What I see as a problem is that they have sacrificed the slice-of-life episodes, but in terms of quality instead of volume. Both their humor and character moments have gotten progressively less polished. Really, the obviously important episodes aren't just more exciting/emotional, now they're where most of the good jokes come from.
On a related note, said episodes seems to have shifted toward being almost or entirely mundane, especially in season four. The show was usually pretty good about using fantasy elements to provide action and spectacle, while keeping the emotional focus character-driven. It feels like there's a sudden shift from the missions being a backdrop in Steven's life to the Crystal Gems practically being The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything.
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Too mundane, that's the problem...
They don't even bring up bubbling corrupted gems anymore...and they never even bothered finding the fusion experiments outside of that one time.
edited 13th Sep '17 12:59:28 AM by randomness4
Rules of the Internet 45. Rule 45 is a lie. Check out my art if you notice.To provide some background, Adventure Time has four new episodes in a row the week before.
That said, when was the last time we got this little notice for new Steven Universe? I remember like 3+ weeks before any premier since season two.
EDIT: TV Guide lists that same spot as "The New New: A showcase of music videos for the emerging enthusiast."
It's distinctly possible it's Steven Universe, but not a new episodes. Rather, it could be a song compilation.
edited 13th Sep '17 5:05:06 PM by thatother1dude
Funny you mention that, on demand just added "music videos" of songs from the show! Maybe that IS the plan...
I know I'm a little late in discussing the Cluster and its arc, but since I wasn't watching the show back when it aired originally...
It kinda reminds me of the climax of a webcomic I read, A Miracle of Science. And I remember people being disappointed in that climax, too. Honestly, though, I don't quite get it. In both cases, a hero who explicitly is at his best being able to reach out and connect with others does what he does best to solve the problem. Multiple indications have been given that, in spite of the action that the hero in question can do, their real goal is to make for a peaceful solution. And, sure enough, it comes down to that when the chips are down.
I mean, I'm not saying it was perfect (I'll freely admit that Steven is my least-favorite character, though I do find him way better than he was at the series start, so I think some of what he did could have been tightened up in scripting a bit more), but I honestly think that, particularly with what had been established, the Cluster arc ended more or less how it should have.
As for if/when something is actually going to come out... I personally chalk it up to the fact that Cartoon Network seems to have a perpetual Right Hand Versus Left Hand issue going on. At least, that's what I hope.
Reminder: Offscreen Villainy does not count towards Complete Monster.The new podcast is up.
Next week's is the tenth and last one. Sugar is performing a song called "Escapism" from an upcoming episode.
This sort of confirms my suspicions that the podcast was meant to end before the hiatus did. Doesn't necessarily mean the show's coming back really soon, but every week after seems more likely.
Reminds me a bit of the Ultimate Galactus trilogy with there being a disproportionately large build-up to the threat compared to a perfunctory resolution.
Except the Cluster arc felt better realized.
edited 14th Sep '17 12:34:21 PM by Bocaj
Forever liveblogging the AvengersHonestly, I could see Peridot also having a reason to sing a song by that title (or maybe have a couple lines in it at least). Or Amethyst, for that matter (though not as much as, say, she would have in season 1). Maybe even Pearl, though it's a little contrived.
Reminder: Offscreen Villainy does not count towards Complete Monster.@51615 With the caveat that I haven't listened to the song yet and that I'm solely going by the title, a few ways I could see Peridot contributing.
- It was something she sang onto the tape recorder early on, when she was still adjusting to Earth, and they only recovered the tape now.
- Peridot reveals that, despite what's happened, she still misses Homeworld and her old role sometimes, and she sings about how she deals with that.
- The song is primarily by someone else, and there's a verse where Peridot interjects in an attempt to help out.
I'll grant that (outside of the third option) Lapis or Lars feel much more likely to be singing such a song. I'm just saying that I could conceive a good chunk of the named cast singing a song named "Escapism". Heck, I'll throw Steven into the mix - he's had a lot to deal with of late, and who could blame a kid for wanting a little escape from that?
Reminder: Offscreen Villainy does not count towards Complete Monster.Not directly Steven Universe related, but as I watched I keep thinking this board would find it interesting.
Game Theory asks...
Are the Chaos Emeralds really Emeralds?
The reason I thought an SU board would find it interesting: MatPat eventually theorizes the Emerald are, in fact, quartzes.

I actually feel like Steven is the most interesting part of the show at the moment. It's weird because back in the first couple of seasons, I thought Steven was the weakest part. But lately, Steven's development is the character arc I'm most invested in. All of the Gems have pretty much completed their character arcs, except for Lapis Lazuli and maybe Peridot.
However, I would like more episodes about the Gems by themselves though.