The Episode That CHANGED Steven Universe...

[@nerderiffic8682]

tbh i love the fact that amythest was the most mature in the gems' discussion. she was self aware enough to admit the three of them aren't what steven needs. Whilst garnet and pearl try to reassure themselves or do what they think is right. amythest is just able to admit it but still keep trying to improve. i feel like it really comes full circle at the end of the show w the pink diamond reveal and she actively puts the spotlight onto steven bc he needs someone to listen to him.

[@The_all_mighty_power]

Imo amethyst was what Steven needs, she listened to him and understood that he’s a kid

[@Metqa]

Amethyst pretty much raised herself among the others. She's the most immature but also has the least baggage to force her into stupid decisions. All her stupid decisions are hers and she owns them. Whenever Amethyst is conflicted, it has to do with when she values herself against the others and always comes up short , no pun intended, because she's using a metric that was made to exclude her. Pearl knows what she is and chose to reject it. Ruby and Sapphire know what they are and chose to reject it. Amethyst is Amethyst and the only ones who can reject her for what she is not would be Pearl and Garnet and herself. She has no other Amethyst to compare herself to so she compares herself wrongly to Pearl Pefectionista and Mega Powerful Fusion Mom. I think the Famethyst was the best thing that could have happened to her. Besides Steven accepting her the same way.

[@flowercrown-eevee]

I think its interesting that one could argue that Amethyst might be one the most emotionally mature of the cast. She is the first to admit they dont know what they doing and after the Pink Diamond Reveal she is the one to keep it together and is the one to realize that she can't rely on Steven to fix her problems or be a venting board for her. She knows that its not ok to expect Steven to be burdened with all their problems and that he is a kid who has also gone through some shit and is in fact not ok. While Pearl and Garnet very much are Moms to Steven i think Amethyst plays the role of the older sister. She is always there for steven but lacks the expectations that the others place on him. And because of this the two of them are more open with each other with their problems and fears.

[@markhester6556]

Amy was also the first Gem to fuse with Steven into Smoky. How has that not been brought up at all in this thread? Smoky got 3 episodes to her existence. While the other two with Pearl and Garnet got 2 and they were somewhat minor. Steven and Amy's relationship is the most important out of the CG's.

[@sociallyexhausted]

Amethyst is the only gem I think that truly understood Steven. Even Steven says you're like me because you're not like anyone when they fuse. Amethyst is, arguably besides pink diamond, the only "child" like gem we've seen. When she gets reset she's basically a kid, she doesn't come out with the same sense of self that gems usually come out with. She had to grow up. She knows what someone needs to grow up. She's mature when it comes to a lot of the most important things in the show

[@flowerbit4137]

I completely agree. This episode totally changes the course of the whole show! In this episode after Garnet says the line “we don’t know WHAT Steven is” we see Steven struggle to find the answer to that question for the next 4 seasons! He wants to know, is he a human? Is he a gem? Is he a Diamond? Is he HIS MOM? Who is he? What is he for? That thought that Garnet incidentally puts into his head this episode stays with him all the way up until Change Your Mind when he learns that he’s just Steven, something completely new, who was only made because his parents just wanted him to be

[@GumSkyloard]

But then comes Future, where he asks.. Who is Steven? What is Steven?

[@TrovaoSmasher]

Doesn't Garnet say "We don't know what Steven *needs*"?

[@Shadowrose54321]

@@TrovaoSmasher Yeah it's need

[@KissyAdair]

​@@GumSkyloard They said it goes all the way to the end, meaning Future. 🤦‍♀️

[@GumSkyloard]

@@KissyAdair I was specifying what Future focused on, which is Steven knowing he's Steven.. but not knowing what "Steven" is. ^^"

[@MegaChickenfish]

I don't think I realized just how much that episode taught Steven to *fake being okay* for the sake of the people around him. Throughout the show he does his best to help everyone in his life, and _it's good to help,_ I still remember his talk with Garnet and the stray cats when I get overwhelmed. But he's also a child that really, really needed a therapist.

[@j-Gappy-h]

True true revisiting this episode just feels off

[@nathansalim]

definitely, Steven being complacent with the Gems, even lying to them, is one of the darkest moments of the series, as it compiles several future mental traumas that Steven starts to have. As Adele said, "Complacency is the worst trait to have, are you crazy?"

[@CharlyOmega]

Crazy? I was crazy once

[@dr.inspector2403]

​@@CharlyOmegathey locked me in a room. A room of rubber. A rubber room

[@AlanFrog123]

​@@dr.inspector2403with rats and rats make

[@iantaakalla8180]

Me crazy. Crazy? I was crazy once.

[@rainstormredstorm]

⁠@@iantaakalla8180they locked me in a room a

[@twvix]

Steven decided to lie at the last minute. He was marching through the test angry and determined to tell them off. But as that last door opened, he saw how nervous, relieved, and proud they were and having overheard them before he knew it was genuine feelings but still a lie, with loving intent. He knew it would be wrong to be angry with them, but still being a child didn't grasp exactly what to do.. so being put on the spot, he did what they did and told a loving lie too.

