Thursday, 12 May 2016

Steven Universe Review: “Gem Drill”

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(This review contains spoilers!)

          Immediately following the events of Super Watermelon Island, we have Gem Drill, Steven and Peridot’s own adventure!

          This really feels like the showrunners were trying to tie up most of the loose ends still dangling from earlier episodes so Season 3 can become its own beast, as we got the defeat of both Malachite and the Cluster back-to-back.

          Speaking of the Cluster, I was a little underwhelmed by it. Sure, it looked fantastic, and we had some excellent psychedelic moments when Steven connected and spoke with it, but I feel like we kind of got gipped on this giant world-destroying beast. I mostly blame the show’s length on why the problem was solved so quickly, but did we really have to solve it right now? Why not go down and see the Cluster, have to go back for whatever reason, and then go back down and have Steven talk to it. It gives us more time to understand the Cluster and really see why this is such a huge threat.

          Anyways, pacing issues aside, this was a really good episode. Peridot had lots of great jokes as usual, and we even got a little insight on what it was like for her back on Homeworld. It’s nice to see that she’s already happy to be a Crystal Gem now, and we don’t have to go through the typical “fine, I’ll join you, but I won’t be happy about it” arc that so many redeemed villains have to go through.

          The scene when Steven talked to the Cluster was really great as well. One has to wonder if Steven can use this power to heal corrupted Gems like the Centipeetle.

          The resolution was really good as well, with Steven continuing to prove that it’s better to talk your way out of problems rather than fight. I especially like the design of the bubbled Cluster. It’s really colourful, and I hope we get to see it again.

          All in all, a good episode, despite the pacing issues. With the promise of Lapis’s return on the horizon, the latest batch of Steven Universe episodes look incredibly promising.

FINAL SCORE
8/10

Great

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