I saw episodes “Say Uncle” through “The Answer” of season 2 in Steven Universe. Yes, I know, that’s not the full season. But that’s all Hulu has right now! Anyway, I wanna talk about it. So if you haven’t seen seasons 1 and 2 of this show, please do so before reading this.
Anyone still reading? Good.
While “Say Uncle” is not my favorite episode ever, I can appreciate it. (FYI I personally am not a big Uncle Grandpa person.) What I liked: the foreshadowing for an Uncle Grandpa/Clarence crossover, the fourth wall breaking, and this beautiful gif that came out of the episode:
That can apply to them in several ways… Sadly, there wasn’t much Sadie in this season. Therefore, not a lot of Lars either. I’m not a huge fan of them as a couple but I still missed them this season.
BUT! One cool thing we got was the ‘Story for Steven’ episodes! Yay, flashbacks and backstories! I admit, the first time I saw Greg and Rose’s love story, I thought it was generic, rushed, and a way to cater to the audience (please correct me if I am so very wrong). But in the other ‘Story for Steven’ episode called “We Need To Talk”, they addressed their relationship in a practical way, pointing out their differences and even mentioning how fast they moved. So that was cool.
Another thing that got highlighted (at least to me) in those episodes was Pearl’s obvious friend-zone-y-ness. It’s sad, really, how much she’s gone through. You’re told your whole life you’re just a decoration, but then comes along a beautiful warrior who wants you to help her start a revolution. You train yourself how to fight, win the war alongside your friends, and hope that beautiful warrior will love you back. But she chooses someone from a different species entirely and disappears. Well, not really disappears. Becomes half of her son whom she had with a human. Now your crush lives inside a half human boy you have to spend time with every day and not be creepy towards. UGH!
Pearl does seem annoying sometimes, but I get her now.
Lion wasn’t around a lot. I wanted more evidence for the “Lion is Rose” theory. Oh well. We did get Fusions, though! That was exciting. If you wanna see my post about all of the Fusions that have been in this show so far and what the gemstones look like in real life, CLICK HERE.
I didn’t mention in my season 1 review all of the things this show does to showcase different sexualities and gender identity. There are a lot of beautiful messages in this show about family and growing up, but I think the more subtle ones are the best. There’s Pearl’s crush on Rose, Stevonnie… Have I mentioned I love this show?
Something I didn’t love: the theme near the end during the credits. Those lyrics are very sad. Self-loathing, almost. I mean, I get the meaning behind “Nothing Like You”, but it is sad. It is a gorgeous song, though.
And I hate to say it because this opinion contradicts itself, but the way they handled Garnet this season was kind of…okay. I prefer the more mysterious, quiet, season 1 Garnet. Because we know she’s a Fusion now, that kinda stopped. Garnet was very exposed this season and talked to Steven about everything and was surprisingly openly emotional toward him, like, a lot. The reason this opinion contradicts itself is because….Garnet was very exposed this season and talked to Steven about everything and was surprisingly openly emotional toward him, like, a lot and it was awesome!!! But a smidgen out of character.
Anyway, “Keeping It Together” was a fantastic episode. I love Garnet and Steven scenes. And this whole episode was basically them talking. Finding stuff. And bonding even more. This episode had Garnet scared too. SCARED! Have we seen her this freaked out before?? It was heartbreaking and amazing all at the same time! The Garnet-focused episodes are always my favorite. Like “The Answer” which seems to me like a very fan requested episode (which was probably why they made it).
Fun fact – Garnet was technically the first Homeworld mixed race couple.
We learned a lot about Gem Fusions and Garnet and Pearl and Amethyst grew a little. Connie is using Rose’s sword now and is training to fight. Garnet and Pearl were fighting for a little while. And that episode ended in a way I should’ve expected. “I wish things worked out like they did in cartoons.”
Um. But. You are in a–Never mind. That’s another thing I admire about this show. It’s very realistic, though dealing with completely unrealistic things. It took multiple episodes for Garnet and Pearl to make up. Sadie wasn’t forced to sing in front of people, she’s just practicing on her own for now. And that is fantastic!
Peridot is now our…friend? I don’t know if I’m okay with that. She’s kinda annoying. She’ll help us progress and she’s adorable but still annoying. I guess that’s the point. She’ll grow.
The pacing between episodes confused me a little. We’d be chilling at home one day, planning a play (Jamie came back! And his crush on Garnet? lol) and the next day, we’re looking for Jasper and Lapis in the ocean. It was a little strange for a while how they wouldn’t focus on that for a couple episodes and then all the sudden be like, “Oh, we gotta find Malachite! Poor Lapis is probably exhausted!”
There were half as many episodes in this season than last time, so this isn’t fair, but I’m gonna say it. I prefer season 1. Season 2 was epic and touching and filled with a lot of great songs, but I got a soft spot for beginnings.
What did you think of this season? Did you love it like me, or could they have done better? Please, no spoilers for future episodes.
Dork Talk With Izzie 