In the forty-eighth episode of the first season of Steven Universe, Steven requests a story from Greg about his mother. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Steven Universe.
Trigger Warning: For mention of misogyny.
I am certain that every appearance of Rose Quartz will be my undoing. CERTAIN.
Music
Any chance I get to talk about music is a wonderful opportunity because I know it is a huge part of my life. Like, bigger than any single one thing in my entire existence! You could honestly take books and movies and TV shows from me, and as long as I had my music collection (and access to new music), I would be pretty fine. I started teaching myself guitar at 18 after I won a scholarship from The L.A. Times for an editorial on being pro-choice, which allowed me to purchase my first instrument. I don’t have that beat-up, broken, and grimey Ibanez anymore, but it’s where I learned how to play by ear and became a pretty decent rhythm guitarist. (I’m finally teaching myself some of the more difficult shit, and it’s been fun. Shout out to the person who bought me a Gibson off my Amazon Wish List; the package did not include a message, so I have no idea who it was from. You’ve changed my life.)
Music saved me, time and time again. I’m thankful that I was raised on tons of old soul and R&B records, that I developed an obsession with Motown at an early age, that my older sister began to quietly turn me on to metal and hardcore and NIN and Depeche Mode in opposition to my mother, that I had friends who would pick me up when I snuck out of the house to go see shows at the Showcase Theater in Corona when I was a teenager. When I was at my worst at home, music is what gave me a glimpse of the world outside. It is the soundtrack to my writing, to working out, to long bus rides and flights and trains, and to moments when I was at my lowest.
I’m saying all this to explain my deep, undying love for the fact that music plays an undeniable part in Steven Universe. It’s in the fabric of the show, not as a gimmick but as a necessary part of the story. Thus, it makes perfect sense that Greg would retell his story of meeting Rose Quartz through music. And what a song, y’all. I have no idea who wrote it, but I’ll say this: that person gets metal power ballads. They understand chord progressions for these types of songs, they get how the lead can accent and enhance the vocal, and they perfectly understand how, lyrically, a power ballad should work. It was a goddamn delight.
First Encounter
But this episode rules not just for the incredible songs; it’s a chance to see all four Crystal Gems at once, to experience Rose Quartz in more than just a single scene. The limited way in which the audience experiences Rose makes her appearances all the more meaningful, and thus, this episode feels like the greatest of delights. We see Rose’s kindness. We see her initial interest in Greg because SPACE IS HIS GIMMICK. (It’s a pretty good schtick to have, you know?)
Then there’s Marty, Greg’s misogynist, greedy, and useless “manager,†who has more interesting in collecting women and making money than actually promoting Greg. Which is hilarious in its own right because Marty… you can’t succeed if Greg doesn’t succeed. OH, WELL. There’s a great story here in how Greg rejects Marty, but I also can’t ignore that this episode is as exciting as it was because YOUNG CRYSTAL GEMS. IT’S THE OTHER BEST PART OF IT. Look how small Amethyst was! And how excited she was! AND HOW NONE OF THE GEMS KNEW HOW TO INTERACT WITH HUMANS AT ALL. IT IS SO AGGRESSIVELY ADORABLE, AND I WANT MORE OF IT. Garnet almost threw Greg back over the fence!!! HELP ME.
In both literal and metaphorical terms, though, Rose towers over everything. Notice how easily she interacts with Greg, how her eyes light up with stars when he admits that he wants to pursue her, how you can see every bit of love and kindness that we’ve heard about from everyone who knew her… it is honestly too much. This felt like a privilege to watch, and I also won’t forgive Steven Universe for personally attacking me with this kind of content.
The video for “Story for Steven†can be downloaded here for $0.99.
Mark Links Stuff
– I am now on Patreon! There are various levels of support, from $1 up to whatever you want! You’ll get to read a private blog, extra reviews, and other such rewards. I POST A LOT OF CUTE PHOTOS, OKAY. Think of it like a private Tumblr blog that only SPECIAL PEOPLE get to read.
– I have updated my list of conventions and events for the remainder of the year and much of next year.  Check the full list of events on my Tour Dates / Appearances page.
– My Master Schedule is updated for the near and distant future for most projects, so please check it often. My next Double Features for Mark Watches have been announced here.
- Mark Does Stuff is on Facebook! I’ve got a community page up that I’m running. Guaranteed shenanigans!
