'Toon Reviews 6: Steven Universe Season 1 Episode 14

Lars and the Cool Kids

This is yet another cartoon focusing on the residents of Beach City, but it’s still a great one.  Now, small scenes in prior cartoons had Steven hang out at The Big Donut where he would frequently interact with the two teens who run it.  One of them is Lars who acts selfish and constantly gives edgy remarks.  While some may not like him, I’m personally fine with this character since his jerky moments don't last long enough to detract from any strong points present, and there are times where he shows that he does have good inside him, such as in this cartoon.  Steven notices Lars wanting to impress a group of teenagers called the Cool Kids consisting of Sour Cream, an aspiring DJ, Jenny Pizza, one of the daughters of the owner of Fish Stew Pizza, and Buck Dewey, son of the mayor of Beach City, Mayor Dewey.  Lars feels that the only way to befriend the Cool Kids is to lay low and let them come to him, but when Steven greets them as his chipper self, they’re all very accepting of him and his friend.  That’s the great thing about the Cool Kids.  On the surface, they may seem like typical shallow teenage archetypes, but unlike other teens who act so high and mighty that they come off highly judgmental, they’re open to accept anyone no matter what they’re like, and their bond with Steven is a nice one.  As for what their time with the Cool Kids does for Lars’ character, it occurs when they break into an area known as Dead Man’s Mouth to swim in a pond of magical moss planted by Steven’s mom, Rose Quartz.  Since the Crystal Gems warned him of the moss’ dangers earlier, Steven is hesitant to go in.  He stops Lars from going in, but it soon consumes the Cool Kids.  Lars is led to snap at Steven by blaming his mom for what happened.  Then Steven, who’s usually unmoved by Lars’ attitude, lashes out at Lars for insulting his mom, especially since he himself never knew her either.  Not only does this outburst show Steven’s depth for having a conflict about his own mother amidst his friendly good nature, but it gets Lars to actually feel sorry for making that insult earlier.  He follows Steven’s lead to save the Cool Kids, and they frantically drive up a hill where the moss is meant to go, and we get a beautiful scene where the moss blooms into rose petals that descend onto Beach City, setting the Cool Kids free.  Plus, as everyone takes in the view, Lars even gives a subtle hint that deep down he likes Steven as a friend.  Now, Lars is still mostly a jerk following this cartoon, but there are more good moments to come from him.  For containing the first moment of goodness, as well as great moments from the other characters involved, this Beach City resident cartoon is a great one for the series. 9.5/10

The Ranking

1. So Many Birthdays
2. Bubble Buddies
3. Laser Light Cannon
4. Giant Woman
5. Lars and the Cool Kids
6. Steven’s Lion
7. Gem Glow
8. Cheeseburger Backpack
9. Serious Steven
10. Cat Fingers
11. Tiger Millionaire
12. Together Breakfast
13. Frybo
14. Arcade Mania

Be sure to stay tuned for the review of the next episode which is a Beach City resident story that isn't quite as good as this one, "Onion Trade."

If you would like to check out other reviews on this blog, click here for the guide to all the reviews posted so far.