Homeworld Bound
As a way of continuing Steven moving towards more dangerous figures, there’s a lot of intrigue to this cartoon. Having just shattered a Gem and being referred to as a Diamond, he now feels that the Diamonds are the only ones he belongs with.
On this note, one can only think of one of the major points of discussion on the original series. That would be the Diamonds being on good terms with Steven despite their murderous actions throughout the universe. Many believe that just because Steven got them to stop their terror, they’re instantly redeemed and forgiven. Really, it’s more complicated than that. With every new work since the end of the original series, the true impression leans more towards this being done solely for the greater good of the situation, and not their own sake. Several instances show that even after all this, Steven doesn’t really want anything to do with the Diamonds. He’s frequently been trying to avoid them, with his few scenes with them in the movie portraying him actively wanting to leave them. Even his decision to go live with them here is treated as dark and heavy. I can’t speak for everyone, but this is proof enough for me that it hasn’t been forgotten how dark and terrible their actions were for Steven and everyone else.
That said, as he explores how Homeworld’s evolved, it seems that this place and the Diamonds are much less dangerous than Steven is now. For one thing, they’ve stepped down from power and allowed other Gems to serve as leaders. Cameos show that Gems who were confined to slave roles, restricted areas, and grueling missions can now make their own choices. Then with Spinel as his guide, who’s just as fully animated and lovable as she was in the movie, especially after Steven’s influence, he sees just how the Diamonds have changed. Unlike in the movie where they were doing good to get something in return, their benefits are for the sake of it.
Everything the Diamonds do is to atone for their past terror and even comes with new powers.
Yellow can restore shattered Gems so long as she has all the pieces, and can even alter their physical forms to their desires.
Blue’s endless grief and powers of hurting others with crying has been altered to make everyone feel better, even coming with her own feel good song. That said, there are some visible concerns of the idea of forcing others to feel good.
As for White, her new power is a total reverse of her old one. Rather than have others act like her, she celebrates beings for their true selves by reflecting their thoughts. Each Diamond intends to use these powers to help Steven with his problem, but they can’t get a grasp of exactly what his deal is.
It’s not until he sees White when she tries her new power on him, and there’s a clear visualization of his turmoil. Taking form of his thoughts, Steven is horrified of taking the form of a Diamond especially with White ripping out his gem being one of his biggest traumatic memories.
His inner darkness is in full force as he proceeds to make the ultimate move to solve his problems by threatening to shatter White while she’s under his control. He’s able to stop himself from going through with it, but in the end, Steven is more lost than ever as now he’s desperate to get away from Homeworld. The cries of concern from the Diamonds and Spinel perfectly capture the drama of the moment and the genuineness of their growth.
The emotion
of Steven’s deconstruction is heavy, but that doesn’t stop this cartoon from
nicely showcasing deeper truths of matters and genuine changes all around.
A+
The Ranking
1. Growing Pains
2. Volleyball
3. Fragments
4. Homeworld Bound
5. Bismuth Casual
6. Little Graduation
7. Mr. Universe
8. Little Homeschool
9. Prickly Pair
10. In Dreams
11. Together Forever
12. Bluebird
13. Why So Blue?
14. Snow Day
15. Rose Buds
16. Guidance
17. A Very Special Episode
Be sure to stay tuned for the review of the next episode where Steven tries to deal with all his problems by convincing himself and others that they're nonexistent.
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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