The heart of Steven Universe came from the so-called & # 39; filler episode & # 39;

To Steven Universe fandom, episodes that do not contribute directly to the original state structure are called "filler." It's a name removed from anime fandom, are said to be of insignificant episodes that can slow down the show's pace. Disadvantages of the filter segments known as Steven Universe it's brilliant – compared to the great war story that takes place for the 100th anniversary and the worldwide destruction, the episodes about lost castles, or the Steven Universe trying to end a unified, very uneven set of fans.

An overview i the show offers list of important entries, suggestions on which episodes will skip because they don't go further with the plot. List makers regard the episodes as disorganized if they do not contain big revelations, bring new powers to light, or introduce important characters. Virtually anything that focuses on the civilian population of Steven's city, Bear City, instead of his alien organization, Crystal Gems, is a hot heap.

But filler episodes offer it Steven Universe its soul. They do not radically change the characters or come up with end-to-end statistics, but they do establish a vision for the mainstream and the public. They remove characters and relationships. They depict the day-to-day view of worldly life where what is "normal" to most people may not seem normal to viewers. Finally, when Rebecca Sugar and Crewniverse reveal more about characters in situations where the world is endless, viewers become more aware of them and care about them as the numbers go up. Once we know what the characters have to miss – beach days, parish entertainment, breakfast together – the desire to see them protects them.

Photo: Cartoon Network

Episodes like "Restaurant Wars," featuring two families of Bear City food vendors, "Sadie's Song," in which the city puts on talent, and "Fusion Cuisine," where the Gems meet at one large center to have dinner with Connie's parents, all bring a feeling of ordinary City City life. Other episodes illuminate the less-recognizable areas, such as “Rising Tides, Skinging Skyies,” a fun episode narrated by Ronaldo's sticker, in the form of a webcast he produces. Steven UniverseWe are used not just made by anonymous Gem – and deliberately, because one of the hallmarks of the series & # 39; s is to emphasize that they are beautiful and imperfect of human nature. Throwing some light on some of the City City residents is crucial to that message, especially when the episodes focus on Gem's direction and personal life.

Taking a moment to pause at the end of the universe provides the opportunity and relationships for the characters to grow. “Little Island,” for example, sends Steven to a remote island with donut-shop employees Lars and Sadie. Lars and Sadie's existing relationship has been explored previously, especially in "Lars and the Cool Kids," but the episode falls into three, especially Sadie's romance and romance. It's not just human characters, though; Gems & # 39; s internal strengths and their relationships with Steven also formed during breaks during major events.

"The Last in Pearl City" follows Steven and his Gem friends Pearl and Amethyst last night. Pearl learns to relax a bit, as she chases after a mysterious person with pink hair and strives to be "tough." Meanwhile, Amethyst and Steven play wingmen. The show had featured the show three times at events together, but never on the way to a rock concert, or pursuing a nomination. Pearl's beloved response to the hot girl, the conflict between the characters when the officer comes behind their car, and Amethyst's standing on the garage rock all bring new character traits.

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Downtime is an important part of understanding the characters enough to be able to identify what draws their answers to the actual conflict. But the audacity of silent moments also allows characters to be extremely powerful, exceeding their actual calls. When we hear about Amethyst's insecurity and health outside of Crystal Gems, as in "Onion Friend," which reveals her relationship with Onion's mother Vidalia, she becomes more than her sister's favorite and favorite figure. These episodes of eclipse reveal what condition Amethyst is feeling with the rest of the Crystal Gems. When his insecurity is reflected in the pieces associated with the plan, there seems to be no blue.

Characters focusing on characters do not just grow characters with their own arcs; they also show great themes for the show. But the series co-creator Rebecca Sugar tells Polygon that translating the show's broader perspectives into smaller moments was often frustrating.

"One of my favorite episodes is & # 39; Great Lars, & # 39; s showcasing some of the show's biggest themes," Sugar explained in an email. “Destroying yourself, fearing that you won't be enough for the people you serve, trying to shut down every aspect of your upbringing, get away with it. Sadie opens in small ways that seemed impossible, and removes her feelings not just for Lars, but for everyone, including her. We spent a long, long time working on the debate at the end of this episode. The biggest episodes are, in many ways, easier to access than a human episode like & # 39; The Lars Good. & # 39; ”

Photo: Cartoon Network

Sometimes, at other times, the filler episode is just a filler episode: fun stuff, a day-to-day drag in life in Bear City, a humorous homage to Looney Tunes cartoons on "The Kindergarten Kid," or a moment of strange body horror in "Cat Finger. " But even with no visible value, these episodes still emphasize who the characters are, how they interact, and what makes this world so special. Bear City residents are not just surrounding communities; they are external characters.

Steven Universe is actually part of the Gem, which is part of man. That's what sets him apart from all the other characters on display. As a result, Steven Universe the show couldn't be about Gic's epic battles and deep-rooted Gems & # 39; It needs to balance the main action with the character & # 39; s human side, to show what about Earth made Steven's love for Rose Quartz's mother so appealing, and enabled the Gems to continue to defend.

In an episode centered on plot 2 focusing on “We May Be Great,” the Gems prepare to set up an enclosed party to break open Earth. Steven takes a moment, though, to stop and sing the song. Enemy Gem Peridot, who recently turned to the liberation movement, is confused, but eventually realizes the importance "Peace and love in the world." We have no idea what those things look like when the show is dealing with new enemies or damaged Gems, or when Rose Quartz's big secrets intrude. But we do it in the show's slower, more "filler" episodes Steven Universe A story about an individual, unique to humans in the battles they fight.

The first four seasons of Steven Universe are broadcast to Hulu. All seasons are available to purchase at YouTube.