The Episode That CHANGED Steven Universe... 

I completely agree. This episode totally changes the course of the whole show! In this episode after Garnet says the line “we don’t know WHAT Steven is” we see Steven struggle to find the answer to that question for the next 4 seasons! He wants to know, is he a human? Is he a gem? Is he a Diamond? Is he HIS MOM? Who is he? What is he for? That thought that Garnet incidentally puts into his head this episode stays with him all the way up until Change Your Mind when he learns that he’s just Steven, something completely new, who was only made because his parents just wanted him to be

tbh i love the fact that amythest was the most mature in the gems' discussion. she was self aware enough to admit the three of them aren't what steven needs. Whilst garnet and pearl try to reassure themselves or do what they think is right. amythest is just able to admit it but still keep trying to improve. i feel like it really comes full circle at the end of the show w the pink diamond reveal and she actively puts the spotlight onto steven bc he needs someone to listen to him.

Steven decided to lie at the last minute. He was marching through the test angry and determined to tell them off. But as that last door opened, he saw how nervous, relieved, and proud they were and having overheard them before he knew it was genuine feelings but still a lie, with loving intent. He knew it would be wrong to be angry with them, but still being a child didn't grasp exactly what to do.. so being put on the spot, he did what they did and told a loving lie too.

There's a psychological term for what happens to Steven for the rest of the series: emotional parentification. He feels like he needs to care for those who were supposed to care for him. And what's one of the biggest behaviors that indicates this type of trauma? A lack of care for one's self. People pleasing. Putting others needs above your own, even to one's own detriment. It's really interesting when analyzing trauma, and very obvious in Steven's character. (Maybe obvious, I'm just a psych grad)

something insane is that Garnet was likely able to predict something like this could happen. She knew, to some extent, Steven would have this revelation and reaction. Of course, as Steven gets older, he becomes less predictable, which changes the visions paths, but.. damn...

I don't think I realized just how much that episode taught Steven to *fake being okay* for the sake of the people around him. Throughout the show he does his best to help everyone in his life, and _it's good to help,_ I still remember his talk with Garnet and the stray cats when I get overwhelmed. But he's also a child that really, really needed a therapist.

definitely, Steven being complacent with the Gems, even lying to them, is one of the darkest moments of the series, as it compiles several future mental traumas that Steven starts to have. As Adele said, "Complacency is the worst trait to have, are you crazy?"

I remember when future finished people were so critical saying that Steven decline came out of nowhere and I agreed until I rewatched the show and saw this episode again. This is really all the context you need as to how he ended up in future. In that moment he decided he would prioritize other peoples feelings and mental states over his own and instead of finding out what he needs which is the central question of the episode the whole show is about Steven pursuing other peoples needs

Back then this episode left me puzzled, I was even a little baffled because I understood Steven's frustration and didn't get his decision at the end. By this point episodes usually had a moral, but this one was left oddly ambiguous, the show isn't really claiming Steven did the right thing, it ends on an almost depressing note. Man, it's hard looking at the first episodes and seeing how ill-equiped the gems were to be parents. Most of the time they were neglectful or emotionally distant.

when it first came out i loved The Test because it just shows Steven's emotional maturity, and being able to put the Gems' own feelings above his own. I think I've cried watching it, the way he lies to protect them in a little way, instead of blowing up at the gems for lying themselves. He's able to see where they were coming from and that makes him such a "strong" character.

I honestly think Steven was tossing up whether to lie or tell the truth right up until the last possible second. He's a good, sweet, pure, innocent child at this point in the show still, and is likely compelled to tell the truth to the Gems, that he knows what they did, but he also knows how much that will hurt them too. So after struggling to come to the final choice he ends up choosing to put his emotions behind everyone else that he loves. For their sake.

