It's my fifth Fandom Friday, and it's time to talk about my favorite American cartoon: Steven Universe. I love this show in so many different ways: it's science fiction, it's action adventure, it's slice-of-life, it's space opera, it's family entertainment. But, for the first time, I do feel a need to defend my status as a fan of this show. For a critically acclaimed show, there are a lot of folks who've given the fanbase a bad name, and I would like to say that I have not and will not partake in internet abuse because of the opinions or work of a fan.

At the same time, this is a good example of why I hate fandom-bashing. Just because some members of a fanbase commit terrible acts, it is no excuse to paint everyone who enjoys that work of art with the same brush. I will not condemn a person for the things they like, for that is a rude and dishonest practice.

Now then, back to the matter at hand: this list. Personally, I feel like specific moments in media affect me the most, and I'm willing to forgive a flawed product if there are true moments of greatness in it. So today I'm counting down my favorite 13 moments from Steven Universe. If you haven't seen the series, I will say that while I'm trying to keep this spoiler-free, there's still a chance I could ruin something for you. Plus, y'know, I recommend watching the series anyway.

I gave myself some ground rules for this list, so let me explain them real quick. First off, only one moment per episode. This means certain episodes had lots of moments that were amazing, and I had to narrow it down to just my favorite. Second, no songs. I was going to allow them, but then they completely took over the list, so that'll be it's own list some time. Third, this list isn't about how good the episodes are. Some of my favorite episodes aren't represented here, and a lot of these episodes aren't my favorites. Last, I'm sure you'll disagree with some, if not all, of my choices, so please comment and tell me where we diverge, I love hearing different opinions on the stuff I love.

13. Flashback told in Crayon (Season 3, Episode 14: Monster Reunion)

Sometimes a character isn't capable of describing their past in words, and in this case they use crayons to illustrate it for Steven and the audience. As the scene unfolds, the character breaks down and their art does with it. The emotion is palpable here, and the tragedy stuck with viewers long after they episode ended.

12. Amazing Flirting (Season 3, Episode 5: Hit the Diamond)

Not all moments have to be sad though. This adorable couple spends the entire scene flirting shamelessly with each other, and it is so adorable that words cannot describe it. It's my favorite romantic moment in the series, and it's a great pick-me-up moment for when you're feeling down.

11. Season Finale Reveal (Season 1, Episode 52: Jail Break)

I'm really gonna have to write around this, but let's just say that there's an enormous reveal/twist during the first season finale, and while I know some people who called it, I put what was happening together as it was happening, and the experience was great. One of those sad moments that can only happen once, it was still a defining moment of the series for me.

10. An Unexpected Fusion (Season 1, Episode 37: Alone Together)

Fusion is a very interesting concept in Steven Universe: the Gem race's ability to combine into completely new people. The resulting fusion is simultaneously the component gems and their own person entirely. In this episode, fusion happens when they least expect it, and the moment is cute and hints at something greater. This is especially because fusion is used often as a clear metaphor: for sex, for romantic relationships, and for deep friendships. I know a lot of people expect this moment to be closer to the top, but as much as I love the fusion that resulted, and as much as the moment was cute, it barely cuts the Top 10 for me.

9. Giant Woman (Season 4, Episode 11: Steven's Dream)

A dark ending to a quiet episode, this is the moment that instigates the following arc, and it's the highest on this list of all the Wham Episodes of the series. The tension ramps up higher and higher, the atmosphere is quiet and full of a sorrow so deep it affects everyone. No other moment from the show had my jaw on the floor as much as this one.

8. A Tearful Reunion (Season 3, Episode 20: Bismuth Part 1)

An old member of the team, thought lost, is returned in this episode, and what endears them to the audience immediately is Bismuth's interaction with Pearl. Within seconds the two are joking around and reigniting their old camaraderie, which is soon followed by tears. The scene feels so human (even though neither party is actually human), it immediately makes you feel like this is their old friend, back again after so long. It's funny, sad, and heartwarming all at once. I love it.

7. A Happy Reunion (Season 4, Episode 5: Future Boy Zoltron)

Okay, this is definitely a choice I know a lot of fans will scratch their heads at, but hold your comments for a second. Two characters who were a comedy duo in their past reunite, drudging up the good and bad of their relationship. Not only does this scene heavily imply that there was more here than just a friendship or professional relationship, but it carries such a gorgeous bittersweet note, showing why the two worked so well together, and why they couldn't stay together. Say what you will, commenters, but I love it.

6. Insecurities Come to Light (Season 1, Episode 40: On the Run)

Every main character (perhaps save Steven himself) has a moment or two on this list, and this is Amethyst's high watermark for me. This is when I really understood the character, saw past her facade for the deeper tragedy beneath. It's an incredible scene in an okay episode, and I started crying just thinking about it moving on to number five.

5. Telling Your Boss Off (Season 2, Episode 25: Message Received)

Have you ever wanted to tell off a superior? Well, in this meme-tastic scene, a character tells off their boss in the best way ever. This moment is simultaneously fist-pumpingly awesome and side-splittingly hilarious. Everyone loves it, moving on.



4. The Tape from the Past (Season 1, Episode 35: Lion 3: Straight to Video)

This is a pretty landmark moment for the show. Steven's mother, Rose Quartz, sacrificed herself to give birth to Steven, and as he never met her, the show kept her in the shadows: talked about occasion and only seen in the form of a portrait. Through this video tape both the audience and Steven finally see and here her. I always makes me cry, I just love it.

3. Becoming a Nerd (Season 2, Episode 26: Log Date 7 15 2)

This is, by a long shot, going to confuse Steven Universe fans the most. It confused my wife, that's for sure. In this scene, a character from space discovers an earth show and falls hopelessly in love with it, watching it obsessively, theorizing, analyzing, and even shipping the characters. It's my favorite moment of that character, and as someone who loves being a complete and utter geek, I feel happy and proud watching a character descend into geekdom. Disagree if you want, but I love this scene.

2. Recovery (Season 1, Episode 45: Rose's Scabbard)

This is one of the best episodes in the series, and I feel like I can say that knowing a lot of other fans agree. It's the first real Pearl episode, and her breakdown in it is well-known. But that's not my favorite moment from the episode. I love the scene of how she recovers, of her and Steven bonding and of her regaining her footing. After seeing her torn apart emotionally, there's something incredible about seeing in stark contrast the persona she lives and breathes, the gem she wants to be.

1. The Talk (Season 2, Episode 9: We Need to Talk)

Relationships are hard. Multiple episodes cover that topic, but none better than this moment from this episode. Just because Rose Quartz and Greg Universe liked each other didn't mean their relationship was going to be easy. Their perspectives were so different, communication was needed to move them forward as partners. It is, in my opinion, the most mature moment in the series, and it does my heart good to see it. If I missed one of your favorite moments, please tell me in the comments. Next week, I can't wait to talk to you about this really cool house.