Friendship is what the universe of My Little Pony is all about, not just in the series, but also how franchise products respond and indirectly relate to one another. While, on the one hand, different generations create new characters and settings without historically connecting them, the franchise, on the other hand, then brings them together under the appearance of re-imagined characters, play sets, and commercials that bridge generations of ponies. These integrations do not only convey nostalgia, but create the bridge between generations, emphasizing the idea that after all the whole products of My Little Pony franchise is about friendship, regardless of timeline or continuity.
There are several play sets, where characters from different generations are brought together. One of them is Sparkling Generations play set, which includes Twilight Sparkle from Generation 4 and Sunny Starscout from Generation 5. While they never appeared in one narrative, having physical ponies that exist together in one set allows both new and old fans to envision friendships across generations by playing with them together.
Merriweather is perhaps one of the best demonstrations of how My Little Pony has recast characters through generations, reaffirming that characters are not historically connected. Merriweather originally appeared as her own individualcharacter with her own traits and looks back in Generation 1. Later, during Generation 3, however, another Merriweather appeared as the character. While they have the same name, however, they are two entirely different characters, each with their own traits and features. The reuse of the name demonstrates how the franchise makes things whole and familiar, creating a common ground for fans of different generations.
In conclusion, with the play figures, play sets, and even reimaginings of the characters, the overarching message that the franchise shares, however, remains the same: friendship endures despite differences, time, and even reality.