TV Review: “Steven Universe”

Steven Universe running off to save the day.

OVERALL: Google Search says it best:

The Crystal Gems are a team of magical beings who are the self-appointed guardians of the universe. Half-human, half-Gem hero Steven is the “little brother” of the group. The goofball is learning to save the world using the magical powers that come from his bellybutton and he goes on magical adventures with the rest of the Crystal Gems, even though he’s not as powerful — or smart — as fellow group members Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl. Despite his shortcomings, Steven usually finds a surprising way to save the day.

To say that this show is good and joyous and wonderful and OMG thank you Universe for this show is just not enough. You gotta see it to believe it. Steven Universe is a joy and I recommend it for everyone. In fact, this Wikipedia article sealed my love for this show.

POINTS: All of it. Love the colors and happy animation and writing and oh just all of it. It makes my heart sing.

PITFALLS: Nope. Can’t see any.

FEMALE CHARACTER(S): All over the place. The main ones are the Gems: Garnet (Estelle), Amethyst (Michaela Dietz), and Pearl (Deedee Magno). All have distinct personalities, quirks, and are so fun to watch. It’s fun to see characters who are superheros be so, well, human. In fact, every character in this show is fun to watch.

CULTURAL PITFALL(S): Uh, can’t see any!

HIGH POINT(S): Oh My

1.) Amethyst. Ok, the Amethyst is the birthstone of the astrological sign Pisces. I am a Pisces and like Amethyset (unfortunately) I can be quite messy. She is the embodiment of the messy, silly Pisces. Love her!

2.) Class. What I really love about this show is that it features working class people. There are no rich people who can fall back on their money or status to help them. Steven’s world is centered in Beach City which seems to be a tourist town. I like that it is filled with fast food and t-shirt shops. It feels real. I like that a lot.

3.) Theme Song. It makes me smile all the time.

4.) Social Issues. I bow to the nobility of this show that ignores cultural gender and sexual stereotypes and makes a GREAT show that is widely loved. YES!

BECHDEL TEST (Website): 3 of 3. The Gems always talk to each other.

RACIAL BECHDEL TEST (Website): 1 of 3 to 3 of 3. Keep up the good work and push those numbers up Steven Universe creators!!

IMDB: Steven Universe (2013- )

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: Steven Universe Characters on Cartoon Network (Note: This was hard to find. Please fix that Cartoon Network.)

DVD/BLU-RAY WORTHY: Yes please! I can own them on Amazon Prime but I was DVDs!!

LION PAW PRINTS: 4 of 5. This show is definitely a happy place.

SCOTT SAYS: It’s like the little kid in you is the star of the show and a superhero. Very fun.

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