Monday, July 1, 2019

Off Colors (Steven Universe Season 5 Episode 3) - 'Toon Reviews 29

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Off Colors


While the first part of the fifth season places Steven on Homeworld for the first time ever, we really don’t see much of it, at least not now.  That said, after falling down to caves miles below Homeworld with Lars, the results are still quite substantial and telling of its grueling customs. 
As Steven is hounded by robonoids who want to shatter him for the demise of Pink Diamond while Lars laments over hiding like a coward, they run into a specific group of Gems.  Helping them escape the robonoids by taking them to their secret hideout in a gigantic Gem Kindergarten, they introduce themselves one by one to show how they stand out.  I put a lot of emphasis on stand out because the one thing they all have in common is that these Gems are total misfits and are deemed unneeded and 'off color'. 
We have the Rutile twins, a two-headed Gem who communicate through saying different phrases with the same meaning appropriate for the situation.  Rhodonite is a Ruby and a Pearl fusion who is easily paranoid of getting shattered.  Little Padparadscha is an orange Sapphire who can only predict things after they’ve happened.  Lastly there’s Fluorite, a gigantic centipede-like Gem who’s actually a fusion of many other Gems, talking incredibly slowly like a grandma as a result.  There’s a lot of imagination to the composition of these characters for both design and personality.  The erratic ways they don’t fit the norm enhances their plight of fighting through the prejudicial ways of Homeworld.  Granted, it’s always been known that they have no compassion for Gems who don’t fit their purpose, but it still helps to see the lengths of this instead of just hearing about them. 
Plus, they’re all quite fun and endearing from their personalities. I especially enjoy how excited Padparadscha gets whenever she uses her predictions, even if they only just happen despite sometimes pointing out major details others don’t get.  Fluorite, in her slow-talking, also delights with warmth and understanding towards others.  Even traits that should be overbearing like Rhodinite’s freak-outs and the Rutile twins saying things of the same meaning have much energy and endearment.  Another big thing about these off color Gems is that Lars bonds with them and connects to how they run and hide to avoid getting shattered.  That said, he also remembers that running and hiding was what got him into this mess, but his recent bonding with Steven pushes him to do the unthinkable. 
When the shattering robonoids arrive, Lars remembers that it’s ok to be scared, and protects his new friends.  This is a smart move since the robonoids only lock onto gemstones, and since Lars doesn’t have one, he’s able to take them out.  I find it ironic that he says beating them is the coolest thing he’s done in his life given what happens.  When destroying the last one, its explosion sends him into a rock and gets severely injured.  Steven not sensing a heartbeat afterwards straight up confirms that Lars got killed while protecting everyone. It’s not so often that a show would have repercussions as big as this, and the tearful reactions from Steven and the others reflect its great sad weight.  Even if Lars is brought back to life with the sudden working of Steven’s healing tears, there’s something to him that still makes the effects of his near-death prominent.  That, however, is for the next cartoon to explore. 
For this one, it’s a powerful work built on versatile characters and bold story directions.
A+

Season 4 Ranking

1.      I Am My Mom

2.      Storm in the Room

3.      Mindful Education

4.      That Will Be All

5.      Steven’s Dream

6.      Last One Out of Beach City

7.      Are You My Dad?

8.      The Zoo

9.      The Good Lars

10.  Gem Heist

11.  Gem Harvest

12.  Three Gems and a Baby

13.  Adventures in Light Distortion

14.  Buddy’s Book

15.  Know Your Fusion

16.  The New Crystal Gems

17.  Lion 4: Alternate Ending

18.  Doug Out

19.  Kindergarten Kid

20.  Room for Ruby

21.  Future Boy Zoltron

22.  Tiger Philanthropist

23.  Rocknaldo

24.  Onion Gang

Season 5 Ranking

1.      The Trial

2.      Off Colors

3.      Stuck Together

 
 
The next Steven Universe review further explores what happened from Steven bringing Lars back to life.
Next time on MC Toon Reviews is The Loud House Thanksgiving special.
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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