While most of the side characters aren’t really as
interesting as the main ones, there are those who stick out as some of the best
in the cast such as Steven’s dad, Greg.
This cartoon introduces another side character who’s worth calling one
of the best, and her name is Connie.
Steven’s first interaction with her is a very cute and well-written
adventure that lets us know what we’re in for with this relationship, and it
blooms naturally in a relatable manner.
When he first notices her, he clearly wants to introduce himself to her,
but is too shy to do so. Then, when he
tries again, circumstances convince him to act quickly, leading him to save
Connie from a falling rock. This moment
also gives us our first look at one of Steven’s most prominent powers, a
magical pink bubble that shields himself and anyone around him from harm, and
as is usual for first time skills, he doesn’t know how to properly work it
including making the bubble go away.
Adding to this situation is the fact that Steven told the Crystal Gems
to stay out of his way while he talked to Connie, meaning that they’re both on
their own in finding a way out of the bubble.
Through many wacky schemes Steven arranges to burst the bubble, he and
Connie slowly establish a strong bond through their conversations about themselves,
Connie showing off her impressive knowledge on certain subjects, and her also
serving as a foil to Steven by pointing out the flaws in his ideas. Their small moments lead up to a big moment
where their attempts to pop the bubble send them to the bottom of the ocean. When Connie laments how Steven doesn’t know
what he’s doing and that she’ll disappear without making a single friend,
Steven steps in with a moment of genuine caring. He grants her his friendship and even gives
her a bracelet which she dropped and he saved for almost a year (which you can see if you look closely at the shot of his freezer in "Gem Glow"). This works in cheering up Connie who accepts
the offer to be Steven’s friend, and this moment is so heartwarming that it’s
enough to pop the bubble. This mutual
respect is even put to good use when they both take out a giant worm monster
before the Crystal Gems have a chance to come in and help. This is especially great because all moments
between Steven and Connie here, and in many cartoons to come, show they make for
a great relationship together. They’re
great at working as a team, they know what to say when they’re in distress, and
they basically bring out the best in each other. The fact that this is the introduction to a
great relationship grants it the status of the show’s first of many top-tier
cartoons and one that’s sure not to mess with one’s funky flow. 10/10
The Ranking
- Bubble Buddies
- Laser Light Cannon
- Gem Glow
- Cheeseburger Backpack
- Cat Fingers
- Together Breakfast
- Frybo
Be sure to stay tuned for the review of the next episode where Steven tries to be serious on his first Gem mission with questionable results in "Serious Steven.
If you would like to check out other reviews on this blog, click here for the guide to all the reviews posted so far.
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