History Analysis / StevenUniverse

This is stressed starting from the top. How? Homeworld society. Homeworld was structured as a

!! So, you want to watch ''Steven Universe''...
''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'' is a great series, but it's prone to ContinuityLockout for the newcomers, and frankly, some episodes are weaker than others (however, the creators have stated that there are no ''(literal)'' {{filler}} episodes, as "worldbuilding done right takes time!"). With that in mind, we're rating each episode on a 1-4 scale (no [[TakeAThirdOption half-ratings]] are allowed), as follows:

#Not recommended. This is an episode that can be freely skipped without missing anything.
#Optional. These episodes may be enjoyable to some, but can be skipped if need be.
#Recommended. While not essential to follow the main storyline, it is still a good episode in its own right and should be watched.
#Essential. This episode is plot-critical and cannot be skipped to keep up with the series.

So, without spoiling anything, here's our ratings!

----
[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Season 1]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E1GemGlow Gem Glow]]"(4): Introduces the characters and the setting. While not the best episode, it still can't be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E2LaserLightCannon Laser Light Cannon]]" (4): Again, provides important details on the setting and introduces major characters.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E3CheeseburgerBackpack Cheeseburger Backpack]]" (3): Provides some more background on Gems and some character development.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E4TogetherBreakfast Together Breakfast]]" (2): Can be fun, but does not really add anything important.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E5Frybo Frybo]]" (2): Introduces a minor character, as well as Gem hints, and is probably the episode where a darker tone starts to be established.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E6CatFingers Cat Fingers]]" (3): Introduces some minor plot elements, and also features dark tones.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E7BubbleBuddies Bubble Buddies]]" (4): Introduces a very important character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E8SeriousSteven Serious Steven]]" (3): Some nice character building for Steven, and provides some background details.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E9TigerMillionaire Tiger Millionaire]]" (3): Some important character development for Amethyst.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E10StevensLion Steven's Lion]]" (4): Introduces another important character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E11ArcadeMania Arcade Mania]]" (2): Introduces an important concept about Garnet. Has it's moments, mostly skippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E12GiantWoman Giant Woman]]" (4): Introduces an important concept about Gems, which will re-occur ''constantly throughout'', especially later.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E13SoManyBirthdays So Many Birthdays]]" (4): One of the darker episodes in the series, and worth watching for the feels.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E14LarsAndTheCoolKids Lars and the Cool Kids]]" (2): Some people will admit to not liking Lars, but some may enjoy this episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E15OnionTrade Onion Trade]]" (1): Creepy and opens many plot holes. Can be safely skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E16StevenTheSwordFighter Steven the Sword Fighter]]" (4): A very intense episode, and introduces another important concept about Gems. Must watch.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E17Lion2TheMovie Lion 2: The Movie]]" (4): More important backstory.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E18BeachParty Beach Party]]" (2): Fun filler episode with some minor characters.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E19RosesRoom Rose's Room]]" (4): Major character development for Steven and some backstory.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E20CoachSteven Coach Steven]]" (4): Character development for all!
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E21JokingVictim Joking Victim]]" (2): Another Lars/Sadie episode. Entirely skippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E22StevenAndTheStevens Steven and the Stevens]]" (3): Essentially a remake of the pilot. Probably introduces the most plot holes of any episode of the show, however.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E23MonsterBuddies Monster Buddies]]" (4): Sets up events a future episode follows through on.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E24AnIndirectKiss An Indirect Kiss]]" (4): Extremely important plot-critical episode that sets up several more.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E25MirrorGem Mirror Gem]]" (5): Marks a major turning point in the series. This is arguably the most important episode in the series - the main plot of the show starts here. EVERYTHING plot-wise that happens in this show starts here. This episode CANNOT BE SKIPPED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE and has been [[UpToEleven given a 5]] to highlight this.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E26OceanGem Ocean Gem]]" (4): Second part of the two-parter, and also extremely important.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E27HouseGuest House Guest]]" (3): While mostly a breather after the intense two-parter, this episode nevertheless has some important elements to it.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E28SpaceRace Space Race]]" (3): Character development and some more background. This episode should be watched because it introduces two new locations - one of which is important to the plot, and the other becomes the central point of a future lengthy arc that straddles season 2 and 3.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E29SecretTeam Secret Team]]" (2): Mostly filler, but fun.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E30IslandAdventure Island Adventure]]" (2): More Lars/Sadie. If you like the characters, watch it, if not, skip it.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E31KeepBeachCityWeird Keep Beach City Weird]]" (2): Episode only given a 2 because of some possible foreshadowing that occurs. Otherwise not too interesting.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E32FusionCuisine Fusion Cuisine]]" (3): Some neat character interactions and story.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E33GarnetsUniverse Garnet's Universe]]" (1): THE filler episode of Steven Universe that is essentially non-canon. Appeals only to hard anime fans. If you're not one, skip.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E34WatermelonSteven Watermelon Steven]]" (4): This episode IS a bit weird, but more important than you think.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E35Lion3StraightToVideo Lion 3: Straight to Video]]" (4): Some major feels are felt in this one. Must watch.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E36WarpTour Warp Tour]]" (4): An extremely important episode that sets up the primary plot line for the series.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E37AloneTogether Alone Together]]" (4): An extremely good episode that you should watch since something really important happens to the main character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E38TheTest The Test]]" (3): Only character development, but still important.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E39FutureVision Future Vision]]" (4): Establishes an important fact regarding Garnet.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E40OnTheRun On the Run]]" (4): Some serious background information as well as very important character development.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E41HorrorClub Horror Club]]" (2): Features some backstory of Lars and Ronaldo, interesting character-driven episode. Not essential, but still one to check out.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E42WinterForecast Winter Forecast]]" (3): An interesting episode, and cute to watch.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E43MaximumCapacity Maximum Capacity]]" (3): Quickly takes a turn for the darker, in a surprising way.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E44MarbleMadness Marble Madness]]" (4): The next episode that directly advances the main plotline. This episode actually DIRECTLY caused the events of the season 4 finale to happen, making this one of the most essential episodes. Absolutely unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E45RosesScabbard Rose's Scabbard]]" (4): Goes in depth into one character's psyche and the issues it creates. Major feels, and considered one of the best episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E2OpenBook Open Book]]" (3): Major foreshadowing.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E6ShirtClub Shirt Club]]" (1): Somewhat mean-spirited episode. Skip.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E5StoryForSteven Story for Steven]]" (4): Very good episode that delves into the Gems' past.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E46TheMessage The Message]]" (4): Another major story episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E47PoliticalPower Political Power]]" (2): Mostly a breather episode before the two-part finale.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E48TheReturn The Return]]" (4): Part one of the season finale, and one of the most eventful episodes of the show.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E49JailBreak Jail Break]]" (4): Part two of the season finale, likewise eventful.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Season 2]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E1FullDisclosure Full Disclosure]]" (4): Deals with the aftermath of the finale. Right where we left off.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E3JoyRide Joy Ride]]" (3): Another breather episode following the intense finale; however, it should be watched as it still contains plot relevance.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E4SayUncle Say Uncle]]" (1): Non-canon crossover that can be totally skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E7LoveLetters Love Letters]]" (2): Some find it amusing, some find it cringe. Up to you.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E8Reformed Reformed]]" (3): More character building, but not plot-critical.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E9SwornToTheSword Sworn to the Sword]]" (4): Sets up some important character development that has future ramifications, as well as a great song. This is considered by many to be one of the show's best episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E10RisingTidesCrashingSkies Rising Tides, Crashing Skies]]" (2): Ronaldo filler. Watch at own discretion. Episode only gets a 2 because of the foreshadowing of the existence of a very important location that will be visited in season 4.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E11KeepingItTogether Keeping It Together]]" (4): The next plot-critical episode, and probably the darkest one yet.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E12WeNeedToTalk We Need to Talk]]" (4): More backstory about the Gems.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E13ChilleTid ChilleTid]]" (4): Details what's happened to a certain character after the last season finale.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E14CryForHelp Cry for Help]]" (4): Sets up an important plot arc with repercussions felt through future episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E15KeystoneMotel Keystone Motel]]" (4): Deals with the fallout from the previous episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E16OnionFriend Onion Friend]]" (2): Some character development, but not important enough that you can't skip it.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E17HistoricalFriction Historical Friction]]" (2): Mildly amusing, but mostly filler.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E18FriendShip Friend Ship]]" (4): The resolution to the events started in "Cry for Help".
