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Stuff about another show entirely
Nov. 27th, 2017 11:22 pmWatched the new ep of Steven U and man, idk what happened to this show.
I reflect on the first couple of seasons a lot, everything leading up to and through Peridot's arc, pre-Cluster. That was the last time I remember really being in love with the show. Her character development was this wonderful, gradual slow burn, and while I wouldn't call it the pinnacle of the show for me (that distinction goes to Rose's Scabbard), I loved how willing the team was to let that development breathe for as long as it did. I still get chills listening to the first 20 seconds of Peridot in the Rain, and Peace and Love on the Planet Earth remains my favorite song (yes, more so than Stronger Than You). Something about that love story, the one that's Peridot slowly falling in love with the Earth and what it has to offer her – which is her own self-actualization – is one that really speaks to me.
What I used to love about Steven Universe is that it didn't feel the need to spell everything out. Stories and plot points weren't spoonfed to the audience; it was a show that rewarded your attention and respected your emotional intelligence. Pearl never needed to say, out loud, how dearly she loved Rose – the show radiated it in every possible facet, from Hall's stellar acting to the colors of the BG and the music. It didn't need her directly answering Steven's question when he asked her what was wrong, and it didn't need any dialogue exchanged at the end of Rose's Scabbard to affirm that yes, everything is fine kids, we're all friends again. Emotions don't work that way, and especially not when it comes to grief.
That's the stuff I miss about the show, more than anything – the willingness to let things alone, to not force stories or lessons and tie everything up in a neat little bow (at least emotionally) by the end of the episode. Which is not usual for television in general, but especially cartoons. I miss the policy they had, where they would reveal something new about the Gems or Homeworld in each episode, even if the episode took place in town, and even if the reveal was something small. I recognize that given where the story is at now, that's not necessarily something they can do anymore, but the basic principle behind it – to always keep the story moving but not necessarily let plot dominate the show's far stronger character work – is still sound.
Anyway. Steven Universe. I miss the early days.
I reflect on the first couple of seasons a lot, everything leading up to and through Peridot's arc, pre-Cluster. That was the last time I remember really being in love with the show. Her character development was this wonderful, gradual slow burn, and while I wouldn't call it the pinnacle of the show for me (that distinction goes to Rose's Scabbard), I loved how willing the team was to let that development breathe for as long as it did. I still get chills listening to the first 20 seconds of Peridot in the Rain, and Peace and Love on the Planet Earth remains my favorite song (yes, more so than Stronger Than You). Something about that love story, the one that's Peridot slowly falling in love with the Earth and what it has to offer her – which is her own self-actualization – is one that really speaks to me.
What I used to love about Steven Universe is that it didn't feel the need to spell everything out. Stories and plot points weren't spoonfed to the audience; it was a show that rewarded your attention and respected your emotional intelligence. Pearl never needed to say, out loud, how dearly she loved Rose – the show radiated it in every possible facet, from Hall's stellar acting to the colors of the BG and the music. It didn't need her directly answering Steven's question when he asked her what was wrong, and it didn't need any dialogue exchanged at the end of Rose's Scabbard to affirm that yes, everything is fine kids, we're all friends again. Emotions don't work that way, and especially not when it comes to grief.
That's the stuff I miss about the show, more than anything – the willingness to let things alone, to not force stories or lessons and tie everything up in a neat little bow (at least emotionally) by the end of the episode. Which is not usual for television in general, but especially cartoons. I miss the policy they had, where they would reveal something new about the Gems or Homeworld in each episode, even if the episode took place in town, and even if the reveal was something small. I recognize that given where the story is at now, that's not necessarily something they can do anymore, but the basic principle behind it – to always keep the story moving but not necessarily let plot dominate the show's far stronger character work – is still sound.
Anyway. Steven Universe. I miss the early days.
