In the twenty-fifth and final episode of the fourth season of Steven Universe, Steven discovers what Aquamarine’s and Topaz’s mission was. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Steven Universe.
I’m just so overwhelmed by this.
Since the beginning of this whole show, Steven has lived in the shadow of his mother. It’s an immutable part of the narrative, which is why “I Am My Mom” feels so huge. After struggling with his own sense of worth, after dealing with his growing abilities, after discovering this massive intergalactic war, Steven has finally made the decision to deal with what was left for me. And it’s really a tragedy if you think about it! Steven never asked to be a part of this. He never made the conscious decision to start this war, but he sure as hell has grown up within it. He has had to deal with consequences of this war, regardless of whether he’s wanted to our not.
And that’s messed up. It’s a messed up thing to have in your childhood, and yet, here’s this bright boy, this beautiful beacon of joy and hope, who is so willing to help his friends and his family, who is willing to risk himself to save others, who is willing to sacrifice his life if that means he can save Earth. On top of it all, he’s also willing to be responsible for what he’s done, and in this case, he blames himself for Aquamarine’s mission. (Moment of silence for my inability to tell apart characters and for thinking that topaz is a blue color? I DON’T KNOW GEM STUFF, I AM A MESS.) I feel more forgiving towards Steven than he does for himself because… well, it’s not like he knew that his conversation ages ago to Peridot would lead to this. However, Steven is aware of what he HAS chosen to do in the recent past, and I interpreted his actions as being a response to that, you know? He’s been dealt a complicated card in life, but that doesn’t mean he relies on that to dodge responsibility.
That’s not the only factor at play here, though. Aquamarine and Topaz are formidable foes, and it’s been awhile since the team was up against people who seem so impossible to beat. Aquamarine’s powers are just RIDICULOUS, y’all. What is that wand??? What else can it do? Where does it get its powers??? What do the other Aquamarines do? I’m guessing all the Topaz gems are soldiers or warriors. Why don’t they talk??? Are they not supposed to? (Let me put my critical hat on, however: this is yet another instance of a large, butch gem being coded negatively. Granted, I know very little about the Topaz line of gems, so maybe the initial characterization will be subverted or something, but as it stands, it’s not a cute look, especially after the Bismuth affair.) These characters left me feeling bewildered, and ultimately, I still have no idea how any of the gems could have fought them off. Even Steven’s protective bubble couldn’t poof Topaz. At best, Steven was able to free the humans from Topaz’s weird fusion ability. Plus, it’s not like any of these fighters are unskilled or out of practice. As far as I could tell, Topaz and Aquamarine were just better.
Then we’ve got Lars. Y’all, the show doesn’t even deal with the ramifications of what he does here, so I’m assuming I’ve got to wait until season 5 to see it. Steven hasn’t even realized that he’s still onboard the ship!!! Oh god, that conversation is going to be so painful. Lars chose to run and hide rather than save Sadie. Or even attempt to save her! You could see the heartbreak on Sadie’s face when it happened, but it was also clear that Lars was more scared than he had ever been in his whole life. I don’t feel like this show is gonna ignore the implications of this, so HERE’S TO HOPING SEASON FIVE RUINS ME FURTHER.
I actually have high hopes for season 5 because this set-up is already so immense. Steven reveals his mother’s gem to Aquamarine and convinces her to take him instead. (Seriously, that scene is amazing, especially Steven loudly proclaiming that he is his mother. MY HEART.) It’s remarkably in-character for him, but it also holds so much promise. Will we learn the truth about Pink Diamond, or will we learn more about Rose Quartz? Will Steven be held accountable for his mother’s crimes? I don’t see the Diamonds as being understanding of this young kid, but YOU NEVER KNOW. Ah, I’m so glad I don’t have to wait for the start of season 5, either. I NEED MORE.
The video for “I Am My Mom†can be downloaded here for $0.99.
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