[@yulebones]

My thoughts exactly. I don't think he would have started out with "I can't believe you guys" just to mess with them. And we know his voice actor is *really* good, so that slight petulance in his voice kind of reinforces it for me. And halfway through that very sentence, he chose kindness, and to care for the people he loved, even at his own expense. THAT was the real test.

[@nfsinging]

​@@yulebonesmy God you ate that analysis

[@darkestlight660]

Not.... necessarily "wrong". Intent absolutely matters, but it's okay to be angry when someone hurts you. EVEN if they do it with good intentions.

[@fictionverse7292]

Imagine if he told the truth, would things have gotten better or worse?

[@newthejsterjacob408]

I remember when future finished people were so critical saying that Steven decline came out of nowhere and I agreed until I rewatched the show and saw this episode again. This is really all the context you need as to how he ended up in future. In that moment he decided he would prioritize other peoples feelings and mental states over his own and instead of finding out what he needs which is the central question of the episode the whole show is about Steven pursuing other peoples needs

[@Ssj9kk]

I think people only forgot because episodes took a while when they were coming out

[@pedroff_1]

Last year my mental health took a nosedive (fortunately I'm good now), and I genuinely started respecting Future more after that. I also lashed out in anger, manifested way too many insecurities from small things that grew overboard. While I still think it could've been more gradual, I don't think his decline is as absurd as I originally thought

[@shadenox8164]

I never understood that, typically people do try their best to pretend everything is fine and the longer the facade is maintained the more drastic and explosive it is when that dam breaks. Just because he pretends all those things are fine for the sake of making other people happy, doesn't mean they actually were fine.

[@agnuswulf]

@@pedroff_1 Yeah. I've been struggling with mental health since I was a kid, younger than Steven even. I never saw his behaviour as "forced" by the plot. It just made too damn sense he would eventually break, especially during a peace period when he got more mature so he could think and process everything that happened more precisely without worrying about survival.

[@kennethmorales7559]

when it first came out i loved The Test because it just shows Steven's emotional maturity, and being able to put the Gems' own feelings above his own. I think I've cried watching it, the way he lies to protect them in a little way, instead of blowing up at the gems for lying themselves. He's able to see where they were coming from and that makes him such a "strong" character.

[@johnsimpsen5]

I guess we see that he couldn’t handle it (cuz of the stuff from future). Cool insight tho.

[@ViridianCrisis7]

@@johnsimpsen5 There’s a difference in between him handling this one situation and the culmination of years of bottled up trauma we see in Future. Just this instance alone could have been inconsequential. But in context, it can be seen as the beginning of Steven’s savior complex which later exacerbates his issues in Future.

[@somtehigngenreic2669]

K😊 8:46

[@MASTEROFEVIL]

200th like

[@alexjewett7455]

At the same time, it's basically the first crack in the dam of his future declining mental health.

[@matti.8465]

Back then this episode left me puzzled, I was even a little baffled because I understood Steven's frustration and didn't get his decision at the end. By this point episodes usually had a moral, but this one was left oddly ambiguous, the show isn't really claiming Steven did the right thing, it ends on an almost depressing note. Man, it's hard looking at the first episodes and seeing how ill-equiped the gems were to be parents. Most of the time they were neglectful or emotionally distant.

[@juliecampbell860]

Most first time parents are ill-equipped in some way to be parents. Being a parent is a big responsibility and it is very easy to make a mistake. The good parents are the ones that worry about making mistakes and do everything they can to correct any mistakes they make.

[@leftovers6135]

There's a psychological term for what happens to Steven for the rest of the series: emotional parentification. He feels like he needs to care for those who were supposed to care for him. And what's one of the biggest behaviors that indicates this type of trauma? A lack of care for one's self. People pleasing. Putting others needs above your own, even to one's own detriment. It's really interesting when analyzing trauma, and very obvious in Steven's character. (Maybe obvious, I'm just a psych grad)

[@2triedforthis830]

Man I knew I loved Steven for a reason. He became a parent for people’s emotional needs and always thought abt what others wanted even if they don’t deserve it (Ronaldoj

[@Monody512]

He may not be his mom, but he tried to be everyone else's mom. Because he felt he had to. Because they needed it.

[@GreySeashell-j3m]

Oh _that's_ what I have

[@shadesofjade]

Hmm. So *that’s* why Steven’s breakdown felt so believable to me. I wonder if that’s why some people feel like Future makes sense and some people don’t. When you’ve lived this, it’s nice to see the representation of stuff you’re going through/have gone through. And the people who haven’t lived it don’t quite understand and say things like ‘it’s too sudden’ and they aren’t wrong either. But when you’ve mentally added the straw that breaks the camel’s back, it can go that quick. It’s why there’s a small period of deterioration before the full breakdown. And the start of the deterioration was 16 y/o Steven thinking that proposing to Connie was a good idea. We knew what she was going to say before he asked.

[@karmageddon9047]

something insane is that Garnet was likely able to predict something like this could happen. She knew, to some extent, Steven would have this revelation and reaction. Of course, as Steven gets older, he becomes less predictable, which changes the visions paths, but.. damn...

