Steven Universe: Lion 3: Straight to Video

"We - are the Crystal Gems, we'll always save the day,
and if you think we can't, we'll always find a way!
That's why the people of this world believe in
Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl - AND STEVEN!"

—Steven Universe theme song

 

Yeah, I know I'm supposed to review retro media, and Steven Universe was released only last year, but it's so good. The basic plot is that Steven is the youngest memeber of the Crystal Gems, an interplanetary protector team which consists of the stoic leader Garnet, the motherly Pearl, andplayful Amethyst. I'll let you decide who's who. The series takes place in Beach city, which according to show creator Rebecca Sugar, is based upon east cost towns.Other characters include Greg Universe, Steven's father who owns a car wash, Connie, a cute nerdy love interest, and Lion, Steven's pink lion who... doesn't do much, but is relatively calm and collected. Another important character is Rose Quartz, Steven's mother who... cannot exist in the same universe as her son, because they share a gemstone, Rose Quartz.
This series is unique that it has not voice actors, but professional actors, comediens, and even singers, most notably, Estelle (Garnet, when she talks), Sinbab (Harold Smiley, an amusement park owner), and most notably Nicki Minaj, who voices a Gem Fusion (I won't say who though...)

 

Anyway, the episode I'm reviewing is Lion 3: Direct to Video. The episode starts with Steven and Lion deciding what to order at the Big Doughnut while Sadie, the female clerk, reminds him it's close to closing time. Steven notices bags with Sadie's name on them. Sadie reveals they are bag lunches her mother packs for her, much to her embarrassment.in said luch is a PB &J sammich and a star-shaped cookie... Which makes Steven think of his mother, Rose Quartz who, as I've said earlier gave up her physical form to give birth to Steven. Just then, Lion starts getting very affectionate and even sleeps on Steven's face. This continues for several minutes before Steven learns that inside Lion's mane is a pocket dimension... which e cannot breathe. Eventually, Steven finds Rose's treasures on top of a hill under a cherry tree in bloom (at least I think) before finding a video tape labeled "For Steven"

When Steven leaves he goes to the Big Doughnut again to use the VCR. Then, we actually watch the video. To describe it... I couldn't do it justice... Just... watch for yourself.

This is one of the best episodes of the show I've ever seen, and I felt I had to talk about it. As someone who grew up without a mom, it makes me feel better that cartoons are allowing for characters without moms... and don't have mean stepmothers that are jealous of them and want them dead. No, Steven has the Crystal Gems who, while a bit oblivious sometimes, do love and care about Steven. It's amazing how he can be so happy when so much can go wrong... there's gotta be something good in that. I... I have to go. T_T