Saturday, November 3, 2018

Steven Floats (Steven Universe Season 3 Episode 6) - 'Toon Reviews 23


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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
  1. Gem Drill
  2. Super Watermelon Island
  3. Barn Mates
  4. Hit the Diamond
  5. Same Old World
  6. 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.
If you would like to check out other Steven Universe reviews on this blog, click here for the guide made especially for them.

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