Does Steven Universe Future Hold Up?

[@Peridot5xg]

*[If only It had... Let's say 5 or 10 more episodes... Which would've given more time for more characters to properly get developed... It would've been absolutely PERFECT]*

[@Popcorn58999]

True 😢

[@oni123]

Wish it was as long as season 1 (52 episodes)

[@LJXrot]

Word

[@johanstenfelt1206]

Hm, I can see your point.

[@ashwingfantasy030]

I agree if it wasn’t ended so quickly things could’ve have been resolved a bit longer and he could’ve figured things out

[@BahuschBahusch]

When Future was airing I was going through similar stuff as Steven. I literally watched some episodes while staying at a psychiatric hospital. This epilogue series and its messages couldn't have come at a better time.

[@ToonRuinsOfficial]

I hope you're doing better now! I'm really glad to hear that it helped you.

[@BahuschBahusch]

@@ToonRuinsOfficial Don't worry, I am doing much, much better now!

[@theluigifan1]

Rewatched the series in its entirety in July. Short answer? Yes imo. Long answer? It holds up better than I remember. It’s a series that deserved better by both the network it was released on and the public eye. Steven’s arc in Future was portrayed fantastically and made me feel seen. It wasn’t pretty and that shows the uglier sides of mental health. I related to his spiraling a lot. He’s a good guy who has internalized so much from his adolescence that when the dust finally settled after the big threats with the Diamonds and Spinel were neutralized, he wasn’t able to process or deal with any of it healthily. It’s real and it made me love him more as a character. SU: Future was fantastic and I stand by that.

[@sokaize]

I absolutely loved Steven's spiraling for this reason. People were so harsh on him but like he's acting realistically. It's amazing to me, and it really ain't as 'ugly' as people claim.

[@A11y_Kat]

Omg heyyyyy

[@theluigifan1]

@@A11y_Katoh hey ally lol

[@zemox2534]

How is turning into a monster and getting a hug and getting help off screen bloody realistic?

[@saitamacraft5322]

​@@zemox2534😐🙄

[@thegoat20066]

YES THANK GOD SOMEONE SAID IT! Not all experiences with mental health are the same! So just bc SU did it differently than what youd expect doesnt mean its bad. I found a lot of Stevens struggles very relateable and so have many others

[@FunWithColeen]

i struggled with mental health stuff around this show and it was super helpful to me actually. also i dont think on a childrens network they can show the extremes to specific stuff like PTSD

[@veronicapiccinini7956]

I believe SUF is actually good. It tackles the idea of having child heroes who save the world after many trials and hardships, something which many shonen manga are guilty of putting them on a pedestal, only for reality to give us an harsh kick in the groins. Because, for better or worse, even with godlike powers, Steven is still just a child. He has no obligation at putting his life at risk, because her foster moms and her aunts and grandmother wanted him to become his real mother’s copycat. He’s even too young to get a degree, even in psychology. What they did to him was unfair and unethical. They put him on a pedestal, treated like a beacon of morality because of his virtues, and he, just like a beacon, is stuck in a position and place with no plan for his future other what they willy-nilly taught him. Remember guys, SUF is the epitome of “Everything affects everything” Another aspect that people complain about is “how everything is resolved with a hug”, except no, it isn’t. The hug just stopped a situation from getting worse, but didn’t address his issues, so he FINALLY decided to get a therapist to manage them. And secondly, if your loved one has for whatever reason a mental breakdown, what is your “great” plan? Punching them in DBZ style? Shooting them? Threatening them and scaring them straight? Good luck with that, you monsters!

[@DrawciaGleam02]

It's weird because Digimon showcased TK's trauma from Patamon's death and people were mostly fine with it. But when Steven's trauma is shown many people were unhappy with the portrayal.....

[@Raddish-Is-Radd]

Gotta disagree with the hug one, yeah you are right partially, but we never get to see steven sit down for a while and actually get over his tramau which is why people have a problem with the hug, it's the main thing that we as the audience see that solves the conflict not steven fixing and overcoming his issues to ya know show characters growth. Show don't tell especially in a show, that's all about showing people's- rocks pain and how to solve it. Also sorry if I spelt something wrong wrote this late.

[@marbledgold0605]

Are we gonna not talk about that intro? That was adorable. Glad to see you've returned.

[@undercoverduck]

The last time I rewatched SU(F), I was interning at a psychiatric ICU. It was a very cathartic combination for many of the reasons listed in this video. The diversity with which people deal with their trauma or mental illness is, imo, very approachably represented in SU. It very cleverly navigates the waters between showing how bad things can get while never crossing the line for its target audience. Where I think it falls short, and what I believe is the primary reason people were so divided, is that SU mostly resolved all its archs. Characters get closure, some sense of relieve or success or what have you. In the real world, however, the situation can often appear far more hopeless, especially when things are at their worst. Hopelessness is definitely explored as a theme within SU, but given its 10-minute format and generally optimistic attitude, the series falls short on conveying the endurance of that sense of hopelessness, and the everlasting grief and scars it leaves behind.

[@Aladite]

I have re-entered my steven universe phase and man I have never felt a more fun hyperfixation, it's so nice to enjoy it all over again

[@FunWithColeen]

same!! i'm hyperfixating on it again as well

[@lloroarcoiris]

SAME it's like therapeutic

[@WhatABinglylittlescronklylil-]

PLEASE!! Tell me how to kick myself back into a fandom 😭😭 I’ve been trying to find new SU content and spaces to have fun in but there aren’t any 😔

[@StareachValcin]

I honestly agree with the assessment on Steven Universe Future in this video. I honestly thought that Steven Universe Future had natural progression for Steven's issues and ended in the best way for him as a character.

[@zemox2534]

The dragged the conflicted out to unrealistic levels and we do not even see Steven get any help. Sorry but I still think this epilogue was weak and I wish more fans would acknowledge that instead of mindlessly praising everything!

