Review: Steven Universe “Lars’ Head”

Another pocket dimension.

Spoilers Below:

Lars wakes up, and Steven embraces him. Lars realizes that he died, and also that he’s now completely pink. They hear the sound of more probes and block the entrance so they can’t get in. The Off Colors debate on what they should do, as Lars questions his new existence. When Steven touches his hair, it lights up, much to their surprise. Steven, recognizing the portal as being similar to Lion’s mane, asks to try something out. Although it’s not exactly comfortable, Steven steps into Lars’ head.

He surfaces in Lion’s pocket dimension and works his way towards the familiar tree. He reemerges from Lion’s mane in his own home. Thirsty and hungry, he drinks a lot of water and quickly eats a sandwich. He packs some food for Lars, but can’t find anyone else to tell that that he’s okay.

When Steven comes out of Lars’ head, he explains that through the pocket dimension is a way back home to Earth. The Off-Colors are surprised, having thought that Earth had been destroyed centuries ago, but Steven explains that Earth is still standing and full of life. More importantly, Earth is a place where gems can be themselves, without having to hide where they are. Now that there’s a portal, they can all escape to Earth. Unfortunately, Lars can’t travel through his own head, so he’s stuck on Homeworld.

Lars says that it’s okay if he’s left behind because he took like on Earth for granted. However, the Off-Colors refuse to leave him and point out that he’ll need their help to get around. Lars insists that Steven go back, and while Steven is reluctant, Lars insists that he needs to leave for his own safety. They embrace, and Steven returns home. He reunites with the Crystal Gems and cries in happiness in Greg’s arms.

Overview:

That’s it for the Wanted special. As it turns out, Steven’s tears have the ability to revive someone from the dead and connect them to Rose’s pocket dimension. It’s heavily implied that Lion went through the same thing, which means he had died and was revived by Rose. With his newfound life, Lars doesn’t need to eat to live anymore, and it’s unclear whether he’s still considered human.

Lars’ act of heroism last episode touched the Off-Colors, enough that they are willing to put aside their means of escape and stay with him. Fluorite says that “off-colors have to stick together”, which signifies that they consider Lars one of them, something that comforts him. Lars acknowledges that he took his life on Earth for granted, and wants to use his new life for good. In the end, he sacrifices his own well-being for Steven, but he will still be in good company.