Steven Universe is Average Sometimes

This video really isn't as negative as you might think it is.
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All art is made by Erin and myself.
Music: www.johnavarese.com

[@bellf2399]

Finally, someone who doesn't worship all the episodes and can agree that some episodes are average.

[@KazeShikamaru]

He isn't the only one. Get out of your bubble.

[@bellf2399]

Maurice Fleshman Same goes to you, I was obviously exaggerating.

[@KazeShikamaru]

I been out of bubble dancing with yellow pearls though.

[@SylentVoidkeeper]

Bell F Pretty much everyone hates Rocknaldo. Every person I know

[@MindForgedManacle]

Bell F: Nearly every fan recognizes that. It's practically a meme at this point to call the fanbase worshippers of the show. Lots of people love the show, but many people (seemingly including you) are just mean spirited & needless generalize about the fanbase from a few reactions you've seen. Which is ridiculous.

[@GameControllerNetwork]

I think the problem with Steven Universe right now is that episodes like Rocknaldo and Tiger Philanthropist are world building episodes when we are at a point in the series that certainly shouldve grown out of world building and focused on plot. When episodes like Rocknaldo and Tiger Philanthropist come out that seems like theyre for fun, feel nothing but pointless.

[@GameControllerNetwork]

Brandon Gray i agree, i never said it was good world building lol

[@mewtwotwo2222]

i just enjoy seeing the characters just doing stuff and having fun it makes them seem more real

[@Nakia11798]

Game Controller Network I think Tiger Philanthropist wasn't a world-building episode, but rather a bit of a look on Steven and Amethyst's relationship.

[@GameControllerNetwork]

I think when I said "World-Building Episode" i was too general, I think I meant more of episodes that build on either the world, the people, or the relationships between people that we've seen before. Usually I'm all for character relationships ( I actually liked The New Crystal Gems) but the one in Tiger Philanthropist was something we already knew from "Know Your Fusion." It feels redundant and there was too much emphasis on Lars's whining to be taken completely seriously.

[@Nakia11798]

Game Controller Network I suppose that makes sense. I don't feel the same about "Know your fusion" though because I don't see Smokey as Steven and Amethyst, she's her own character like Sardonyx, Opal, or HECK Garnet! I'll agree there was too much focus on Lars whining though. Steven needs to chill trying to make everyone happy.

[@TheJwa66]

After the Star vs the Force's of Evil finale, Steven Universe really needs to step up.

[@c0mf0rta61ynum6]

All my friends are constantly raving about Steven Universe, and while I do indeed like the show, I'm not afraid to admit that I like both Star vs. the Forces of Evil and Gravity Falls more than it.

[@sophiathekitteh]

It was so awesome, where can I watch the episodes, though? I searched the last two of the second season on KZbin, but the episodes come in 7 parts, but the person only released 6 parts. Kiss cartoon hasn't updated the episode list. when I google it, the link to the episode is an episode of another cartoon or a sitcom...Help!!!

[@KazeShikamaru]

Step what up? It's fine.

[@kyleraccoon6195]

I'm still catching up on Star Vs.... I just watched the episode where Star's Spellbook (and Glossaryck) got stolen by Ludo and His Spider and Eagle

[@MrRenanHappy]

Whats their lineup or where can I see it?

[@jakepulley8155]

It's not really a big deal considering every amazing show has had average episodes. Star Vs, Adventure Time, Regular Show, Gumball, Early Spongebob and Simpsons all had some very basic episodes that weren't anything worth remembering. Even shows people claim are perfect had those. Avatar had a few average episodes and so did a lot season 1 (and a few season 2) of Gravity Falls.

[@theluigifan1]

Super underrated comment. I'm not really stressing about SU but I definitely see the dip in quality people have been noting as of late.

[@GuyNamedCrystal]

I don't think that story is why some episodes feel lackluster, I actually believe it's the execution of the stories in those episodes. I do think Tiger Philanthropist could have worked really well, if the execution was unique in any way, shape, or form. I've seen multiple different television shows and movies pull off the same story as the episode. But in my eyes, the episode wasn't bland because of the story being done multiple times. The episode was bland because there was nothing new in the episode that I hadn't seen before.

[@carl8790]

A Guy Named Crystal Not only that, but just look at Ronaldo. Ronaldo can be a great expository character, but no. We should write him as a toxic wanna be conspiracy theorist. It's been done so many times before. What a miss opportunity.

[@thirteenfury]

A Guy Named Crystal I wish they had ended it with Steven learning "you can't please everyone, so don't be a doormat to get on everyone's good side", not "Amethyst isn't depressed anymore, let's stop wrestling".

[@Oban2006]

A Guy Named Crystal That face is so funny on your pic

[@mousetrap773]

I just feel like the comedy isn't really as engaging as it was in earlier episodes, so when they don't focus on the plot, it feels a lot less important.

[@NerdMiGerd]

Y'see, this is why I loved the narrative flow of Gravity Falls. It was rather short-lived, but every episode was at almost the same level of quality as every other one (save the small handful where we got some kind of huge revelation in the overall story). Even the "filler episodes" were really well-crafted and just as interesting as the plot-heavy ones, and it all came to a satisfying conclusion. While I do still kind of like Steven Universe being more spread out, it definitely comes with a huge price. It's actually a gripe I've had with the show for a while now. It's starting to feel more apparent just how thin these one-off episodes are getting. But yeah, I do really get what you're saying.

[@WilfredCthulu]

Hopefully Room for Ruby will lead to an arc of episodes that'll be good again. There's one coming up called "The War" so hopefully they'll have that magic again.

[@sunshi4929]

Wilfred Cthulu Orrrr.... The 'War' may just be like a chess tournament. Let's hope for at LEAST back story.

[@Nakia11798]

Ashleigh Probably gonna be backstory.