[@darrienhavlik8743]

Future came out during a time that I was forced to move back home to people I loved but had originally left due to the environment being pretty unhealthy. On top of that, I had given birth less than a year earlier and was reeling over how much this affected my mental state along with my body. It was around this time that my post partum depression really started to affect my ability to cope with past trauma that I thought I'd already overcome. Seeing Steven deal with the terrifying reality that just because things are okay, doesn't mean you are, was so cathartic. It was like the beauty of "Here comes a thought," a song which I still think about to this day, expanded into an entire season, and the hug was perfect. Absolutely perfect. As someone who desperately needs a hug during panic attacks but am absolutely terrified to ask for one because in those moments it is so easy to feel like a horrifying monster who should be shunned. It honestly broke my heart to see the community trash that hug, because it meant so much to me. I really honestly liked the ending of the original series, because I couldn't imagine it being capable of wrapping it up in any more of a complex way given the show's limitations. I enjoyed the movie, and was satisfied with how it hastily wrapped things up. I've watched too many shows just not even bother with that much. Then Future came out of nowhere and took my breath away with the one arc I cared about most since the episode where Steven turned into a freaky cat blob. For that, I'll die on this hill that Future was perfect.

[@motherwar3698]

steven getting a therapist is literally the biggest win of my life (greatest epilogue ive ever seen, 10/10. maybe not what people expected, not what i expected thats for sure, but it was what i always wanted to see since i saw how heavy his emotional baggage was. this was literally made for me and all the steven enjoyers who wanted to see the aftermath of his mental health)

[@toon4thought]

It's funny, when Future first came out, I too was under the impression that it was like an anthology of smaller stories meant to tie loose ends. So around episode 9 or 10, when Steven's mental problems really become the dominant force, I was caught off guard and started to get a bit more critical (though thankfully that didn't stick by the time the later 10 aired). That said, on the whole I always considered Future to be the best "season" of SU, with just how many of the series' highest points come from here and how much more consistent it felt compared to the parent series. And having rewatched a good portion of this fairly recently, this time actively knowing where it was going, yeah it only held up a lot better for me to the point where I can't even imagine finding this subpar. It's certainly different, but as you say here, it's with a functional purpose and told in a way that's uncomfortably close to reality, albeit still with a fittingly colorful twist. Good to see you back, Lea!

[@SylviaRustyFae]

Not sure if ya knew this when ya recorded this, but Sugar has recently gone on record as sayin they wud love to work on more Steven Universe again; she even encouraged fans to make it known they want such content, to CN or otherwise, bcuz thats what Sugar believes is the best chance at gettin more Steven Universe content made. We gotta show the network that we want more Steven Universe content; and tell them too bcuz show dont tell isnt enuf for media execs... They need it plastered everywhere and shouted from the rooftops before they begin to listen

[@ToonRuinsOfficial]

I actually recorded this a few months ago, but Rebecca's interview was what encouraged me to finish editing it, haha. It'd be great to see more from them and Ian on this.

[@Metqa]

@@ToonRuinsOfficial So, where is the petition?

[@Cheri_Blast]

The reason I love the ending so much is because of the message it sends If someone irl is spiraling like Steven was, throwing hands or arguing or whatever will only make things worse, if anything, whereas being there for someone, listening to their problems, doing your best to help them through it, etc. is what should be done, imo

[@BuizelCream]

This is so true. However, there are some particular types of personalities out there who actually prefer to let some form of conflict take place only if it is in service to addressing the core problem at hand in order to solve them. What often comes with "throwing hands" or "arguing" is that, when a fight occurs, nobody in the room is actually competently identifying the problem of the situation, which is the real reason why fighting make things worse. But actually, sometimes, in order for long-term harmony and inner peace to be achieved, a short-term kind of conflict or friction is needed to arise first. Levelheaded individuals who are equipped and bold enough to address difficult topics and solve them with others, instead of shying away and hiding it under the rug hoping it'll fade away, are the kind of people that gets formed when a degree of conflict is allowed to take place. Only if it is handled maturely, conflict can actually make things better in the long run.

[@FunWithColeen]

For a kids show tackling issues of mental health it did pretty good and still holds up decently. its not perfect and its important to remember that a lot of the rushed stuff was due to the network not rebecca sugar or their writing i've seen people and also toxic fans in general overly criticize the show and are genuinely upset its not a picture perfect representation of ptsd and the thing thats not exactly the allegory they're going for. ofc i think ptsd plays a part of stevens trauma has it but overall its stuff abt mental health in general and also the hormones and rough patches you ultimately go through as a teenager that can be amplified by things like trauma. it has a good message at the end about letting your loved ones you trust be there for you and we see him at a better place having gone through therapy which is great.

[@urlhnd]

Steven Universe Future is amazing. Steven’s downward spiral is similar to that of Spinel’s in a way: “When you change, you change for the better, but when I change… I change for the worse!”

[@yvaincallipso84]

I genuinely do believe the main reason people where hypercritical of the original series is the hiatuses and prolonged time between the episodes. It made people impatient and nitpicky of what they had because what where they supposed to do for weeks between episodes?

[@SylviaRustyFae]

I dont at all get why so many ppl have so much disdain for Future... Like i know so many trauma survivors who see Future as the capstone on an alrdy increds helpful story about mental health I dont know, i guess a lot of fans were hopin for smth more like lars of the stars as far as continuation and they wanted more action and more unanswered questions answered... But its just, thats not what i wanted from Future ever and thus what i got out of Future was smth far more enjoyable to me that while it answered some lingerin questions; it moreso answered the questions that had gone unuttered... The questions of what does after that kind of a childhood look like? As a survivor of some hellish childhood trauma, this is an increds helpful topic to handle, not for adults like myself; but for the kids goin thru the same shite kids always end up goin thru due to generational cycles of abuse Future tells us we can brk the cycle, Future tells us we can also go overboard in tryin to brk the cycle and end up just perpetuatin a new cycle; like when Greg reveals his past childhood of abuse and begins to realise how his actions neglected stevens needs; even if he was just tryin to not be like his parents... You can take it too far. Theres so many little healin msgs like that in Future and thats why i think that Future does, and will for a long while yet, hold up; and i feel its probs even more beloved by its fans who either still are children or were children when SU and SUF came out, and it helped them immensely Ive got dozens of friends who are in their early 20s who attribute SU and SUF with helpin them to get thru some rly rough times in their childhoods; and with instillin values in them that encourage bein a better person who cares about ppl, inherently. The series came at the right time for me as well even tho it was in my mid to late 20s; as it encouraged me to work towards healthier relationships with myself and with others. It encouraged me to work on myself, and to not surround myself with anyone but those who wud support my fullest existence SUF was healin in so many ways for me, which made it a grt capstone on a series that had been continuously healin for me

[@selfgaming1456]

Dude I was done with the fandom by the end of Future. They completely villainized rose/pink past what was reasonable, they seemed to be never happy with how the series was going (IT WAS LITERALLY ALMOST CANCELLED BECAUSE OF HOMOPHOBIA) and it was literally just waves of hate for a show that I never believed deserved it. Was pink/rose imperfect? Yes. Did she have other options? I don’t think so. I think all of her problems and “choices” were a result of the diamonds manipulation and her having to try and move on and heal. I’ve always said, if the show was from Pinks perspective from the beginning- we would love her and cheer her on for moving past a toxic family and becoming a better gem.