[@karmageddon9047]

@JoaquinElf it really depends. that was something she experienced, and padparacha, while unable to see the future, is able to see how people experience things- such as garnet making rhodonite uncomfortable. Garnet didnt know rhodonite was uncomfortable, but padparacha did. with how well garnet knows steven, its possible she does figure it out.

[@yulebones]

@@karmageddon9047 Looking back and - hey! - recontextualizing it, Garnet's lines sounded like Ruby and Sapphire were arguing with each other, and that Sapphire knew how damaging it would be long-term if he figured it out, but they both wanted so badly to believe that it wouldn't go that route.

[@karmageddon9047]

@@yulebones aww :[

[@brianlucero7656]

Remember chat garnet looks cor possible paths chooses the one that Its more likely to happen. She probably didnt think it was possible for him to figure out and lie to their faces bc he isnt the type of person to do that. She saw him as a naive kid that wasnt mature and was still growing. She bougth into that lie bc she trusted he was able to finish their test.

[@theonetruefusion8533]

@JoaquinElf she see's the near future, based on her own actions, not stevens, so it is most likely she never saw steven confronting them about it

[@crystalkirby]

I honestly think Steven was tossing up whether to lie or tell the truth right up until the last possible second. He's a good, sweet, pure, innocent child at this point in the show still, and is likely compelled to tell the truth to the Gems, that he knows what they did, but he also knows how much that will hurt them too. So after struggling to come to the final choice he ends up choosing to put his emotions behind everyone else that he loves. For their sake.

[@Sleepy-Ch1p]

I feel like Steven decided to lie when he actually got to the gems, realizing mid-way through what he was saying. he fully understood why the gems did what they did. also another reason is how he was walking through the dungeon the second time, he looked angry to me, but also determined. I dunno, but this truly is one of my favorite episodes in all of Steven Universe.

[@shipshow463]

Yes, Rebecca Sugar and Ian JQ have actually spoken repeatedly in some detail about how important of an episode "The Test" is. Episode freaking 38 of the show and they were already consciously laying so many of the themes and ideas that would continue on until the end. What artistry, what courage. Just personally, I think it would enhance your argument to have some quotes from the creators backing up what you're saying. And the cool thing with SU is that often, those quotes are out there because yes, the writers did intend that really cool thing. And yes, Steven Universe is so rewatchable because it was written to be. They put in subtle details that you'll only really catch on a second or third viewing. And the way the show's writing is deliberately designed to be recontextualized at certain points is true mastery. Future is actually genius imo. And all of this effort was put into a "children's show" way before it ever got super popular. That's passion and a desire to create true art. And yeah, smart idea to go through old fandom analysis and stuff for ideas and talking points. There's a ton of pretty good writing out there about the show that is just laying around for any content creator to come along and use. I'm fairly knowledgeable about this show myself so if you ever want someone to bounce ideas off of for a video, I'd be happy to. Keep up the good work!

[@Kay-uz9yh]

nice i was looking for this comment. but yeah i think in the steven universe podcast that had rebecca sugar on, she deliberately said that the test was meant to be a big turning point in steven’s development and maturity, but i don’t remember which episode she said that in.

[@DanielHernandez-gx4kh]

Too much filler tho. And the morals are very iffy. The show was good until the topaz and aquamarine arc

[@ShuckleShellAnemia]

“With great power comes great responsibility” A common theme in superhero and fantasy stories. I like how Steven Universe Future flips it on its head to become “just because you have great power, doesn’t mean you have to carry ALL the responsibility”

[@trevorbrooks7816]

As i always said about this episode, the tests purpose was to see if he could act like a crystal gem. During the test he observed the crystal gems behavior, and copied it, proving he could do everything a crystal gem could do, including lying to make one of their fellow members feel better and giving them a win when they really needed it

[@horizonpenblade1288]

Oh my gosh that makes so much sense

[@Wowzers-ry8xo]

PLEEEEASE KEEP DOING THESE STEVEN UNIVERSE VIDEOS! I love your takes on this show and honestly it’s so nice to see people talk about it in a less negative light that I don’t see often nowadays.

[@nicolas._.2294]

Yea, I don't see people talk about it in a positive way that much. I don't get why people hate or don't like this show. The show is one of my favorite and it's forever gonna be(:

[@BudgieCute]

​@@nicolas._.2294definitely!

[@imjustsaying281]

Ikr, people (at least, from what I've seen on KZbin) shit on this show WAY too much.

[@therando485]

fr! ppl shit on this show way to much for it only being in stevens pov, but honestly i love it bc it makes these scenes way more powerful. its in the eyes of a kid growing up in this situation, slowly learning how the gems think about him and actually not is powerful as they seem. which is how alot kids feel growing up, not knowing anything about your parents besides they love you and in power, but slowly realizing their just human too.

[@remyhavoc4463]

Yeah he's gonna keep doing Steven Universe... Wait

[@nateds7326]

To be fair, even if it was rigged, Steven passed those first two tests fair and square.

[@JoeyScraggy]

This recontexualizes the intro too! Well, the full intro heh. The part where all the CG sing why are they fighting for, and Steven says "I will fight to be everything that everybody wants me to be when i grow". Poor kid, he stopped having ambitions and started living for others

[@Zanoscar]

Is it any wonder once everyone was okay and nobody needed saving anymore that he fell apart. He never got to have a life or purpose of his own, and was suddenly told to find one.

