Mystery on the friendship express

*The title of the episode references the 1934 crime novel Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, as does the outcome of the case: nearly every passenger is responsible for one part of the "crime".
*The hat Pinkie Pie wears and the bubble-blowing pipe are references to the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. Twilight's bowler hat also resembles that of John Watson, Sherlock's partner. Pinkie also inspects the case in what would be a lengthier parody of Holmes' methods, down to the famous gathering of suspects in one room to reveal the culprit.
*One of the books sticking out of Twilight's bag in her first appearance in the episode is the history book from the beginning of "Friendship is Magic, Part 1."
*When describing the cake, Pinkie Pie references the Cole Porter song "It's De-Lovely" from his 1936 musical "Red, Hot and Blue."
*Mulia Mild's name and mannerisms are a reference to American chef Julia Child.
*Pinkie's fantasies of the other bakers during her accusations are all allusions to multiple styles and genres of film:
**The Gustave le Grand fantasy references black and white silent films, with Gustave playing the role of the dastardly villain often associated with films from the period. The vignette may also be a specific nod to Snidely Whiplash, himself an animated parody of over-the-top silent film villains (antagonist of Dudley Do-Right of the Mounties segments on The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show).
**Donut Joe's persona in Pinkie's fantasy, "Con Mane", is a reference to fictional secret agent, James Bond; additionally, the opening to this fantasy parodies the franchise's iconic gun barrel sequence. The mares that surround Joe are a reference to the fact that James Bond hangs around many women.
**Pinkie's fantasy about Mulia destroying the cake is a reference to Japanese ninja genre films.
Category:My little pony friendship is magic episodes