Nov 26, 2013

"Steven Universe" recap: "Cat Fingers."

Remember last week when you were upset about the lack of parent-child time going on in Beach City and wondered if the "light cannons" would have been better off with the "flybos"? Because this week they were right on target. The "Light Cannon," which aired after "Cat Fingers," was perfect thanks to its common themes, recurring characters, and bits.

A few weeks later, Greg returned to bond with his son. Well, sort of like free child labor, washing Mayor Dewey's campaign wagon with Steven. This politician is the most seemingly human person in town. One could think that the character that sticks out the most for its differences is the one we should mentally record. Anyway, Amethyst shows up in cat form because we learn in Together Breakfast that she can shape-shift. And she tells Stephen that she will be able to do it. She teased as Pearl revealed that all Gems have that ability, but she faithfully warned Stephen not to bite more than he can chew. Surprisingly, Amethyst agrees and decides that Stephen should start small and shape-shift into a cat.

Things don't go as planned. Only one of Steven's fingers became a cat. A small, simple head and a long neck. Amethyst suggests that Steven show off the kitten finger to his father. Greg is not amused at all, but Lars, the store clerk and stock boy cutie, is intrigued. This leads to Steven's entire palm being shifted to the kitten. He then takes Shaw to Petey's fry shack for a bowl of bits (which Stephen had craved in "The Light Canon"). At this point, all ten fingers have turned into colorful cats and are eating potato chips. Where on earth do the bits go after the cat fingers have swallowed them...

Cool at first, Steven was learning Gem's tricks, but things quickly went from great to nasty when he realized he couldn't use the cat fingers as real fingers. The Gems are on a mission to fight a living island, and they are of no use. Steven tries to think of a way to solve his crisis, but overthinking makes things worse. Cats start popping up all over Steven's small plump body. After a while, he becomes a self-proclaimed cat monster and has nowhere else to turn for help except to his father.

Parental instincts are not Greg's strong suit, and Steven cries out for help, while Greg just stands there, hose in hand. Cue the unexpectedly over-the-top Hollywood-style score. If Greg agrees to let Steven have a super car wash, all is well. Because there is only one kitty left, but it is saved thanks to Greg's trusty hose.

When the gems return from their latest quest to find Stephen ok, Pearl is surprised, but Garnet is not. She tells Pearl that she should learn to trust Stephen more. Who wants to bet that little comment was a sign that next week's new "Bubble Buddies" will come with a "cheeseburger backpack" -

We're reminded of Amethyst's previous shape-shifting and "Steven Universe" bits like It's gotten to the point where it's easier to recall past characters and events, and the series is starting to shape up into something we can care about every week because of it.

"Cat Fingers" was written and storyboarded by Rebecca Sugar, Ian Jones-Quartey, Hilary Florido, and Cat Morris.