[@thekingmansplainer6813]

thank you! Someone finally said it!

[@danofthehour4119]

Wilfred Cthulu Where did you find this out?

[@WilfredCthulu]

Dan Of The Hour It was listed awhile back and some people talked about it. I think the Roundtable made a video with it a bit back. There should be more details there.

[@ilostthecat6973]

tbh after the latest Steven bomb I've lost most credit in this show

[@kyleraccoon6195]

I just hope Lion 4: Alternate Ending will not be an average episode

[@perithepanickedpinetree4496]

Kyle Raccoon agreed

[@board-qu9iu]

Welp nope

[@2CoolBros.]

This show is normally so great, that average episodes are extremely disappointing. But an average episode of SU would be a great one by Teen Titans Go standards.

[@TheSpecialPsycho]

Zachary D Except Rocknaldo. Rocknaldo was the worst.

[@Mr.Z2311]

just wait for Lion 4 Alternate Ending

[@sunshi4929]

Zomboss Yess, when does that come out? (I forgot)

[@Mr.Z2311]

Ashleigh i checked the wiki, it says the 23rd

[@lovelovemiraclesunsetgirl]

+Ashleigh the friday next week, iirc.

[@SomeRandomDude000000]

Watch it be something disappointing like about Steven and Lion shooting a movie

[@thiagoalbornoz5062]

Hiatus = D (shit)

[@kingdom_C]

my problem with the show is the jokes not as funny as they use to be

[@erase4473]

kid media they never we're, especially cat puns.

[@Nakia11798]

kid media When were they ever. Every laugh I've had was at something that wasn't intended to be funny.

[@MindForgedManacle]

kid media: Hmm, the jokes/comedy was never really a highlight for me. It was usually just silly, lol

[@osmosiswright9924]

The people who liked Peridot's awkwardness were the basic teen Tumblrina girls who were like "She is my spirit animal" and "i relate to her on a spiritual level"

[@roxlyn1665]

I never thought the show was "laugh out loud" funny at all. I just thought it was innocent, light-hearted humor that makes you chuckle a bit. This show very rarely makes me genuinely laugh really hard.

[@MacyPooh196]

I really don't like the random episodes. They seem like big time wasters. Not to mention that they're making Steven to be a saint who knows what to do, always. I know he went through a while thing of feeling uncertain, but he comes off as being holier than thou. And I'm tired of all the crying. It's too much. Not every situation requires crying.

[@kirakardashian8996]

Tbh, Steven Universe is a good show overall, like most good shows it has meh episodes. But what I like about Steven is that, it can switch between having action- packed episodes, and down-the-earth ones. It's really unique.

[@perithepanickedpinetree4496]

Kira Kardashian EXACTLY!

[@kirakardashian8996]

Peri the Panicked PineTree Thank u!😃

[@bobojobo235]

Kira Kardashian eh..'action packed' is an overstatement. su has some of the worst action ive seen in a cartoon tbh

[@kirakardashian8996]

Chip Chaga Why do u feel that way?

[@mavioli3303]

not that unique star vs the forces of evil does that alot

[@catch3588]

SU has so much potential and the writers have the ability to exploit that potential and yet they don't, they waste it on beach city episodes or boring cliches no one cares about. What's the point of having beach city episodes anymore, there's been enough world building and for some reason the writers keep the human characters at status quo so they have nothing interesting about them. The gems ARE why Steven Universe is so good, not Ronaldo, not Kiki, not Onion, not any one, but the gems, steven, and Greg on occasion. And that's fine, that means you focus solely on developing the gems, and not give us dumb ass stories about Ronaldo having issues or Kiki having nightmares. It makes no sense to me why the writers don't want to do anything most of the time with all the wonderful characters they made. The fans don't want slice-of-life episodes anymore, kick into high gear and move into a continuous plot structure that has a grand story like in season 3. That's when SU is at its best, when it has focus on the things that made people want to watch this show in the first place.

[@thiagoalbornoz5062]

Sometimes I feel the Crewniverse gets lazy sometimes, just look at how the art has been recently, if they can't keep decent consistency how are they even going to write something great?

[@101Youfail]

Rocknaldo is the first episode I just skipped. I knew I wouldn't like it.

[@KazeShikamaru]

good idea.

[@Nakia11798]

King DJ Preserve the clueless Ronaldo.

[@ichidori1212]

First I skipped was Sadie's song. Pretty much skip all townie episodes if they don't have Greg or mayor Dewey in them now.

[@d.danger4335]

King DJ That was my first episode from this show two years ago and I to hate this episode more after seeing on one on of PhantomStriders list.

[@ChocoDoeEyes]

I always skip the Lars episodes.

[@gabrieloswald61]

Rocknaldo was horrible, they hyped that shit

[@perithepanickedpinetree4496]

Gabriel Oswald CN hyped that shit, the crewniverse had nothing to do with that hype. √(° -°)\

[@TheDerpyDunsparce]

i expected nothing and i'm still let down

[@gabrieloswald61]

Im still mad at it, and its pointless, CN should know that people are going to watch the show regardless. Its good, but doing that they showed me that they dont have trust on su

[@thiagoalbornoz5062]

I wonder who drew the Bloodstone image

[@gabrieloswald61]

Someone who believes that su needs to be hyped and have click-bait. I hope that Bloodstone will apear on the future, because if not, its a waste of concepts. You can have a TON of colorfull chracters with the concepts that su has, remember bismut? that episode was awesome

[@DEATHxTHExKIDx1]

I dont mind if SU is just average sometimes. I cant expect every episode to be 5 stars.

[@perithepanickedpinetree4496]

DEATHxTHExKIDx1 EXACTLY

[@Plasmabolt64]

DEATHxTHExKIDx1 I think the problem is that the show has put its own bar so high seen less then stellar episodes feels off.