Yes, Rebecca Sugar and Ian JQ have actually spoken repeatedly in some detail about how important of an episode "The Test" is. Episode freaking 38 of the show and they were already consciously laying so many of the themes and ideas that would continue on until the end. What artistry, what courage. Just personally, I think it would enhance your argument to have some quotes from the creators backing up what you're saying. And the cool thing with SU is that often, those quotes are out there because yes, the writers did intend that really cool thing. And yes, Steven Universe is so rewatchable because it was written to be. They put in subtle details that you'll only really catch on a second or third viewing. And the way the show's writing is deliberately designed to be recontextualized at certain points is true mastery. Future is actually genius imo. And all of this effort was put into a "children's show" way before it ever got super popular. That's passion and a desire to create true art. And yeah, smart idea to go through old fandom analysis and stuff for ideas and talking points. There's a ton of pretty good writing out there about the show that is just laying around for any content creator to come along and use. I'm fairly knowledgeable about this show myself so if you ever want someone to bounce ideas off of for a video, I'd be happy to. Keep up the good work!

As i always said about this episode, the tests purpose was to see if he could act like a crystal gem. During the test he observed the crystal gems behavior, and copied it, proving he could do everything a crystal gem could do, including lying to make one of their fellow members feel better and giving them a win when they really needed it

I feel like Steven decided to lie when he actually got to the gems, realizing mid-way through what he was saying. he fully understood why the gems did what they did. also another reason is how he was walking through the dungeon the second time, he looked angry to me, but also determined. I dunno, but this truly is one of my favorite episodes in all of Steven Universe.

PLEEEEASE KEEP DOING THESE STEVEN UNIVERSE VIDEOS! I love your takes on this show and honestly it’s so nice to see people talk about it in a less negative light that I don’t see often nowadays.

I personally think when Steven first over heard the conversation he was going to confront them. However as he going through each challenge I feel like their words echo through his head. So when he gets to the end, he is facing down so they don’t see him making the final decision and that was to lie. I think that’s how it went.

To be fair, even if it was rigged, Steven passed those first two tests fair and square.

As someone who has still not recovered from Steven Universe ending I really appreciate you showing these different perspectives. Really changes how you watch it. You’ve more than earned my sub. I cant wait for the next one.

This is a little off topic, but an episode that I thought was interesting was “Too many birthdays” because first of all, you got to see how Steven grew up and how you shouldn’t care what others think about things you like. Also, ALL of the gems freaked out, I don’t pay attention much, but the way Garnet silently started freaking out and had to be stopped by the OTHER gems was crazy to me.

NEVER STOP THE STEVEN UNIVERSE VIDEOS!!! your single handedly brought the fandom back together and its your duty to further keep it alive

“With great power comes great responsibility” A common theme in superhero and fantasy stories. I like how Steven Universe Future flips it on its head to become “just because you have great power, doesn’t mean you have to carry ALL the responsibility”

This recontexualizes the intro too! Well, the full intro heh. The part where all the CG sing why are they fighting for, and Steven says "I will fight to be everything that everybody wants me to be when i grow". Poor kid, he stopped having ambitions and started living for others

The Test was literally the main reason I got into Steven universe in the first place. It was airing one day randomly on TV and I was bored so I gave it a watch. When I say that was the most unique and complex storytelling I've seen from a single episode from a cartoon that showed flaws from both sides in a way that could be heavily relatable to people pleasers (Which I am guilty of being) And I was hooked since

I think he thought about lying when he overheard the gems, but made the final decision last minute. It's not really like baby Steven to lie about that, and that's why I think it was at the last minute when he really chose to. Great episode! I love these videos and I would love more Steven universe if you have it! listening to other people over analyze a show like an English teacher is really my favorite kind of video!

THANK YOU! I have seen no one ever talk about The Test. It always seems to be left out of pivotal moments in s1 that showed "this show is getting GOOD now". We know Mirror Gem and Ocean Gem, and that deserves that spot, but this? This is where it begins in my honest opinion. This is where it got good for me. That glimmer, that spark that was set off by that one line--"We don't know WHAT Steven is"--is what got me hooked into this show more than anything else. It's brilliant, honestly. Also I had a slightly different takeaway from this ep--I think that Steven definitely learns, and accepts at the end, the gems DON'T have all the answers. They're, for lack of a better word, human too. It really shows that moment where kids realize their parents aren't these perfect, all-knowing beings who always know what to do. And his decision to boost THEIR confidence in stead, lying at the end, is him coming into terms with that fact. This really is basically where his childhood ends, or starts dying. Good stuff.

