TV Review: Steven Universe Season 4 Episode 18

‘Steven Universe’ rarely misses when an episode is delivered, and this was no exception. Rebecca Sugar is brilliant at using the three-act cinematic structure to develop episodes.

This episode focuses on Amethyst and Steven, with the former no longer wishing to participate in their weekly wrestling matches, due to the fact that she is bored by them. According to her, she only participated because she harbored feelings of inadequacy that she wanted to escape from. Right way this is a testament to how flushed out Amethyst has become as a  character. She has come a long way from the misunderstood little sister of the Crystal Gems, and has many amazing character qualities.

However, and unfortunately, this leaves Steven with no wrestling partner. He tries to cope but soon realizes that he can't enjoy the activity without Amethyst. As the episode comes to a conclusion, Amethyst realizes how much the wrestling means to Steven because it was a way for them to spend time with each other, and Steven realizes that he and Amethyst can still have fun with each other without having  to wrestle.

Rebecca Sugar does it every time. Every. Single. Time. Amethyst and Steven's relationship is one of my favorite things in SU. It's a beautiful little-brother-big sister dynamic that is constantly expanded on through the brilliant use of nuance. Sugar has made it difficult not to be fully invested in these two characters. Their care for each other is genuine and incredibly relatable.

This episode was a welcomed break from the main plot, but I’m looking forward to seeing how well Amethyst and Steven's relationship will be able to withstand young steven finding out the truth about his mother, and why she shattered Pink Diamond. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Rating: I’m not crying. My eyes are just sweating.