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E19NightmareHospital Nightmare Hospital]]" (3): Some important character growth, but does not advance the plot.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E20SadiesSong Sadie's Song]]" (1): Mean-spirited, cringe-filled filler. Skip.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E21CatchAndRelease Catch and Release]]" (4): Another plot-critical episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E22WhenItRains When It Rains]]" (4): Sets up the major threat of the season, unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E23BackToTheBarn Back to the Barn]]" (4): Huge lore reveals that become very important, continues the story arc.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E24TooFar Too Far]]" (3): Though more of a breather, this episode still has a couple important lore details and should not be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E25TheAnswer The Answer]]" (4): More major characters' backstories.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E26StevensBirthday Steven's Birthday]]" (3): Lore episode. The calm before the storms.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E27ItCouldveBeenGreat It Could've Been Great]]" (4): Essential to both the overall story and the current arc.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E28MessageReceived Message Received]]" (4): A major event happens in this episode that makes it essential viewing.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E29LogDate7152 Log Date 7 15 2]]" (3): Mainly a breather episode after the intense previous one. Still worth watching for the character interaction.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Season 3]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E1SuperWatermelonIsland Super Watermelon Island]]" (4): A major threat finally returns. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E2GemDrill Gem Drill]]" (4): Deals with a major threat that has been driving most of the plot. Cannot be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E3SameOldWorld Same Old World]]" (4): Plot-important gem's past revealed. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E4BarnMates Barn Mates]]" (3): Good character interaction. Highly recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E5HitTheDiamond Hit the Diamond]]" (3): A fun episode that has some important bits at the end.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E6StevenFloats Steven Floats]]" (4): Another breather episode... with some new powers and implications. A gentle episode that is worth watching.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E7DropBeatDad Drop Beat Dad]]" (2): Would be a 1, except for the very ending. Total Townie filler up until the last 10 seconds.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E8MrGreg Mr. Greg]]" (4): Relevant character development wrapped up in a very enjoyable musical episode. This is considered by most to be one of the show's best episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E9TooShortToRide Too Short to Ride]]" (4): Contains important revelations and developments.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E10TheNewLars The New Lars]]" (2): Although this is largely filler, and somewhat cringey and creepy, this episode DOES delve into Steven's powers and Lars gets SOME development, and Steven learns a thing or two as well. Watch at own discretion; this episode is heavily divided among fans.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E11BeachCityDrift Beach City Drift]]" (2): A semi-sequel to "Alone Together" as characters from that episode return, but can be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E12RestaurantWars Restaurant Wars]]" (2): A fun episode but completely non-essential.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E13KikisPizzaDeliveryService Kiki's Pizza Delivery Service]]" (2): More character development for side characters but non-essential overall.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E14MonsterReunion Monster Reunion]]" (4): A sequel episode to "Monster Buddies" that also contains more backstory revelations. Also contains lots of lore details.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E15AloneAtSea Alone at Sea]]" (4): A major driving force for the earlier part of the plot has returned.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E16GregTheBabysitter Greg the Babysitter]]" (3): Flashback episode. Recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E17GemHunt Gem Hunt]]" (4): Introduces a major new conflict.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E18CrackTheWhip Crack the Whip]]" (4): Continues the plot of the previous episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E19StevenVsAmethyst Steven vs. Amethyst]]" (3): Deals with the aftermath of the events of the previous episode. Not essential but still highly recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E20Bismuth Bismuth]]" (4): It's a double-length episode for a reason: it introduces a Crystal Gem and delves into Rose's character. This episode also has a nail-biting climax, is critically acclaimed, and is absolutely unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E21Beta Beta]]" (4): Huge lore details, a new very important location, and a recurring character's origins.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E22Earthlings Earthlings]]" (4): Something very major and horrific happens to a recurring character, and something very major happens to one of the show's important characters. This is the climax episode of a recurring conflict. Absolutely cannot be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E23BackToTheMoon Back to the Moon]]" (4): Whilst this episode is mostly more on the comedic side, towards the end, there is a shocking and VERY major revelation about the past that is going to impact the rest of the show. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E24Bubbled Bubbled]]" (4): Deals with the fallout from the previous episode, and the revelation is explored more. Unskippable.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Season 4]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E1TheKindergartenKid The Kindergarten Kid]]" (2): {{Homage}} BreatherEpisode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E2KnowYourFusion Know Your Fusion]]" (2): Important interaction between two little-shown-before characters, but mostly filler.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E3BuddysBook Buddy's Book]]" (3): A large backstory with foreshadowing of the future plot.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E4MindfulEducation Mindful Education]]" (4): Major character development, with a great musical piece. Another critically acclaimed episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E5FutureBoyZoltron Future Boy Zoltron]]" (2): BreatherEpisode with a heartwarming ending, although this episode is largely filler and doesn't bring anything new to the table lore-wise.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E6LastOneOutOfBeachCity Last One Out of Beach City]]" (3): Important character development for Pearl. Not essential but very highly recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E7OnionGang Onion Gang]]" (1): Onion filler episode; can be freely skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E8GemHarvest Gem Harvest]]" (3): Double-length LighterAndSofter BreatherEpisode. Introduces a new character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E9ThreeGemsAndABaby Three Gems and a Baby]]" (3): Flashback episode. Recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E10StevensDream Steven's Dream]]" (4): Introduces a MAJOR new plot point and sets up the next few episodes. Absolutely unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E11AdventuresInLightDistortion Adventures in Light Distortion]]" (3): Somewhat of a funny BreatherEpisode before things get intense again. Fun, but not recommended for those suffering from epilepsy.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E12GemHeist Gem Heist]]" (4): Major revelations are made. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E13TheZoo The Zoo]]" (4): Continuing the conflict from the previous episode. Also unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E14ThatWillBeAll That Will Be All]]" (4): Lots of exposition regarding a few important characters and continues from the previous episode. Absolutely cannot be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E15TheNewCrystalGems The New Crystal Gems]]" (2): Funny episode with interesting character interactions, but mostly a breather episode after the intense previous episode. Can be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E16StormInTheRoom Storm In The Room]]" (4): Follows up Steven's search for answers and truth about his mother. Whilst no explicit answers are given, we learn a LOT about Steven's feelings about Rose.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E17Rocknaldo Rocknaldo]]" (1): Though not entirely worthless, this episode is detested by almost the entire fan-base. You will probably detest it too, so should probably be skipped. Especially if you don't like Ronaldo.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E18TigerPhilanthropist Tiger Philanthropist]]" (1): Essentially a rip-off of Tiger Millionaire, the sequel literally nobody asked for. Skip.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E19RoomForRuby Room For Ruby]]" (3): We get follow-up on one of the rubies.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E20Lion4AlternateEnding Lion 4: Alternate Ending]]" (2): The conclusion(?) to Steven's identity crisis. But not really. All we learn is what Steven would have been called if he was a girl.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E21DougOut Doug Out]]" (3): Essentially Steven, Connie and her dad goofing around. However, this gets a 3 since it DOES tie into the events of the season finale.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E22TheGoodLars The Good Lars]]" (3): Same as above. Also some much needed Lars character development.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E23AreYouMyDad Are You My Dad?]]" (4): Introduces two MAJOR new characters, absolutely unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E24IAmMyMom I Am My Mom]]" (4): Steven makes the boldest decision of his life that is going to have ENORMOUS consequences going forth. Absolutely unskippable.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Season 5]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS5E1StuckTogether Stuck Together]]" (4): An episode that not only follows up on the season 4 finale, but is the first episode to show us, if only very briefly, a location that has been hinted at since almost the beginning of the show. On top of all that, TONNES of character development for every character involved. In case you hadn't already guessed, this episode is absolutely unskippable.
[[/folder]]