[@DEATHxTHExKIDx1]

Plasmabolt64 I can see that

[@mvangord1]

I've heard some people say the last three episodes were all a series of Take Thats directed at the fanbase and I kinda agree?

[@carl8790]

mvangord1 Well that's a scummy thing for the Crew-universe to do.

[@thelastwindwaker7948]

Same. Rocknaldo was obvious, Tiger Philanthropist was about ungrateful fans "The sequel nobody asked for" and Room for Ruby felt like it was calling out the fans for their blind adoration of the villainous Rubies.

[@Gravitynaut]

TheShiniest Totodile That said, those who weren't aware of this (I wasn't) were left with three less-than-satisfactory episodes with no context. It's okay to make a point, but don't alienate your viewers in an attempt to make said point. TTG gets called out for this A LOT.

[@thelastwindwaker7948]

I got that impression when Navy said Steven was tricked by his "favorite little Ruby". The two barely had any interactions until this episode, so it seemed kind of out of place to make that claim, especially when there's another Ruby Steven cares about more. I dunno, maybe I've just seen too many Ruby stans on tumblr who treat them like they're the most wonderful and innocent characters to the point that it feels out of character for this blissful idiot to suddenly turn malicious and sadistic. It's like the show's saying "Remember, this character's supposed to be a villain!"

[@isaacargesmith8217]

Not many shows do very good with criticizing its audience. It doesn't sound like these episodes are an exception sadly.

[@jetiscute1]

For example, Rocknaldo and Room For Ruby. Everyone seemed to love the latter episode, but I hated it.

[@mewtwotwo2222]

what is wrong with room for ruby?

[@JojoDigitalArtist]

I actually liked Room for Ruby but it was kind of awkward having Lapis relapse to her old self. But every Ronaldo episode is really bad to me. It's the problem of this having to also be a kids show too, they can't just have all plot episodes so they have to have some lesson episodes in there usually they are pretty enjoyable but because the plot is getting deeper these episodes kind of feel weird sometimes (I refuse to call them filler though since some are somewhat important)

[@jetiscute1]

CallMeRemy Because I am allowed to dislike some episodes, since it's my opinion. You want to know why? Because of Lapis, and the fact that these episodes are built up as these important plot changing moments. The only reason I'd go back on my word is if we find out soon that Navy told the diamonds of their whereabouts.

[@mewtwotwo2222]

what do you mean they are built up as plot changing moments? and what was so wrong with lapis in this i completely understood her rage

[@JojoDigitalArtist]

I think it's implied that Navy is either going to go back to get the rest of the rubies and get revenge or just go straight to the Diamonds since she did do what she did for a reason. But we have to just wait and see a bit.

[@kirbybaby64]

Speaking of the monsters (corrupted gems), we rarely see them again after season 1. Now they only just talk about homeworld gems and the diamonds.

[@TheCalmseeker]

Thanks for making this video. I agreed with most of your thoughts on recent episodes, I appreciated your point about not always being able to know what to expect on Steven Universe, unlike many other cartoons.

[@Vinelgregory]

I'm happy you're still into it, it is a really great show, but I can't really be into it anymore. I'm not really sure why, honestly. I'm just not into it anymore. Maybe its just me growing to love other cartoons more than it?

[@osmosiswright9924]

I'm liking Star Vs the Forces of Evil more. Maybe it's because it doesn't involve a little kid being babysat (I mean come on, for most of the series Steven doesn't act like a young teen, but an emotionally immature 8 year old) by aliens who live in a city filled with horrible teenagers.

[@SomeRandomDude000000]

Osmosis Wright Yeah its kinds hard to watch the beginning of "Garnets Universe" knowing Steven in 13

[@heisenberg4406]

Steven Is Actually Pretty Mature Now Compared To Season 1.

[@Vinelgregory]

Yeah, Star is probably my favorite show right now. That being said, I really don't have any problem with Steven as a character. He can be a bit immature in some regards, but very adult in other ways. I really like the characters and the setting, but it's just not my favorite anymore and I don't find the same amount of enjoyment out of it. It makes me happy that others still love it to that level that I used to, because it truly is a great show.

[@QrowVang9801]

Agreed, like I rather watch a season 1 episode than newest ones because they just seem more better and more effort put into them

[@mexikann6248]

I think Season 4 is the worst season to date, Well so far, there are 6 episodes left so it might surprise me. Season 2 is the best season in my opinion and the seasons just get less great. Season 3 is not as great as season 2, but it still has some of my favorite SU episode in It. Season 4 has a lot of boring or meh episodes like Future Boy Zoltron, Onion Gang, The new Crystal Gem, Rocknaldo, and Tiger Philanthropist. Season 4 isn't bad, it does have great episodes like Mindful Education, three gems and a baby or the whole Steven Bomb 5, but its just average. Also the Whole, "Steven Universe Doesn't have fillers and every episode is important", really annoys me because there are so many episodes that are not important and if it was another show people would call them fillers.

[@Gravitynaut]

JG Perez Some of the justifications for the "no filler episodes" thing are REALLY weak. Wow, you barely alluded to a future development that we'll see in half a year, your episode's plot still had no lasting character or story development. In Season 1 that was a much truer statement than it is now in the show's "lull".

[@mexikann6248]

That's true

[@sailor3047]

After reading this I think I can agree. Season 1/2 had a perfect amount of world building and story telling, we don't need much else world building really. Beach City is small as hell, they've introduced all of the minor characters properly and now they can pop in whenever without seeming forced or annoying. I think after a huge arc you can have a couple of mellow episodes that people can have a laugh at just for the sake of pacing, but this show has Naruto levels of pacing. It needs to pick up the pace imo. Teen Titans handled their development well iirc, every season you learned a shit ton about characters and got more comfortable with them. Hell, some character arcs last an entire season. But with SU sometimes you just really don't give a shit. Like the New Crystal Gems felt like it was pandering to the dumbass 13 year old fangirls on tumblr.

