Review: Steven Universe “Beta”

Meet your alpha.

Spoilers Below

In the first of two episodes, Steven and Amethyst go to visit Peridot and Lapis at the barn. It turns out that Peridot and Lapis have been getting along very well. As a matter of fact, the two of them have been creating art together. Amethyst isn’t very impressed but Steven likes most of it.

Peridot wonders why Amethyst is in such a foul mood. Steven explains that Amethyst is supposed to be like Jasper but finds herself lacking. To cheer Amethyst up, Peridot takes them to the place Jasper was born. This “beta” kindergarten was created when Homeworld needed more gems for their fight. Unfortunately, this kindergarten was rushed so most of the gems created were imperfect. All except for Jasper.

As Amethyst pumps herself up to defeat Jasper in the name of all of these imperfect gems, Peridot notices that some of these exit holes are new. And some of them have bars on them. And inside the makeshift cages are the corrupted gems. In the distance, they see Jasper near one of the cages.

I’m a big sucker for these types of episodes. We get to see how Peridot and Lapis’s relationship has grown. No longer are they fighting. Now they are actually working together on projects and enjoying the same television programs. They aren’t just roommates. They are friends. At the same time, Peridot is helping Amethyst get to the root of her self-hatred. Granted, Peridot isn’t the best at cheering people up but I think she was accomplishing something. But, of course, they had to come upon Jasper. Will this undo everything Peridot has done?