[@Hero_of_Storms]

I've been loving this recent trend of fantasy/sci-fi/adventure series addressing the mental toll these stories can have on teenage protagonists. Steven Universe and Owl House are some of my all-time favorite shows, and that factor definitely plays a role in why I love Steven and Luz so much Also, off-topic, but I watched Soul Eater for the first time not too long ago, so I kinda got caught off guard when you brought up the ending to that series, which made me laugh

[@nathandoris4097]

I think future did an amazing job at really recognizing the cold, bitter parts of mental illness. Steven at heart is very empathetic, and for him to through turmoil after all he’s been through while his family and people he grew up with drift away is honestly on point with what would realistically happen. He had panic attacks and went through a form of acute psychosis. I believe Rebecca did an amazing job with the limited amount of resources she was given for the epilogue of the show.

[@Mcwollybob]

I just realized that all of the problems the main crystal gems had that he helped them with and are now recovered from (codependency, low self-worth, trauma from his mom), those are all problems that HE still hasn't recovered from and are addressed in the epilogue

[@cutiepie120048]

Oh, nice ✨

[@aliceisaperson]

I completely agree! My take on why people didn’t like Future is that people really didn’t understand that this was a different show. There’s a reason it’s Steven Universe Future and not Steven Universe.

[@DrawciaGleam02]

Also I think C-PTSD (I hope I spelled it correctly) wasn't well-known at the time Future originally aired..... So people thought it was bad representation for mental health......

[@michaelcreel6522]

It does not need to be a lack of understanding. I was 6 episodes in by the time I realized I was not only watching a different show (setting and characters all having lots of little changes in the aftermath of the original series and movie), but that I also was not interested in this "new show". So I stopped watching. You can still understand where they are going and not care for that direction.

[@aliceisaperson]

@@michaelcreel6522 yeah that’s fine my point is that I think people would have been a bit more receptive to it if everyone had understood that sooner

[@michaelcreel6522]

@aliceisaperson Makes sense. I am watching everything years after, so my viewing expectations are not built up as high either.

[@trevionhenderson5721]

To be fair, the gems said from the jump that they didn't know what they were doing with Steven

[@JinxeBlaq]

My biggest issue with Steven universe as a whole, is that they never stick the landing. I used to LOVE THE HELL outta this series. It was up there way up there for me, and in some respects it still is, but when you get two lack luster finale’s in to different series it wears on ya.. it’s just all this good buildup only for the endings to fall flat for me. The normal series for the Diamonds just becoming good in the last three episodes cause they had one talk with one kid, and white diamonds roast heel turn.. Then Future for Steven getting off with no consequences, all that buildup just for him to not really do much in monster form, and for his actions to kinda be swept under the rug aside from having to go to therapy, it was all pretty meh over all for me.. Either way. Still love the series.

[@ReginaFera]

I'm so glad you're addressing the complexity and nuance involved in all this. I've seen too many fans ironically apply the exact kind of black and white thinking this show was trying to dismantle and challenge.

[@dropitypopity]

10:35 one ething on this is the fact that; I saw a lot of my behaviours in Steven, because I didnt have any resources to deal with my mental health properly. It was definitely fun for me when I saw people calling Steven's behavior "awful" and "psychotic"...

[@Junosensei]

Future is my favorite overall season of Steven Universe, but I see nothing for disdain for it online. This season touched me closer than any cartoon before or after it, and a lot of the criticism I see seems directed toward the toxic way Steven acted. Having felt like I understood his struggle on a super personal level, I actually went through a short period of time where I thought people hated me for the same reason. I had to come with terms with the fact that people have more empathy for me, a person, than a cartoon they watch for entertainment. Nonetheless, I still feel a little shame for loving it so much. Seeing you approach this season with care and understanding has helped me gain a little more confidence back in my initial judgment. Thank you.

[@ahmadsalama6447]

I'm so happy to see you back!

[@Thehjhhhhhggttyg]

Same

[@advmx3]

I was reading Rebecca wants to work more on Steven now, right? And I was thinking. Is it worth the hassle? The network that owns STEVEN is, sadly, known for threating these series that tries to give messages of Mental Health and inclusion and love like they're work from hell or something. Most of the issues with the original seasons happened because of it. I think the series hold up better than I remember but I also feel that as a whole, this sereis deserved a whole remake production OUTSIDE from the CN, to let the team just cook their ideas and do what they want to without any silly and dumb demands such as: The sereis need to have every single episode as if it was the FIRST so anyone can start from any chapter. That made so much filler content that they don't like calling it this name but it FEELS like it. But I think Future did a good job, it needed atleast ten more episodes though. I think it would have been nice if Steven's trip to homeworld was a bit more... expanded too.

[@2012petvet]

As Someone Who Is Big Into Psychology And Steven Universe As A Whole, I Absolutely Loved Steven Universe Future. I Only Wish Cartoon Network Hadn't Canceled It, Then Maybe It Wouldn't Have Felt So Rushed Towards The End. I Wanted More Episodes Focusing On His 'Corruption' During His Downward Spiral, And I Wanted More Episodes Working On His Recovery During The Aftermath. But Overall, It Was Very Good And Not A Topic That's Often Looked Into In Children Or Even Family Shows.