[@ThatOneGuyWithAFork]

I absolutely agree with this video. While I love Steven Universe, I think there are several episodes that just don't quite hit the mark for me, such as Onion Gang or Rocknaldo. I think a lot of people (including me) have built up such high expectations for the show, and whenever I see an episode that I'm not crazy about, I do get kind of disappointed. Me and brother were watching Tiger Philanthropist the other day, and I kind of though to myself, "Why do I feel so 'eh' with this episode?" and this video really helped me realize why, so thank you for this one.

[@gabrieleduardo504]

ThatOneGuyWithAFork, yee, you right.

[@Koroblin]

I think the show is going down hill 3: it makes me sad

[@perithepanickedpinetree4496]

Zulite I think we just need to be patient for a little bit. I bet they're doing this on purpose. besides, we don't exactly know what's going on behind the scenes anyway. :^)

[@mediamastermind7003]

PIEGUYRULEZ,please tell me and your fans that you'll be releasing the Season 9B Reviewed video soon! I along with others have been waiting for a long time. You even mentioned having to work on it because of the changes to the title in your previous video! Of course,I'll be satisfied with you releasing another Bottom of the Bakery or Bizzaro Bakery episode but make sure you remember the season review.

[@CrowRider1999]

I feel that sometimes SU goes down in some episodes, but I don't look that deep into it. I mean, I tend to analyze stuff a little, but not so much that it happens every time I look at something. You are right, though. The show does tend to bland-out with some episodes and puts them into the average category. Also, I think they might get back to the main story, seeing as people are spoiling an episode about a certain Ruby.

[@TuesdaysArt]

I never really got into the Steven Universe phase (I downloaded the first episode for free along with Clarence and Wander Over Yonder when they first started, but I never continued on with it and by the time it started getting popular it was all spoiled for me since my friends on tumblr post lots of spoilers), but I do get a feel for what the show is. Even after TONS of things got spoiled for me (from Garnet's secret from Jail Break and beyond), I've tried to watch certain episodes and I follow up on the characters through the Steven Universe tags and my friends' reblogs. Heck, I don't watch the show and I love some of the characters! I completely understand what you're saying- by putting the show on a pedestal, the dud episodes without that special Steven Universe spark can be a let down, but I feel as though the fandom's expectations are so high. Maybe it's because the episodes I've seen after I had been spoiled were just meh to me (Say Uncle was the only episode that really gave me an emotional response, the rest were just okay- the episodes being the one where Greg and Rose meet and the one with Onion and Steven with that birth tape, if you're curious...there might have been more but I can't remember), but I think the "gems" of the show should just be treated as special episodes instead of the norm. There's no doubt that the show can be stellar, but it can't be stellar all of the time. Gravity Falls didn't have plot twist episodes and continuity every episode and neither does Star vs The Forces of Evil, shows with a similar style to SU. Not every episode will be a Mr. Greg or The Answer- the sooner the fandom can learn to lower their expectations, the happier they and the staff behind the show will be.

[@noavink1]

Rocknaldo was the worst. "Hey guess this gem, who you'll meet tonight!" *is really a ronaldo oc*

[@RidleyKraid187]

3:33 Since you bring it up; I actually think Krusty Krushers is a much better wrestling episode than Tiger Philanthropist. Neither are groundbreaking, but at least Krusty Krushers is funny.

[@pockystyx4087]

As much as I love SU, I'll admit that the side characters and side stories (especially the Lars and Sadie stuff) kinda are. . . bland? Hell, even sometimes bordering on aggravating. I think it has a lot to do with how the show handles slice of life scenarios, that it really never fits too well with any characters who aren't Greg or Connie (and even then, the most recent Connie focused episode kind of was just bad-to-mediocre). There's almost no real connection to what is going on in the main plotline tot eh side stories, and most of the side stories fill like filler for the most part. Empty fluff that pad out the otherwise superb world building and character riven narrative of the Gems and the war. (but as you said, there are bad gem episodes. . . just feels like most bad episodes are the human ones lol) that being said, some side stuff; particularly with last one out of beach city, can give us some insight into characters we haven't really seen before (as in Pearl apparently kind of fell into the mom-roll, and was a "rebel". . . at least in her own eyes lol). But for the most part, these past few filler episodes are very much skippable, unless you absolutely need SU episodes in your life.

[@djmeagaaim17]

I think its because Greg and Connie are the only well written Human Characters. They are also the only human characters who have been properly integrated into the story. Most of the human the characters are just 2D characters who are often used as strawmen for certain topics that the show wants to tackle. Also, we hardly ever see the Gems interact with the other Human characters who not Connie, her parents, Ronaldo, and Greg. If they had the Gems interact with the humans more, than maybe they could become more important characters. In fact, was there ever a reason given in show as to why the Gems and the other Human Characters don't interact with each other?

[@pockystyx4087]

yeah, that pretty much sums it up too. If I recall, Sadie and Lars are two characters Rebecca Sugar came up with in her college years and; if that is true, it sure does feel like it. Their whole relationship feels kinda forced and almost at odds with a lot of the more positive messages the show tries to slip in about relationships. Again, it does feel like half of the show is very well-written, with lots of grey areas covered surprisingly maturely. But there definitely is a lot of human side character stuff that feels almost juvenile in comparison, and not because of the medium, but the style of writing.

[@thirteenfury]

Pocky Styx We need more "Last One Out of Beach City", "Restaurant Wars", "Beach Party", "Frybo", "Island Adventure", etc. Basically more episodes that force the Gems to interact with the humans so they have to learn who and what they're protecting in the first place. If the Crewniverse can make the Gems care about the humans, then we'll care about the humans. Until then, human-centered episodes will continue down the path to mediocrity.