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E15OnionTrade Onion Trade]]" (1): Creepy. Can be safely skipped.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E22StevenAndTheStevens Steven and the Stevens]]" (3): Essentially a remake of the pilot.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E33GarnetsUniverse Garnet's Universe]]" (2): Complete filler, but fun and foreshadowy in its own right.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E17Rocknaldo Rocknaldo]]" (1): Though not entirely worthless, this is a detested episode by almost the entire fan-base. You will probably detest it too, so skip it.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E19RoomForRuby Room For Ruby]]" (1):
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E20Lion4AlternateEnding Lion 4: Alternate Ending]]" (1):

%%Do not add back the episode rankings. It is misuse of the Analysis namespace according to Ask the Tropers [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/query.php?parent_id=49725&type=att]

!! So, you want to watch ''Steven Universe''...
''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'' is a great series, but it's prone to ContinuityLockout for the newcomers, and frankly, some episodes are weaker than others (however, the creators have stated that there are no ''(literal)'' {{filler}} episodes, as "worldbuilding done right takes time!"). With that in mind, we're rating each episode on a 1-4 scale (no [[TakeAThirdOption half-ratings]] are allowed), as follows:

#Not recommended. This is an episode that can be freely skipped without missing anything.
#Optional. These episodes may be enjoyable to some, but can be skipped if need be.
#Recommended. While not essential to follow the main storyline, it is still a good episode in its own right and should be watched.
#Essential. This episode is plot-critical and cannot be skipped to keep up with the series.

So, without spoiling anything, here's our ratings!