i think steven didnt really have one big "im going to lie to them" thought, rather he was in thought throughout the final journey through the gems' obstacle course for him, and he probably didnt even come to a final conclusion before the lie just...naturally came out to spare the gems' feelings as someone whose a people pleaser, i can relate to steven setting aside his emotions for others, and its very easy for me to implement how ive treated situations into what hes going through and think of what hes thinking - i already *know* what hes thinking, ive been there after all also shoutouts to your cat in the video bg lol

nah i love your steven universe videos, and no, you're not reading into the episode ''too much'' it's actually quite cool to see everything connect! epic

Spitting straight facts my guy, I totally agree. In my opinion, this is one of the first episodes that shows what makes Steven Universe special. An acknowledgment of so many different ideas

this is the beginning of steven's "hide your feelings" personality

The first time I thought about this episode again was in Mindful Education. The line you used in your last video where he's like "you hurt people and you just have to try not to think about it." That line is a direct result of this episode, because I felt like Steven equated disappointing people as hurting them. I know he goes through a lot of literally hurting people up to that episode, but when his disappointed mother appears as one of the people he 'hurt,' it put everything in place for me.

i totally agree with you, i was half way through the video and was gonna comment, this is definitely the start of stevens' self sacrifical tendencies that lead to his mental break. but then you summed it up perfectly. i was like ah never mind he gets it LOL. Also, you dont know how nice it is to see steven universe vids on a channel that are not just cursing the whole show like it personally killed their whole family. like, yeah i know the show is flawed but its also amazing in so many ways. anyway awesome work! Also personally i like to think as he moved through the test the final time. he went back and forth with himself even as he went forth unhesitatingly. only when he dropped down in front of them, he was gonna confront them but then changed his mind.

I think Steven's determination was kneejerk anger. but when actually going to confront the gems, he'd had time to think about it and changed his mind. Even if he was angry, he knows they meant well. And that they're as confused and lost as he is. So he buries that anger, finding solace in the joy his falsehoods bring to their faces. This feels backed up by when he found out about the palanquin and was told Not to go there. He finally let his pent up anger out at them, lambasting them for never telling him anything and keeping so many secrets about his mother. It all goes back to that feeling of not being trusted showcased in this episode. The writing in this show was so calculated, I love it.

The fact that Steven was sweating when he lifted his head to lie is what gives it away to me He wasn't before doing so, so it's clear his nervousness only made itself present when about to speak up, not even before that, prior seeing the gems praise him, which would've been more logical to get nervous at (if lying was previously planned and not just something that came out more naturally)

I could have sworn Steven's mental decline originated from the very first episode after all the events of that episode were mentioned by Steven when he was explaining his trauma to connie's mom in future but never brought up this episode

I talk about recontextualization as a writing tool all the time. My favorite anime (which Rebecca Sugar has cited as an influence), Madoka Magica, uses it more spectacularly than any other show I know in just 12 episodes. For instance, there's a scene in episode 1 where a character is introduced and she walks alongside the main character through the school hallway. There are moments in this scene where the main character says things to try and lighten the mood and the camera zooms in on this new character's mouth as she scowls and grits her teeth, presumably in annoyance, making her seem intimidating and throwing a dark, awkward mood into the tone of the scene. A later episode, however, deliberately parallels this scene with another by framing the camera in the same exact position over a similar conversation, putting context to the characters' relationship with each other. If you return to episode 1 and watch the original scene over again, you realize these aren't intimidating expressions of annoyance, but sad expressions filled with emotional pain. Over and over, the series does this same duality trick where it uses camera direction, lighting, music, dialogue, and so on to lead you astray with obvious assumptions until you come back and realize these same elements also lean into the scenes' true meaning once you have the full context. Not a single scene in that anime was wasted.

