Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Rocknaldo (Steven Universe Season 4 Episode 17) - 'Toon Reviews 29

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Rocknaldo

After a long stretch of new layers to the underlying plot, standout moments from major characters, and a grand display of emotions, this cartoon is a bit of a rude awakening.  It all has to do with the character in the spotlight, Ronaldo.  He may be a stand-in for obsessive fans and conspiracy theorists, but he tends to get real overbearing real fast.  His unhealthy customs of how he lets his passions overtake his important responsibilities and the dangerous lengths he goes through to prove he’s right are somewhat disturbing.  It’s no wonder he’s such a divisive character among the audience of this show.  Even so, I personally don’t hate him and think he can be funny in small doses, as well as show glimpses of humanity.  As a result, this cartoon is majorly brought down by his bad traits, but also highlights possible redeemable ones. 
We start with Ronaldo passing out flyers for a species called “Rock People” and how they’re the enemy, which is typical conspiracy nut actions one would expect from him.  Steven, the only one actually listening, informs that the Rock People Ronaldo speaks of are no different from the Crystal Gems.  Ronaldo needs time to think as a result of this, and the conclusion he comes to in an attempt to better understand the Crystal Gems is to join them.  This actually has potential for something interesting considering that not many people have shown interest in joining the Crystal Gems.  The Gems do have their reasons for apprehensions of Ronaldo joining them since he’s fully organic and can’t summon a weapon which is dangerous for battles.  Steven is at least inclusive and willing to give Ronaldo a chance. 
Honestly though, this concept does not really live up to its potential.  Rather than being given a proper chance on Gem missions and teaching him all about their customs, Ronaldo is just portrayed as an annoying house guest.  His ways of showing he’s a true Crystal Gem are fabricated with his Gem name, Bloodstone, being meaningless and his weapon being a harmless plastic sword for cons.  He also doesn’t do anything that’s the least bit productive. He just annoys Steven while he’s trying to sleep, insist he’s a real Crystal Gem without proving it, and thinks he’s entitled to special treatment just because he “lives” with Steven.  To top it all off, when Steven rightfully snaps and tells Ronaldo how out of line he’s been, Ronaldo has the audacity to say that Steven’s in the wrong for not loving and accepting him.  He has a lot of nerve to say that when he’s only been a pest the whole time he’s declared himself part of the team.  It just makes me think of how interesting this cartoon could have been if Ronaldo really did do something that could be considered Crystal Gem-worthy. 
At least the conclusion is enough to counter the many disappointments.  It could be easy for the writing to side with Ronaldo, but it’s clear it knows Steven is in the right.  Without really yelling, he later tells Ronaldo that he has loved and accepted him and that Ronaldo was the one who didn’t do that.  He’s supported by the Crystal Gems, and a few weeks later, he and Ronaldo have a civil conversation about Steven’s usual life as a Gem.  This talk is especially good for Ronaldo, proving that for all his flaws, he does want to properly understand what seems weird to the outside world.  If only this trait showed more. 
This cartoon is held back by a slightly grating tone and not going all out with a human joining the Crystal Gems. Thankfully, good morality and glimpses of humanity keep it from being all-out bad.
C

Season 4 Ranking

1.      Storm in the Room

2.      Mindful Education

3.      That Will Be All

4.      Steven’s Dream

5.      Last One Out of Beach City

6.      The Zoo

7.      Gem Heist

8.      Gem Harvest

9.      Three Gems and a Baby

10.  Adventures in Light Distortion

11.  Buddy’s Book

12.  Know Your Fusion

13.  The New Crystal Gems

14.  Kindergarten Kid

15.  Future Boy Zoltron

16.  Rocknaldo

17.  Onion Gang
The next Steven Universe review covers the return and departure of Tiger Milliaonaire… which no one really asked for.
Next time on MC Toon Reviews is "Scales of Justice" and "Crimes of Fashion" from The Loud House.
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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