Steven Universe

Steven Universe is everything it could possibly be: perfecting the balance between singular stories and overarching narratives, this brilliantly beautiful gem is certain to create instant nostalgia.

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Beach City is one of those fictional towns that simply feels like home. Akin to Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow, Rebecca Sugar has created a colourful world that is not only home to a wonderful cast of characters but houses a living and breathing community, a community which we begin to feel a part of. Where the animation might catch your eye, the writing will grasp anyone willing to go on a relaxing journey with our titular protagonist as he struggles to find himself in a world filled with menacing realities, yet not void of hope.

Half-human and half-Gem, Steven Universe (Zack Callison) is the only of his kind. Together with the alien and magical Crystal Gems, he protects the Earth from corrupted creatures while still having time to take care of his eclectic group of friends. At its core, Steven Universe's plot offers nothing more than a stereotypical 'chosen one'-type situation, with Steven clearly destined for something great. Yet, as the episodes swiftly fly by, Steven is given a depth that not only enhances the show but turns into its greatest strength: his journey not only into maturity but his understanding that his destiny might not be so fated.

Light & lovely, Steven spreading his heart-warming kindness... 'Steven Universe'

The supporting cast of characters give the world substance, each being allowed to grow in their own respect without bogging down the flow at all. In fact, the only episode that can be considered as 'bad' is a crossover with Uncle Grandpa that contributed absolutely nothing to the rest of the series yet was quickly over (it was simply difficult to watch another show's style invade the comforting world I was beginning to fall in love with). As the cast increases the original roots are never lost as Garnet (Estelle), Amethyst (Michaela Dietz), and Pearl (Deedee Magno) remain close by; each of the main Crystal Gems having their own fleshed out arcs across the 160 episodes.

With a single episode only lasting 11 minutes, it is easy to quickly get through a lot of action very fast, the next relaxing piece of the saga just a couple minutes away from completion; which isn't to say that the episodes are short. Although they might not 'feel' long, each new adventure plays out exactly like that; a stand alone story that lends itself well to the cute yet consistent world building of Steven's universe. The only exception is the final season where more often than not, an episode ends unfinished as conflicts span across multiple parts, losing the original feel-good vibe in favour of a broader perspective.

The subtle shift in structure beckons the curtain call, creating a sense of disappointment each time the cute intro song comes onto screen; not because the show doesn't deliver but because I simply didn't want it to end. Whether it was helping one of his friends find purpose or organising a birthday party for the Gems, it was obvious that each problem would be resolved by the credits, creating a brief window of time where anxiety seemed to fade away through the sheer wholesome nature of it all (something desperately needed in a world currently full of uncertainties). And yes, while it may have wobbled on the landing, Steven Universe does everything it intends to do and more without so much as a hiccup.