunch was to have a date with Alphabittle under the pretext of being an ambassador for Forest Critter Field Day. Pipp and Zipp, however, quickly see through the pretext when Haven acts very flirtatious with Alphabittle, even addressing him as "Alphie." The sisters become increasingly embarrassed and uncomfortable as they continue to observe Haven and Alphabittle from a distance.
Back at the Brighthouse, Misty, unable to steal Sparky or any magical artifacts, searches for something of sentimental value to take back to Opaline. Meanwhile, Hitch and Cloudpuff find themselves unable to win a single trophy because of the confusing rules. Hitch then delegates the duty to watch Sparky to the pegasus sisters.
When Queen Haven takes the stage to address everypony in the audience, she speaks about unity and harmony, initially in a diplomatic manner, however, when she notices Pipp and Zipp in the stands, she abruptly switches to a more personal tone, expressing how much she cherishes time spent together as a family. When finished, she announces the start of the Forest Critter Field Day Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, at the Brighthouse, Misty (somewhat bitter with jealousy) searches the Mane 5's belongings, finding a photo of herself and the Mane 5. At the same time, Haven's speech about unity plays on the TV, causing her to feel considerable guilt for deceiving her friends.
Whilst observing the Forest Critter Grand Prix, an obstacle race between the pony/critter teams, Pipp is distracted by her mother and Alphabittle continuing to act romantically, much to her overall discomfort. With nopony now watching over Sparky, the baby dragon waddles over to the Wishing Tree and begins climbing it. Soon, several ponies, including Pipp, Zipp, Haven and Alphabittle, notice him and see him about to fall.
When Hitch notices, he abandons the Grand Prix and uses his Earth Pony magic to save him. Despite rejoining the race and still finishing first, he does not win a trophy because of the arbitrary rules, though Cloudpuff earns the "cutest puppy award." Pipp and Zipp then apologize to Hitch for failing to keep an eye on Sparky, and Hitch apologizes for getting caught up in his own things.
Haven then approaches her daughters and, after (perhaps sarcastically) suggesting romance between Hitch and either of the two sisters, triggering a disgusted outburst from them, Haven explains her relationship with Alphabittle, which started after her daughters left home. Pipp and Zipp come to an understanding, apologize for their behavior, and learn to be happy for their mother for forming a wonderful new relationship.
When the Mane 5 return to the Brighthouse, their arrival wakes up Misty, who sneaks out undetected. Sparky then brings her the photo of her with the Mane 5 and, despite having the chance to dragonnap Sparky for Opaline, she chooses not to.
Characters[]
- Sunny Starscout
- Izzy Moonbow
- Hitch Trailblazer
- Zipp Storm
- Pipp Petals
- Sparky Sparkeroni
- Queen Haven
- Alphabittle Blossomforth
- Onyx
- Dapple (no lines)
- Jasper
- Elder Flower
- Cloudpuff
- Misty Brightdawn
- Opaline Arcana (voice)
- Skye Silver
- Dazzle Feather
- Thunder Flap (pictured)
- Windy (no lines)
- Ruddy Sparks (no lines)
Trivia[]
- This is the only episode Thunder appears without Zoom.
- This was originally supposed to be the second episode of the fourth chapter.