Steven Universe: Watermelon Steven
B+
In Memoriam of Baby Melon
Well this was a weird episode even for Steven Universe standards. But nothing is wrong with weirdness if it is told well. For the most part this tale does succeed with a morale that deals with conflicts parenting intertwining with responsibility. Steven takes his first stab at being a father and farmer all at the same time. Don't believe it gets more insane than that? Trust me it does. Ronaldo tries to dissect a watermelon..need I say more?
What starts has a fun activity with his Dad turns into something much messier. Steven and his Father are enjoying a sunset while eating some watermelon and decide to challenge each other with seed tricks. One tricks involves him spreading his seed (yikes) everywhere and the next morning we get awesome watermelon shaped Steven. The gems explain it is most likely a power passed down by his Mother who could make plants alive and help her fight. Farmer Steven decides to give his watermelon away (with the exception of baby melon) but it turns out the watermelon are also alive. The climax ends with sacrifice, tragedy, and silliness.
I do like that episode presents what powers that Steven has that have been yet discovered. With each new episode that explores Stevens gem skills are a lot of fun. But this episode also show how Steven might not be yet ready for such greatness. He is still a kid and cannot handle all the emotional weight that comes with such supernatural wonder. He guides his children to think about his actions as he bites on baby melons remains. Steven has a lot to learn but he is doing the best he can to handle the situation with the tactics of a 12 year old. Maybe next time he can spread his seed with more caution.
Cool Things Noticed:
1.) Steven said that the watermelons were hurting people. But the only time they were was when someone hurt Steven. Perhaps we jumped to fast to conclusions. They were not hurting the people who bought them. I know I'm bias I just really think those watermelons were adorable.
2.) Speaking of adorable, Farmer Steven!
3.) Someone explain Onion to me. I never seen him before but I feel like I would like him.
4.) RIP baby melon. I cannot believe your fellow brothers literally squashed you.
5.) How long do you think it will take for the watermelon steven to learn their lessons?
"I met a kid named Onion today. What a swell guy. I couldn't imagine knowing a better guy than Onion." *Next page* "DO NOT TRUST ONION! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT HE'S CAPAB-" *the rest is obscured by blood splattering* In all seriousness, Onion is a pretty fun character. See "Onion Trade" for a good distillation of his character. I think his first appearance was a small but wonderful part in Connie's debut episode "Bubble Buddies".
ReplyDeleteThis episode was good for showing Steven starting to mature. He starts by legitimately outmatching Greg at seed spitting, perhaps for the first time demonstrating that he's more capable at something than his father. That's a pretty big step for a kid. Steven's seen in multiple cases in the past that Gem powers and technology have a way of going haywire with disastrous results if not properly monitored, hence his decision to preemptively recover the watermelons before they could go crazy. His growing maturity is reflected in him inheriting his mother's plant control powers. We've seen she does have some affinity towards plant life in "Lars and the Cool Kids", as well as the thorns surrounding her fountain in "An Indirect Kiss" (which even came to life and attacked Steven and Amythest, good foreshadowing of this new power).
I know the Gems want to protect Steven, but considering what happened here and near the end of "Monster Buddies", they maybe shouldn't jump into action quite so quickly.
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, Steven and his free (initially) farmer's market was quite adorable. As was Sadie in her blue dress (and with the scar from "Island Adventure" still on her cheek - yay continuity!).
I didn't notice the scar, I'll have to look for it on the rewatch. Good eye.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteSorta relevant story: I was at the museum with my family over the weekend. At the Hall of Gems I had to stop myself from imagining all the stones as SU characters. And one of the display cases had a rose quartz and an amethyst right next to each other.
Makes me wonder if kids watching this show will react similarly to hearing the names of some of the less commonly known gems in Earth Science class a few years down the line.
ReplyDelete