[@mercymainly8996]

As someone who has still not recovered from Steven Universe ending I really appreciate you showing these different perspectives. Really changes how you watch it. You’ve more than earned my sub. I cant wait for the next one.

[@Just_a_sillydude]

This is a little off topic, but an episode that I thought was interesting was “Too many birthdays” because first of all, you got to see how Steven grew up and how you shouldn’t care what others think about things you like. Also, ALL of the gems freaked out, I don’t pay attention much, but the way Garnet silently started freaking out and had to be stopped by the OTHER gems was crazy to me.

[@lizbeffers4761]

The first time I thought about this episode again was in Mindful Education. The line you used in your last video where he's like "you hurt people and you just have to try not to think about it." That line is a direct result of this episode, because I felt like Steven equated disappointing people as hurting them. I know he goes through a lot of literally hurting people up to that episode, but when his disappointed mother appears as one of the people he 'hurt,' it put everything in place for me.

[@BB_Creative]

I personally think when Steven first over heard the conversation he was going to confront them. However as he going through each challenge I feel like their words echo through his head. So when he gets to the end, he is facing down so they don’t see him making the final decision and that was to lie. I think that’s how it went.

[@iamtrashnumber1340]

The Test was literally the main reason I got into Steven universe in the first place. It was airing one day randomly on TV and I was bored so I gave it a watch. When I say that was the most unique and complex storytelling I've seen from a single episode from a cartoon that showed flaws from both sides in a way that could be heavily relatable to people pleasers (Which I am guilty of being) And I was hooked since

[@ChiupelAnimations]

this is the beginning of steven's "hide your feelings" personality

[@snowy.silkflower7458]

NEVER STOP THE STEVEN UNIVERSE VIDEOS!!! your single handedly brought the fandom back together and its your duty to further keep it alive

[@fantasybabydino]

not singlehandedly but he do be helpin alot

[@nyanbinary69]

i think steven didnt really have one big "im going to lie to them" thought, rather he was in thought throughout the final journey through the gems' obstacle course for him, and he probably didnt even come to a final conclusion before the lie just...naturally came out to spare the gems' feelings as someone whose a people pleaser, i can relate to steven setting aside his emotions for others, and its very easy for me to implement how ive treated situations into what hes going through and think of what hes thinking - i already *know* what hes thinking, ive been there after all also shoutouts to your cat in the video bg lol

[@WhackyDogg55]

I think he thought about lying when he overheard the gems, but made the final decision last minute. It's not really like baby Steven to lie about that, and that's why I think it was at the last minute when he really chose to. Great episode! I love these videos and I would love more Steven universe if you have it! listening to other people over analyze a show like an English teacher is really my favorite kind of video!

[@misfits9294]

THANK YOU! I have seen no one ever talk about The Test. It always seems to be left out of pivotal moments in s1 that showed "this show is getting GOOD now". We know Mirror Gem and Ocean Gem, and that deserves that spot, but this? This is where it begins in my honest opinion. This is where it got good for me. That glimmer, that spark that was set off by that one line--"We don't know WHAT Steven is"--is what got me hooked into this show more than anything else. It's brilliant, honestly. Also I had a slightly different takeaway from this ep--I think that Steven definitely learns, and accepts at the end, the gems DON'T have all the answers. They're, for lack of a better word, human too. It really shows that moment where kids realize their parents aren't these perfect, all-knowing beings who always know what to do. And his decision to boost THEIR confidence in stead, lying at the end, is him coming into terms with that fact. This really is basically where his childhood ends, or starts dying. Good stuff.

[@orencohen6805]

Spitting straight facts my guy, I totally agree. In my opinion, this is one of the first episodes that shows what makes Steven Universe special. An acknowledgment of so many different ideas

[@AtomicFoxMimi]

i totally agree with you, i was half way through the video and was gonna comment, this is definitely the start of stevens' self sacrifical tendencies that lead to his mental break. but then you summed it up perfectly. i was like ah never mind he gets it LOL. Also, you dont know how nice it is to see steven universe vids on a channel that are not just cursing the whole show like it personally killed their whole family. like, yeah i know the show is flawed but its also amazing in so many ways. anyway awesome work! Also personally i like to think as he moved through the test the final time. he went back and forth with himself even as he went forth unhesitatingly. only when he dropped down in front of them, he was gonna confront them but then changed his mind.

[@carminaladelotrouniversoxd7919]

nah i love your steven universe videos, and no, you're not reading into the episode ''too much'' it's actually quite cool to see everything connect! epic

[@DarkPrincessAly]

I think Steven's determination was kneejerk anger. but when actually going to confront the gems, he'd had time to think about it and changed his mind. Even if he was angry, he knows they meant well. And that they're as confused and lost as he is. So he buries that anger, finding solace in the joy his falsehoods bring to their faces. This feels backed up by when he found out about the palanquin and was told Not to go there. He finally let his pent up anger out at them, lambasting them for never telling him anything and keeping so many secrets about his mother. It all goes back to that feeling of not being trusted showcased in this episode. The writing in this show was so calculated, I love it.