----
[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Season 1]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E1GemGlow Gem Glow]]"(4): Introduces the characters and the setting. While not the best episode, it still can't be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E2LaserLightCannon Laser Light Cannon]]" (4): Again, provides important details on the setting and introduces major characters.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E3CheeseburgerBackpack Cheeseburger Backpack]]" (3): Provides some more background on Gems and some character development.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E4TogetherBreakfast Together Breakfast]]" (2): Can be fun, but does not really add anything important.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E5Frybo Frybo]]" (2): Introduces a minor character, as well as Gem hints, and is probably the episode where a darker tone starts to be established.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E6CatFingers Cat Fingers]]" (3): Introduces some minor plot elements, and also features dark tones.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E7BubbleBuddies Bubble Buddies]]" (4): Introduces a very important character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E8SeriousSteven Serious Steven]]" (3): Some nice character building for Steven, and provides some background details.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E9TigerMillionaire Tiger Millionaire]]" (3): Some important character development for Amethyst.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E10StevensLion Steven's Lion]]" (4): Introduces another important character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E11ArcadeMania Arcade Mania]]" (2): Introduces an important concept about Garnet. Has it's moments, mostly skippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E12GiantWoman Giant Woman]]" (4): Introduces an important concept about Gems, which will re-occur ''constantly throughout'', especially later.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E13SoManyBirthdays So Many Birthdays]]" (4): One of the darker episodes in the series, and worth watching for the feels.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E14LarsAndTheCoolKids Lars and the Cool Kids]]" (2): Some people will admit to not liking Lars, but some may enjoy this episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E15OnionTrade Onion Trade]]" (1): Creepy. Can be safely skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E16StevenTheSwordFighter Steven the Sword Fighter]]" (4): A very intense episode, and introduces another important concept about Gems. Must watch.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E17Lion2TheMovie Lion 2: The Movie]]" (4): More important backstory.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E18BeachParty Beach Party]]" (2): Fun filler episode with some minor characters.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E19RosesRoom Rose's Room]]" (4): Major character development for Steven and some backstory.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E20CoachSteven Coach Steven]]" (4): Character development for all!
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E21JokingVictim Joking Victim]]" (2): Another Lars/Sadie episode. Entirely skippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E22StevenAndTheStevens Steven and the Stevens]]" (3): Essentially a remake of the pilot.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E23MonsterBuddies Monster Buddies]]" (4): Sets up events a future episode follows through on.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E24AnIndirectKiss An Indirect Kiss]]" (4): Extremely important plot-critical episode that sets up several more.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E25MirrorGem Mirror Gem]]" (5): Marks a major turning point in the series. This is arguably the most important episode in the series - the main plot of the show starts here. EVERYTHING plot-wise that happens in this show starts here. This episode CANNOT BE SKIPPED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE and has been [[UpToEleven given a 5]] to highlight this.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E26OceanGem Ocean Gem]]" (4): Second part of the two-parter, and also extremely important.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E27HouseGuest House Guest]]" (3): While mostly a breather after the intense two-parter, this episode nevertheless has some important elements to it.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E28SpaceRace Space Race]]" (3): Character development and some more background. This episode should be watched because it introduces two new locations - one of which is important to the plot, and the other becomes the central point of a future lengthy arc that straddles season 2 and 3.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E29SecretTeam Secret Team]]" (2): Mostly filler, but fun.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E30IslandAdventure Island Adventure]]" (2): More Lars/Sadie. If you like the characters, watch it, if not, skip it.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E31KeepBeachCityWeird Keep Beach City Weird]]" (2): Episode only given a 2 because of some possible foreshadowing that occurs. Otherwise not too interesting.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E32FusionCuisine Fusion Cuisine]]" (3): Some neat character interactions and story.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E33GarnetsUniverse Garnet's Universe]]" (2): Complete filler, but fun and foreshadowy in its own right.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E34WatermelonSteven Watermelon Steven]]" (4): This episode IS a bit weird, but more important than you think.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E35Lion3StraightToVideo Lion 3: Straight to Video]]" (4): Some major feels are felt in this one. Must watch.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E36WarpTour Warp Tour]]" (4): An extremely important episode that sets up the primary plot line for the series.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E37AloneTogether Alone Together]]" (4): An extremely good episode that you should watch since something really important happens to the main character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E38TheTest The Test]]" (3): Only character development, but still important.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E39FutureVision Future Vision]]" (4): Establishes an important fact regarding Garnet.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E40OnTheRun On the Run]]" (4): Some serious background information as well as very important character development.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E41HorrorClub Horror Club]]" (2): Features some backstory of Lars and Ronaldo, interesting character-driven episode. Not essential, but still one to check out.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E42WinterForecast Winter Forecast]]" (3): An interesting episode, and cute to watch.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E43MaximumCapacity Maximum Capacity]]" (3): Quickly takes a turn for the darker, in a surprising way.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E44MarbleMadness Marble Madness]]" (4): The next episode that directly advances the main plotline. Essential.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E45RosesScabbard Rose's Scabbard]]" (4): Goes in depth into one character's psyche and the issues it creates. Major feels, and considered one of the best episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E2OpenBook Open Book]]" (3): Major foreshadowing.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E6ShirtClub Shirt Club]]" (1): Somewhat mean-spirited episode. Skip.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E5StoryForSteven Story for Steven]]" (4): Very good episode that delves into the Gems' past.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E46TheMessage The Message]]" (4): Another major story episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E47PoliticalPower Political Power]]" (2): Mostly a breather episode before the two-part finale.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E48TheReturn The Return]]" (4): Part one of the season finale, and one of the most eventful episodes of the show.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E49JailBreak Jail Break]]" (4): Part two of the season finale, likewise eventful.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Season 2]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E1FullDisclosure Full Disclosure]]" (4): Deals with the aftermath of the finale. Right where we left off.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E3JoyRide Joy Ride]]" (3): Another breather episode following the intense finale; however, it should be watched as it still contains plot relevance.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E4SayUncle Say Uncle]]" (1): Non-canon crossover that can be totally skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E7LoveLetters Love Letters]]" (2): Some find it amusing, some find it cringe. Up to you.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E8Reformed Reformed]]" (3): More character building, but not plot-critical.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E9SwornToTheSword Sworn to the Sword]]" (4): Sets up some important character development that has future ramifications, as well as a great song. This is considered by many to be one of the show's best episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E10RisingTidesCrashingSkies Rising Tides, Crashing Skies]]" (2): Ronaldo filler. Watch at own discretion. Episode only gets a 2 because of the foreshadowing of the existence of a very important location that will be visited in season 4.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E11KeepingItTogether Keeping It Together]]" (4): The next plot-critical episode, and probably the darkest one yet.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E12WeNeedToTalk We Need to Talk]]" (4): More backstory about the Gems.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E13ChilleTid ChilleTid]]" (4): Details what's happened to a certain character after the last season finale.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E14CryForHelp Cry for Help]]" (4): Sets up an important plot arc with repercussions felt through future episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E15KeystoneMotel Keystone Motel]]" (4): Deals with the fallout from the previous episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E16OnionFriend Onion Friend]]" (2): Some character development, but not important enough that you can't skip it.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E17HistoricalFriction Historical Friction]]" (2): Mildly amusing, but mostly filler.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E18FriendShip Friend Ship]]" (4): The resolution to the events started in "Cry for Help".