[@pockystyx4087]

hell, I could go for more Connie episodes too!

[@pockystyx4087]

oh yeah, it's why I liked Last One Out of Beach City so much. The very thought of Pearl seeing a human as attractive is interesting. She'll need to get over her superiority complex though, which could be interesting in its own right. Speaking of world building too, we've really gotten none for Earth in SU. Yeah, we know it's kinda sorta like real life, but how the actual flying funkle fuck has stuff involving gems not become common knowledge with giant fists flying about lol I'm not asking for the military to get involved with the whole galactic threat, but it would be interesting to see any other kind of govt. official outside of Mayor Dewy.

[@tylerensminger]

I do agree with you on the recent episodes and your general thoughts. I do find some of the more recent episodes to be lower in quality. I think we need less "townie" episodes but they do serve a purpose.

[@Rigel644]

The fact that you can make a video with such a controversial topic, and still get way more likes than dislikes just shows how great of a critic you are!

[@Corrector1]

I haven't watched a Steven Universe episode since the Space arc (Just haven't been in a Steven-y mood lately), but I had similar feelings during the Summer of Steven event. The human episodes felt like they didn't have the same passion put into them that they did during the first season. Some of the first season's episodes were genuinely emotional, and felt like they offered important insight into the characters. By comparison, the latter episodes felt a lot more half-hearted, like the writers were obligated to do them before getting back to what they really care about.

[@pj1789]

I want Jasper to come back. I feel there is a lot of potential for Steven to see not everything is black and white, and that the gems might have been sugar-coating things to make him more willing to believe them.

[@lindsayapplegate4887]

i would love to see you review every episode of SU like you did with spongebob

[@AllyAndrews]

Finally someone who is at least really bringing this up. I don't not like this show now but I have some simile feelings about the recent episodes so it's good to hear these thoughts out loud by someone else.

[@Rakned]

New Crystal Gems == bluh, Rocknaldo == shit, Tiger Philantropist == yet more bluh. Room for Ruby was great tho

[@amiah1605]

I don't understand how every episode of SU is important just because of a nod to previous episodes, continuity and easter eggs. That doesn't make it important.

[@lumalah9144]

THANK YOU.THANK YOU PIEGUYRULZ.THIS IS WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SAY TO EVERYONE IN MY COMMENTS AND A VIDEO I INCE MADE

[@mt.killermaninjago3042]

ever since the crystal gems left the human zoo, everything felt random.

[@tamydoodles7200]

Hey Pie, I kinda recommend reviewing Star vs The forces of evil in the future but, it's up to you

[@booklover4330]

There's a lot of the more slice of life episodes in Steven Universe that I really like to even love, as well as the more story heavy episodes where I tend to love more. For instance I hated Rocknaldo, although to be fair there were some things that I did like, but for the most of it, it annoyed me. But I actually really liked Room for Ruby and New Crystal Gems was cute. And I really enjoyed episodes like Kiki's Pizza Delivery Service where there was quite a bit going on with the more minor human character. But yeah, I basically agree with you on a lot of stuff.

[@DenderFriend]

Did you ever mention something about checking out the Island mini-series? Also, I think I do sometimes feel that way-= being disappointed when we go from an amazing episode to an average/okay one- but a lot of the times I'm able to view the eps on their own merits.

[@cartooncritic7045]

Nathanial Murray Man, Islands was a lot more fun than I expected it to be. It gives me hope that the final two years of Adventure Time will be great.

[@GamerKiller2347]

Hey Pie Guy, you should do a Square Theory on Stephen Hillenburg's ALS diagnosis.

[@JoeDan54]

You've probably heard it a lot by now, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on _Star vs. the Forces of Evil._ There's plenty of time now that we're in between seasons.

[@MegaFawfulfan]

I know everyone else seems to like the big, story heavy gem episodes, but I wish there were more episodes with Steven and Greg, those were always my favourite

[@SomeRandomDude000000]

If they're gonna do slice of life episodes why don't they do more mutated gem hunt episodes like they used to do in season 1.

[@smokesterify]

I'm expecting a LOT from Lion 4: Alternate Ending, because Lion episodes are usually pretty good. if Lion 4 ends up being mediocre like SU has been lately (aside from the Steven in space arc) I'm gonna take a break from this show and wait until a dozen episodes have come out to watch it again. I'm just sick of waiting on episodes that just disappoint me. it's not that I hate filler, it's that this filler isn't interesting or fun, I have more fun watching old Season 1 episodes honestly.

[@imadmohamed841]

When are you going to review the Fairly Oddparents and Bunsen is a beast crossover?

[@dalekusa]

Pieguy, what are your thoughts on Star vs. the Forces of Evil?

[@runningoncylinders3829]

We have been dipping into meh territory with SU, but I still like the show as a whole and still do enjoy episodes that aren't very plot-heavy, deep, or comedic because usually at least one of those 3 are still there. This show is kinda fun for its variety. I liked the Pizza one, Looney Tunes one, and the new Ruby one. I liked Tiger Philanthropist as well and Gem Harvest. I didn't like "Onion Gang", "Rocknaldo", or "Hit the Diamond". But each of them were for different reasons.

[@djmeagaaim17]

What problems did you have with those episodes?