[@Sailorlyoko4life4ever]

I totally agree. Future was nessecary and real. But i disagree that it didnt tie up loose ends. I thought it covered things pretty well with how things had changed. Bu5 thats just my opinion. Now unlike the original series, i cant watch future without feeling my darker feelings. Because, as you said, i relate too much to steven with dealing with intusive thoughts and depression. But i think it was brilliant and a step in the right direction for the western cartoon industry. It reminds me of static shock, a series that wasnt afraid to bring up and tackle real world issues, even if it ment making people uncomfortable and that some studios would refuse to air either some episodes or the series. They werent afraid to address the things that are taboo and not talked about with children usually. The show was ahead of its time. I still love rewatching it. Avatar the last airbender was too, in alot of similar ways. But you can watch avatar alot easier then Static, so it shows how some networks dont feel comfortable with the way Static was ran. Anyhow, steven universe future , as you said, pushed the envelope and pushed people outside their comfort zones and challenged the taboos surrounding mental health. It was brilliant. Just like Static Shoch AND ATLA. But thats just how i feel. Great video! Always love your analysis's. 😊

[@oliveranderson928]

Tbh, my problems with the series were always just little things that bothered me, like Steven being able to totally fix Jasper after he accidentally shattered her without any long term effects. But none of these things ruin the show as a whole.

[@Raddish-Is-Radd]

I wouldn't exactly call that a little thing, it basically erases all the tension in shattering a gem, cause they'll be healed eventually.

[@bugonboris6681]

@@Raddish-Is-Radd You know what??? That's actually a great point... 😒

[@kimoore2801]

@@Raddish-Is-Radd mind you steven can bring the dead back to life 😭 why would his gem powers that work on humans not work on gems? arguably, the tension for characters dying and staying dead went out the window the moment steven revived lars way back when, so this critique is kinda pedantic no disrespect 😭

[@kimoore2801]

@@Raddish-Is-Radd and even then, it’s implied that it takes all of the diamonds’ power and lifeblood combined to revive a shattered gem, it’s not something any single diamond can do on a whim, like with steven’s being able to revive dead humans i recognise that your critique holds some weight, and i can see why you and others would feel the tension is lost without the stakes of absolute dying, but there are ways other than death to elevate the stakes in a narrative, which steven universe and future does well imo

[@unapersonav1522]

​@@kimoore2801However, our main cast of characters are not humans, but rather gems. Sure Steven could save Lars or Connie, but human death was never a prominent part of the show. Shattering on the other hand, was talked various times and was always portrayed as this big thing.

[@M567dk]

I think one of the reasons why Steven Universe future gets so much criticism is that it was dealing with an older Steven instead of something a bit earlier. Also the viewer never got to see the actual therapist that is helping Steven. It would have been a bit interesting to see how an Actual therapist would have handled Steven and his emotions.

[@sirmoony5633]

To be honest, I really do like it! I know it feels like it's Season 6 of the show for me, but I really love how it takes place after the events of not only Season 5, but after the events of the movie as well! The entire series of Steven Universe never had any issues with continuity in my eyes. I love how in this season, it shows Steven's eventual internal struggles to the point where it slowly gets worse and worse and then everyone around him were able to convince to him that they're here for him just as much as he was here for them when they were having their moments of sadness, loneliness or self-hatred. Therefore, it's not as bad and I still like it just as much since it has the same level of quality as the 5 seasons anyway. :D

[@dandyman2182]

Before watching the vid my take on future is its pretty flawed and messy but there's some really neat ideas in there and ultimately it made me appreciate the series again even though I hated the previous season I have alot of respect for future in spite of its flaws it genuinely shocked me with some of the bold decisions they made with its characters be it Steven, jasper, or greg and they all felt in character

[@BRACE_The_Ace]

FINALLY SOMEONE UNDERSTANDS THE HUG

[@shilohelkins1306]

I KNOW RIGHT!!

[@SilverScribe85]

My only main issue with Future was Steven's attitude towards Greg. He acted as though he was robbed of a "normal" childhood because Greg chose to leave him with the Gems. But the truth is not only was Greg's upbringing a common one found in a lot of families but many of those families would think STEVEN has a better life. Seriously, did he forget the abuse Greg and Rose/Pink lived with for years before they met each other

[@SylviaRustyFae]

Naw, im also a child of abuse and of children of diff abuse; and just bcuz they stop one form of abuse (eg authoritarian control over the kid) does not make it okay that they open up to a new abusive way; like neglect (eg neglectin the kids medical and educational needs bcuz you want to be seen as not like your power hungry parents) I 100% get why Greg reacted to his own upbringin as he did, but that doesnt at all change the trauma he inflicted on his kid and his fault in it; and im glad that the show gives us time to address that aspect of things and to pt out how you can overcorrect in response to trauma It also gave Greg a chance to show genuine remorse and to want to do what he can in the now to work on this problem he had a part in. This is the correct response of a parent when their kid lets them know how the way they raised them hurt them; even if it didnt hurt in the same ways and maybe even hurt less than other ways it cudve hurt... It still hurt My own biomom was the type who didnt wanna come across as controllin and wanted to just be a fun mom, unlike her own mom; and bcuz of that she neglected many of our needs and enabled alcoholism and drug abusin in her minor children. She wasnt hittin us like her parents had done to her, she was keepin a roof over our heads, and we didnt yet hate her like she had hated her parents growin up... So she thowt she was doin everythin right back then Do i still fault her? Ofc i do. Just bcuz i know why doesnt mean that she just gets to be blameless here. She hasnt taken any accountability for it, unlike Greg, and she still acts like bcuz she was the fun mom; she was a good mom. You can be the fun dad or fun mom or other fun parent and still not be a good one. Just bcuz youre a better parent than one that beats their kids doesnt make you a good parent.

[@treaveannyretro92]

It's a complicated issue and Steven was spiraling already when we got that episode In any other time it could've led to a mature talk about while Greg had reasons to do what he did, he unintentionally hurt Steven developmentally, and that lack of structure during childhood was manifesting in a really sick way But Steven found all that info when he was feeling distressed and looking for a security blanket, instead he discovered his dad actively avoided giving him structure (he had his reasons but still) and when he most needed his guidance he simply couldn't relate to him and instead gave him something just kinda meaningless to him That's kinda the point of future, everyone Steven looked up to growing up kinda failed him cause they were healing themselves, and while they did deserve that space to grow, they inadvertently traumatized him

[@SilverScribe85]

@@treaveannyretro92 Connie kind of delivered the first blow back in Dewey Wins, way back

[@ToonRuinsOfficial]

I feel the reason Steven was behaving that way was because he felt as though Greg took his "normal" life for granted. And given the majority of his problems due to his unique situation, it's only natural he'd be frustrated with him. Like, obviously, him lashing out sucks for them both, but I can totally understand where he's coming from. Especially when he was so desperate to connect with Andy since he wanted to connect more with his human half and really had no family members to do so with. Like Greg kinda neglected to tell him a lot of important things, similarly to what the gems did. I don't think that makes Greg a bad Dad. It's just, you know. His reaction to trauma as well, which unintentially hurt Steven. It's a really complicated situation all around.