"I will milk Steven universe....wait-" Is a line I spat my drink at and made me subscribe

Oh my god you’re right, this episode was what started the whole thing with Steven having these mental instabilities later in his life 😬

I think Steven's determined face on top of the dungeon was when he had the idea to lie, finally decided to when he confronted the gems

Won't go on a tangent, but for me, when I first saw the episode, I interpreted the end as the Gems' plan actually working! That he went and pretended, because he did actually feel more confident after hearing what they were saying. So the recontextualization works even better after watching the entire series and realizing it was something far far worse.

This steven universe resurgence is giving me hope for a new spin off or continuation that dives into the darker more space opera anime vibes. Even if that isn't with steven I'd love to see this world fleshed out more.

I feel like this episode is very underrated so I love that you made a video about it

The most important thing is that not even Garnet knows the truth. She literally stopped looking in to the future. She had to or she would have said or done something.

You have reignited my love for this show. It’s a mess and I rarely rewatch half the episodes but there are so many stories, plot elements and character moments that hit me in a unique way.

While I enjoyed the debunk of the episode, and it does makes sense after how the series wrapped up, I do think The Test is more about Steven finding out he's one of a kind: not quite human and not quite a gem. And the angst that realization brings could actually explain why Steven becomes determined to be there for everybody to a point of fundamental exhaustion. I think those are the kind of questions going through Steven's mind when he finds out the gems don't really know what he needs.

One of my favorite things on my recent rewatch was noticing all these tiny details and lines that so clearly reference or hint to things like stevens arc, or the gems arcs, or even stuff like the pink diamond reveal. I think people forget just how important every single tiny episode is to the series even shitty "filler" like rocknaldo. All the episodes are intertwined and foreshadow or reference things throughout it. Its fun because the entire crew knew where the characters would be going the entire show, hell all of them knew about the pink diamond reveal the moment they were brought on. Hope one day i can work on such a beautiful show or something like steven :) (sorry for so much typing i love this show)

I honestly thought he was going to tell them that they shouldn't have rigged the test like that. watching that twist always made me think that steven is growing up and making adult decisions... although very self sacrificing ones.

Honestly this episode is sooooo GOOD, not only does it add so much depth to Steven and the Gems' character, it captures SU's s1 vibe perfectly and the pacing's wonderful.

you should have at least 500k subscribers by now. Your editing style and the way you present makes it seem like you do!

Also! I think with this context it isn't a coincidence that steven starts the next episode by putting away his toys and claiming he can't be into kid stuff anymore. He even takes down his ninja poster and replaces it with a ninja that is sitting down looking sad lol. Obviously, he still has a lot of the mannerisms of previous episodes and essentially a very similar upbeat, kidlike demeanor and attitude, but even he realizes something has changed in the role he's playing now. This is also the episode where garnet tells steven of her future vision and basically causes him to panic about the potential danger of existence. Which is to say, garnet tells steven something he isn't ready to hear yet and essentially forces him to mature by way of freaking the hell out about a complex concept he was probably not quite old enough to understand healthily yet. So yeah... this really was the turning point of steven taking on the role of caretaker to his caretakers which eventually causes his breakdown in future. Pretty good writing that makes rewatching the series a WHOLE different experience!

“Garnet, the leader of The Gems,” bro said it how it is 💀

I only realized few days ago how important SU was for me to build not only my love for storytelling but my personality in a sort of way, so it is heartwarming for me to see that people still make content about it and recognize how amazing the show is Anyways, loved the video!

I love steven universe too! I used to watch it with my little sibling and we would sing all the songs. I love rewatching it and noticing all the details. Never understood the massive hate it got and Im glad to see you ralk about it with so much love. Personally I think Steven made up his mind to lie when he noclipped above the dungeons. Just because he so determinedly walked through it and approached them instead of hurriedly like he wanted to confront them. Idk Anyway. Looking forward to more steven videos ❤

This episode always made me sad and before I even finished the series after watching this episode I could tell what this was leading to that mental decline especially because I know what that’s like putting up that front to make the people trying the hardest for you happy and feel more secure

You're absolutely right, I've been saying for years that The Test is one of the most pivotal moments in the show. Honestly there was a point in time where I saw this episode as Steven maturing for the better, but it's much more grey than that, with the burden he decides to place on himself putting everyone else's problems before his own. The episode that was once inspiring to me now makes me feel very sad for Steven that he had to grow up so quickly.