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E19NightmareHospital Nightmare Hospital]]" (3): Some important character growth, but does not advance the plot.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E20SadiesSong Sadie's Song]]" (1): Mean-spirited, cringe-filled filler. Skip.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E21CatchAndRelease Catch and Release]]" (4): Another plot-critical episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E22WhenItRains When It Rains]]" (4): Sets up the major threat of the season, unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E23BackToTheBarn Back to the Barn]]" (4): Huge lore reveals that become very important, continues the story arc.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E24TooFar Too Far]]" (3): Though more of a breather, this episode still has a couple important lore details and should not be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E25TheAnswer The Answer]]" (4): More major characters' backstories.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E26StevensBirthday Steven's Birthday]]" (3): Lore episode. The calm before the storms.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E27ItCouldveBeenGreat It Could've Been Great]]" (4): Essential to both the overall story and the current arc.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E28MessageReceived Message Received]]" (4): A major event happens in this episode that makes it essential viewing.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E29LogDate7152 Log Date 7 15 2]]" (3): Mainly a breather episode after the intense previous one. Still worth watching for the character interaction.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Season 3]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E1SuperWatermelonIsland Super Watermelon Island]]" (4): A major threat finally returns. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E2GemDrill Gem Drill]]" (4): Deals with a major threat that has been driving most of the plot. Cannot be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E3SameOldWorld Same Old World]]" (4): Plot-important gem's past revealed. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E4BarnMates Barn Mates]]" (3): Good character interaction. Highly recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E5HitTheDiamond Hit the Diamond]]" (3): A fun episode that has some important bits at the end.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E6StevenFloats Steven Floats]]" (4): Another breather episode... with some new powers and implications. A gentle episode that is worth watching.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E7DropBeatDad Drop Beat Dad]]" (2): Would be a 1, except for the very ending. Total Townie filler up until the last 10 seconds.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E8MrGreg Mr. Greg]]" (4): Relevant character development wrapped up in a very enjoyable musical episode. This is considered by most to be one of the show's best episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E9TooShortToRide Too Short to Ride]]" (4): Contains important revelations and developments.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E10TheNewLars The New Lars]]" (2): Although this is largely filler, and somewhat cringey and creepy, this episode DOES delve into Steven's powers and Lars gets SOME development, and Steven learns a thing or two as well. Watch at own discretion; this episode is heavily divided among fans.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E11BeachCityDrift Beach City Drift]]" (2): A semi-sequel to "Alone Together" as characters from that episode return, but can be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E12RestaurantWars Restaurant Wars]]" (2): A fun episode but completely non-essential.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E13KikisPizzaDeliveryService Kiki's Pizza Delivery Service]]" (2): More character development for side characters but non-essential overall.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E14MonsterReunion Monster Reunion]]" (4): A sequel episode to "Monster Buddies" that also contains more backstory revelations. Also contains lots of lore details.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E15AloneAtSea Alone at Sea]]" (4): A major driving force for the earlier part of the plot has returned.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E16GregTheBabysitter Greg the Babysitter]]" (3): Flashback episode. Recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E17GemHunt Gem Hunt]]" (4): Introduces a major new conflict.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E18CrackTheWhip Crack the Whip]]" (4): Continues the plot of the previous episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E19StevenVsAmethyst Steven vs. Amethyst]]" (3): Deals with the aftermath of the events of the previous episode. Not essential but still highly recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E20Bismuth Bismuth]]" (4): It's a double-length episode for a reason: it introduces a Crystal Gem and delves into Rose's character. This episode also has a nail-biting climax, is critically acclaimed, and is absolutely unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E21Beta Beta]]" (4): Huge lore details, a new very important location, and a recurring character's origins.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E22Earthlings Earthlings]]" (4): Something very major and horrific happens to a recurring character, and something very major happens to one of the show's important characters. This is the climax episode of a recurring conflict. Absolutely cannot be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E23BackToTheMoon Back to the Moon]]" (4): Whilst this episode is mostly more on the comedic side, towards the end, there is a shocking and VERY major revelation about the past that is going to impact the rest of the show. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E24Bubbled Bubbled]]" (4): Deals with the fallout from the previous episode, and the revelation is explored more. Unskippable.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Season 4]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E1TheKindergartenKid The Kindergarten Kid]]" (2): {{Homage}} BreatherEpisode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E2KnowYourFusion Know Your Fusion]]" (2): Important interaction between two little-shown-before characters, but mostly filler.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E3BuddysBook Buddy's Book]]" (3): A large backstory with foreshadowing of the future plot.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E4MindfulEducation Mindful Education]]" (4): Major character development, with a great musical piece. Another critically acclaimed episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E5FutureBoyZoltron Future Boy Zoltron]]" (2): BreatherEpisode with a heartwarming ending, although this episode is largely filler and doesn't bring anything new to the table lore-wise.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E6LastOneOutOfBeachCity Last One Out of Beach City]]" (3): Important character development for Pearl. Not essential but very highly recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E7OnionGang Onion Gang]]" (1): Onion filler episode; can be freely skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E8GemHarvest Gem Harvest]]" (3): Double-length LighterAndSofter BreatherEpisode. Introduces a new character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E9ThreeGemsAndABaby Three Gems and a Baby]]" (3): Flashback episode. Recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E10StevensDream Steven's Dream]]" (4): Introduces a MAJOR new plot point and sets up the next few episodes. Absolutely unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E11AdventuresInLightDistortion Adventures in Light Distortion]]" (3): Somewhat of a funny BreatherEpisode before things get intense again. Fun, but not recommended for those suffering from epilepsy.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E12GemHeist Gem Heist]]" (4): Major revelations are made. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E13TheZoo The Zoo]]" (4): Continuing the conflict from the previous episode. Also unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E14ThatWillBeAll That Will Be All]]" (4): Lots of exposition regarding a few important characters and continues from the previous episode. Absolutely cannot be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E15TheNewCrystalGems The New Crystal Gems]]" (2): Funny episode with interesting character interactions, but mostly a breather episode after the intense previous episode. Can be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E16StormInTheRoom Storm In The Room]]" ():
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E17Rocknaldo Rocknaldo]]" ():
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E18TigerPhilanthropist Tiger Philanthropist]]" ():
[[/folder]]