[@SilverScribe85]

@@ToonRuinsOfficial Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware that Greg made some bad calls. But his childhood didn't seem like one that ANY kid would want. Need we remember the fact that neither of Greg's parents opened ANY of the mail he sent to them. It was as if they resented/hated the fact he went to pursue a music career, a thing I've seen in a lot of parents

[@shoptilidrop1994]

When I first watched su:f I HATED it-- I was furious at how tonally different and downright UPSETTING the show was. But I couldn't get it out of my mind after I watched it and I kept mulling it over for a long time. When I rewatched it, knowing what to expect this time, I was much more appreciative. It's an absolutely stunning work of art, an achievement in the genre. It's uncomfortable, yeah, but like you said, that's the point. It's an extremely in-depth and accurate portrayal of a kid with as troubled a past as Steven had and although it wasn't what I wanted to see when i first sat down to it, it's a story that deserves to have been told. It was a worthy inclusion to the Steven universe canon.

[@Hulk1566]

It's to see a new video from you Lea, especially since you got to work on Invincible which is incredible. I also would like to point out that Rebecca Sugar did mentioned about making a revival for SU so fingers crossed that it will happen so that more of what people want to know could happen. And one more thing, I do not think the endings for CYM and Future were either rushed or bad.

[@DrawciaGleam02]

She WHAT??!?!

[@matti.8465]

A lot of the criticisms just come from people not understanding the series' priorities. Steven Universe is such a character driven show, of course they'll dedicate a sequel series to unpacking the protagonist's trauma rather than giving us extra lore or introducing a new villain. It's just not the kind of show this is.

[@ArcticFFox]

My only real issue with future is that Steven got virtually no consequences. A big part of improving your mental health is by recognizing and making up for your bad actions and behavior. Even if Steven was given consequences in canon, we only ever saw that he went to therapy and improved. I would have really liked if they had shown him trying to make up for all the things he did in the final few episodes like getting Bismuth a new anvil, fixing up his house and his dad's van etc. He doesn't need to be solely blamed for everything but he also shouldn't get away with destruction and murder just because his mental health was bad. It's an important lesson for people to learn that if they want to and put in the effort to improve, their loved ones will recognize that and forgive them. Instead of just everyone instantly forgiving because "oh no, bad mental health :("

[@DrawciaGleam02]

That was said when Future originally aired too. Folks were saying Bojack Horseman was better because its main character got consequences for his bad actions.

[@Raddish-Is-Radd]

Yeah I think they could've made time in the final episode for that instead of the whole episode just being, "the gems aren't sad I'm leaving, wah" but plot twist! They actually were.

[@JinxeBlaq]

They just never stick the landing. Both shows end pretty meh to badly. So it leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth after all the buildup.

[@BuizelCream]

I totally agree with this. It reminds me of a real-life scenario when a community I know sided with an individual because of her mental health issues, which directly resulted a reputable person in this said community to get canceled out because the individual failed to recognize her own bad behavior and make up for it. She ended up blaming the person for damaging her own mental health instead. Long story: A 15-year old girl was unhealthily obsessed with a 19-year old well-respected guy in the community. The guy gave the girl special attention because he felt pity for her due to the abuse that was going on at her home. A few years later, from being close support buddies, both individuals grew old enough to date, but the guy sadly had to end his relationship with her because the girl grew up into a toxic woman, and thus their relationship couldn't work. As a result, the woman gaslighted the guy and made him believe that he was the cause of her mental issues declining over the years. She had worked hard to make their relationship work, and had even decided to leave school in order to exclusively pursue a relationship with him, despite the guy commanding her not to do so in several instances and had even decided to cut ties with her until she grew of age in order to give her a second chance. But since things didn't work out, the woman ended up destroying the guy's reputation in the community by spreading overexaggerated lies about him that he was a monster by dating a 15-year old girl since the beginning. Despite the guy's long clean record in the community, everybody decided to believe the woman instead because of the mental issues she was suffering from, and unfortunately they all kicked the guy off their circles and hated him for life. In the end, the guy willingly admitted to the community for the mess he had made because he ended up believing that he was the problem, and he had been spending his time being ostracized by going to therapy from this experience. None of this is related to Steven Universe Future, but it is something in a way I wished this season did show Steven actually putting the effort to resolve his mental issues beyond just being given a hug by his own found family. I remember the time when SU Future ended, and people were speculating and understandably feeling so worried for Steven for suddenly throwing himself out into a new chapter of life in a different part of the world. Because we didn't get to see how Steven really worked out his mental health, who knows how well Steven is really doing out there after the credits rolled.

[@mzamoisiphiile8088]

Guys you have to remember that Rebecca sugar made Steven Universe Future in a rush, after Cartoon Network decided to cancel it. Rebecca had to beg Cartoon Network for the show

[@jpxfrd154]

I'm also autistic and steven universe is also my special interest.

[@Thehjhhhhhggttyg]

Me too But I feel like this Channel was my introduction to Steven universe but it was never my special interest

[@jpxfrd154]

@@Thehjhhhhhggttyg okay.

[@aircraftcarrierwo-class]

I feel like Future could've used a little more time to cook, but overall it was pretty good. The real place where SU suffered was, as you pointed out, the ending of the original show. Rebecca Sugar probably needed another half-dozen episodes to give it a satisfying conclusion that led more naturally into the movie and Future, honestly.

[@blaa6]

Imo Future is the best of Steven Universe in terms of what has been learned over the OG show run. There are still standout episodes in OG but I prefer future for being concise and easier to digest than OG as well as giving Steven time with characters he rarely went 1 on 1 with or in the case of Peridot, hadn't talked to 1 on 1 in a while. One of my favorite episodes is Snow Day where we see just how far the OG 4 has come since the first season. The one thing that upsets me is the whole series isn't on Blu-ray but at least it has a accessable complete series on DVD.

[@kaylatarapaskoski2390]

What were people expecting from Future? I had no expectations and thought it was fantastic. It was already a 2 year time skip in the movie and I never got uncomfortable with the mental health stuff because that's what made Future great

[@ByrdieFae]

I absutely adored SUF. I loved the uncomfortableness, it made the suffering and healing feel more real.