Long time massive SU fan and first timer om your channel. What a great video! Thank you for making it. The Test has always been one of my favorite episodes, the musical choreography of his final walk back through the dungeon is stunning. I hope you make more SU content, and I look forward to watching your other videos as well.

It's my 3rd favorite episode of the season. Right behind Rose's Scabbard and Together Breakfast.

You're not over doing it. I truly love Steven Universe and it is my favorite show of all time. The show was an integral part of my life and hearing you talk about it is basically new content for me even though it ended a while ago. Keep doing what you're doing!!!

This is absolutely the episode that hooked me on the show. It shook me in how real and tragic it was, despite the ramifications not being obvious.

me encanta que aun ahora haya gente hablando de Steven Universe. gracias por el video ^^

I do agree that the episode "the test" is an important point in Steven's life that affected his future, but I also think it represents something that Steven overlooked when it comes to how he feels about his mother. When the truth about Pink Diamond comes out, Steven gets disappointed over her lying, but Steven himself has lied too. While Pink Diamond's reasons for lying weren't exactly noble, it doesn't mean Steven can be mad at her for lying. Sadly, everyone lies, and Steven is no exception.

Another truly splendid video. I am far from burned out on hearing more of your opinions on this series so I am here for more if you do make more. :D

gasped when i saw that you made a video on this episode, cuz it makes me INSANE. i remember being so throughly shaken by it when it first dropped, and i still am now but for different reasons i didn't fully understand when i was younger. so yeah, this episode is incredible and it fucks me up. good vid.

i rewatched this episode a few days ago and i agree! i think his decision to lie marks a new level of maturity in steven's character - like it's the point where he really begins to place others' needs above his (even though he is so small)

Why are you underrated

This was the episode that made me love Steven universe so much, it made me genuinely cry because I thought the meaning behind it was very sweet.

I just finished all of steven universe yesterday and now i feel so empty inside 😭i need more episodes, the show was so comforting to me ,especially now that I’m going through a whole lot in life i just moved out of my parents house 2 years ago and have been dealing with a boat load of mental issues and that show made me feel just right you know?

I really hope you secretly wanted to be a Steven Universe RU-vidr, because that's definitely what's sticking. That said, I'm really enjoying your videos on the show. The short structure format is pretty refreshing, ironically.

There is one caveat, if Garnet had future vision all this time, wouldn't she have seen a future where steven figures out that their test was steven-proof?

I’ve noticed that when Steven came from homeworld in season 5, he was more focused on everyone else’s problems or their pain because of him leaving instead of how he was handling all of it. He was taken prisoner, he went on trial as rose quartz, the diamonds were very violent towards him and wanted to kill him, he got Lars killed, it was a very horrible experience, and yet when he comes back it’s all about everyone else. Connie being upset that he left, not trying to comfort him who’s been through everything, him being the one to say sorry to her Garnet being confused and breaking down because she didn’t expect him to make such a mature action, where he had to reassure her Lars and how he’s doing with the off colors comforting him about Sadie Lapis leaving and scared of the diamonds, he reassures Lapis and even comforts Peridot when she’s left alone Major Dewey not being major, so he tries to help him getting his role back and saying sorry for what he’s done Sadie with her being worried of Lars and trying to get her mind of things by making her be a part of a band Literally these are all the people he helped instead after such a traumatic experience, and not once did any of them try to talk to him about how he was feeling about the whole experience. The closest they did was in Gemcation, the gems assumed he was upset about homeworld, and they very half assed their comforting towards him, and hey in usual Steven fashion all he cares about is Connie’s feelings, and how he hurt her. Then the gems just move on and assume that none of that stuff will impact him mentally. No wonder how he ended up in Future, he has always put others people problems first, and he has such a savior complex. Literally after an event that should’ve been about him recovering, he just ends up comforting everyone else.