[@eviedouglas2001]

Also! I think with this context it isn't a coincidence that steven starts the next episode by putting away his toys and claiming he can't be into kid stuff anymore. He even takes down his ninja poster and replaces it with a ninja that is sitting down looking sad lol. Obviously, he still has a lot of the mannerisms of previous episodes and essentially a very similar upbeat, kidlike demeanor and attitude, but even he realizes something has changed in the role he's playing now. This is also the episode where garnet tells steven of her future vision and basically causes him to panic about the potential danger of existence. Which is to say, garnet tells steven something he isn't ready to hear yet and essentially forces him to mature by way of freaking the hell out about a complex concept he was probably not quite old enough to understand healthily yet. So yeah... this really was the turning point of steven taking on the role of caretaker to his caretakers which eventually causes his breakdown in future. Pretty good writing that makes rewatching the series a WHOLE different experience!

[@nyananath]

The fact that Steven was sweating when he lifted his head to lie is what gives it away to me He wasn't before doing so, so it's clear his nervousness only made itself present when about to speak up, not even before that, prior seeing the gems praise him, which would've been more logical to get nervous at (if lying was previously planned and not just something that came out more naturally)

[@MuffinDogg]

I think Steven's determined face on top of the dungeon was when he had the idea to lie, finally decided to when he confronted the gems

[@Junosensei]

I talk about recontextualization as a writing tool all the time. My favorite anime (which Rebecca Sugar has cited as an influence), Madoka Magica, uses it more spectacularly than any other show I know in just 12 episodes. For instance, there's a scene in episode 1 where a character is introduced and she walks alongside the main character through the school hallway. There are moments in this scene where the main character says things to try and lighten the mood and the camera zooms in on this new character's mouth as she scowls and grits her teeth, presumably in annoyance, making her seem intimidating and throwing a dark, awkward mood into the tone of the scene. A later episode, however, deliberately parallels this scene with another by framing the camera in the same exact position over a similar conversation, putting context to the characters' relationship with each other. If you return to episode 1 and watch the original scene over again, you realize these aren't intimidating expressions of annoyance, but sad expressions filled with emotional pain. Over and over, the series does this same duality trick where it uses camera direction, lighting, music, dialogue, and so on to lead you astray with obvious assumptions until you come back and realize these same elements also lean into the scenes' true meaning once you have the full context. Not a single scene in that anime was wasted.

[@shipshow463]

PMMM is a good show to compare SU to in that sense and it also does a very good job with this. But what sets SU apart a bit to me is that its recontextualization is written so that things change even 100+ episodes in, and yet those changes can reverberate all the way back to the beginning of the show. Mostly because those recontextualizations were planned from the start and were set up slowly over time. PMMM has very good recontextualization too but it's a much shorter, more focused story that was written as a single package. I think there's an extra level of difficulty when you're writing a longer story without even knowing if you'll get the chance to later bring all the threads together (SU had to fight for each season it got). It just goes to show the level of foresight and planning that went into SU, even from the very start.

[@ultimate.funkypunky]

3:39 man, why did they just forget about this song in the score? it's so hauntingly beautiful:( I wish they've posted it I've watched SU twice now and I never thought hard about this episode, its completely right, this episode changed the direction of the series, it's where SU stopped being childish and started to become more like an adult psychological drama.

[@apotoz]

Won't go on a tangent, but for me, when I first saw the episode, I interpreted the end as the Gems' plan actually working! That he went and pretended, because he did actually feel more confident after hearing what they were saying. So the recontextualization works even better after watching the entire series and realizing it was something far far worse.

[@Onijuyo]

I just finished all of steven universe yesterday and now i feel so empty inside 😭i need more episodes, the show was so comforting to me ,especially now that I’m going through a whole lot in life i just moved out of my parents house 2 years ago and have been dealing with a boat load of mental issues and that show made me feel just right you know?

[@Eszra]

The most important thing is that not even Garnet knows the truth. She literally stopped looking in to the future. She had to or she would have said or done something.

[@andrewwarra1010]

I could have sworn Steven's mental decline originated from the very first episode after all the events of that episode were mentioned by Steven when he was explaining his trauma to connie's mom in future but never brought up this episode

[@tinyaxes]

The episode before this also showed a glimpse of Pearl and Amethyst having hella anxiety about Peridot/Homeworld gems coming back. Loved it.

[@frickinfrick8488]

You have reignited my love for this show. It’s a mess and I rarely rewatch half the episodes but there are so many stories, plot elements and character moments that hit me in a unique way.

[@Lizrose24]

I feel like he decided to lie at 10:49, he knows that everyone depended on Rose and I feel like this was the moment where he felt like it was his responsibility to take initiative towards Roses role. In “we are the crystal gems (main title)” Steven says “I will fight to be everything that everybody wants me to be when I'm grown”. Everyone wants Rose and projects that on him. I think he decided at 10:49 that he needs to feel in those shoes.

[@theforgottenone687]

0:08 - What will you do ?????? 💀💀💀💀

[@kwekker]

11:05 cat spotted, best video on the site

[@Theye101499]

This steven universe resurgence is giving me hope for a new spin off or continuation that dives into the darker more space opera anime vibes. Even if that isn't with steven I'd love to see this world fleshed out more.