[@Moonsong227]

Oh thank god constructive discussion on SU since it ended. Very interesting thoughts!

[@Moonsong227]

Let us not forget that the ending was cut short because of the gay wedding

[@infinity_phantomile]

Good to see you posted a new vid- YOU'RE WORKING ON INVINCIBLE?!

[@ZaniePoo]

I love Steven universe and seeing it till thrive after many years makes me happy

[@Kuromi_Bunni_XX]

It just felt more like a soap opera than an actual cartoon. Of course no two shows are the same, but I feel like so much more could’ve been explored about the world and characters origins, but it just ended up about relationship drama.

[@PocketDeerBoy]

I loved the final arc, but i'd argue it's something the show itself had been building upon rather than something the show itself pushed down or forgot to adress. Like, all the way in season one Steven learns a "mature" lesson where he learns that he needs to make his caretakers feel that they're good caretakers. That them feeling like good caretakers is more important than how he feels about himself. It builds into insecurity that's never really adressed, and it evolves into an incredibly self-sacrificing nature that's born out of feeling more useful as a tool to help others. It's one of the reasons I love Connie so much. She's relatively well adjusted and is one of the first to call out that Steven shouldn't have to sacrifice himself like that - god. this show is so fucking good i could ramble on for several paragraphs more.

[@patchiiima]

i think steven universe future holds up so well because to me stevens issues, his spiraling and outbursts felt real to me. i related to it all an insane amount, i have bipolar and bpd and thats what it feels like to me. you have bad thoughts you do things in outbursts, you bottle everything up and practically fight to keep others from hearing any of it. i related to him becoming a damn monster somehow bc thats what it feels like! its just so relatable to the point it makes me feel a bit bad when people freak out that its so negative. yea its negative bc thats how it is! the entire future series just made me relate to steven so much because those actions and feelings felt like my own, almost felt like being seen

[@socks456]

17:08 we’ll after Rebecca said she’d love to do more Steven universe we just have to make noise, i actually like this idea more then a lot I’ve heard! If (hopefully) SU come back 5yrs from now My top 3 main ideas id want it to be about now is 1. Pink diamonds past 2. Steven during the 2yrs he was helping homeworld and the diamonds 3. Steven in the future after beach city (whatever adventures they’d have to share)

[@Thehjhhhhhggttyg]

I love your videos And how you do your commentary Edit : i’m afraid of change and I truly do also underestimate how much a support system can truly help you in the long run.

[@blueotter5954]

I still say this prologue needed more time. I admitted before, I will admit it again, I don't Steven Universe Future, but it does have it's moments on showing Steven's development in LOSING IT! However, the last two or three episodes felt too fast, and I think they definetly could have done more to show how things were going bad rather than it just being bad because the expiration date on the milk was close.

[@roryrousseau111]

I have come to love future the more I watch it. I thought the Steven and Jasper scenes were a sorely needed piece of seriousness and wad happy with what I got, although I would have like more exploration in that direction. And while I still feel something missing with the giant hug solution to the mess, I still enjoy the story they were spinning. Also it did feel nice to get episodes focused on some smaller characters, especially pearl.

[@CherryDad]

Hey Lea!!! Good to see a lovely video from you again, hope you're youre doing well 💖💖

[@fanaticalistic]

I honestly loved SUF when I originally watched it.

[@brianm.k.8008]

The show ended on my 17th birthday. That was such a hard year for me and I really loved how much I related to Steven’s arc.

[@calvineagar1863]

It's so good to have your opinions and style back, thanks!

[@ebonydarknessdementiaraven4610]

I LOVED suf idek why I think I just watched at the perfect time - I still rewatch the finale like once every couple of months lmao

[@smh_tuna]

I used to dislike future quite a bit, I especially had issues with how the show ended. However this summer I had my first big manic episode and I finally got what the show was trying to say. As a people pleaser and someone who was referred to many times as the “rock” of my family it made me feel so seen. I still have issues of separation anxiety from my family and I’m learning to slowly move on. I did some pretty shitty things during my manic episode, I lashed out at the people around me because I had this deep sense of being taken advantage of. I think when you focus on other people’s problems for a majority of your life whenever your struggling yourself it feels like it can’t hold a candle to what others are going through. You learn to pretend that everything is fine no matter what, if you become a mirror for everyone else you slowly start to lose your sense of identity outside of your usefulness to others. When I was no longer useful I felt like a monster. But through that tough experience I found out who the people who were really there for me were.

[@roryrousseau111]

Good to see you back, your vids are always a fun watch [listen] for me!

[@Kyoko123]

I had a stubborn hatred for this show for a few years because the White Diamond episode wound up triggering me, and I didn’t find the conclusion to be a real answer to the intrusive thoughts problem, so I ended up “disowning” the show. Now I’m in a different place, and I have a different appreciation for the show. I’m starting to think it’s going to be the rare type of series that kids who rewatch it in their adulthood will appreciate it differently.

[@LexiDango]

I will have to admit I was not the biggest fan of Steven Universe future and I kept trying to tell myself it was because of the time constraint that I know for sure that if they had more time to work on the show, it would’ve been great I like the idea of Steven processing through his trauma

[@ashwingfantasy030]

But she wanted to keep doing Steven universe but Cartoon Network as usual has to ruin or cancel something That’s beloved by everyone and helps with issues in real life cartoon Network isn’t the same how it used to be nowadays people don’t mind the normal cartoons but being a little bit more mature but that’s what’s in now and Cartoon Network hast to change the view on things 😢❤

[@ArchOfWinter]

I didn't start watching the series until the movie came out. I binged the original series. So Future felt very fitting, without years and years of following and waiting. I don't want an in between series. I want a sequel series, seeing how Steven has grown. A proper epilogue.

[@badoomching]

I'll be honest, I think I prefer SUF over the og

[@beliot5022]

I really appreciate this analysis, because it helped me to understand and process some of what I've gone through and realize just how much I can relate to Steven here. Thank you for making this video

[@BBMacsWorld]

Welcome back! I really loved your intro!! I still love SU, however. I definitely don't think it's my favourite show anymore

[@deecollinssuperitandficays863]

My ONLY PROBLEM with the series , Is how they handled Spinel's return. She , after everything shes been through before and after the movie , could have easily gave Steven actual helpful advice on how to turn his life around and start seeking help. Hell , I mean out of everyone there , Spinel have have probably been the number 1 person to help Steven with his mental health issues. I just wish they maybe added 5 or 8 more episodes and allowed Spinel to possibly step in and have a genuine talk with Steven about how to deal with things like this.

