In the fourteenth episode of the second season of Steven Universe, Jamie enlists Steven to help with a play sponsored by Mayor Dewey. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Steven Universe.Â
I really hope that one day I can write something that is this consistently good. There’s a meta element to “Historical Friction” that works as a commentary on fulfilling stories, but the writers also continue addressing the fallout from “Call for Help,” and they haven’t missed the mark yet. While this episode doesn’t necessarily focus solely on Pearl, it’s a chance for Steven to unknowingly inspire her. How?
He reminds her that everyone fails and is flawed, and that it’s worth it to keep trying.
That’s a heavy message packed into a silly story about Mayor Dewey’s ridiculous propaganda. And let’s be real: that’s what he writes and produces here, and it takes Steven and Jamie’s bravery to tell a different version of the truth. Dewey is an odd character sometimes because he’s the only one who seems to be set in their ways, while everyone else here – Jamie included, since it’s apparent he’s over his obsession to Garnet!) – is willing and able to change. He’s used for comedic purposes more than anything else, and I’m not sure he actually learned the lesson made here, you know?
The whole point I saw was that sometimes the uncomfortable truth is not only better to tell, but can actually inspire others. Dewey’s version of the forming of Beach City is sanitized and meaningless, except in that it creates a legacy for Dewey that makes it seem like his ancestor was destined for greatness. (And therefore, he was, too.) And as Jamie points out, his perfection and preternatural abilities don’t make for good storytelling. Maybe for a political campaign, sure! But without strife and conflict, without any struggles, the story has no real life. It exists for the sole purpose of Dewey’s legacy and nothing more.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with fantasies or ridiculous tales that involve someone perfectly beating insurmountable odds. But I also can’t think of very many examples of this that I enjoy because, like Jamie, I prefer my stories with conflict and strife. They’re more satisfying that way! Thus, this episode is able to comment on Pearl’s predicament while also explaining why stories like this “Call for Help” arc work so well. Seeing people fail and then keep trying can make others feel like they should keep trying as well. And oh lord, did William Dewey ever fail when he nearly died discovering Beach City. (Though I’ll admit I did love that Pearl’s version of history showed everyone that Dewey didn’t discover anything; there were already people who lived there!) Yet he refused to give up, despite that the Gems warned him multiple times that it was dangerous, despite that he nearly drowned at sea, despite that the entire universe told him to stop.
That perseverance is an admirable thing here, and it’s what warms Pearl during a difficult time in her life. She knows that Steven admires her for refusing to give up on her conflict with Garnet, even if she might want to. All told, this is a very sweet episode that made me laugh a lot, too. ACTING. I hope we get another episode with Steven and Jamie hanging out because they are a riot when they’re together.
The video for “Historical Friction” can be downloaded here for $0.99.
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