Steven Universe: Season One

Back to watching another kid's cartoon. And much like my experience with Avatar: The Last Airbender, I am shocked and amazed at how much I've come to love this show. 

Actually my introduction with this show goes way back to B-Town's bachelor party. I remember spotting a bunch of art work that Kev Cole had picked up at the N.H. comic-con and he explained it was from a little show called Steven Universe. I had no idea what he was talking about at the time and quickly dismissed this show thinking it was just another forgettable children's cartoon. Flash forward a year later and I can't stop watching this. 

But what's it about? 

Well that's -- shockingly -- kind of a long answer. One that's shaped over the course of the 50-somewhat episodes (don't worry, they're only like 10 minutes each) that cover the first season. Frankly, I'm still piecing elements of the backstory together and the lore that has helped shape our characters... and I'm mid-season 2! All that aside, I actually think it's probably best if to come to this show knowing very little. Even after the first few episodes you might be thinking, "That was cute, but, seriously, what's going on with this kid having a gem for a belly button and hanging out with three superheroes?" Like I said, it will all come together. 

Now, if I have to pitch the show, it's basically all that I would elaborate on it... That it's a story about bright-eyed and cheerfully optimistic boy with a gem for a bellybutton who lives with three superheroes (at least that's one way to describe them without giving too much away) and helps them defend the Earth from evil or other mysterious threats. 

While trying to refrain from talking anymore about the story, what I love about this show is continuity. Seriously, it's got continuity porn up there with Arrested Development. All along the season, they drop hints and clues for things coming that I wasn't even aware of. Only to look back and go "Oh, shit! These reveals were right in front of my face the whole time!" Needless to say, I get off on continuity. I love it when I see that storytellers know exactly how their made-up world is going to unfold and slowly reveal their masterplan to you. Piece by piece. That's one element that this show excels at. 

The other element that I find truly endearing is its general style and tone. The show has a fantastic soundtrack. It's music feels like it's heavily influenced by video games, which makes a lot of sense. As you watch the show you'll see easter eggs all around. Whether it's a GameCube stashed away in the corner or Steven playing with a Cloud Strife action figure, it's obvious that the creative talents behind the scenes like the same shit I like. So naturally, I feel an immediate rapport with its creators. 

The last item I praise this show for is its progressive view on... I guess I should say society. Despite being a cartoon designed for little kids to watch, it undeniably exhibits progressive values by showcasing strong female characters, appreciation for hetero- and homo-sexual relationships alike, it even explores the idea that one's identity isn't defined by gender but lays somewhere deeper in the core of the individual. It manages to speak to these (as some may see it, controversial) ideas without ever getting preachy or didactic. They keep it entertaining, fun, and emotionally powerful. 

In a word. This show is lovable. And, now, I can totally understand why Kev Cole felt the urge to pick up some artwork during comic con.