!! So, you want to watch ''Steven Universe''...
''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'' is a great series, but it's prone to ContinuityLockout for the newcomers, and frankly, some episodes are weaker than others (however, the creators have stated that there are no ''(literal)'' {{filler}} episodes, as "worldbuilding done right takes time!"). With that in mind, we're rating each episode on a 1-4 scale (no [[TakeAThirdOption half-ratings]] are allowed), as follows:

#Not recommended. This is an episode that can be freely skipped without missing anything.
#Optional. These episodes may be enjoyable to some, but can be skipped if need be.
#Recommended. While not essential to follow the main storyline, it is still a good episode in its own right and should be watched.
#Essential. This episode is plot-critical and cannot be skipped to keep up with the series.

So, without spoiling anything, here's our ratings!

----
[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Season 1]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E1GemGlow Gem Glow]]"(4): Introduces the characters and the setting. While not the best episode, it still can't be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E2LaserLightCannon Laser Light Cannon]]" (4): Again, provides important details on the setting and introduces major characters.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E3CheeseburgerBackpack Cheeseburger Backpack]]" (3): Provides some more background on Gems and some character development.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E4TogetherBreakfast Together Breakfast]]" (2): Can be fun, but does not really add anything important.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E5Frybo Frybo]]" (2): Introduces a minor character, as well as Gem hints, and is probably the episode where a darker tone starts to be established.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E6CatFingers Cat Fingers]]" (3): Introduces some minor plot elements, and also features dark tones.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E7BubbleBuddies Bubble Buddies]]" (4): Introduces a very important character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E8SeriousSteven Serious Steven]]" (3): Some nice character building for Steven, and provides some background details.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E9TigerMillionaire Tiger Millionaire]]" (3): Some important character development for Amethyst.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E10StevensLion Steven's Lion]]" (4): Introduces another important character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E11ArcadeMania Arcade Mania]]" (2): Introduces an important concept about Garnet. Has it's moments, mostly skippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E12GiantWoman Giant Woman]]" (4): Introduces an important concept about Gems, which will re-occur ''constantly throughout'', especially later.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E13SoManyBirthdays So Many Birthdays]]" (4): One of the darker episodes in the series, and worth watching for the feels.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E14LarsAndTheCoolKids Lars and the Cool Kids]]" (2): Some people will admit to not liking Lars, but some may enjoy this episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E15OnionTrade Onion Trade]]" (1): Creepy. Can be safely skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E16StevenTheSwordFighter Steven the Sword Fighter]]" (4): A very intense episode, and introduces another important concept about Gems. Must watch.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E17Lion2TheMovie Lion 2: The Movie]]" (4): More important backstory.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E18BeachParty Beach Party]]" (2): Fun filler episode with some minor characters.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E19RosesRoom Rose's Room]]" (4): Major character development for Steven and some backstory.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E20CoachSteven Coach Steven]]" (4): Character development for all!
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E21JokingVictim Joking Victim]]" (2): Another Lars/Sadie episode. Entirely skippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E22StevenAndTheStevens Steven and the Stevens]]" (3): Essentially a remake of the pilot.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E23MonsterBuddies Monster Buddies]]" (4): Sets up events a future episode follows through on.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E24AnIndirectKiss An Indirect Kiss]]" (4): Extremely important plot-critical episode that sets up several more.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E25MirrorGem Mirror Gem]]" (5): Marks a major turning point in the series. This is arguably the most important episode in the series - the main plot of the show starts here. EVERYTHING plot-wise that happens in this show starts here. This episode CANNOT BE SKIPPED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE and has been [[UpToEleven given a 5]] to highlight this.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E26OceanGem Ocean Gem]]" (4): Second part of the two-parter, and also extremely important.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E27HouseGuest House Guest]]" (3): While mostly a breather after the intense two-parter, this episode nevertheless has some important elements to it.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E28SpaceRace Space Race]]" (3): Character development and some more background. This episode should be watched because it introduces two new locations - one of which is important to the plot, and the other becomes the central point of a future lengthy arc that straddles season 2 and 3.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E29SecretTeam Secret Team]]" (2): Mostly filler, but fun.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E30IslandAdventure Island Adventure]]" (2): More Lars/Sadie. If you like the characters, watch it, if not, skip it.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E31KeepBeachCityWeird Keep Beach City Weird]]" (2): Episode only given a 2 because of some possible foreshadowing that occurs. Otherwise not too interesting.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E32FusionCuisine Fusion Cuisine]]" (3): Some neat character interactions and story.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E33GarnetsUniverse Garnet's Universe]]" (2): Complete filler, but fun and foreshadowy in its own right.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E34WatermelonSteven Watermelon Steven]]" (4): This episode IS a bit weird, but more important than you think.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E35Lion3StraightToVideo Lion 3: Straight to Video]]" (4): Some major feels are felt in this one. Must watch.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E36WarpTour Warp Tour]]" (4): An extremely important episode that sets up the primary plot line for the series.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E37AloneTogether Alone Together]]" (4): An extremely good episode that you should watch since something really important happens to the main character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E38TheTest The Test]]" (3): Only character development, but still important.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E39FutureVision Future Vision]]" (4): Establishes an important fact regarding Garnet.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E40OnTheRun On the Run]]" (4): Some serious background information as well as very important character development.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E41HorrorClub Horror Club]]" (2): Features some backstory of Lars and Ronaldo, interesting character-driven episode. Not essential, but still one to check out.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E42WinterForecast Winter Forecast]]" (3): An interesting episode, and cute to watch.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E43MaximumCapacity Maximum Capacity]]" (3): Quickly takes a turn for the darker, in a surprising way.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E44MarbleMadness Marble Madness]]" (4): The next episode that directly advances the main plotline. Essential.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E45RosesScabbard Rose's Scabbard]]" (4): Goes in depth into one character's psyche and the issues it creates. Major feels, and considered one of the best episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E2OpenBook Open Book]]" (3): Major foreshadowing.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E6ShirtClub Shirt Club]]" (1): Somewhat mean-spirited episode. Skip.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E5StoryForSteven Story for Steven]]" (4): Very good episode that delves into the Gems' past.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E46TheMessage The Message]]" (4): Another major story episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E47PoliticalPower Political Power]]" (2): Mostly a breather episode before the two-part finale.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E48TheReturn The Return]]" (4): Part one of the season finale, and one of the most eventful episodes of the show.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E49JailBreak Jail Break]]" (4): Part two of the season finale, likewise eventful.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Season 2]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E1FullDisclosure Full Disclosure]]" (4): Deals with the aftermath of the finale. Right where we left off.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E3JoyRide Joy Ride]]" (3): Another breather episode following the intense finale; however, it should be watched as it still contains plot relevance.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E4SayUncle Say Uncle]]" (1): Non-canon crossover that can be totally skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E7LoveLetters Love Letters]]" (2): Some find it amusing, some find it cringe. Up to you.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E8Reformed Reformed]]" (3): More character building, but not plot-critical.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E9SwornToTheSword Sworn to the Sword]]" (4): Sets up some important character development that has future ramifications, as well as a great song. This is considered by many to be one of the show's best episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E10RisingTidesCrashingSkies Rising Tides, Crashing Skies]]" (2): Ronaldo filler. Watch at own discretion. Episode only gets a 2 because of the foreshadowing of the existence of a very important location that will be visited in season 4.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E11KeepingItTogether Keeping It Together]]" (4): The next plot-critical episode, and probably the darkest one yet.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E12WeNeedToTalk We Need to Talk]]" (4): More backstory about the Gems.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E13ChilleTid ChilleTid]]" (4): Details what's happened to a certain character after the last season finale.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E14CryForHelp Cry for Help]]" (4): Sets up an important plot arc with repercussions felt through future episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E15KeystoneMotel Keystone Motel]]" (4): Deals with the fallout from the previous episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E16OnionFriend Onion Friend]]" (2): Some character development, but not important enough that you can't skip it.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E17HistoricalFriction Historical Friction]]" (2): Mildly amusing, but mostly filler.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E18FriendShip Friend Ship]]" (4): The resolution to the events started in "Cry for Help".
