Steven Universe changes viewers' perspectives on the concept of villains
Ever since its initial release in 2013, I’ve always had an eye for the animated series “Steven Universe” for its complex storytelling and lovable characters. With millions of fans all over the world, the show has grown into a phenomenon.
On January 21, Cartoon Network released a 44 minute Steven Universe special called “Change Your Mind”, which is one of the most plot thickening episodes to exist in the show.
Steven Universe takes place in a world where humans and exterrestrial beings known as gems exist within the same universe. The main character, Steven, is a half-human half-gem being who inherited his mother’s gemstone when she passed. He and his gem friends (Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl) live in a beachside temple and protect humanity from threats that come from Homeworld.
In this recent special, Steven is being held prisoner because the diamonds believe he is Pink Diamond, the Diamond that lead a resistance against Homeworld called the Crystal Gems and revolted against the oppression inflicted by the other three Diamonds.
Steven has spent the majority of the season to live up to his mom’s (Rose Quartz) name, but gradually learns to make a name for himself. Pink Diamond previously identified as Rose Quartz and shapeshifted into her archetype when she escaped Homeworld. She deceased when she gave birth to Steven.
The main reason why I relish this episode is due to its main motive-- to stop the main antagonists of the series without inflicting harm.
Steven persuades Blue and Yellow Diamond to free them after opening up their eyes about the harm they have caused upon themselves and others. After an attempted escape, White Diamond brainwashes Yellow and Blue in order to stop Steven and the gang. Instead of leaving the Diamonds to suffer, Steven stays to save them regardless of their previous actions.
The diamonds have done tremendously awful things such as make their own kind live a miserable life for the sake of the diamonds’ status. After successfully brainwashing Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl during battle, White Diamond removes Steven’s gem in order for Pink Diamond to revive. Instead of Pink Diamond respawning, a pink Steven is shown. White Diamond breaks down when she accepts the fact that Pink Diamond will forever be gone and decides to make peace with the Crystal Gems.
While multitudes of conspiracy theorists will try to dissect the episode and make it into something that it’s not, the main message anyone can get out of Change Your Mind is that anyone, regardless of the horrible things he/she has done, can be redeemed and start a new leaf.
My favorite part of the episode is when Steven and pink Steven fuse back together as a reminder that Steven is nobody else but himself. The animation in this segment was done by Disney animator James Baxter.
Anyone who is not familiar with the show’s plot will be heavily puzzled without context.
In conclusion, “Change Your Mind” is a must watch for all “Steven Universe” fans-- even those who are not caught up and may be a season or two behind. The show can be viewed on Cartoon Network.
