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Steven Universe

November 2, 2015 -

It's not often that a cartoon catches my attention. Sure - I always loved The Tick, and both Avatar: The Last Airbender and Avatar: The Legend of Korra were amazing. But most recently, I've discovered a little show called Steven Universe. I've been watching every episode with my entire family, which is why I've been going through it so slowly. The episodes are ten minutes or so long, and the first season has about fifty episodes.

Steven UniverseThe show centers on a young boy named Steven, who is half human and half alien, and his foster parents, The Crystal Gems. They're three aliens named Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, and they're here to protect The Earth.

The show begins lighthearted and funny, although each episode contains a tiny bit of overarching plot exposition. Over the course of the first 50 mini-episodes, a wonderfully realized setting is imparted. The show is funny, exciting, and suitable for kids. I find myself wanting the kids to stay up late just so I can watch another episode or two.

Lastly, Steven Universe has some really well written original music inserted throughout the season randomly. Much of it includes banjo, and much of it is done in an intentionally not-good-singing kind of way. I still love it. My favorites are:

  • Wherever You Are - Probably my favorite song in the series, accompanied by acoustic banjo. Sung by Steven while his group is stranded on an island, the song imparts the message that whatever place you are is a fine place to be. "Isn't it nice to find yourself somewhere different? Why don't you let yourself just be wherever you are?"
  • Giant Woman - Another great song that's been stuck in my head for days at some point in the past, Giant Woman is from the episode of the same name. It's probably my single favorite episode of the show. It's got some fantastic humor. This is the episode in which you first learn about Gem Fusions.
  • Strong in the Real Way - In which Pearl sings to Steven about how she wants to be a role model for him. "I want to inspire you, I want to be your rock, and when I talk it lights a fire in you..."
  • I'm a Comet - Modeled after an 80s hair band song, this is sung by Steven's father Greg, back when he was a young aspiring musician, presumably in the 80s.

I learned about this show from a group of friends that can't stop raving about it - they're all adults.

Comments on Steven Universe
 
Comment Tue, November 3 - 10:15 AM by Greg
I just watched the season 1 finale, and I\'ve got a definite add to the list of favorite songs. \"Stronger Than You\" is great. And in listening to it and considering the series, I\'ve remembered one of the key themes of this series, and it goes wonderfully with the fact that the singing intentionally isn\'t always professional-sounding. People are not perfect - they have flaws. And while flawed people can strive to be better, they\'re still awesome just the way they are.
 
Comment Wed, November 18 - 8:51 AM by Greg
Aand now I\'ve got to add \"Do it for Her\" to my list.