In the thirty-eighth episode of the first season of Steven Universe, Steven demands the Gems test him. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Steven Universe.Â
I admit that even I forgot about the Sea Spire and the statue that Steven left behind on that mission. So, bravo to Steven Universe for waiting so long to follow up on that. Why? Because in the time that has passed since “Cheeseburger Backpack,†Steven really has grown. Many of his skills have developed in surprising and impressive ways, and given the last episode, that still feels like an understatement. Now that we know the Sea Spire mission was a test for Steven, it’s easy to see how much better he’d be at it had he gone on it again.
Thus, we have the impetus for “The Test.†It makes sense that Steven felt a bit resentful about not knowing he was on a test, but he channels it into a desire to prove to the Crystal Gems that he’s got what it takes. Which is not something I thought they doubted, you know? They’re now regularly taking him on missions, and he’s contributing in his own unique way, and THIS IS A GREAT THING.
Still, this was important for Steven, and the Gems knew that, though not for the same reason I intially thought. The test rooms they devise for him challenge his brute strength, his dexterity, his memory, and his ability to discern patterns, all important skills for possible missions. And while he may not be perfect in executing these tests, he succeeds, right up until Garnet’s room, where a spiked column nearly crushes him to death.
Except it doesn’t. It can’t.
In revealing this, the show takes a very uncomfortable turn, but it’s a rewarding one. Steven had every right to feel like the Gems weren’t taking him seriously or that, at the very least, they didn’t believe he could succeed in a dangerous situation. I don’t think “The Test†invalidates those concerns either! Rather, Steven, upon finding a way out of the game room that allows him to observe the Gems, makes a decision to put someone else first. It’s a continuation of the same selfless, kind, and considerate person we’ve seen of Steven time and time again. And for the record, he definitely still had anger within him! The whole time he walks back through the test rooms, he’s clenching his fists and he’s got a scowl on his face.
But once he exits the test (officially), he puts aside his needs because he realized that the Gems were the one who needed a victory more than him. Yes, Steven’s healing powers haven’t worked in a while, and that’s something he’ll need to work on. However, recall what the Gems admitted: that they are all ill-equipped to deal with Steven, the first human-gem hybrid any of them have ever known to exist. None of them know if they can ever help Steven.
So Steven grants them that, allows them to feel worthy, and validates each of them. It is one of the sweetest things he’s ever done, and I nearly burst into tears watching it. WHAT IS THIS SHOW DOING TO ME.
The video for “The Test†can be downloaded here for $0.99.
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