Review: Steven Universe Future Finale

Our Take:

The entire season has been leading up to Steven’s explosion. At the crux of it all, Steven is suffering, but he’s also not letting anyone seeing that he’s suffering. One person can’t solve his problems, and as it’s been pointed out, nobody really understands what he’s going through, not his family or the diamonds, or even his father.

Steven is ultimately, not fine. He keeps trying to keep himself under control, but every time he reels himself in, he just ends up causing harm, both to himself and to his surroundings. In his pseudo-therapy session with White, he nearly ends up shattering her. His attempts to continue helping others, even if they don’t need it, just ends up causing more trouble, since he’s doing it half-heartedly. When he starts to let his negative feelings flood out, he admits the truth, that he feels isolated and fearful of hurting anyone, and that he is becoming a monster.

In the end, what stops Steven’s rampage is a show of affection from everyone. Yes, including the diamonds. Everyone bands together to admit that yes, they were wrong in how they were trying to help Steven, but also that they love him regardless. Steven sees himself as a monster, but his friends ad family making it clear that he’s still valued and still loved despite all the things he’s done and not being perfect, that allows him time and space to let out his feelings. He stops seeing himself as a monster, and is able to break down, both back to normal, and admit that he’s not fine.

Admitting that he wasn’t okay was the first part of the problem, and the final episode puts forth that Steven is finally ready to move on. The war is over, people have their places, and Steven’s place is out in the world. That doesn’t mean he won’t come back, but he needs to find himself and has his own life. Everyone, even with their wide range of reactions, supports Steven and his desire to go. The Crystal Gems are sad to see him leave, but they’re still supportive of him. Honestly, this was a good decision on Steven’s part. He’s lived out his adventures helping his family, but now he needs to move on and become his own person. He’s also seeing a therapist now!

The scene of Steven leaving and the credits paired with his car driving down the road really hammered down that this show is over– but it was such a good ride. It’s hard to end things, and this was a good and fitting ending. I really do love this show, as goofy and serious as it is, and the Future installations were a really powerful addition. I’m going to miss this a lot, but this was a stellar finale to a great franchise. You’ll be missed, Steven Universe.