Steven Universe Review: "House Guest" (Season 1B, Episode 1)

Will Greg Universe use the warp whistle responsibly? Here's a hint - N. O. The end.

"Now, Greg, there's no need to be so pathetic." - Pearl, introducing Greg to the whistle - aka, the plot device de jour. 

Airdate: October 2nd, 2014.

Written By: Lamar Abrams and Hellen Jo.

Plot: Greg's van, which he conveniently uses as a house, was damaged in a recent confrontation with a livid ex-prisoner. Between that, and his injury, Steven lets him coop up in the temple for a while. However, Steven still has to go on missions with the Crystal Gems - for example, to try and repair a damaged Geode. Thus, Greg is given a whistle to play in case of an emergency. With great power... ah, what the hell, Greg abuses it.

Review:

"House Guest" marks the premiere of the second half of Season 1 - which, for the purposes of this blog, I will consider it's own quasi-separate season. In my opinion, "House Guest" also concludes what I consider to be Steven Universe's first genuine five-part arc, starting with "Monster Buddies". (One could argue that the "arc" could start with "An Indirect Kiss" and go into "Space Race", but I personally think that "Monster Buddies" to "House Guest" contains a more appropriately placed and stronger climax.) So, how does the first episode of the quasi-newly dramatic Steven Universe go?

Eh...

Steven Universe Reviews: June 2016 Update

I'm just letting you know that, as of my next Steven Universe review ("House Guest"), those reviews will be at least somewhat retrospective. This means that there will very likely be spoilers for episodes past the ones I'm covering. If you don't like spoilers, I would advise watching the episode being covered before reading my reviews.

Steven Universe Review: Season 1A Wrap Up

Poster created by Rebecca Sugar, taken from Wikipedia.

"I summoned my weapon by eating ice cream!" + 24 episodes = "YOU CAN'T TRAP ME HERE ANYMORE!" 

That's pretty much the formula of Steven Universe Season 1A. Over the course of ten-and-a-half months, Steven Universe established itself as a valuable part of the sci-fi realm, as well as the critical centerpiece of the Cartoon Network canon. And, over the past ten and a half months, I have been reviewing it. Yes, that was a total coincidence on my part.

One particular stereotype about the fandom is that they tend to discredit 1A, mainly because of the thought that it is weak compared to the sublime rest of the show. While I totally believe that 1A is pretty great overall, I do think that, yes, 1A is the weakest stretch in terms of writing this show has had so far.

Steven Universe Review: "Ocean Gem" (Season 1A, Episode 26)

Before I begin the review, I would be remiss to not offer my deepest condolences to the victims of the recent terrorist attack at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, as well as their friends and families. Not only was this the deadliest mass shooting in postwar US history - with 49 dead and 53 wounded - this was also (as far as I'm aware) the second deadliest domestic terrorist attack in postwar American history, superseded only by the 1995 Murrah Bombing in Oklahoma City. That this particular massacre happened at a gay nightclub, in a region so many Americans associate with happiness and innocence, is especially heinous.

It goes without saying that this shooting was a disgusting act of hatred against LGBT people, an attack against all Americans and the values that the nation thrives on, and even a crime against humanity, which should have moved beyond acts such as this. I'll save the political discussions for somebody else, since I don't want this post to be overshadowed by talking points on issues such as homophobia, religious extremism, gun laws, tabloid media, and counter-terrorism. I will, however, proudly declare myself an ally to the LGBT Community. 

And yes, I am very aware that Steven Universe is a show that has strong gay and transgender overtones. If anything, take the existence of this show - virtually unfathomable ten years ago in it's current form - as a way of saying that attempts to set back rights and progress for LGBT people, especially via terrorism, will achieve so little in the end. As far as terrorists in general, no matter what ideology they use to justify their warped actions, well, Jon Stewart put it best after 9/11 -

"They live in chaos. And chaos... it can't sustain itself. It never could. It's too easy, and it's too unsatisfying."

And, remember - letting terrorism deter you from doing whatever you would normally do - whether going to a nightclub or marching in a Pride parade- only gives these madmen a sense of victory. We can't let that happen.

Now, on a hopefully lighter note...

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"Your pain runs deep! Share it with me!" (I think I might have gotten myself banned from Trek fandom for life.)

"I'm gonna bring the ocean back, or get really thirsty trying." - Steven, stating his resolve. Gonna need a lot of water, kid. 