This episode was the first one I was really impressed by! Great analysis

I find it interesting that when Stephen realizes that they lied to him, he decides that the best solution is to lie in turn, since their lie was to make him feel better, he lies to make them feel better. It's an unhealthy dynamic, for sure, but it's a 'good intentions' type situation where neither party realizes the harm they caused in trying to satisfy the other. Steven Universe is full of these moments where Steven is given the chance to either stand up for himself, or go with the flow just because not doing so would upset others, and Steven's chronic need to not disappoint people. I think one of my favorite episodes that serves as the counterpoint to 'The Test' is the SU future episode 'Snow Day' where the gems want to play Steven tag like old times, but Steven isn't feeling it, and in the end of the episode, he relents and gives the gems what they want and they immediately realize that Steven isn't the same person as he was when he was a child anymore.

The test has been always one of my top episodes in SU season 1 I remember first watching it on TV when I was still a wee lad and thinking to myself "Oh... This silly cartoon might have more to it-"

I love your SU analysis video so much. They make me see some of the episodes in a new light and some of the characters in a new light too. The good thing about this show is that none of the characters are inherently good or bad, they’re just characters. Thats what i love about Steven universe. ALSO I NOTICED THE SONG FROM LUD AND SCHLATTS MUSIC EMPORIUM IN THE BACKGROUND THE INTRO! I SEE YOU

This is exactly what I've been thinking for years, & I'm so glad to see other people agree. There are three perspectives to watch The Test from: as a first-time viewer, as a second-time viewer without having seen Future, & as a second-time viewer *having* seen Future. From the first two perspectives, Steven lying to spare the Gems' feelings & give them the win they thought he needed is very sweet & marks a big jump in maturity for Steven. And in some ways, The Test still evokes both of those things. But after Future, there's this really sad & disconcerting undercurrent to Steven's decision. Neither he nor the Gems' lying was malicious, but it still marks the beginning of a pattern that eventually becomes maladaptive & takes over Steven's entire life; the thought that any negative feelings he might have in reaction to being hurt or mislead simply do not matter compared to making other people happy. There's also this implication that the Gems', even Garnet, don't really think Steven could be intelligent enough to figure out that the test was a sham (granted, he found out on accident, but still.) That also marks a pattern of behavior for them, although them underestimating Steven's intelligence started earlier than The Test imo.

your analysis of this episode and the series is right on point!! i’m rewatching the series for the first time since future ended and it’s crazy seeing how everything built up even if i’ve just finished season 1. this episode 100%, the return, jailbreak, and full disclosure especially! even just little moments i remember how a moment was brought up as traumatic to steven in future, or seeing steven console the town better than the mayor as child?? watching the show now with the knowledge of future events and just my own life experience being almost twice the age i was when i started watching it puts a whole new perspective on everything that happens apologies for my jumbled thoughts but as you mentioned in the video, ahh!! i love story telling!! i love set up and pay off!! i love chekovs gun!!!!

Wow! I've watched through this show 4 or 5 times now and I missed this connection. It is such a touching moment between them but knowing what happens in future makes it sad now too

I think Steven Universe does an excellent job of exploring trauma, how we cope with it, and the more insidious effects it has. Having to parent a parent/authority figure is a common, extremely overlooked form of childhood trauma. Even small, forgettable moments of having to carry the emotional weight of an adult can make permanent alterations to a person's psyche. I think you did an excellent job highlighting this, and the show did an amazing job exploring it.

my problem with this episode is that basically, the moral of the story is "suffer if it makes others feel better", and it's just so wrong And this is what ends in Steven being the only one who didn't have Steven to support himself, because from now on he was always the one to suffer for others

I love these Steven Universe videos. I have literally rewatched the full series of Steven Universe MULTIPLE times, I watched the first episode to the last episode of Future as it aired on CN, I had a long term hyperfixation on it, and I still love it a lot now, and I have actually NEVER had this realization, and this is incredible. Everything makes perfect sense. I've always felt like The Test has had some deeper meaning to it, that feeling especially ringing with the way the episode just.. ended with Steven's lie, but I have never been able to put it together. So, thank you for making this video. I very much enjoyed it.