[@Sootielove]

As a child, the end of this episode hit me like a truck. It was so impactful, I didn't realise cartoons could end on such a bittersweet note

[@YourFriendlyDemonHunter]

I will also point out that "Storm in The Room" is the final nail in this coffin. It's the final time he tells someone about his feelings properly. He collapses and accepts the responsibility of being his mom and having to deal with her problems alone, thinking it's the needed path.

[@DiloConHelio]

While I enjoyed the debunk of the episode, and it does makes sense after how the series wrapped up, I do think The Test is more about Steven finding out he's one of a kind: not quite human and not quite a gem. And the angst that realization brings could actually explain why Steven becomes determined to be there for everybody to a point of fundamental exhaustion. I think those are the kind of questions going through Steven's mind when he finds out the gems don't really know what he needs.

[@jojofanatico6928]

2:49 i never noticed that the fire stop when he pass over it... since the begining they show that it was all fake

[@cybovrox2551]

One of my favorite things on my recent rewatch was noticing all these tiny details and lines that so clearly reference or hint to things like stevens arc, or the gems arcs, or even stuff like the pink diamond reveal. I think people forget just how important every single tiny episode is to the series even shitty "filler" like rocknaldo. All the episodes are intertwined and foreshadow or reference things throughout it. Its fun because the entire crew knew where the characters would be going the entire show, hell all of them knew about the pink diamond reveal the moment they were brought on. Hope one day i can work on such a beautiful show or something like steven :) (sorry for so much typing i love this show)

[@carbonation1031]

I feel like this episode is very underrated so I love that you made a video about it

[@dominothethird]

Honestly this episode is sooooo GOOD, not only does it add so much depth to Steven and the Gems' character, it captures SU's s1 vibe perfectly and the pacing's wonderful.

[@ravaiiiii]

I only realized few days ago how important SU was for me to build not only my love for storytelling but my personality in a sort of way, so it is heartwarming for me to see that people still make content about it and recognize how amazing the show is Anyways, loved the video!

[@Reforester99]

you should have at least 500k subscribers by now. Your editing style and the way you present makes it seem like you do!

[@docavar5698]

Oh my god you’re right, this episode was what started the whole thing with Steven having these mental instabilities later in his life 😬

[@Buggy_XXVIII]

This Is A Really Good Episode To Show To Someone Who Hasn’t Watched The Show To Get Them To Watch The Show

[@FineSeasoning]

Man, its crazy how many times this show made me want to slap Pearl in the face. Out of all the CG, she was the one to be the most inconsiderate to how Steven himself might feel and instead concentrating on all the grief she feels herself over a decision that was never rightfully hers. Like- she yelled at him twice for something he can't help or fix. "What do you know!? You never even MET HER!" "Why won't you just let me do this for you ROSE!?" (And bonus points for removing Stevens individuallity and calling him someone he's not) And I know there's a truckload of exuses, causes, and reasons for Pearls actions, but Steven should've never been treated like that reguardless. Oh and don't get me started on that one scene from Rose's Scabbard if you know, then you know. I still love Pearl as a character, especially in the later seasons of SU OG and SU Future, and SU as a whole would never be the same without her, but damn... that was frustrating to watch. (Also- sorry for the off topic rant. I just wanted to get my feelings out there somewhere.)

[@RosMo4]

"I will milk Steven universe....wait-" Is a line I spat my drink at and made me subscribe

[@melissaburris7606]

Wow, perceptive analysis. I understood Steven’s trauma was based on feeling like he needed to solve everyone’s problems, but did not connect it to this episode. This shows that the writer(s) have experienced trauma and can effectively write it. I always loved how Steven’s ptsd was depicted long after the dangers passed.

[@dekusolosyrfav5967]

Steven building everyone's confidence started with the gems trying to build HIS confidence in that episode that is actually crazy

[@ListlessLion]

I really hope you secretly wanted to be a Steven Universe KZbinr, because that's definitely what's sticking. That said, I'm really enjoying your videos on the show. The short structure format is pretty refreshing, ironically.

[@pIllowVent84]

Soundtrack here when he’s walking back through it is amazing. Haven’t watched the video yet but I bet you’ll talk about that ha

[@languid-4535]

This episode always made me sad and before I even finished the series after watching this episode I could tell what this was leading to that mental decline especially because I know what that’s like putting up that front to make the people trying the hardest for you happy and feel more secure

[@vanillaplanifoliae]

i rewatched this episode a few days ago and i agree! i think his decision to lie marks a new level of maturity in steven's character - like it's the point where he really begins to place others' needs above his (even though he is so small)

[@StareachValcin]

I do agree that the episode "the test" is an important point in Steven's life that affected his future, but I also think it represents something that Steven overlooked when it comes to how he feels about his mother. When the truth about Pink Diamond comes out, Steven gets disappointed over her lying, but Steven himself has lied too. While Pink Diamond's reasons for lying weren't exactly noble, it doesn't mean Steven can be mad at her for lying. Sadly, everyone lies, and Steven is no exception.

