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Steven
Floats
It’s been a long time since a cartoon’s been dedicated to
Steven getting a new Gem power, but it’s still a fitting cartoon subject after a long time focusing on one mission in one location. It can get distracting that we go back to the
old dynamic of just Steven, Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl at first, with Peridot
now on their side. Thankfully it’s acceptable if you have the right frame of
mind.
The way to the power has an
interesting buildup with a sequence of Steven getting excited about coming home
after being at the barn for so long. His
excitement piques when he checks out his favorite snack place, the Big Donut
where Sadie promises that if he’s the first one there the next day, he gets the
first fresh donut.
The sequence shows
that while the Gem lore may be the most interesting part of the show, minor
stuff like his home are also an important part of Steven’s life. Actually, his
devotion to his home adds weight and care whenever he has to protect Earth. It’s this dedication that unlocks Steven’s
new power that ties into frequent occurrences of Gems appearing to float when
they jump. That’s what happens with
Steven as he jumps high declaring how great it is to be back and floats back
down.
However, the story ties more into
Steven’s over-excitability from Season 1 than the maturity he has now as he
jumps to higher heights just for fun which gets him in trouble. He gets up so
high that it takes him a long time to float down. Fortunately, he’s quick to point out what he
did wrong, and the cartoon still turns out highly enjoyable with each of the
Crystal Gems approaching the situation differently. Amethyst is nonchalant and leisurely floats
on her own several times to hear what Steven’s gotten himself into. Garnet is
quiet and calculating. Pearl has a hilarious freak-out over Steven’s
well-being. Their different approaches
to what’s occurred is a testament to how well they work off each other as
distinct characters. Also, the ways they make Steven’s slow float back down
easier to deal with bring a few enjoyable sight gags represent how endearing
they are as his caretakers.
Steven’s
desire to get the first fresh donut of the day still sticks though which makes
him more desperate to get down quickly. Considering how intense the show has
proven to get lately, this isn’t a very compelling reason to get out of the
mess as fast as possible. There’s some humor from
the moment. The Crystal Gems’ failed attempts to weigh him down with random
heavy things bring creative laughs. Steven also has an exaggerated thought of how many of his Beach
City friends will get fresh donuts and how he’ll become a pile of bones without
any donuts while he’s stuck in the sky.
It’s this exaggeration that brings insight to a Gem’s floating
powers. When Steven thinks negatively he
falls quickly, but floats slower and safer (to some extent) when he thinks
positively. In this case his thoughts are of his great ties with the Crystal Gems, an endearing
reminder of this show’s strength of crafting character relationships. In other words, his powers are tied to his
emotions. Since that’s been the case of getting
all Steven’s powers to work while forcing things never solved anything, the
conclusion should’ve been reached sooner.
Still, the conclusion is satisfying enough with Steven finally getting
his donut.
While this cartoon is a
little too basic with a hint of slight character regression, it’s a solidly
entertaining character-driven way to bring on Steven’s new power.
A-
The Ranking
- Gem Drill
- Super Watermelon Island
- Barn Mates
- Hit the Diamond
- Same Old World
- Steven Floats
Be sure to stay tuned for the review of the next episode which brings the return of Greg's old manager Marty who, unlike most characters in the show, has no good motive to his malice.
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