[@Soldantae]

It's so nice to see a new video of yours on my recommendation page. Welcome back!

[@VeeFerns]

Steven Universe Future is my favourite season, and my sister's least favourite, for the same reason.

[@Rex_The_Mouse]

You really nailed it. I feel that a lot of folks that are upset with how the series ended just didn't understand, and just expected something that's so much different.

[@EternityKingdomsHeadHoncho]

I like the concept of Future more so than I do the execution. I’d have loved a show about Steven finally facing his mother’s past and confronting his past trauma after years of burying it. But what we got was 20 torturous episodes that assassinated almost every character (Steven became an unlikable, idiotic prick; the Crystal Gems and Greg were written as comically oblivious to Steven acting out) except for Jasper, wasted potentially interesting characters and pooped out terrible morals regarding those suffering from post-traumatic stress. For all the flak Change Your Mind gets from the show’s detractors for “forgiving” the Diamonds, I give all of Future flak for letting Steven get away with horrible things and being a jerk. At least the Diamonds tried to make up for what they did. Steven got away with literal murder because uwu he has mental health pwoblems. And that’s frustrating, especially when you consider the original series never let Pearl, Lapis or Spinel get away with acting out just because of their mental health problems. It confronted them with truth, but it also offered them grace. All Future!Steven got was hollow grace- grace without truth. Steven Universe Future is the worst ending for any story I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen The Rise of Skywalker. If the show ever comes back, either start from after the movie and rewrite Future or start afterwards and treat its events as how Steven remembers them as happening rather than what actually happened.

[@JinxeBlaq]

Completely agree. I understand people defending it because it talks about mental health in a fairly serious light, and not a lot of shows do that at all. But they’ve gotta realize it doesn’t really do it justice all that well, especially with letting Steven get away without consequences (just like the diamonds,) both series simply fail to stick the landing, and it’s why most people are upset with it. When the endings bad, often times it sours the whole story

[@clairemercer3099]

I would have loved a few episodes on Steven receiving therapy. All his progress was done off screen then he left.

[@scottwalker1280]

Gosh that soul eater comparison was right on the money!

[@laylawhyte799]

TO ANYONE WATCHING THIS, I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT MAKE LOADS OF NOISE ABOUT STEVEN UNIVERSE. REBBECCA SUGAR HAS SAID IN AN INTERVIEW SHE WOULD LOVE TO CONTINUE THE SHOW IF IT GOT ALOT OF ATTENTION, AND IF STUDIOS CANT IGNORE IT. THERES AN ARTICLE ABOUT IT

[@TheBronf]

5:00 funny thing is that was what made me start to dislike the show. how the trauma that steven would go though was ignored and just felt like "steven is the messiah he can fix anything". future was what i wanted from the show so when i started seeing the majority not liking or disappointed by it i was confused.

[@emeraldsdumbchannel]

I Haven't Seen A Video On Steven Universe For Years.

[@little.bunny.274]

in my opinion it portrayed one thing particularly well, when you're abused by large figures in your life or keep experiencing trauma after trauma like steven was your brain is in survival mode, you can't break down because you don't have time, and then once it's over and the abuse ends and it's just you with your thoughts suddenly everything you never acknowledged before is right there suffocating you, you never slowed down long enough for it to really catch up, and i really loved that

[@TheobaldLeonhart]

About the thoughts thing. I agree 100%. As someone who has both intrusive, and impulsive thoughts. It really annoys me, when people say stuff like. "The intrusive thoughts won today", and bark in class My impulsive thoughts, are usually stuff like - Go to the convenience store when it's dark out - Lick a pole, when it's winter and freezing - Lick a switch cartridge (did that once, tasted awful) - And possibly, some random string of words. The current one, is "post navy natal disease" (not a thing). A previous one, was "consumate the wedding" (an actual thing, but I don't remember hearing or seeing the word "consummate". Before I decided to look it up, after having the thought rattle around in my head) My intrusive thoughts, are usually stuff like - don't get out of bed. If you do, you'll fall and crack your skull - push your grandma out of the car (I don't have a good relationship with her, but my mom tried forcing me to have a relationship with her) - the person walking behind you, is planning on kidnapping you - don't ask a store clerk for help, they'll just hate you (kinda justified, the last time I went to a pharmacy to buy a couple of things) And more

[@sandwich2473]

This was a really really good video thank you for making it :O Your insights and everything are very Very cool indeed

[@BCWasbrough]

I liked it. I knew the show had had trouble with the network, and I was under the impression at the time that Future was a compromise. CN wanted to wash their hands of SU, but it did well enough to warrant getting some closure. So I knew going in that there was a time skip, things would be different, and they probably wouldn't have time to answer all the plot threads and character arcs that were still open. Besides, nothing could botch it's landing as badly as Game of Thrones. :P

[@socksinsoda9517]

TOON RUINS HAS RETURNED! REJOICE

[@kadenvanciel9335]

Haven’t seen your videos in a while. Also, nice intro. Who animated it?

[@xX_TIAMW_Xx]

amazing video!!!!

[@alltheardy]

teared up watching this. everything hit really hard

[@CharacterFan815]

I recently got a hyperfixation on this show peridot in particular and Im extremely embarrassed about it and im not sure how to tell my parents and friends anyone have any advice?

[@pieflower6419]

It's been my special interest since May. I was super secretive about it at first, but the reception as I've been opening up about it has been nothing but positive. People either know nothing about it, know the basics, say they've been meaning to watch it, let me infodump or start watching it with me! I haven't had a bad experience yet, all my friends and family are so supportive. I hope you get to be the same. Just be honest, say you love the show, explain why, and just see how they react.

[@CharacterFan815]

Thank you for the advice! I've been slowly telling people mostly a few friends and my brothers have figured it out what I’m most worried about is my mom she is very supportive of my interests so I don’t know why I'm so freaked out about it. Theres a lot of misconceptions about the show for example the fusion thing and I'm worried see will find out about it and think Steven Universe is inappropriate I'm probably just over reacting

[@pieflower6419]

@@CharacterFan815 I was also scared about misconceptions, but it seems they're not as widespread as they may appear online.

