Steven Universe Review: “Gem Heist”

Metal Gear Steven

(This review contains spoilers!)

          It’s always great when Steven Universe takes us to new locations, especially ones that the Gems are unfamiliar with. Placing the characters in alien locations allows us to learn new parts of the show’s lore through them, as well as give us some excellent character moments we wouldn’t see back home in Beach City.

          That’s one of the main reasons that Gem Heist is so fantastic. For the first time since Jail Break way back at the end of Season 1, we’re seeing the Gems being pushed around by Homeworld gems, all the while they have no home court advantage. This leads to an excellent episode that not only leads to what’s to come, but is able to stand on its own by giving us an all-new insight to Homeworld.

          While the episode isn’t set on Homeworld itself (at this point I’m almost certain they’re saving that for the end of the series), we do get a close second: Pink Diamond’s human zoo. But in order to get Greg back, the Gems first need to get past the guards, consisting of several normal-sized Amethysts and an all-new gem type: the ruthless, drill-sergeant-like Holly Blue Agate.

          The design of the zoo overall is amazing in how it contrasts with the settings on Earth. Sharp lines and symmetrical patters dominate the backgrounds, and bright whites and pinks replace the more earthen browns and blues we normally see from this show. It’s an amazing change of style that really adds to how intimidatingly different the zoo is meant to feel.

          It was also fun to see how our Gems behaved when forced to conform to Homeworld’s rules. Garnet split down into Ruby and Sapphire to attract little attention, and it was interesting to see how Holly Blue treated her the same way one would treat royalty. We know from The Answer that Sapphires are “rare, aristocratic gems”, but here we see her treated similarly to a Diamond. On the contrast, Pearl, Ruby and Amethyst are treated as foot soldiers and servants with little brain power. While we already knew where most of these characters stood in the overall gem hierarchy, it’s neat to have them finally act out those roles.

          Overall, if you’re the type of person that likes Steven Universe to cut the crap and give you more plot instead of Lars episodes, Gem Heist is the one you’ve been waiting for. Boasting a fantastic setting and lots of new lore to be examined, as well as promise of the next part of the arc, this is truly one of the best episodes in a while.

FINAL SCORE

9/10

Amazing