TV Series Feature: 5 Episodes to Introduce You to the World of Steven Universe

Published March 1, 2016

When I was younger, I always found it interesting that my significantly older cousins wouldn’t mind watching cartoons, not just to keep me entertained but for their own entertainment too. Its only now, as a (slightly) mature young adult that I appreciate cartoons for the respectable art form it is. Animators and writers often leave innuendo’s and subject matter that resonates deeper with older audiences. “Progressive cartoons” aka “Cartoon Shows That I Can Openly Admit I Watch”, have become a popular form of media consumption, being current while advocating social change and values. Shows have the power to help children and adults relate to characters that they may share similar qualities with and channel broadcasters are aware of this. Cartoon Network recently announced a renewal of two more seasons for Steven Universe, a show which hasn’t even completed its second season yet.

For those of you who aren’t aware of what the show is about, its a pretty simple premise. It is a coming-of-age story of a young boy who lives with Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl, three humanoid aliens known collectively as the Crystal Gems. Steven, a reincarnation of their former leader goes on adventures with the trio while learning more about his Gem heritage and superhuman abilities. In celebration of this announcement we will highlight Steven Universe, and some of its proudest moments.

5. Together Breakfast (Season 1 Episode 4)

The plot in this episode is nothing complicated. After making breakfast, Steven goes on a search to find the other gems to eat with him. Nothing much happens, it’s an exposition filled episode where viewers are given better clarification on who the Crystal Gems are. Before this, all we know about them is that they’re magical aliens tasked with protecting the planet and Steve. Giving each Gem a distinct personality also sheds illumination on their different fighting styles. Pearl is neat, elegant, and overprotective, Amethyst is a brash slob who enjoys having a good time while Garnet is reserved and more serious about protecting the Earth and Steven. Garnished with surreal and colourful scenes, this episode is a basic primer regarding the characters’ and their personalities.

4. Say Uncle! Season 2 Episode 3

I love episode crossovers, breaking conventions of one individual universe is an absolute delight and encourages creative risks that writers or animators normally wouldn’t take. In an episode not related to the rest of the show, Uncle Grandpa from the eponymous named show, makes an appearance, helping Steven learn how to use his powers. Anyone who’s watched Uncle Grandpa knows that every episode is filled with trippy animation and bizarre characters who bear no direct relation to each other. His multiversal, reality bending powers leads to disastrous encounters with the Gems unfortunately, in fact, Pearl nearly loses her sanity. This was a memorably humorous episode. When else would you get the chance to see “always in control” Pearl break down in tears due to Uncle Grandpa’s talking fanny pack.

3. Giant Woman (Season 1 Episode 12)

Fans of the Dragonball saga will be hit with waves of nostalgia upon watching this. Garnet tasks Pearl, Amethyst and Steven with acquiring a golden beetle in a sky temple. Steven is obsessed with getting the two Gems to fuse into Opal, a feat they haven’t done in a while since they’re so different. This is the first episode to feature fusion, and the dance like ritual needed to complete the fusion is a direct Dragon Ball Z inspiration. A special mention to the shows composer, Aivi Tran and Steven Velmer, who did a stellar job with the music in this episode. The debut of Opal is an exciting moment in the show that provided further clarity on how capable the Crystal Gems are in protecting the Earth.

2. Mirror Gem/Ocean Gem (Season 1 Episode 21 & 22)

Two episodes are featured here, introducing a new Gem who doesn’t have the Earth’s best intentions. Steven finds a cracked mirror that can play back anything it sees, however it can only see so far. Spending more time with Steven, the mirror is eventually able to string a few words and talk to him. This concerns the Gems, who try to take it back from Steven, resulting in him running away and, at the mirrors instruction, breaks it. This releases Lapis Lazuli, a gem that was trapped in the mirror for centuries. Despising the mirror and Earth, what she considered as her prison, she attempts to use all of Earth’s water to build a bridge to her hometown. Mirror Gem/Ocean Gem showed viewers that other gems exist and not all of them are friendly.

1. Alone Together (Season 1 Episode 37)

Cartoons often deal with controversial subject matter in such an offhand manner, that it’s easy to miss these issues unless one is attentively watching. In an attempt to learn how to fuse with other gems, Steven accidentally fuses with Connie. What’s interesting is how seamlessly the two fused, through carefree, childlike, spinning in a circle. Fusing into the androgynous Stevonnie, friends couldn’tbe bothered with Stevonnie’s gender. They amaze the residents of Beach City with their personality, teaching a lot of people what tolerance is all about, appreciating a person for who they are and not what makes them different from everyone else. They also turn down an aggressive creepy guy, informing kids that one doesn’t have to take such behaviour, it also introduces them to the realities of being objectified for just being you.

There you have it, five moments that made us gasp, made us laugh but most of all reaffirmed why adults can watch cartoons and not have to hide in shame. Stronger moral lessons can be found in one episode of Steven Universe than an entire season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians .

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