Hey guys ! As you can tell by this one's length, this has been quite the undertaking, so I'm really glad for you guys to finally see it! Unfortunately, the length of this one also means that there are a few different errors throughout, so here's a list of every correction I can currently think of, plus anything that you guys point out later. 8:14 Comparing her role in getting the actual Rose Quartzes bubbled and her role in injuring White Pearl isn't as simple as I make it sound here. 12:04 Jungle Moon is one of my favorite episodes, don't know why I made it sound bad here. 19:05 There's probably not actually a 'handful' of episodes in this season that focus on characters that nobody cares about. 35:38 Not 'Premises,' it should be 'Premise'. 41:38 This part definitely hurts, as I would usually just rerecord, but since this video kind of needs to come out on Wednesday - here we are. "Out of all of the songs on this list, including number one, there’s not a single one that I enjoy casually listening to more than Mr. Universe, which makes the fact that it’s not on Streaming Services an actual crime. Seriously though, removing the fact that I’m a pretty big Bowie fan, this one also just hits so hard in its namesake episode, as Steven’s been waiting this entire time for some kind of revelation, only for the reveal that his father chose their last name based on a cheesy glam rock song, with some wonderfully cosmic lyrics." 42:42 Technically, Greg and Pearl both sing along with different original songs, but you get the point. 59:08 Again, this isn't technically wrong, but the first "beneficial" is supposed to be "helpful." 1:21:57 'Make,' not 'Makes' I am very sure that I am missing some other stuff, but if I watch this video again I might actually go crazy, so if you catch any other mistakes please let me know, even if they are as dumb as me mispronouncing a word. Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy my last month of work !
Honestly, I loved SUF. I don’t understand why people criticize for being too edgy, relatable and with an anticlimactic boss fight, when it makes sense in the context. Steven is literally the poster child for “Why we do NOT recruit children as soldiers, or as underaged adults, or as degree-less therapists”. Here’s shown why such trope wouldn’t work in real life.
My only issue really is the anticlimactic boss fight I feel like it should have had maybe not conflict like actual physical conflict but another episode of time to stretch out the idea of him not coming back
@@veronicapiccinini7956 It felt like his whole I"m a monster thing was solved a bit too fast. I don't think there should be a physical conflict (if there was I don't know how to really justify it) If they could've dragged it out of him running away or something instead of it being solved by one hug.
@@Awesomewithaz I agree with the “dragged out his issues” part (maybe we could get a scene when he tries to “unlive himself”) , but unfortunately they couldn’t get more episodes, but I don’t mind the “physical” part. I mean, none of them tried to attack him, they just prevent him from hurting himself and others, which it may happen if someone has a meltdown, because using force, or even merely threatening him, would enforce his belief that he’s dangerous. Just because he f**** up, it doesn’t mean he’s a bad person. Also many therapists suggest to use a gentle touch to calm down a person in the middle of a meltdown (like in this case an hug, although I would ask them their consent first) and just being there and listening, and offering support without judgement. As Pearl quoted: “I would like an hug” ❤️
I didn’t realize people hated Future. I watched SU last year and Future was my absolute favorite part of the show. Steven was so relatable and it actually does a good job of showing why people bottle up their emotions and why it’s harmful for both yourself and others. It’s not noble to hide your feelings and pain. Plus showing a “good” main character doing pretty horrible things like basically murder is honestly such a breathe of fresh air in cartoons, where so many characters end up being sorted into a “good” or “bad” camp eventually.
