Call of the Cutie
A pony's quest for a cutie mark leads to a lasting friendship.
"Call of the Cutie" is the twelfth episode of the first season of the animated television series My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. It originally aired on The Hub on January 7, 2011, and was written by Meghan McCarthy. The episode introduces the Cutie Mark Crusaders, a trio of fillies who form a club dedicated to earning their cutie marks.
- Episode number
- 12 (Season 1)
- Original air date
- January 7, 2011
- Network
- The Hub
- Writer
- Meghan McCarthy
- Introduced characters
- Cutie Mark Crusaders (Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle)
- Setting
- Ponyville
Lore & Background
In the episode, Apple Bloom becomes distressed after being teased by Diamond Tiara for lacking a cutie mark. She attempts to gain one through various activities, including apple selling, juggling, hang-gliding, karate, roller derby, and baking cupcakes, but none succeed. Twilight Sparkle explains that magic cannot force a cutie mark to appear. At Diamond Tiara's cute-ceañera, Apple Bloom is publicly mocked until Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle defend her, revealing their own blank flanks. The three form the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
Reader's Guide
The episode is significant for introducing the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who become recurring characters and a central element of the series. Critics have analyzed the episode's themes: Jen A. Blue described it as "very nearly as good" as McCarthy's first episode and noted that the Crusaders represent both the show's target audience and adult brony fans seeking identity. Feminist author Melanie Hurley interpreted cutie marks as symbols for female body positivity and puberty, framing the acquisition of cutie marks as a positive rite of passage. Tara Rittler praised the episode's moral lessons about patience and not stressing over life direction. The episode received a "B" rating from Sherilyn Connelly, author of Ponyville Confidential.
Did You Know?
- The episode was written by Meghan McCarthy.
- It originally aired on The Hub on January 7, 2011.
- The Cutie Mark Crusaders are introduced in this episode.
- Twilight Sparkle explains that magic cannot force a cutie mark to appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Cutie Mark Crusaders introduced in Call of the Cutie?
They are three young fillies—Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle—who form a club dedicated to helping one another earn their cutie marks. This trio first appears in this episode and goes on to become a recurring group throughout the series.
What is the main plot of Call of the Cutie?
A filly named Dinky Doo becomes obsessed with getting her cutie mark and attempts a risky ritual to force one to appear. The Cutie Mark Crusaders step in to show her that genuine friendship with others is what truly unlocks a cutie mark, rather than desperate shortcuts.
Why is Call of the Cutie considered important to the overall show?
It serves as the debut of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, a group that appears in numerous later episodes and even gets their own dedicated specials. It also lays down a core series theme: that cutie marks are earned through authentic connection and selfless friendship, not through pressure or force.
When did Call of the Cutie first air and who wrote it?
The episode originally aired on The Hub on January 7, 2011, as the twelfth installment of Season 1. It was written by Meghan McCarthy, who was a head writer on the show.
What is the moral or lesson of Call of the Cutie?
The episode teaches that a cutie mark is a natural byproduct of real, heartfelt friendship rather than something you can rush or manufacture. Dinky Doo's journey illustrates that helping and connecting with others is far more valuable than chasing a symbol on your own.
More in My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic episodes 1-24
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