[@runningoncylinders3829]

Onion Gang: I liked that it was quirky and at least imaginative. I disliked that Steven was the only speaker and had to do stuff like narrate and interpret the other kids. More personally, it didn't feel right to me that an Onion ep. would be so normal. The other 2 Onion ones were quite a bit weirder because Onion's a weird kid - Fact. Rocknaldo: Ronaldo was being a selfish jerk and tried to make Steven feel as if he was actually the jerk. Aside from that this episode was extremely boring. The best idea somebody had had to improve it was making Ronaldo get his butt-kicked by a Holo-Pearl thereby realizing he wasn't Crystal Gem material and then maybe second guessing them and throwing a fit. Much like "The New Crystal Gems" this one should've had at least one action scene imo. Hit the Diamond: This one set up so much hype only to troll us with baseball, and it also made the Rubies look way too dumb. It's even worse (for this singular ep.) that the Rubies have only gotten better since! There's nothing fundamentally wrong with this ep., but one thing I disliked was that Garnet's halves were way too flirtatious in this one whereas in most any other episode they were more of a mature couple and probably should've been capable of focusing on the game or ruse much better. Compared to "The Answer" and "Keystone Motel" this ep. doesn't even hold a candle; it's my least favorite Ruby&Sapphire ep. as of right now. I'm not saying everybody should dislike those; that's simply why I liked 'em less than other SU eps.

[@runningoncylinders3829]

I wasn't sure since we'd just seen YD in Message Received, but it does make a lot of sense why they didn't rush something as important as a confrontation with the Diamond Authority. I still thought this ep. would somehow feature them in some fashion, so baseball still managed to throw me for a loop.

[@shenyongo]

When are you going to talk about Samurai Jack Season 5? I am surprised you have not talked about it or brought it up yet.

[@SgtTwilight]

IMO, Steven Universe has been going down hill for awhile now. It's not bad now per say, and I don't think it'll ever reach levels of bad, but the writing in the last few episodes just seems really...smug. Theirs a line in "The New Crystal Gems" that mocks critics of the show who are tired of the more melodramatic elements of the show and the writers Twitter interactions lately have felt very full of themselves lately. The overall storyline felt like it could've been much more fleshed out by now, but wasn't. Not because of the human episodes (which I honestly feel are the highlights of the show), but because the Gem episodes don't see to be taking the big steps they really should be. Also, another big issue with the show is Lapis. What even is her character? I don't know because it changes every episode...

[@Corrector1]

It's never sat right with me that Lapis' issues with Peridot were never resolved. They just disappeared. Knowing this show, they'll probably come up at some time, but if they were going to have the two live together, they should've resolved their issues much sooner. It's weird how much they've lagged on Lapis' character development since they started living in the barn.

[@australiumbacon5598]

Jordan DeHart which line was that? I don't remember a line from NCG that mocked criticism.

[@kendallgordon4150]

I can see where you're coming from, there are a lot of episodes that I wouldn't define as amazing, particularly in this season, but I think the characters are likable enough for me to still enjoy the lighter episodes; especially if it gives us an excuse to see Peridot and Lapis offer some of the funniest moments in the series.

[@SomeRandomDude000000]

I think the problem is the lack of magical elements in the slice of life episodes. Episodes like horror club worked because of the supernatural element, without that raising the stakes the episode would have been pretty boring.

[@reasyrandom]

But We Bare Bears is hilarious.

[@AutumnOwlex]

ReasyRandom Agree

[@jl8417]

ReasyRandom He's said that he feels that it's more of a _charming_ comedy/slice of life than a full humour based show like Spongebob, it doesn't mean it's not funny, just more focused on other things

[@RonanStreamkiller]

I'm just waiting for the next episode of Samurai Jack. Unfortunately, SU no longer has my full attention.

[@lulumew8235]

for as much as I liked Tiger Philanthropist, I feel like it came a season or two too late. I always enjoy the dynamic between Steven and Amethyst, but why wait this long to wrap up the wrestling arc? And, I'm sorry, but WHY did they need a Ronaldo episode right after something as big and world-building oriented as the zoo arc? See, this is my biggest issue with seasons 3 & 4. There'll be an episode that has a shit ton of plot dropped, and the next 5 episodes after that are just slice of life, or background character episodes. And yes, I know the writers said "each character serves a major purpose" but I'm just not seeing that. And it doesn't help that the writing quality hasn't been all that great (or at least in non plot centered episodes). I just hope this is all building to something huge in the series/season) finale, but that doesn't make up for the blatant filler episodes as of late. Sorry if this comment got a bit ranty, but I am glad other people are acknowledging the issues of the show too.

[@ender5070]

Hey Pie Will you ever review Star vs the forces of evil at some point in the future?

[@LSMark]

If the series really is ending around season 5 they really should have been started to build up to something by now.

[@lilpetz500]

OMG these are actually my exact opinions on the recent episodes being shared by someone else! Although I actually kind of liked some of the more average episodes, particularly "Kiki's pizza Delivery Service", it was charming, a good experimentation with Steven's new power, and had some good interactions and character developments.

[@SeaStarTea]

PieGuy...Stephen Hillenburg was diagnosed with ALS. What heartbreaking news! Hope to hear your thoughts on it!

[@-____________--______________-]

The animation quality has gone so much downhill

[@Lefty7788tinkatolli]

Are you going to do a full rant on Onion Gang some day?

[@reasyrandom]

Onion Gang can be summed up in one sentence: Boring Onion episode no-one asked for and an Undertale reference.

[@BigM33100]

This sums up my feelings exactly. I've found myself feeling pretty let down and uninterested with the latest episodes, Room for Ruby in particular, and it sucks that I feel this way. I love SU but I'd rather the long waits for Steven Bombs if it meant less average or filler episodes.

[@mewtwotwo2222]

what was so wrong with that one??? cant really see it

[@JojoDigitalArtist]

I think having another member join them though might have been a bit much especially with it being another Ruby. I actually like what she did though cause it does build up more for future episodes.

[@KazeShikamaru]

Yeah no. We didn't need any more face turns. Glad she wasn't. I'm happy they did what they did.

