Mr. Universe
In the last cartoon, there was a feeling that even at a time when Steven feels like he’s losing his supportive relationships, he still has his dad to help him through everything. Here, a father-son bonding experience turns out to build a lot of background while also creating even more drama in the process.
At the start, Steven, without any hesitation, tells Greg some of the roots of his problems. They’re not just about people moving on from him. There’s also the matter of him not knowing his true self after believing he was just a reincarnation of his mother for so long. Greg easily relates to that, saying that when he was Steven’s age, he felt the same way about what to make of himself. With that, he aims to help Steven find out what he really wants by taking him on a road trip. To further showcase this moment as a good instance of bonding, a montage of Steven and Greg on the road is set to an older song of their relationship, “Dear Old Dad.” Given what happens later, I consider the inclusion of this wholesome number to be very appropriate.
One of Greg’s main goals of his trip comes when they decide to stop at one specific house in a suburban area. In what seems like a break of his good nature, Greg goes forward with breaking into the house despite Steven’s visible unease. Something seems off even more as Greg insists on getting in through the window as opposed to using the door. After a while of seeing this as total vandalism, Steven discovers the real reason Greg wanted to visit this house. There’s a drawer filled with letters he sent to the owners of this house all unopened to people with the last name, DeMayo. Then with the sight of Greg in an awkward family portrait, Steven discovers that this place is his dad’s old house. The catch is that while Steven is easily taken in by the family photos as well as glimpses at his graduation and yearbook pictures, Greg is disgusted to revisit his past. He talks about how his parents basically forced him into all sorts of activities he didn’t enjoy and were overbearing with rules, control, and the same customs over and over. While disdain from him is not something to expect, the fact that his parents told him what to do, gave him no freedom, and didn’t accept what he later became, is feelings feel justified. I kind of wish these things were shown and not just told.
Anyway, they leave when Greg retrieves a specific treasure from the vent, a box containing a CD. After letting Steven drive the van to discover his own path, he plays the CD that’s very telling of how he formed his identity. In addition to its subject on freedom, it constantly mentions the name, Mr. Universe, explaining where Greg got his new family name.
This reveal is enough to put Steven over the edge, and him showing appreciation for Greg’s family gets more weight. While Greg feels he was doing his son a favor by not telling him about his background earlier and raising him with freedom, Steven is disgusted to not know. It just ends up making so much sense that he ended up missing out on appropriate human things like school and the doctor after learning this. To further capture his rage, this is followed up by a pink glow and daring to crash the van. Going forward, while Greg remains his positive self even after this act, we end with Steven sinking further into his trauma by erasing his dad from his phone contacts. He deliberately cuts off ties to a loved one.
In the end, while we’re treated to
great relatable new backgrounds, there’s far more emotion to the main conflict
at hand from the reveals.
A
The Ranking
1. Growing Pains
2. Volleyball
3. Bismuth Casual
4. Little Graduation
5. Mr. Universe
6. Little Homeschool
7. Prickly Pair
8. In Dreams
9. Together Forever
10. Bluebird
11. Why So Blue?
12. Snow Day
13. Rose Buds
14. Guidance
15. A Very Special Episode
Be sure to stay tuned for the review of the next episode where Steven is led to form a new tie with, of all beings, Jasper, with chilling results.
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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