It was okay, but not the best Steven Universe had to offer. The first few episodes with Little Homeschool were good in establishing Amethyst being the most mature out of the Gems, but then you get to “Rose Buds” and Volleyball,” which were great follow ups to the original run while expanding upon the characters (”Rose Buds” gets major points for literally being an amazing showcase of Kimberly Brooks’ range). Then you get to the worst episodes of the bunch with “A Very Special Episode” (which has a good song but is otherwise forgettable) and “Bluebird” (which was a wasted opportunity to do more with the antagonistic characters of Eyeball and Aquamarine). “Snow Day” is pretty damn perfect as a stand-alone episode and gives us one last chance to see the original dynamic play out before everything hits the fan. “Why So Blue” was fun but I wish more could have been done with Lapis (all of them). “Little Graduation” is good in tone and spirit but not really one I’d want to rewatch, especially as the final Sadie/Lars/Cool Kids/ Off-Colors episode. However, the music and just where both Sadie, Shep, the Off-Colors, and Lars end up is fitting. I just wish we got more with them. Finally, we get “Prickly Pair,” which is just painful to watch. It’s not a bad episode, but it’s really where the drama begins to fester as they reach the endgame of the show.



Then we get to the heavy hitters. “In Dreams” has memorable visuals as well as a great sendoff for Peridot. “Bismuth Casual” works as a means of giving Bismuth a fresh start (and, after this, a new voice…who I know was in the video game, but still) and a great Stevonnie moment (the only one…which saddened me). “Together Forever” is surprisingly well-done on Connie’s end, but just hard to watch given the downward spiral Steven is on…

But then we get to my favorite episode of the lot: “Growing Pains.” Holy hell, do I love everything with Dr. Maheswaran, including her on-point diagnostics. I will 100% be referencing that in my classroom as well as our district’s SEL committee.

“Mr. Universe” gets points for being a Greg episode, featuring Jermaine Clement, and having a Wawa in it. “Fragments” was so damn good that I was pissed somebody spoiled the episode while I was watching it minutes behind on Facebook. “Homeworld Bound” was fun and dark. It did well to reinforce the notion that the Diamonds aren’t actually redeemed and are more supposed to be representing neglectful controlling parents than real life fascists (despite how muddy that interpretation is). Also, Spinel is there referencing Sonic the Hedgehog. “Everything’s Fine” had a good ending, but hard to sit through opening and middle, but the speech at the end is good writing. “I Am My Monster” should have been longer and was resolved way too quickly. I’m fine with the hug ending thematically, but there should have been more urgency or buildup to it. Finally, “The Future” is a great sendoff to the show and characters. They are allowed to grow and progress outside the confines of the show’s setting, which shows a bright future ahead with hopefully limited drama and conflict.



Was it perfect? No. Did I enjoy it as much as the original run? No, but it wasn’t supposed to be that. It was an exploration of trauma in a children’s show and I respect that and like it for that reason. I’ll miss these characters, but it ended fine enough.