[@BigM33100]

Boring mostly. The face turn would've been sudden and forced so I'm glad Ruby duped them but nothing was really gained or learned from it. The only thing that really happened was Lapis had her distrust validated and Peridot was even more of a comedic character. At this point I'm slowly growing to dislike Peridot, Lapis is losing most of her character and just always seems either apathetic or doing whatever Steven does. I think this episode more or less just shows what I already think, that two of my favourite characters kinda suck and nothing was really accomplished. I love peri, I think she has a lot of potential and her abilities are likewise awesome but I feel like she's stuck being comedic relieve and it mostly lands flat imo. And it's a similar feeling with Lpais, I almost feel like they didn't know what to do with her so they put her on the farm with Peri and she's just kind of become a pessimistic room mate/ship bait who for some reason is cool with the Gems now to the point where she wanted to pretend to be one despite the fact that they left her imprisoned for a long time. If Navy comes back and we learn more about her then I'd love that, but the twist that she's gleefully malicious seemed to come from nowhere with no build up. Sure she was a member of the Ruby group (Or as I call them Navy and the Funky Bunch) but she was always a bumbling, oblivious idiot. Idk, I love Steven Universe and its characters but the last few episodes have left me feeling a bit disappointed in its seemingly average quality.

[@ladyzephyrine14]

Honestly, I'd say that Rocknaldo was my least favorite episode. It's not the worst thing ever, but Ronaldo was pretty out of character in it. And "The New Crystal Gems" was OK, but I would've liked to see Connie, Peridot, and Lapis fighting a corrupted gem or something. I personally don't have a problem with sillier episodes, it's kind of nice to step out of the action here and there. But lately these episodes just seem a little "meh". I'm sure they'll have better episodes down the line though. And hey, I'd like to see more about the diamonds and Rose Quartz.

[@Super1Pumpkin]

I agree, I kinda got worried after watching these last few bad episodes, but then I went back and watched some old episodes and really got happy knowing that there's no way this shows losing its mojo anytime soon

[@facelessfan8203]

I really just want to learn more about the diamonds but I know things like that take time to come out so I'm willing to wait but the episodes they leave us with don't feel right.

[@mattgordon9757]

In my opinion I just found Gravity Falls, Regular Show, Star vs Forces of Evil and Star Wars Rebels more superior shows than Steven Universe which I think is ok.

[@ArtieArchives]

I am hyped for SpongeBob Season 9B reviewed!

[@isaacargesmith8217]

I wonder if they could pull an original teen titans and have 2 varients of te openings, one for episodes tat are more action and story important and one that's more comedy related. Worked for Teen Titans since they would play the english theme in the opening for the more serious episdes and the japanese theme for the silly ones.

[@frankenbeary]

i disagree a little bit. i really think that the show is degrading. the "filler" episodes used to be so much more entertaining (for example, garnet's universe and horror club) and now there's even more filler and it's much less enjoyable

[@Dodolord679]

While I didn't like the episodes you listed, I agree that the old filler were more entertaining then the recent stuff.

[@shutupsprinkles]

I enjoy the break in story heavy stuff.

[@fsaenz0125]

Season 4 does feel like something is missing. Half of the episodes aired so far this year had been rather off.

[@aobasuzukaze1032]

I'm sorry for asking this but have you seen Island miniseries?

[@DrCaesarMD]

In my opinion, a LOT of the episodes focusing on humans are very meh, for a long time. And certain boarders CAN NOT DO certain characters it seems - I don't trust anyone but Lauren to write Lapis, and few other than Lauren to do Peridot, but she clearly isn't great with the humans. Raven And Paul should be banned from Lapis and Peri, ironic considering they INTRODUCED Lapis so well. Maybe it's that Raven and Paul shouldn't be allowed to do non-plot episodes - they often tend to be bad or mediocre. The core plot episodes are often so good as well. And when the focus is on developing the gems purely, it goes well, such as in Room for Ruby. But I don't think that the team is on the same page about how to write this show. My greatest fear is that they have spent so much time making human or meh episodes that add absolutely nothing to the show, that they will not have time to properly develop the cast as well as complete the plot.

[@RheaStorm]

Rocknaldo felt like an insult to obsessive fans. They used Ronaldo as a strawman for the fanbase. BEcause he's never once been that jerky or selfish. Somewhat selfish sure, but he was more or less in his own world as you say.

[@redtutel]

I only agree with you about Rocknoldo, and I think Tiger Philanthropist has more to it then you give it credit for. I agree with the point of the video, although it doesn't really bother me. It's a part of the nature of the show. As the Blockbuster Buster put it "it's the hot air balloon of sci-fi/fantasy genre"

[@sailor3047]

We Bare Bears actually had an episode like that. Ice got tired of everybody's shit and became an airport chef.

[@rasp-passiontea8525]

Nice to see someone take a bold stand and say that not all the episodes are spectacular (Why did I want to see his actual face so I could punch it when I read the title of the video??...)

[@princessbinas]

Fun fact: Rocknaldo foreshadows where Pink Diamond's shards are probably located. Pink's shards are probably in the Crystal Heart in the temple.

[@TheDragonCat99]

+princessbinas Where was that? I was too busy cringing the entire time...

[@notrealnamenotatall2476]

Hey PieGuy, you mentioned that you didn't like Onion Gang- I didn't either, actually- but could you elaborate some time on why you don't? I'd like to hear what you think of it.

[@PIEGUYRULZ]

Hey, that's a good idea.

[@luke4502]

Some episodes are good, some are outright brilliant, but too many are just average or worse. I still think you're giving the show more praise than it deserves, but I'm glad you've got a balanced opinion of it. Also, "There are no filler episodes of Steven Universe" HAHAHAHAHA no.

[@patrickramseyart]

That's also the problem with Avatar: The Last Airbender's "The Great Divide". It isn't really bad, but the rest of the show is SO GOOD that it seems terrible by comparison. I suppose a show is good enough, this tends to happen.

