Plots that involve haunted houses and supernatural occurrences typically promise a lot of creativity and intensity, and this one is no exception. It even offers some interesting info on two of Beach City’s most unlikable residents. All this is starts of in a simple, manner with Steven, Lars, and Sadie going to a monster movie party hosted by Ronaldo. We all know how in-your-face and unhealthy Ronaldo can be with his hobby of supernatural conspiracy theories, but here, since for the most part he’s confining his interests to a party related to the subject, this cartoon is one of his better appearances. His interests even help him to bond with Sadie in a few scenes throughout the cartoon. Then the story is ready shows off the supernatural elements to build up the creativity and intensity of the dark setting. They include things around the lighthouse the party’s taking place in flying around, an army of scarecrows blocking the entrance, and most interesting of all, part of the basement wall with Lars’ name carved into it pumping like a heart. Speaking of Lars, it should be noted that he and Ronaldo are constantly at odds with each other here. Lars is quick to berate Ronaldo for being weird as the group inspects the supernatural events, and Ronaldo actually blames Lars for everything and even wants to sacrifice him to whoever’s haunting the house at one point, meaning that he’s not totally alien from his unhealthy ways here. Ultimately, everything comes together when it’s discovered that the strange things that happened came from a Gem that was trapped in the lighthouse walls and using it for a body. The Gem also reveals its reasons for attacking by showing that Lars hurt it with the carving he made when he was younger. We also see what his relationship with Ronaldo was like. They used to be best friends who had their own club, but they were driven apart when their separate feelings clashed when Lars’ carving caused the Gem to fight back by hitting him with a board. Ronaldo took a picture of it wanting to share this “paranormal discovery” with the world while Lars ripped it up to avoid humiliation. It’s hard to say if both sides are worth getting behind since neither are shown to have an understanding for each other’s feelings when they lashed out at each other and the photo doesn’t seem like anything Ronaldo should’ve gushed over in the first place. At least both Lars and Ronaldo show some understanding in the present, even if they are just throwaway lines near the end. We’ve yet to see more of Lars and Ronaldo’s relationship after this, but maybe someday it will get some closure. Still, the fact that they both have some likability and all the creative supernatural stuff and elements of Gem lore make this cartoon solid horror-related entertainment. 9/10
The Ranking
- Ocean Gem
- Lion 3: Straight to Video
- Alone Together
- Coach Steven
- On the Run
- Mirror Gem
- An Indirect Kiss
- Space Race
- So Many Birthdays
- Steven the Sword Fighter
- Lion 2: The Movie
- Bubble Buddies
- Monster Buddies
- Laser Light Cannon
- Giant Woman
- Lars and the Cool Kids
- The Test
- Steven’s Lion
- Horror Club
- Watermelon Steven
- Gem Glow
- Steven and the Stevens
- Warp Tour
- Island Adventure
- Rose’s Room
- Cheeseburger Backpack
- Future Vision
- Secret Team
- House Guest
- Serious Steven
- Joking Victim
- Beach Party
- Cat Fingers
- Tiger Millionaire
- Together Breakfast
- Fusion Cuisine
- Frybo
- Onion Trade
- Arcade Mania
- Garnet’s Universe
- Keep Beach City Weird
Be sure to stay tuned for the review of the next episode which presents the ever lovable Steven and Connie dynamic in a winter setting in "Winter Forecast."
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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