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E19NightmareHospital Nightmare Hospital]]" (3): Some important character growth, but does not advance the plot.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E20SadiesSong Sadie's Song]]" (1): Mean-spirited, cringe-filled filler. Skip.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E21CatchAndRelease Catch and Release]]" (4): Another plot-critical episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E22WhenItRains When It Rains]]" (4): Sets up the major threat of the season, unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E23BackToTheBarn Back to the Barn]]" (4): Huge lore reveals that become very important, continues the story arc.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E24TooFar Too Far]]" (3): Though more of a breather, this episode still has a couple important lore details and should not be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E25TheAnswer The Answer]]" (4): More major characters' backstories.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E26StevensBirthday Steven's Birthday]]" (3): Lore episode. The calm before the storms.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E27ItCouldveBeenGreat It Could've Been Great]]" (4): Essential to both the overall story and the current arc.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E28MessageReceived Message Received]]" (4): A major event happens in this episode that makes it essential viewing.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E29LogDate7152 Log Date 7 15 2]]" (3): Mainly a breather episode after the intense previous one. Still worth watching for the character interaction.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Season 3]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E1SuperWatermelonIsland Super Watermelon Island]]" (4): A major threat finally returns. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E2GemDrill Gem Drill]]" (4): Deals with a major threat that has been driving most of the plot. Cannot be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E3SameOldWorld Same Old World]]" (4): Plot-important gem's past revealed. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E4BarnMates Barn Mates]]" (3): Good character interaction. Highly recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E5HitTheDiamond Hit the Diamond]]" (3): A fun episode that has some important bits at the end.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E6StevenFloats Steven Floats]]" (4): Another breather episode... with some new powers and implications. A gentle episode that is worth watching.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E7DropBeatDad Drop Beat Dad]]" (2): Would be a 1, except for the very ending. Total Townie filler up until the last 10 seconds.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E8MrGreg Mr. Greg]]" (4): Relevant character development wrapped up in a very enjoyable musical episode. This is considered by most to be one of the show's best episodes.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E9TooShortToRide Too Short to Ride]]" (4): Contains important revelations and developments.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E10TheNewLars The New Lars]]" (2): Although this is largely filler, and somewhat cringey and creepy, this episode DOES delve into Steven's powers and Lars gets SOME development, and Steven learns a thing or two as well. Watch at own discretion; this episode is heavily divided among fans.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E11BeachCityDrift Beach City Drift]]" (2): A semi-sequel to "Alone Together" as characters from that episode return, but can be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E12RestaurantWars Restaurant Wars]]" (2): A fun episode but completely non-essential.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E13KikisPizzaDeliveryService Kiki's Pizza Delivery Service]]" (2): More character development for side characters but non-essential overall.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E14MonsterReunion Monster Reunion]]" (4): A sequel episode to "Monster Buddies" that also contains more backstory revelations. Also contains lots of lore details.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E15AloneAtSea Alone at Sea]]" (4): A major driving force for the earlier part of the plot has returned.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E16GregTheBabysitter Greg the Babysitter]]" (3): Flashback episode. Recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E17GemHunt Gem Hunt]]" (4): Introduces a major new conflict.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E18CrackTheWhip Crack the Whip]]" (4): Continues the plot of the previous episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E19StevenVsAmethyst Steven vs. Amethyst]]" (3): Deals with the aftermath of the events of the previous episode. Not essential but still highly recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E20Bismuth Bismuth]]" (4): It's a double-length episode for a reason: it introduces a Crystal Gem and delves into Rose's character. This episode also has a nail-biting climax, is critically acclaimed, and is absolutely unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E21Beta Beta]]" (4): Huge lore details, a new very important location, and a recurring character's origins.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E22Earthlings Earthlings]]" (4): Something very major and horrific happens to a recurring character, and something very major happens to one of the show's important characters. This is the climax episode of a recurring conflict. Absolutely cannot be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E23BackToTheMoon Back to the Moon]]" (4): Whilst this episode is mostly more on the comedic side, towards the end, there is a shocking and VERY major revelation about the past that is going to impact the rest of the show. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E24Bubbled Bubbled]]" (4): Deals with the fallout from the previous episode, and the revelation is explored more. Unskippable.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Season 4]]
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E1TheKindergartenKid The Kindergarten Kid]]" (2): {{Homage}} BreatherEpisode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E2KnowYourFusion Know Your Fusion]]" (2): Important interaction between two little-shown-before characters, but mostly filler.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E3BuddysBook Buddy's Book]]" (3): A large backstory with foreshadowing of the future plot.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E4MindfulEducation Mindful Education]]" (4): Major character development, with a great musical piece. Another critically acclaimed episode.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E5FutureBoyZoltron Future Boy Zoltron]]" (2): BreatherEpisode with a heartwarming ending, although this episode is largely filler and doesn't bring anything new to the table lore-wise.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E6LastOneOutOfBeachCity Last One Out of Beach City]]" (3): Important character development for Pearl. Not essential but very highly recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E7OnionGang Onion Gang]]" (1): Onion filler episode; can be freely skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E8GemHarvest Gem Harvest]]" (3): Double-length LighterAndSofter BreatherEpisode. Introduces a new character.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E9ThreeGemsAndABaby Three Gems and a Baby]]" (3): Flashback episode. Recommended.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E10StevensDream Steven's Dream]]" (4): Introduces a MAJOR new plot point and sets up the next few episodes. Absolutely unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E11AdventuresInLightDistortion Adventures in Light Distortion]]" (3): Somewhat of a funny BreatherEpisode before things get intense again. Fun, but not recommended for those suffering from epilepsy.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E12GemHeist Gem Heist]]" (4): Major revelations are made. Unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E13TheZoo The Zoo]]" (4): Continuing the conflict from the previous episode. Also unskippable.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E14ThatWillBeAll That Will Be All]]" (4): Lots of exposition regarding a few important characters and continues from the previous episode. Absolutely cannot be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E15TheNewCrystalGems The New Crystal Gems]]" ():
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E16StormInTheRoom Storm In The Room]]" ():
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E17Rocknaldo Rocknaldo]]" ():
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E18TigerPhilanthropist Tiger Philanthropist]]" ():
[[/folder]]