Airdate: September 25th, 2014

Writers: Joe Johnston and Jeff Liu

Plot: Last time on Steven Universe, Pearl introduced Steven to a magic mirror, the mirror proves sentient and begs to be released from it's prison, the Borg capture Captain Jean-Luc Picard and rename him Locutus, Charles Montgomery Burns is shot outside Town Hall after angering the entire town, Kryten creates a franchise-killing dinosaur with the Time Wand, Bill manages to start the Apocalypse via a distraught pre-teen, President Bartlet and his staff are targeted by assassins, and Lapis Lazuli is released before threatening to drown the Crystal Gems in an act of revenge.

Just as Steven is being reprimanded and grounded by the Crystal Gems for insubordination, they find out that the ocean has receded. To nothing. This presents a problem - Beach City stands to lose quite a lot of tourism dough. Realizing that he helped screw up an entire town's economy, Steven, the Trio (who nullify the kid's punishment), Connie, Lion, and Greg all go out to bring the ocean back. En route to the source, Steven finds out about a schism in the Gem society.

Review (Spoilers):

So, in the last episode, Steven Universe raised the stakes plot-wise. It hinted that our heroes might be in greyer territory than we thought. that Lapis might be morally questionable while still coming off as tragic, and that there is a universe of Gems beyond Earth.

This episode merely serves to confirm what we learned in the past episode, yet does so in a way that supersedes almost every episode up to this point in terms of quality.

Steven Universe Review: "Mirror Gem" (Season 1A, Episode 25)

"School's out!" - Steven, after taking a class on a Gem mirror. His summer vacation takes a bit of a downward turn from there. 

Airdate: September 22nd, 2014

Writers: Raven Molisee and Paul Villeco

Plot: Steven, as it turns out, hasn't received formal schooling. At all. He manages to get Pearl to teach him a lesson - one revolving around a magic hand mirror. At first, it appears that the magic mirror doesn't work. However, it begins repeating phrases that it overhears during Steven's walk. In a way, it becomes sentient. And when the Gems find out, they all begin to think that Steven might be in danger. However, Steven also begins to think that the mirror itself is in danger.

Review (SPOILERS):

"Mirror Gem" is well known in the Steven Universe fandom for it's twist, one that completely re-routed the plot development in Steven Universe and marked the show's transformation into a dramatic, science fiction epic...

Pearl stabbed MC Bear Bear!

That's just an absolute tragedy, unforeseen in the show's canon. And for one of our heroes to do it? An action on par with the destruction of Alderaan, that is. It's as if a stuffed bear cried out in shock... and then was silenced...

...oh, and Steven lets loose a gem, one that's hostile to the Trio and wants them dead because, apparently, they effectively imprisoned and kidnapped her before tossing her mirror prison aside like a subpar movie that they got at the Walmart dollar bin.

Scullyfied Simpsons: "I'm With Cupid" (Season 10, Episode 14)

"Both of my ears are filled with nougat!"

"You told me that it was an American tradition to work all the time and not see your wife!" - Manjula, to Apu. Give it 17 years, Manjula.

Airdate: February 14th, 1999

Plot: In 2005, in response to developments regarding Anglo-American relations, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe penned "I'm With Stupid", a satire on a theoretical romance between British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George W Bush.

Whoops - this is a television episode... Patrick is afraid that his parents will mock him for being rather stupid. Therefore, SpongeBob decides to take up the role of "The Fool".

...I'm sorry, this is "I'm With Cupid", not "I'm With Stupid."

Apu's relationship with Manjula is on the rocks. Apparently, the life of a convenience store manager isn't exactly conducive to free time. To make it up to her, Apu goes all out in his Valentines Day celebrations. This, though, alienates the wives of Springfield's men. They all proceed to sabotage the actual Valentines Day celebration.

Review: 

Two years ago (because I am a lazy bum), during my coverage of Season 9, I reviewed "The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons". There, my complaint lied in the fact that the episode revolved around Homer's antics, and was overall rather pedestrian. In hindsight, though, I can recognize some of the character development in that episode, even if I would've preferred more. That, and it was a pretty funny episode.

"I'm With Cupid" serves as a follow up to that episode... but it ultimately feels a bit underwhelming.

Steven Universe Review: "An Indirect Kiss" (Season 1A, Episode 24)

"Just today, you were crying about snakes!" "They don't have any arms!" - Steven and Pearl, engaging in riveting conversation about the tragedy of snake biology.

Airdate: September 18th, 2014

Written By: Raven Molisee and Paul Villeco.

