Steven Universe Season 3 (2016)
…………………………………………………
Steven Universe Season 3 Review
The third season of Steven Universe admittedly has its strong parts, but overall it was a disappointment when compared to the previous two seasons.
………………………………………………….
“They told me, “there wasn’t enough room on the road for the universe.”
And I told them, “the universe is my road“
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
Steven himself was a bit sidelined this time around, but I still really liked that he continues to have faith in people, but he does realize that some cannot be changed so he is growing a bit which was necessary. I loved his relationship with Amethyst here. They are similar in some ways so their eventual fusion felt odd at first, but definitely sensible. I loved the exploration of her frustrations as she has always been the weakest Gem. She is definitely the most likable of the Gems.
That’s because the other two are far less interesting, especially in this particular season. Garnet and Pearl are incredibly sidelined as they do not get nearly enough to do. That was a big problem for this season, but it’s shorter in length (25 episodes) so that was to be expected.
As for Peridot, she’s got a couple of shining episodes here, but certainly not on the level of the previous season. Yes, the main characters are sidelined in favor of the old returning supporting players or even the new ones. Greg is fine here, Lars got one very strong episode in The New Lars and Lapis is also solid. Jasper represents domestic abuse so that was very brave for this series to tackle.
I did not like Hit the Diamond and Back to the Moon at all. I do not like these episodes with Rubies as they felt cartoony in a bad way with too much action and foolishness and not enough substance. Restaurant Wars was also one episode which was simply pointless.
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
But the best episodes are great for sure. Monster Reunion is very innovative in its animation and storytelling, Alone at Sea is emotionally and thematically very powerful and mature whereas Steven vs. Amethyst explores these two characters in such a wonderfully complex manner.
The animation continues to be very strong on this show and the same goes for the score and the dialogue. The characterization also, but too many are sidelined this season, and I do not like when supporting players outshine the main ones. The show has a problem with action and humor as those episodes tend to be the worst whereas the dramatic stuff is usually the very best.
Worst Episodes: Restaurant Wars, Hit the Diamond and Back to the Moon.
Best Episodes: Steven vs. Amethyst, Alone at Sea, The New Lars and Monster Reunion.