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E25MirrorGem Mirror Gem]]" (5): Marks a major turning point in the series. This is arguably the most important episode in the series - the main plot of the show starts here. EVERYTHING plot-wise that happens in this show starts here. This episode CANNOT BE SKIPPED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, and has been given a 5 to highlight this.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E1FullDisclosure Ful Disclosure]]" (4): Deals with the aftermath of the finale. Right where we left off.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E3JoyRide Joy Ride]]" (3): Another breather episode following the intense finale, however, it should be watched as it still contains plot relevance.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E28MessageReceived Message Recieved]]" (4): A major event happens in this episode that makes it essential viewing.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E12RestaurantWars Resturaunt Wars]]" (2): A fun episode but completely non-essential.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E20Bismuth Bismuth]]" (4): It's a double-length episode for a reason: it introduces a Crystal Gem and delves into Rose's character. This episode also has a nail-biting climax, is critically acclaimed, and absolutely unskippable.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E22Earthlings Earthlings]]" (4): Something very major and horrific happens to a recurring character, and something very major happens to one of the show's important characters. Major character development also happens. Two very major events, and the climax episode of a recurring conflict, absolutely cannot be skipped.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E8GemHarvest Gem Harvest]]" (3): Double-length LighterAndSofter BreatherEpisode.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E11AdventuresInLightDistortion Adventures in Light Distortion]]" (3): Somewhat of a funny BreatherEpisode before things get intense again. Fun, but not reccomended for those suffering from epilepsy.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E14ThatWillBeAll That Will Be All]]" (4): Tons of exposition regarding a few very important characters. Absolutely cannot be skipped.
#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E15TheNewCrystalGems The New Crystal Gems]]" (3):

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E15TheNewCrystalGems The New Crystal Gems]]" ():

''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'' is a great series, but it's prone to ContinuityLockout for the newcomers, and frankly, some episodes are weaker than others (however, the creators have stated that there are no ''(literal)'' {{filler}} episodes, as "worldbuilding done right takes time!"). With that in mind, we're rating each episode on a 1-4 scale, as follows:

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E3JoyRide Joy Ride]]" (3): Another breather episode following the intense finale.

Also note that this page goes by the order the episodes aired in, and not the chronological order. Some season 2 episodes belong in season 1.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E28SpaceRace Space Race]]" (3): Character development and some more background. This episode should be watched because it introduces two new locations - one of which is important to the plot, and the other becomes a central point of a future lengthy arc that straddles season 2 and 3.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E28SpaceRace Space Race]]" (3): Character development and some more background.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E10RisingTidesCrashingSkies Rising Tides, Crashing Skies]]" (2): Ronaldo filler. Watch at own discretion. Episode only gets a 2 because of the foreshadowing of the existence of a location that will be visited in season 4.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS2E9SwornToTheSword Sworn to the Sword]]" (4): Sets up some important character development that has future ramifications.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E20Bismuth Bismuth]]" (4): It's a double-length episode for a reason: it introduces a Crystal Gem and delves into Rose's character. This episode also has a nail-biting climax. A critically acclaimed episode, and absolutely unskippable.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E4MindfulEducation Mindful Education]]" (4): Major character development, with a great musical piece.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E45RosesScabbard Rose's Scabbard]]" (4): Goes in depth into one character's psyche and the issues it creates. Major feels.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E20Bismuth Bismuth]]" (4): It's a double-length episode for a reason: it introduces a Crystal Gem and delves into Rose's character. This episode also has a nail-biting climax. Absolutely unskippable.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E8MrGreg Mr. Greg]]" (4): Relevant character development wrapped up in a very enjoyable musical episode.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E7DropBeatDad Drop Beat Dad]]" (2): Would be a 1, except for the very ending. Total filler up until the last 10 seconds.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E10TheNewLars The New Lars]]" (1.5): Although this is largely filler, and somewhat cringey and creepy, this episode DOES delve into Steven's powers and Lars gets SOME development, and Steven learns a thing or two as well. Watch at own discretion; this gets a 1.5 because this episode is heavily divided among fans.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E2KnowYourFusion Know Your Fusion]]" (2.5): Important interaction between two little-shown-before characters, but mostly filler.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E27HouseGuest House Guest]]" (4): While mostly a breather after the intense two-parter, this episode nevertheless has some important elements to it.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS3E10TheNewLars The New Lars]]" (2): Although this is largely filler, and somewhat creepy, this episode DOES delve into Steven's powers and Lars gets SOME development, and Steven learns a thing or two as well. Watch at own discretion.

#"[[Recap/StevenUniverseS4E2KnowYourFusion Know Your Fusion]]" (2): Important interaction between two little-shown-before characters, but mostly filler.