Nov 12, 2013

The Steven Universe roundup: the "Cheeseburger Backpack" and "Breakfast Together."

Last week's premiere of "Steven Universe" introduced not only Steven and his Gems, but also characters like his father and other residents of Beach Town. No other characters were introduced this week except for the four Gems and the mailman who live in the Gem family. So I was a little upset that Lars wasn't there, but the lessons I learned in "Cheeseburger Backpack" and "Breakfast Together" sort of filled the hole in my heart.

"Cheeseburger Backpack" is not a metaphor for anything, it just sounds like it. Other than Amethyst getting too excited about jumbo-sized eggs and a possible "Full House" reference, the first half of "Steven Universe" was all about taking risks and thinking outside the box, no matter what the consequences.

Steven begins his day anxiously awaiting a package that will help him save the world. Then we cut to Gems telling Stephen that he must go on a mission to save the building from collapse by replacing the moon statue. Of course, someone assures him that his cheeseburger backpack can be used because it can carry the moon statue. Not only because of its novelty, but because of its many pockets, "Even the cheese is a pocket!" and Steven overstuffs it. In the end, the only problem was that the moon statue was missing, and although the sweater, bagels, and Stephen's resourcefulness proved an asset, the team failed. Nevertheless, at least they tried,

and in "Together Breakfast" failure was not an issue. Steven seems to have lost sight of the idea of family and will do whatever it takes to get everyone in the house to eat together. Also, is Amethyst a shapeshifter...

In addition to seeing the tempting dish of pancakes topped with popcorn, whipped cream, and a single strawberry, we also get a peek inside the Gems' room (and heart); after the three ignore the breakfast invitation, Steven personally walks into their fortress, where he is greeted by a young woman who is a little too young to be a family member. Pearl's is knife-intensive, water-based, clean and sharp. Amethyst's is reckless; garnet's is invisible. Could it be that she is the ultimate in secrecy...

Things proceed much as in the first film, with Stephen's mishap saving the day, but this time it's a true success. Pancake traps the evil smoke monster and saves him and Gems. A win for the team, but not for their appetites. Steven finally gets to have breakfast with them, but the pancake site left a bad taste in their mouths. Pizza was ordered instead. Ultimately, we learn a lesson about togetherness.

As with all shows, the first is often introductory, and what follows builds on the characterization as we head toward a point. Such was the case in the second week of Steven Universe, but it left out supporting characters that fans may have already grown to love. As for plot construction, it didn't take Steven long to figure out how to control that belly stone. We just got to see him think on his feet. We can only hope that next week will bring what "Frybo" brings and that "Cat Fingers" will be as literal as a backpack.

(Episode stills via Bubble Blabber)