Monday, August 12, 2019

The Question (Steven Universe Season 5 Episode 21) - 'Toon Reviews 29

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The Question


A strong sign of an impactful story is one that gets across its ideas with unique visual metaphors.  For that, this cartoon really stands out with how Ruby deals with the aftermath of the reveal of Rose Quartz being Pink Diamond. 
Picking up where the previous cartoon left off, Steven and Amethyst find her lounging with Greg on a hill, both of whom are at peace after talking things over.  In addition to Greg being accepting of this knowing that Pink changed into a better person than she was, Ruby’s feelings are of major significance.  She accepts that there was truth to what Sapphire told her regarding never knowing anything and only allowing Sapphire to figure everything out.  Ruby ultimately feels that there’s a lot to discover for herself without being fused to someone who guides her every move.  Of course this leads to concern over the possibility of Garnet never forming again, but a direction to force Ruby and Sapphire back together is swiftly avoided.  Greg points out the healthy fact that whether the Gems get back together or not should be their choice, and no one else’s. 
As this is understood, Ruby’s quest for self-discovery is supported and comes with highly creative approaches.  She works off of comics Greg has in his collection, ultimately going with one about a cowboy traveling the wide open plains.  This nicely brings Sapphire’s wild prediction from the previous cartoon full circle and features many memorable moments of Ruby trying this new role out.  Through riding Amethyst relishing in being shapeshifted into a horse through a plain with many obstacles to face, it’s clear that Ruby is getting a fresher view of life out of this.  She does so by finding out the truths of various dangers by exploring them for herself whether it's climbing through a bush or falling down an unexpected ravine.  
However, a lot of the benefits to cowboy life Ruby finds are highlighted in the cartoon’s musical number “Ruby Rider.”  While it does take more time to grow on you compared to other songs in the show, it’s a nice atmospheric piece that immerses itself in the cowboy theme Ruby’s going for.  It also shows how quickly she grasps many elements of the role from big things like facing bulls and rattlesnakes to simple things like playing guitar.  It really seems like she’s all set up for a new path in life. 
However, Steven later discovers that while Ruby’s been great at being a cowboy, she’s not totally happy.  As much as she enjoys living the life of a cowboy, she admits that she’d like it even more if she had someone with her to enjoy the fun of it all like Sapphire.  Maybe there could have been more overt hints to this, but it is at least explained that she didn’t flat out admit this because she thinks that’s lame.  Fortunately, Steven is there for guidance as usual, and points out that even independent cowboys get lonely and want someone special in their lives too.  Not only that, but he also has the perfect solution for Ruby to still make her own choices and be together with Sapphire all at once. 
This leads to the titular question where everyone returns home with Ruby facing Sapphire in what feels like something out of a standard western movie.  She puts on the cowboy act explaining how she realizes that they were together because someone else who wasn’t who she said she was said they were the answer.  Then after putting that aside, Ruby, as herself, asks Sapphire to marry her as a new way to decide to be Garnet on their own accord.  They'll be together, but also be able to think for themselves.  Along with being one of the boldest forms of LGBT representation for the series, the beautiful staging, music, and vocal performances make it a very moving end for the cartoon. 
Even after all the drama from a huge dynamic shattering reveal, a lot of things come together here as a creatively staged path towards a way of moving forward.
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.      A Single Pale Rose

2.      The Trial

3.      Jungle Moon

4.      Off Colors

5.      Stuck Together

6.      The Question

7.      Pool Hopping

8.      Can’t Go Back

9.      Now We’re Only Falling Apart

10.  Lars’ Head

11.  What’s Your Problem?

12.  Letters to Lars

13.  Lars of the Stars

14.  Your Mother and Mine

15.  Raising the Barn

16.  Sadie Killer

17.  Back to the Kindergarten

18.  The Big Show

19.  Gemcation

20.  Kevin Party

21.  Dewey Wins
 

 
The next Steven Universe review starts setting up Ruby and Sapphire's wedding while also bringing back an old Crystal Gem.
Next time on MC Toon Reviews from Ed Edd n Eddy it's "Look Into My Eds" and "Tag Yer Ed."
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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