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Top Ten Steven Universe Episodes

Throughout its run, Steven Universe had some terrific episodes, ranging from fantasy/SF canon to the more personal and emotional storylines. Both are great, and I have tried to represent both on my list. So here are ten best episodes of the show with three honorable mentions.

10. The New Lars

I really liked this Lars-centric episode. This guy is so well developed, especially for a supporting character, that his journey was wonderful to witness. Here, Steven ends up in his body, and the ensuing conversation between him and Sadie is quite powerful and revelatory.

9. Bubble Buddies

Bubble Buddies is important for introducing us to Connie for the first time. It’s a wonderful episode where the two get stuck in a giant bubble. It thus serve as both an adventure and a terrific character study. It was a great start for their terrific relationship.

8. Steven’s Dream

Steven’s Dream is one of the most intriguing episodes the show has ever done for sure. The dream is powerful, the imagery here is very memorable and it all ends with the introduction of a new, mysterious Gem.

7. That Will Be All

Steven and Greg attempt to escape the space station before being discovered by Blue and Yellow Diamond who here argue at length about Pink Diamond’s death. Their discussion is so fascinating and intriguing whereas the action/escape elements are also superb.

6. Steven vs. Amethyst

Amethyst has never had a better episode than this one. She is now the weakest Gem so her confidence reaches rock bottom, and she starts comparing herself to Steven. I found it a fantastic, moving character study and a wonderful time to be had with these two friends.

5. We Need to Talk

This particular episode is a Rose flashback, but unlike so many of these flashbacks (and there are quite a lot of them), this one is very interesting for exploring how Rose wasn’t perfect, and was actually rather condescending toward Greg. Very mature, powerful stuff here.

4. Fusion Cuisine

This episode find all three Gems fusing together into one entity to accompany Steven to dinner with Connie’s family. This is one of the more poignant episodes that explores the difference between Gems and humans, and all the different family units.

3. The Question

While Reunited is a great wedding episode, The Question is even better for exploring the relationship between Ruby and Sapphire in such a mature manner. Ruby wants to be alone for a while, and thus they explore clinginess so well. And that final scene is so romantic.

2. The Trial

Steven is put on trial before Blue and Yellow Diamond for the assassination of Pink Diamond. The courtroom drama ends up exploring what truly happened in this mystery and how everything is not as it seems. The mythology here is great and the imagery is truly impressive.

1. The Zoo

This is it. The most brilliant and the only truly spectacular Steven Universe episode that explores cults and arranged marriage in such a mature, emotional manner. It’s thus a terrific science fiction storyline that is very sophisticated while also being beautifully animated. I wish we got more such clever stories from the show.

Honorable Mentions:

Jail Break – Steven attempts to rescue Gems, including new additions Ruby and Sapphire, from Jasper and Peridot. This action-packed episode is both exciting and important.

Sadie Killer – I loved this episode where Sadie gets to truly shine by forming her own band. It explores her angst and frustrations wonderfully. She’s one of the best supporting players.

Message Received – Steven being distrustful of Peridot led to such an emotional, heartbreaking episode that ranks among the best with this fantastic green creation.