In the eighteenth episode of the third season of Steven Universe, Pearl gives Connie a day off from training. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Steven Universe.Â
Well, this episode gave me a lot to talk about, so LET’S DO THIS.
The Story
There’s a joy in seeing so many seemingly disparate threads come together in one episode. It’s why I love serialization as much as I do. There’s a reward in it for the audience. It allows creators to craft more detailed and layered stories. “Crack the Whip” provides an update in SO MANY THINGS: Connie’s training with Pearl. Amethyst’s continued struggle with her sense of self worth; Steven’s control of his powers; Jasper’s plans; the nature of gem roles on Homeworld. All of this is tied together in an episode that is at times full of elation and overflowing with tension at others. Steven Universe is frequently like that, and there’s a lot fun to be had in seeing how quickly the tone of an episode can change. This one is simply one of the best examples of that.
Training
But that serialization means that the writers can allow things to happen off-screen without it feeling like they’re cheating. We knew from Connie’s fight at her mother’s hospital that she was talented; “Gem Hunt” gave us a chance to see how far Connie’s training had come; and when we see Connie show up at the Temple for further training with Pearl, it doesn’t feel like the show is coming up with a last-minute reason to explain the action that will follow. We already know that the training is happening!
That’s also why the day off is so fun. It’s no surprise that Connie takes her training seriously, nor is it a shock that she dedicates herself so fully to the task. Thus, her chance to let go feels refreshing and freeing. It’s easy to forget how difficult it was for her parents (particularly her mother) to trust her, and that adds another level of happiness to this. A year prior, Connie would never have been allowed to do this.
Fun
Amethyst frequently represents chaos in the Crystal Gems, and she’s always the one to suggest having fun. I never really thought about how Connie had spent comparatively little time with Garnet and Amethyst until this episode, but it’s yet another layer of meaning in “Crack the Whip.” If Connie learned about discipline and the value of training from Pearl, then Amethyst teaches her the value of letting go. Of being carefree. Of enjoying life for what it is. It’s beautiful to watch.
Adequacy
But let’s not also forget that Amethyst trains Connie and Steven as well, even if she doesn’t think of it that way. Amethyst’s style is pure instinct, and it’s not something that Connie had ever considered prior to this. After Connie’s confrontation with the corrupted gem in “Gem Hunt,” it made sense that she’d try to find a way to avoid “freezing” up in the face of her own terror, and Amethyst’s recommendation is exactly what she needed.
Jasper’s appearance here was just as shocking as the one in that episode, too, but here, Steven and Connie are prepared. Their assault on Jasper as Stevonnie is one of the most memorable fight scenes on the entire show, a dizzying spectacle of coordination and strategy. But it has an unintended consequence: Amethyst feels unnecessary. Jasper cruelly taunts Amethyst about her size and intended purpose, which drags out Amethyst’s insecurities all over again. After she’s damaged so much that she must heal as a gem, she returns to discover that Stevonnie had their first victory… without Amethyst. It would otherwise have been a moment of victory, but I understood exactly why “Crack the Whip” ended as bittersweet as it did. Amethyst can’t have felt good by herself after all that. I’m guessing the next episode will address that, or at least I hope so. Oh god, WHY IS THIS THE PLACE I AM ENDING. (For context, I’m writing this on January 8th, just prior to leaving for the East coast. CLIFFHANGERS FOR WEEKS.)
The video for “Crack the Whip” can be downloaded here for $0.99.
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