[@CharacterFan815]

@@pieflower6419 good to know that

[@johanstenfelt1206]

Hm, fair and valid points and opinions, i can understand where you were coming from and I could agree with it too, I do wonder if we’ll ever get anything more for from this World at some point? Especially since it seems, if I understood it correctly, Rebecca Sugar does apparently seem interested in bringing Steven Universe back at some point, but we’ll have to wait and see though, until then it was a nice run and we should be happy that we got to experience it at all. Anyway, speaking of which, for the longest time now, I have had an idea for a Steven Universe Sequel Series, taking place at least One Year after Future, that I decided to Title: Beyond Steven (Title pending, I wonder what you would call a Series like this?), Basically it would be a Show that was pretty much all about going beyond the Steven Perspective that the Original Show was so keen on keeping in place all throughout Season 1 to Future, it would then pretty much be focusing on Everyone other than Steven, not literally everyone, but you get what i mean, Though, what i think would be the most interesting thing about this Idea of mine, is that this Sequel Series would be made up of several Spinoff Shows, 5 to be exact, that would going alongside each other, while each of them would have one ongoing narrative going on in the background that would be one of the many threads that would connect these Shows together, now how this would be done I have no idea, so I would like some outside perspective on this Idea, how do you think it could be done? Do you think it could be done? Do you think it would be even worth doing, at least in this way? Or does this Idea just seem way too ambitious all around? I would like to know some thoughts. Now, just to make sure there’s a clear view of what I have had in mind with this Sequel Series idea of mine, The idea that I ended up having for these 5 Spinoff Shows, that this Sequel Series would be made up of, Basically, what I have had in mind, is that they would each pretty much be about the Locations, where their respective Stories would take place in, just as much it would be about the Characters within said Locations, Of course, for the sake of making sure the Plots would just be all over the place, I decided to select Five Familiar Characters, each having a pretty close connection with Steven himself, within these Locations that would sort of be the Primary Perspectives of these Spin-offs, working as sort of a Guide and Representative of the Said Locations, that’s not to say that they would only be that, they would still have Stories of their own to go through, with this there by making them the Primary Protagonists for these Spinoffs, now of course while I do call them the Primary Protagonists, that’s not to say that each of these Spinoffs would only follow them, as this Sequel Series is all about going beyond focusing on just one singular Perspective, so these Spinoffs would then shift perspective from the Primary Protagonists from time to time, it would all be dependent on just what each Episode would be about honestly, Anyway, with this being said, the Spinoff Shows that i ended up coming up with for this Sequel Series, ended up being: A Connie Spinoff, mainly taking place in some Human Populated Location, which one i can’t really think of, it depends on where she ended up being by the end of Future, unless she decided to move to another Location, i leave this one to your imagination. A Greg Spinoff, mainly taking place in Beach City, I initially thought of having the Core Trio of Crystal Gems as the Primary Protagonists/Perspectives of this Spinoff, but I figured having more than one would potentially be too much and just having one of them be the Primary Lead didn’t seem right, so i thought why not go with the Guy who pretty much inherited his Son’s old Room and House by the End of Future if I am not mistaken, now the Main Crystal Gem Trio would still be Main Characters within this Spinoff, Greg would just be Primary Lead of it. A Peridot Spinoff, mainly taking place in Little Homeworld, now with this one I initially had at least two uncertainties with, 1. who to have as the Primary Protagonist? 2. If this particular Spinoff was even worth including? With the Second one, I thought at first that since the Crystal Gems Trio was Teacher of Little Homeschool, a Little Homeworld Spinoff might not be needed, but I eventually figured that, since the Crystal Gems’ Main Location is still Beach City and it’s not like Little Homeschool is all of Little Homeworld, a Little Homeworld might be worthwhile, With that figured out, that just left who the Primary Protagonist would, which I had a hard time to figure out initially, since I could mostly only think of one Character, which was Peridot who I always had a interest in, but I felt like choosing her just based on that didn’t seem natural, but then I started to think think about the fact that Steven’s Farewell Gift to Peridot was his Original Shirt, which in a way (similar to how Steven gave his Dad his old Room) could be viewed as a passing of the torch of some kind, with that mindset having Peridot as the Primary Protagonist for the Little Homeworld Spinoff felt more natural to me. A Lars Spinoff, mainly taking in …Space? …their Spaceship? I don’t really know what could count as a Location for this one, But regardless, i don’t think I have to go in too deep here, you could pretty much let your Imagination run wild with this one. A Spinel Spinoff, mainly taking place in or rather on Homeworld, I think you could pretty much imagine this one for yourselves too. Anyway, what do any of you think? If there’s any Questions or Opinions you have, i will try to answer them as we as i can, based on what it is.

[@C.L.G._Artisa]

I've always called Steven Universe Future "the epilogue show."

[@themysteriouswarlock]

Music during the intro? So good I had to replay to get seconds

[@simondragon206]

The fun never ends

[@miquelescribanoivars5049]

I remember that I watched The Roundtable's analysis of the trailer and completely bought their interpretation, to the point that I was thrown out of a loop and initially quite dissappointed with Future. (I also stopped watching the channel, which I already only watched sparingly, altogether after that).

[@snoozyA113]

I think if Steven Universe had more continuations like how Adventure Time had branched out from the original series, ( With Distant Lands and Fiona & Cake….which is even getting a season 2!) I’d be more than happy to see what Rebecca would do with that kind of opportunity. 🙏🏾

[@herodaresfire4512]

Only thing I disagree with is saying Steven wouldn't shatter White. He literally tried to do exactly that. The only reason he didn't is because he got confused whose body was whose, and smashed his own head bu accident. But he fully intended to smash White's head into the pillar and shatter her.

[@ToonRuinsOfficial]

I disagree with that assessment, but to each their own. In my opinion, if he wanted to shatter her, he could've stayed and done so and/or done it when he was "corrupted" (since that form is a manifestation of his trauma). Steven has been a pacifist and fought against shattering Gems since the original series; and while his viewpoint could certainly change, to me it just doesn't seem like it would. Appreciate you voicing your opinion regardless, though!

[@gabrielrush3492]

Not just Rose Quartz, she is also Pink Diamond

[@Choleloverofdancemomsandmaddie]

Well I do love how the show address Steven trurma but I would have preferred to see how spinel and other gems dealt with the fallout from the diamonds especially Connie and pearls on homeworld and I kinda like the others tryed to reach out to help them