[@Aderon]

I find it interesting that when Stephen realizes that they lied to him, he decides that the best solution is to lie in turn, since their lie was to make him feel better, he lies to make them feel better. It's an unhealthy dynamic, for sure, but it's a 'good intentions' type situation where neither party realizes the harm they caused in trying to satisfy the other. Steven Universe is full of these moments where Steven is given the chance to either stand up for himself, or go with the flow just because not doing so would upset others, and Steven's chronic need to not disappoint people. I think one of my favorite episodes that serves as the counterpoint to 'The Test' is the SU future episode 'Snow Day' where the gems want to play Steven tag like old times, but Steven isn't feeling it, and in the end of the episode, he relents and gives the gems what they want and they immediately realize that Steven isn't the same person as he was when he was a child anymore.

[@privernd]

You're absolutely right, I've been saying for years that The Test is one of the most pivotal moments in the show. Honestly there was a point in time where I saw this episode as Steven maturing for the better, but it's much more grey than that, with the burden he decides to place on himself putting everyone else's problems before his own. The episode that was once inspiring to me now makes me feel very sad for Steven that he had to grow up so quickly.

[@datte-ai]

I love steven universe too! I used to watch it with my little sibling and we would sing all the songs. I love rewatching it and noticing all the details. Never understood the massive hate it got and Im glad to see you ralk about it with so much love. Personally I think Steven made up his mind to lie when he noclipped above the dungeons. Just because he so determinedly walked through it and approached them instead of hurriedly like he wanted to confront them. Idk Anyway. Looking forward to more steven videos ❤

[@pippastrelle]

This is absolutely the episode that hooked me on the show. It shook me in how real and tragic it was, despite the ramifications not being obvious.

[@IkuPaint]

You're not over doing it. I truly love Steven Universe and it is my favorite show of all time. The show was an integral part of my life and hearing you talk about it is basically new content for me even though it ended a while ago. Keep doing what you're doing!!!

[@togepiip]

This was the episode that made me love Steven universe so much, it made me genuinely cry because I thought the meaning behind it was very sweet.

[@joshuaolmsted2865]

Long time massive SU fan and first timer om your channel. What a great video! Thank you for making it. The Test has always been one of my favorite episodes, the musical choreography of his final walk back through the dungeon is stunning. I hope you make more SU content, and I look forward to watching your other videos as well.

[@enigmaticembers]

I think Steven Universe does an excellent job of exploring trauma, how we cope with it, and the more insidious effects it has. Having to parent a parent/authority figure is a common, extremely overlooked form of childhood trauma. Even small, forgettable moments of having to carry the emotional weight of an adult can make permanent alterations to a person's psyche. I think you did an excellent job highlighting this, and the show did an amazing job exploring it.

[@IgorNetoAnimation]

Wow, I've never seen a youtube video with this many well elaborated comments with more than just one or two sentences.

[@namelessone6240]

I honestly thought he was going to tell them that they shouldn't have rigged the test like that. watching that twist always made me think that steven is growing up and making adult decisions... although very self sacrificing ones.

[@nook2726]

Another truly splendid video. I am far from burned out on hearing more of your opinions on this series so I am here for more if you do make more. :D

[@KingYou2002]

It's my 3rd favorite episode of the season. Right behind Rose's Scabbard and Together Breakfast.

[@reyisBLU3]

Late to this but I feel like I 100% agree. This episode is often overlooked and other ones are talked about instead like Mr Greg and Jailbreak. Great stuff! Looking forward to your future content even if it's not Steven related lol

[@AnaBacanazp]

I've rewatched the series....too many times. I've made a bunch of my friends watch with me, separadedly, and one thing that baffles me is how often they see this episode and at the end go 'aw he appreciates their efforts'. This is definitely one of the episodes that I'm looking forward the most to see people react and every time I have to point out how fucked up his decision is--to himself. I don't think the gems were wrong, mind you, I think they maybe could have workshopped this a little better, but making it baby proof was not the issue, it's also clear how many times steven could have gotten seriously hurt. He failed it pretty badly, because in that course, even a tiny mistake would be life-threatening (had it been real). This episode, along with Monster buddies (first centipidle come back) are probably the most important in season 1 in my opinion, regarding steven's personality. Ofc there are other important episodes, but these are probably the most underrated. I tell my friends 'wait for monster buddies, that's when he stops causing the problems'--cuz everyone finds him annoying at first lol

[@nyananath]

Back then when the episode aired Steven's situation hit me close It still does

[@avej99]

I’d also like to add that garnet saying she doesn’t what know what steven needs hits extra fucking hard bc she has future vision

[@shizenkv]

completely unrelated but i love the song at 1:04, i found it from a Steven universe animatic way back in 2014/2015 and i just got nostalgia whiplash. thank you, i forgot hot much i love it 🥺

[@idontlikeyou4545]

I love your SU analysis video so much. They make me see some of the episodes in a new light and some of the characters in a new light too. The good thing about this show is that none of the characters are inherently good or bad, they’re just characters. Thats what i love about Steven universe. ALSO I NOTICED THE SONG FROM LUD AND SCHLATTS MUSIC EMPORIUM IN THE BACKGROUND THE INTRO! I SEE YOU

[@12caratjules]

I like to head-canon that Garnet knew Steven found out the truth. Garnet says that her future vision works like a river(?) that she can see multiple different options for the future. I like to imagine she saw Steven finding out the truth as an outcome, and took a glance at the ceiling and saw Steven; Especially because we can’t see garnet’s eyes through her mirror-shine glasses, and Steven was close to the edge as well as talking kinda loudly. And Garnet didn’t say anything because if she did then the gems would not only be hurt, but angry that Steven lied. Thoughts?