0:08 - What will you do ?????? 💀💀💀💀

its also really interesting the strong shift in behavior from this point on, just as the vid states in a part- from bumblin around and chillin on missions to actually having some critical thought in his behavior, and the result of it

I find you genuinely entertaining and I truely enjoyed this video! ( no one watches my stuff so i feel you with wanting feed back lol) I always tell people about how the show shifts but could never pin point when it happened, and you just answered that for me! Ive always loved how chilling this episode is. Mostly because of all the reasons you touched based on, steven starting to lie to protect the gems feelings and validate them and in return recieve their validation even though he is suffering internally. Man i never was able to put that into words before, thank you for helping me! You are right about the snow ball effect too. I agree the series took its turn here for stevens character. Thank you so much for making this video!!!! I really enjoyed it!!!! 😄🤩💗 You also did a great job with editing and clips, keep up the great work!!

MILK STEVEN UNIVERSE I LOVE YOUR CONTENT

great SU thoughts as usual, this is one of my favorite early episodes for exactly these reasons! would love to see you talk about the SU movie at some point! definitely enjoying all your SU content but happy to be subscribed for whatever you choose to talk about next.

Never heard of your channel, but I already love it. You do a great job of discussing interesting topics and also making them funny with your comments. Keep it up!

The part when the decisive path song plays it’s a bit scary as the viewer because we don’t know what Steven is going to do but the song and the way Steven walks so determined could only mean trouble

this video was so good! thanks for sharing!

This was really good!!! I never thought about it that way, I’m so glad I stumbled upon this vid 👍🏻

You are not over doing the steven universe videos. Keep them coming!!

I love your videos :) just when I think I know all the deeper meanings of Steven, you open my eyes to more !! Don’t stop :)

I was always thinking about when did things actually start piling up onto Stevens mental health this helps me clear more of it up love the video

Steven's trauma started in the very first episode but the mental health decline didn't kick in until this very episode but at the same time his trauma that creates mental decline all stems from the very beginning of the show

completely unrelated but i love the song at 1:04, i found it from a Steven universe animatic way back in 2014/2015 and i just got nostalgia whiplash. thank you, i forgot hot much i love it 🥺

I love that people are finally talking about this episode

To me it felt like he hesitated after he told them that they're the worst and THATS when he changes directions, choosing to protect them. I felt like his incredibly goofy and wayless demeanor up until The Test was the seed for a People-Pleaser/Fawn Response kind of flaw. His dad was incredibly likeable, but Steven was also isolated by never being enrolled in school. He gets to know the other people in town by wandering, and he's friends with everyone. Mostly by never really expressing much depth, but keeping everything light and up-beat. Being the dramatic class clown that no one really takes all that seriously because he's so prone to bouncing back. This was the moment that he was faced with enough of a conflict that caused the people-pleasing/fawn response to really kick in. He's been living with the gems for however long, and desperate to be included. He's fairly isolated and looking for a place to belong, looking for some type of secure attachment. Possibly starting a conflict with his caregivers was too overwhelming of an option. His father was also always easy going and tends to de-escalate, deflect, and shut down conflict with ease. No one takes him seriously either. This is one of the first times Steven gets insight into the real emotions and mental states of his caregivers and some of that superficial relation they've had until this moment breaks away. I definitely agree this is the initial snowball that lead to the monsterous snowball, I hadn't noticed this before though. So I appreciate seeing a video on it. I absolutely love re-watching Steven Universe because there's so many perspectives, nuances, and it's hard to call them 'easter eggs' but the viewing experience is rarely ever the same each watch-through. -- In later seasons I even think that some of the filler episodes were foreshadowing episodes.. such as Garbanzo wiping ketchup on his face being a foreshadowing of Lars' scar in Off Colors.

Awesome video man! Never seen your content before but you give off Danny gonzalez vibes lol. Safe to say you’ve earned a sub :)

one truly amazing thing od this show is that even years after its end I can still find missing pieces that make it more complete and alive in my head. The best stories are the ones that we keep discovering even after their end

This is a great breakdown!

Soundtrack here when he’s walking back through it is amazing. Haven’t watched the video yet but I bet you’ll talk about that ha

Late to this but I feel like I 100% agree. This episode is often overlooked and other ones are talked about instead like Mr Greg and Jailbreak. Great stuff! Looking forward to your future content even if it's not Steven related lol