DVD Review: “Steven Universe: The Complete Collection” Is A True Gem

The Crystal Gems are a team of magical beings who are the self-appointed guardians of the universe. Half-human, half-Gem hero, Steven is the little brother of the group. The goofball is learning to save the world using the magical powers that come from his bellybutton and he goes on magical adventures with the rest of the Crystal Gems, even though he’s not as powerful or smart as fellow group members Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl. Despite his shortcomings, Steven usually finds a surprising way to save the day.

I fully advocate adults watch kids’ cartoons. Some of the best TV shows are kids’ cartoons: “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Adventure Time,” etc. They have the complicated task of telling a story in ten minutes for children to consume but that compels audiences. Yes, cartoons lean on their fantastical elements and can be heavy-handed with their messages but when a kids’ show gets it right? A top-notch kids cartoon can truly thread the needle on broad comedy, deep emotion, and empowering message, and “Steven Universe” is no different.

Fresh off the writing team of “Adventure Time,” Rebecca Sugar created “Steven Universe,” imbuing it with the same fantastical laughter of her previous show with deeply nuanced emotions. Fans of the original series are guaranteed a true joy ride as they sink their teeth into this show, bit by bit. Sugar’s creation feels less wild and fantastical than AT but no less mirthful. “Steven Universe” carries the torch of high-quality children’s programming that marries a mystical larger narrative with the wit and joy of your average cartoon providing a deep and enriching experience, and probably a boost of optimism and hope to your everyday experience.

We find our story in the wake of a massive intergalactic war fought by aliens on the planet Earth. Fourteen-year-old Steven lives with the Crystal Gems: Amethyst, Garnet, and Pearl. These three female gem-aliens help guard the planet Earth against villainous gem monsters, and even other alien gems bent on destroying the planet. Steven’s mother, Rose-Quartz, once led the group but fell in love with a human and eventually sacrificed herself so her son, Steven, could exist. Steven must now take up the mantle of his mother as a half-gem, half-human protagonist in the dead center of a finished war. Steven’s adventures in the sleepy Beach City incorporate his aged-rocker dad Greg, bookish best friend Connie, and a myriad of characters including Lars, Sadie, the enigmatic Onion, his step-brother Sour Cream, a pink lion, and a whole host of exciting and colorful characters.

“Steven Universe” can be goofy and exciting in equal measure. While Steven goes on adventures and learns to master his powers, he carries us through each adventure with a wide smile and a heart full of love. His open-eyed eagerness at everything fills us with joy and we sink into the show appreciating every little detail.

Each character in the show has such pronounced personalities and wide-ranging effects it’s a true joy to watch them grow and change. No character is left untouched either. The show has enough episodes to give us arcs for recurring cameos. We find ourselves caring for every little person in Beach City, despite them being an attachment to the main story.

Make no mistake, “Steven Universe” is a sci-fi story centered directly on the Crystal Gems. Garnet, the wise and aloof leader, informs us of the war between the Crystal Gem rebels and the homeworld gems. Pearl, the studious and haughty gem, explains why the homeworld gems eventually left. Amethyst, the playful and rebellious gem, finishes with a fart joke or an insult. These three work so well in conjunction with each other and the show really gives them room to breathe. They don’t always align together, but when they conflict (whether it’s one episode or several episodes) we care about both sides.

“Steven Universe” is one of those rare shows with empathy for every character involved. Much like the other shows I mentioned it goes to great lengths to redeem its antagonists over several seasons, even endearing them to audiences later on. This kind of applied empathy is at the heart of this show from beginning to end. It cares deeply about its characters, good or bad, and treats them with respect. That allows them to deepen the emotions in certain episodes. We can really feel a sense of abandonment or ineptitude or depression when it pops up in these characters. In many ways, it helps you navigate those same emotions by watching another character’s journey.

Sugar’s work on “Adventure Time” is not to be forgotten as several key tricks play into “Steven Universe” borrowed from its predecessor and the biggest is music. While “Steven Universe” doesn’t have as many absolute bangers as “Adventure Time” does, it tends to render its more popular songs more thoroughly so they’re more fleshed out than simple glitch-pop tracks. I mean, ukulele music always falls so easy on the ears. I, personally, have been jamming out to the soundtrack on Spotify and can quote you lyrics, word for word.

I commend the voice cast on this one for bringing the whole show in the right way. Estelle, Michaela Dietz, and Deedee Magno all deliver strong performances as the Crystal Gems. With every episode, they grow more and more nuanced and get to stretch more of their voice actor legs. The real crystal belongs to Zack Callison, our Steven voice. His throaty laughter and under-the-surface mirth constantly bring us joy. Maybe something about his age being similar to Steven’s enriches the whole experience but we feel as if we are learning about life’s difficulties afresh when Steven learns them. True to form, too, he grows and changes. Kids cartoons don’t often demonstrate growth, but this one grows by miles.

“Steven Universe” is a TV show about finding family wherever it is and finding love in your heart for everything, even your enemies. Between Callison’s mirthful portrayal of the naïve Steven and the ukulele music, it’s easy to see how kids get involved. Add in some awesome space action, fist-fighting and you’ve got a dynamo project. I consider this show a true joy to watch and every day I watch it I feel just a little bit happier.

“Steven Universe Future” deepens the mythology of its predecessor, giving us more to enjoy. We get to explore beyond the old Gem War and further into the world of the Crystal Gems. While it’s not a prerequisite to watch the first show, much like other sequels to beloved cartoons, performs better when it’s in relation to its sequel. “Steven Universe Future” holds up well, enduring the sequel test. It tees up one last adventure with the movie, finishing the entire series on a grand finale worthy of such an endearing cartoon.

Cartoons often get diminished or ignored simply because they seem reductive. It’s reductive to assume “Steven Universe,” just by being goofy, isn’t as impactful as any Oscar-winning performance. I recommend adults watch this show and I recommend they watch it all the way through. We can often feel jaded about ideas and watching Steven process new emotions reminds us of when we believed in simpler times. “Steven Universe” brought me incomparable joy from watching it, and even brought me to tears on occasion. Invest in this show. Invest in these characters as creator Rebecca Sugar has, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Now available on DVD