[@brianlucero7656]

I think here he understood that them lying was bad but he noticed that they need to be reassured as much as he does. I think he finally started to see that they have their own fear and doubts, as we do too. From here we see Steven slowly realized that theyre damaged and have flaws. Like we do when we grow up and realized our parents are complex people and they dont have all the answers.

[@the_slasher_pl1830]

The test has been always one of my top episodes in SU season 1 I remember first watching it on TV when I was still a wee lad and thinking to myself "Oh... This silly cartoon might have more to it-"

[@MimoriAzume]

I'm curious if Garnet saw a potential future where Steven yelled at them for lying to him

[@thepredman9lol266]

This episode was the first one I was really impressed by! Great analysis

[@peridotite]

gasped when i saw that you made a video on this episode, cuz it makes me INSANE. i remember being so throughly shaken by it when it first dropped, and i still am now but for different reasons i didn't fully understand when i was younger. so yeah, this episode is incredible and it fucks me up. good vid.

[@avriladam0404]

The part when the decisive path song plays it’s a bit scary as the viewer because we don’t know what Steven is going to do but the song and the way Steven walks so determined could only mean trouble

[@we_are_made_of_love6784]

i think i love you, dude sounds just like steven thanking for the appreciation he got

[@beautifulweirdoo]

Wow! I've watched through this show 4 or 5 times now and I missed this connection. It is such a touching moment between them but knowing what happens in future makes it sad now too

[@arudanagalleta7837]

me encanta que aun ahora haya gente hablando de Steven Universe. gracias por el video ^^

[@lReclipse]

I’ve noticed that when Steven came from homeworld in season 5, he was more focused on everyone else’s problems or their pain because of him leaving instead of how he was handling all of it. He was taken prisoner, he went on trial as rose quartz, the diamonds were very violent towards him and wanted to kill him, he got Lars killed, it was a very horrible experience, and yet when he comes back it’s all about everyone else. Connie being upset that he left, not trying to comfort him who’s been through everything, him being the one to say sorry to her Garnet being confused and breaking down because she didn’t expect him to make such a mature action, where he had to reassure her Lars and how he’s doing with the off colors comforting him about Sadie Lapis leaving and scared of the diamonds, he reassures Lapis and even comforts Peridot when she’s left alone Major Dewey not being major, so he tries to help him getting his role back and saying sorry for what he’s done Sadie with her being worried of Lars and trying to get her mind of things by making her be a part of a band Literally these are all the people he helped instead after such a traumatic experience, and not once did any of them try to talk to him about how he was feeling about the whole experience. The closest they did was in Gemcation, the gems assumed he was upset about homeworld, and they very half assed their comforting towards him, and hey in usual Steven fashion all he cares about is Connie’s feelings, and how he hurt her. Then the gems just move on and assume that none of that stuff will impact him mentally. No wonder how he ended up in Future, he has always put others people problems first, and he has such a savior complex. Literally after an event that should’ve been about him recovering, he just ends up comforting everyone else.

[@martybanks7413]

When you watch it a second time, you see the fail proof of the tests actually work, he almost misses the jump in amethyst’s room, was nearly sliced in pearl’s room and in garnet’s room his hair should have got that little poof of fire. The fact that he almost gets crushed and hesitated is proof that he could’ve failed, and that wether or not he actually did or didn’t wasn’t the point. I’m glad he gave them a hug and decided that they tried their best and he was convinced the test was real

[@shiroyasha9623]

Yeah,i was rewatching Steven universe and when this episode came up i was like "so was here when Steven started prioritizing what others needed before what he needed." And then it never stopped until last episode of future when he blew up

[@eirik5324]

I think he probably was debating himself about lying or telling them, he was so angry and sad at first but couldn't bring himself to tell them and make them upset, i think it was a decision he was making allong the way and ultimately decided their feelings were more important than his

[@eaglefan2569]

Yes, appreciation for The Test! I've been advocating for The Test in other comments sections for awhile as the episode that GENUINELY changes things (a lot of people elsewhere have said the first instance was Full Disclosure, and while that's significant, it's absolutely not the first) so I'm glad to see The Test highlighted here. This episode is genuinely the episode where Steven tries out putting others before himself and gets validated for it. It’s the first episode he consciously makes the decision to do a "harmless lie" by making the Gems feel better, at the cost of his own feelings. It's the first episode that not so great line of thinking gets good results and what encourages him to *keep* doing it. When Future was first coming out I saw a lot of people question where those issues came from, and how unlike Steven it actually was- but the reality is that Steven's been feigning happiness and confidence for so long it even tricked the audience, and this episode is where it starts in earnest. Great video, would love to hear more from ya!