For Memorial Day, Cartoon Network decided to showcase an event with Steven Universe. It premiered four episodes together in a special called Wanted. After the events of season four and an intense cliffhanger, fans were glad they didn’t have to wait very long for more new episodes. How does the special play out? The short answer is extremely well.
SPOILER ALERT
Stuck Together
Steven and Lars spend some time together.
After the previous season’s cliffhanger and Steven agreeing to go back to homeworld, it’s quickly revealed Lars got stuck on the ship. He’s quick to confess he didn’t just get kidnapped but was a coward who wasn’t willing to show others his cooking. The entire special becomes a redemption arc for him. Which is good, considering he seems to be one of the few characters in a show which prides itself itself on character growth.
There is a moment as Steven and Lars talk which seems to get through to their captor, Topaz. It’s always interesting to see how Steven has such a way with people, or in this case gems. Still, he has too many opponents to simply try and win over every single one of them with the power of friendship. A pretty good episode by the others in the special dwarf it through what takes place.
The Trial
The name says it all. Steven Universe goes on trial for his mother’s crime of scattering Pink Diamond. As two Zircons serve as defense attorney and prosecutor, Steven is more than willing to take the blame for the crime and just receive his punishment as long as it means the Earth doesn’t get hurt. Great character moments like this is what keeps the audience addicted to this show. Steven knows he has no choice but to shoulder the burden if it means it will protect the people he cares for.
The trial, also reveals more information about the events of Pink Diamond’s shattering. Apparently there was no Rose Quartz assigned to Pink Diamond’s court. Which is suspicious already but the story also says everyone in Pink Diamond’s entourage didn’t see the assassin coming. It’s starting to seem like something isn’t right there. There are some theories but they won’t be mentioned here. Expect a future article featuring speculations of what happened.
Off Colors
After escaping the trial, Steven and Lars on the run. The pair meet up with a bunch of misfits, known as the Off Colors, a group of gems who have a flaw which makes them standout. There is Rhodonite (a fusion who shouldn’t have fused), Rutile (merged gem, so basically conjoined twins), Padparadscha (a sapphire who can only predict what has already happened. Which means she states the obvious a few seconds too late), and Fluorite (a fusion of six gems who looks like a giant grandma caterpillar). This group is captivating and hopefully will appear in future episodes because they would easily be very entertaining.
It’s also revealed one of the biggest defensive devices for the planet cannot detect others if they don’t have a gem. Essentially this means the if they were armed properly the inhabitant of Earth could save the day. This probably won’t happen but it would still be interesting if it did come to pass if Steven led all the residents of Beach City on a counter-invasion.
There is some great drama here as the Off Colors are introduced and Lars uses the fact he can’t be seen by the defenses to fight back. It ends with a nice bit of emotion and drama.
Lars’ Head
Steven finally gets to know the real Lars.
After the events of the previous episode, Lars is granted his own set of powers. He also has a very slow heartbeat but at least his hair seems to have the same power as Lion’s mane. With this new discovery, Lars is able to grow as a character, make a responsible decision, and it pulls on the heartstrings as it’s satisfying to see him finally become the kind of individual the audience wants to see more of in the future.
Also, the joke about Padparadscha being late with observation is adorable. Almost as adorable as the ending to the episode as things end in a great place, leaving the audience wanting more but at the same time showcasing there are plenty of great adventures on the horizon. The Steven Universe special Wanted was a great set of episodes which makes you want more leaves you satisfied in the end.
