Steven Universe Season 1 Review

The first season and my initial exposure to the series is now wrapped up. I must admit that I am impressed and thrilled. From the: cozy and warm aesthetics, to the quaint but filled Beach City members, the hilarious line delivery, to the plot and historical bombs that add intensity and scarcity to this otherwise calm setting. The music is also stellar and some of the best I have heard in cartoons which adds to the epic and emotional moments.

The first ten or so episodes are slow as it sets the tone for what is to come. The quality and hooks bind immediately after episode 11 as we start to see the show give droplets of rose, powers/abilities, gem fusions, gem unlocking and mindstate, small peaks into the city, history, and devices. After an incredible mid-season finale, we enter another slow start to a season only to then go onto a stupendous and high octane ten episode run where the greatness and build ups occur as we meet new gems and threats, show Steven’s silent growth, the Gem’s/Rose’s background and trouble navigating responsibility, and the overarching plot is revealed and further plants more seeds as the season finale was the perfect climatic event.

Characters

- Pearl: I’m not sure if she’s my favorite gem but I found Pearl to be the most interesting with her controlling and intelligence nature, the way she treats steven, can be cold, her connection with rose, and the ballet/sword fighting combo. I do also love her voice

- Garnet: super chill and mysterious. It’s the easy answer but they are calm, calculated, and a lot more than meets the eyes. Also with the depth of the fusion, that opens up so much more! Also S tier character design

- Amethyst: rough around the edges, aloof, but fun. Not traditionally a character I like but I also though the depth of her feeling excluded and the origins of her has so much potential. I do love her laugh.

- Steven: Steven is a great MC! His growth has been subtle and slow but I’m liking the person he’s becoming. Always has a good heart and had endured a lot already. And I can’t imagine it’ll be any easier

- Greg: a great animation dad? WHAT?! Besides pretending to be injured, I love his involvement in stevens life, his spirit, and way he met rose. Also the musician aspect totally doesn’t me relate to him..

- Connie: a great friend and support. I love her involvement and how she’s a more sheltered person. I don’t think I ship her and Steven but I cherish their time and episodes together.

- Lapiz: brief appearances but I already feel she’s already had some of the most compelling stories and arcs of the show. Plus I love the color blue. And I’m a sucker for stories about freeing yourself and leading your own life. Her water trap to jasper was amazing.

- Rose: haven’t seen much besides in flashbacks but she’s a great and pure spirit from what we’ve seen. She’s also TALL!

- Ronaldo: I’m going to give some respect to Ronaldo. The weirdo conspiracy theorist works for him. And his experience with Lars was so tragic that it made me empathize a lot for him. Maybe that’s the only reason but I wanted to give someone from city a spot.

Overall, I’ve enjoyed my time with season one much more than I anticipated. I love the concept of gems and the darker aspects of rose, the war, kindergarten, fusions, antagonists, and gems in objects. The music is amazing, the colors and landscapes are pretty to the eye. The cast has great compatibility as well as surprisingly great drama, dynamics, and self reflective moments. While sometimes there can be some bad runs, pointless episodes, and forgettable city members, this season was great! I cannot wait to continue this series and see where it goes. 8/10