Rose Buds
When looking back at the original series, one of biggest causes for Steven’s internal conflict were his feelings on his mother. Much past material has showcased him feeling he needed to live up to her, mostly under the assumption that he was just another incarnation of her. Even with it now known that she was actually one of the Diamonds and that he’s meant to be his own being, Steven still doesn’t know how to feel about his mother. This is clearly shown at the start of this cartoon where he has trouble figuring out where to put a famed picture of her as her infamous façade, Rose Quartz.
Shortly after comes expansion on one of the most thought-provoking elements of the original series. You may remember Homeworld’s human zoo holding descendants of captured humans from eons ago and all the humans being severely impaired intellectually. I personally wouldn’t have minded if it was left alone on account of it seeming like those humans were better off staying in the zoo. Despite that, I’m glad it gets further explored in this cartoon. With new management in Homeworld’s system, the humans have more liberty in the zoo and are allowed to fly it to Earth to see Steven. There are also effects on other Gems working there with its Amethyst guards being allowed more downtime while Holly Blue Agate laments over having no more authority. If only more was done with the latter Gem’s feelings.
The biggest element of the zoo’s sudden visit is the presence of authentic Rose Quartz Gems. One of its standout features was a room filled with bubbled Rose Quartz Gems, clearly done to hold the illusion of Pink Diamond’s charade. Now that the secret’s out and peace is achieved, Steven is left to witness spitting images of his mother’s disguise meant to help the planet, but caused harm to many. Although there were many bubbled Rose Quartzes, he only encounters three, each with varying personalities. One is excitable about every little thing on Earth, one is very chill and relaxed, and one doesn’t seem completely trusting in Steven.
It becomes clear that Steven is uncomfortable with them around, especially as they experience great fascination with little Earth things like eating and watching movies. Even his family shows great discomfort despite coming to terms with the truth of their original leader. In line with his perception of the greater good though, Steven pushes himself to put up with the Rose Quartzes no matter how he feels. While this makes what happens be for a reasonable cause, these Gems can be just as overbearing to the audience as they are to the characters. There’s just so much of aliens gushing over Earth things one can take. The same is true for when Steven tries to let them down gently on not wanting to Rose Quartzes to stay with him, and they’re all over-emotional about it.
Over-the-top as they are, this is followed by a nice moment of Steven coming clean about how he’s felt all along with how he likes them, but is reminded of what his mother did. This also relates to the Rose Quartzes who were also pretending to be fine despite being bubbled just for looking like their leader’s façade. Ultimately, Steven and the Rose Quartzes end up forming a sibling-like bond over their feelings before they go. It would only be more meaningful if these Gems showed up more after this.
In spite
of that and some overselling of personalities, this cartoon overall
accomplishes what it sets out to do.
A-
The Ranking
1. Little Homeschool
2. Rose Buds
3. Guidance
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