Plot: Steven and Connie have come a long way from almost drowning together. Now, they have a pic-a-nic together. Thing is, Steven's undergoing a bit of an emotional malaise. Also, there's a fence by the lighthouse where they are having the pic-a-nic. Steven notes that the two are connected, but that the story ends sadly.

Apparently, Steven and Amethyst were horsing around on the edge. One thing led to another, and Amethyst fell of the edge, onto her gem. It cracks, causing her eye to dilate. Thus, Pearl requested, and presumably constructed, a fence up by the cliff.

OK, that's not a sad ending. Connie inquires about the rest, and Steven finally cracks.

Apparently, Rose used to have tears that healed Gems. Unfortunately, Steven can't muster up the tears readily. To fix Amethyst's gem (lest she be permanently damaged), they go for plan B. (And no, it's not moving the town 5 miles down the road.) The quartet wind up at Rose's fountain, which apparently has magical healing abilities. Unfortunately, the entire fountain is overgrown, driving Pearl to the brink of insanity. And Steven still can't muster up the tears. An internal crisis ensues.

Review: 

This episode marks the second part of Steven Universe's first five-part arc - one that fleshes out the Crystal Gems, Steven's role in the dynamic, and everybody's backstory. This time, we get a look at how Steven feels about the legacy he feels like he has to live up to. What follows is a very impressive episode - one filled with introspection and brilliance.

Steven Universe Review: "Monster Buddies" (Season 1A, Episode 23)

Looks like the Centipeetle literally has a rock. But can it inspire her? All we know is that it feels no pain.

Airdate: September 8th, 2014

Plot: Steven gets another pet! This time, it's a pet that tried to kill him.

Yeah, remember the first episode, where Steven tried to beat the Centipeetles with Cookie Cat Ice Cream? Well, this time, he winds up accidentally un-bubbling one of them - the mother, in fact - and letting them regenerate. Against Pearl's wishes, Garnet decides to let Steven domesticate her. That proves to be difficult, what with her spitting acid and all that. Oh, and it seems to have a hatred against the Crystal Gems.

Review: "Steven and the Stevens" explored Steven's role in the Crystal Gem dynamic by temporarily removing him from anybody but himself, and noting how they bounce off of each other on a comic level. Now, "Monster Buddies" shows him and the trio engage in something of a division within the ranks - one where the personalities clash on a dramatic level.

Steven Universe Review: "Steven and the Stevens" (Season 1A, Episode 22)

 Go on, guess who the drummer is! Here's a hint - it's not Ringo Starr.

Airdate: September 4th, 2014

Plot: While on a rather silly mission, Steven comes into possession of "the Glass of Time" - which allows him to, well, control time. His original plans for his Beachapalooza performance scuttled due to an issue with his dad's business, he decides to merely copy himself thrice over, forming the eponymous band. When appointed as the leader, however, conflict breaks out between the four Stevens.

Review: "Steven and the Stevens" is another episode that, while at first glance appears disconnected to the rest of the show, actually makes up for it's canon-lightness. In this case, we have an episode that takes a look at the Crystal Gem character dynamic, as well as how Steven bounces off of everybody else in the show. Oh, and how power corrupts and all that.

Steven Universe Review: "Joking Victim" (Season 1A, Episode 21)

"Sorry, the sign on the side of the store states that The Big Donut is not liable if you start breathing fire. Your lawsuit is thrown out."

Airdate: August 21st, 2014

Plot: Steven's attempts to chase down some fire salt fries (thanks, Amethyst) with soda lead to a mess at the Big Donut. Lars shirks his responsibilities via a "back injury", and Sadie gives him the day off. Steven, therefore, is appointed as a temporary Lars, and even manages to do a better job at the Big Donut. Still, Sadie can't just fire him - the two have something of a relationship.

To try and cheer Lars up, the two bring donuts to his house, only to catch him on the trampoline with the Cool Kids. A distraught Sadie reveals that this may not have been the first time this has happened, and vows revenge. Cue the fire salt donut. The consequences are really heated... as pictured above.

Review (SPOILERS): At first glance, this episode has such little a point as to it's existence, it's probably a sphere. However, a closer look does damage to that hypothesis. Yes, this episode is a "canon-light" one - an episode that does not have a whole lot of bearing in terms of major plot development. The episode isn't completely disposable, however - it fleshes out characters, and introduces a theme that will become a major one in season 2. In fact, dare I say, it's probably the most overlooked episode of the show's canon.