[@darkvioletcloud]

I stopped watching the show awhile ago. I loved when they explored the different aspects of the universe of the gems (pun slightly intended), exploring new worlds and locations, learning more about the history, and anticipating a conclusion to story arcs. However, I feel like the show has tried to do story arcs lately (lately as of when I stopped watching it) but they completely bombed with it. See, the episodes both have to carry on the arc but also feel conclusive, and I feel like they were doing neither. There was no climax of the episode. It was just buildup to stuff that never happened. That was my breaking point with the show. It used to be my favorite show, but now I just feel like if I go back to the show, I'll be watching episodes that are all buildup and no climax.

[@LuckyBastard12345]

DarkVioletCloud Can you give me an example besides the cluster

[@darkvioletcloud]

That's actually where I stopped watching it. I think I saw a few episodes after, but yeah the cluster being so underwhelming is where I decided that the show wasn't worth my time.

[@balabanasireti]

DarkVioletCloud You didn't watch the show anymore because of one episode?

[@darkvioletcloud]

Munzur Baba It was more of a "straw that broke the camel's back" deal. I just got fed up with the inconclusive stories.

[@Corrector1]

I had wondered if the Heaven and Earth beetles are ever going to factor into the plot.

[@iyxon]

The problem isn't it's "filler" or "world building". Season 1 had a lot of that but the "filler" episodes in season 1 were amazing for the most part IMO.

[@agrotesqueoldwoman1626]

Iyx But we're at a point where we do not need anymore episodes like these

[@neonbat666]

I have to agree with you, for the most part. For me, I actually enjoy a lot of the sillier episodes, so the tone change doesn't bother me too much...sometimes. But I can also see your stand point, especially after episodes like _Rocknaldo_ --which was boring, and _The New Crystal Gems_ --which was frustrating. I can see why you and many others feel so strongly about episodes like that. That's why I feel like it would have been better if _Tiger Philanthropist_ and _Rocknaldo_ had aired before Stevenbomb5. It might not have 'fixed' anything, but it could have helped the tone shift.

[@SonicdaShapeshifter]

You hit the nail on the head.

[@natelikesfun]

I will say, the episodes in Season 4 have been mostly average, but I feel like they might be doing this on purpose. I feel this way because I believe that season 5 is going to have a lot more plot and stuff in comparison. Season 4 is basically the calm before the storm. Plus, assuming that the final five season 4 episodes are part of a StevenBomb, about half of this season has been more plot/lore focused. I will say, though, I did like New Crystal Gems as it is because of the fact that is came right after a series of five consecutive plot focused episodes. Especially considering that the one preceding it involved two diamonds in the same episode. Plus there's the fact that Storm in the Room came right after it, so it jumped right back into plot afterwards. Rocknaldo and Tiger Philantropist, though, were a little disappointing to me, as Rocknaldo was a bit random (though I can see where some character development happened), and Tiger Philantropist felt out of place (it would've worked better as one of the first episodes of the season). Room for Ruby was alright though. It was a bit predictable, but Lapis and Navy both got character development, and it did move the plot along to an extent (could've pulled it off better, though). Anyway, those are just my thoughts.

[@spacygracieee]

I gotta agree with you here. It's a rlly unpopular opinion but- I liked season 1. I miss the Crystal Gems fighting monsters in Beach City without the plot being too action-packed, or too boring. That's what made SU so likable in the first place. It was a good combination of the two and (remember, this is me just critiquing it) I feel as if Steven Universe is starting to lose that charm. Also, am I the only one that noticed Steven's voice is starting to become more kiddish??? That's another reason why I liked Season 1. I actually enjoyed Steven's old voice, and I'm not too fond of the "new" one. If you don't know what I mean, go watch clips from Season One and then go watch one of the newer episodes. You'll see what I mean. Now of course I'm not saying SU is a bad show (far from it, really), I'm just saying that little things such as these are maybe why we are getting average episodes :/

[@djmeagaaim17]

I personally enjoyed season 2 more, but I still enjoy season 1 over the other 2 seasons overall. I feel like the show has been going up and down since the " In Too Deep episodes'.

[@spacygracieee]

Finally someone understands!!! like ikr

[@supervideomaker9136]

Bu....bu.......but they develop the characters and the world In all seriousness, I completely agree. SU has been kind of bad lately. I just can't see how fans defend the show by using the excuses above. They just seem like filler and there's no point to them. The problem with this show is I am already invested in it too much to quit just yet. I care about the characters and want to know more about the gems.

[@Abrax404]

There's no stakes in a monster fighting episode with Lapis around. Even if it was a Water monster then she could just beach it.

[@Abrax404]

Though maybe they could've set up Lapis to act as pretend villain to test Peridot and Connie's character progressions.

[@thewalrus5198]

still no video on spongebob winning favorite cartoon for kca this year

[@Dodolord679]

Well I'm sorry, but that was inevitable. I'm still surprised everyone is constantly surprised by that considering that spongebob has won every single vote with the exception of when avatar won, but that was also a nick show so, yeah.

[@Thechaosprime]

room for ruby was super predictable and considering that OVER 3 WEEKS HAS PASSED in the steven universe continuity, so this show is going to scrap....

[@weatheronthe8s895]

Great, I've never really got into this show, yes, I never really gave it much of a chance, only seeing part of 1 episode about I think a power outage, I thought it wasn't really terrible, but I wasn't really that interested either. I thought it was pretty boring from all I saw from it so I guess it just ain't my kind of show.

[@arstellum1137]

Seriously, what the heck did they do to Lapis? Like she used to be a badass. Now she's just meh. She was not a character that was meant to be part of the main cast.

[@Cherrytangela]

5:28 yeah that bar is at an impossible level of low