I grew up a lot like Steven did (no schooling, no doctors visits, very little interaction with peers my age, being a therapist/parentified child for mentally ill adults, my life being a long, haphazard line of gargantuan and small traumas alike, feeling abjectly alienated from the human experience etc etc etc). As someone who lived like that, and watched Steven Universe as a coping mechanism during my formative years... Steven Universe (most especially Future) feels like one big, comprehensive love-letter written just to me. The original show was extremely relatable in a lot of ways already, because as a kid I saw Steven as the good, helpful child I so desperately wanted to internalize myself as being in the face of trauma - it delivered a sense of hope and wonder that my life just couldn't. Future, on the other hand, came when I was first brushing with adulthood - I was growing up, and I was struggling so desperately to make sense of the slew of things that had happened to me, and as a result of all the damage that had been done I couldn't function in daily life. With Steven Universe, I felt like I saw my parental relationships represented, my sibling relationships represented, my hopes represented. With Future, I saw the reality of those traumas and my relationships represented, and most importantly, myself represented. So horribly, wonderfully, awfully comprehensively. The conversation Steven had at the roller rink with those kids? I feel like I've had that exact same conversation so many times in my life. Some random kid my age asking me what grade I'm in, me not knowing how grades work because I've had no exposure to schooling, "uhhhh... elevennn...th?" Trying to relate to peers about their struggles and gripes, but saying something horrible and traumatic that no average person is going to relate to. Doing lots of "normal human things" at what could be considered a very late age. Being overrun by fear, "how am I supposed to live life if it always feels like I'm about to die?" Doing horrible things, feeling like a monster, feeling and becoming so much like the people who hurt you. I can go on and on! It's just so funny!! Both of them feel like genuine love-letters for me at both times of my life! Steven Universe said, "Look at this! Isn't this wonderful? Despite what goes wrong, it's all going to be okay." Future said: "I see you. Here you are. How you're feeling makes sense, and what happened to you wasn't okay." It's just so funny to actually relate to something. To actually feel represented. Because before this show, that had never, ever happened to me. Anyway this was a bit of a rant, but I really appreciate this video!
I'm glad to give you your 100th like. I feel pretty similar, watching Steven as a kid trying to take care of everyone else around him used to make me feel so seen, like I was a hero and a good person too for being there for everyone. I used to watch the original seasons on repeat until Future. I was too deep in my own mental breakdown to even watch it when it aired. And when I came back years later to watch it, it was painful. A lot of it is realizing how traumatized and taken advantage of this sweet, kind child is by the adults in his life, that even after all these years, they still have no idea how to empathize with him and care for the child he still is. And I haven't been able to watch the original since, because I can't stop seeing this traumatized child being adultified and used and harmed by everyone around him. Most of the empathetic support he gets is from other children, the cool kids, Lars and Connie. Children filling the role adults in his life should fill, while he cares for everyone else on his too-small shoulders. It's so much more gutting to watch the original now, and I don't regret that
The isolation, the inability to know what to do around people, the constantly trying to keep everything fine and everyone together. I related so much to SU, and now that I'm also becoming an adult SUF is there to continue that relatability.
I cried reading this... Though I did not experience what you did in the same magnitude, the way you phrased it as a "love letter" makes me feel incredibly seen. Thank you. I hope you're doing well in life~
The episode Growing Pains was honestly probably my favorite episode of the entire show. As someone with C-Ptsd, I could feel for Steven sooo deeply. I love the entire show so much, depression and PTSD can be struggling and so hard to cope with. It can be ugly and raw and I love how well they portray that in Future. I love this show so much
This episode had me sobbing. I wasn’t understanding why I felt so on edge after being out on my own and away from my childhood home. I didn’t have to look over my shoulder or walk on eggshells anymore, and yet I was and even *more* than before. “You've been dealing with genuine threats from such a young age, your body is now responding to minor threats as if your life were in danger” put it exactly the way I needed to have it explained.
@@brit6979As another person with PTSD, I’m with you on this one. It was only once I was forced to be still with quarantine keeping me in my home that I realized something was very wrong.
@@diallo1347 its really nice to hear that. I'm really grateful that a show meant for preteens and young teens touches on trauma, since being aware of said trauma is a good first step into healing.
I’ll always hate the fact that people acted like Steven’s trauma in this show came out of nowhere, even though the original show had a LOT trauma moments for Steven and Future even references some of them when Steven goes to a doctor’s appointment.
Trauma can affect you the worst once you're long out of the woods of the traumatic events that have happened to you. I wonder if those people don't realise that.
@@chrissy9997 i don't know because that's exactly how i acted so ive always heavily related to Steven Universe growing up and i am almost an adult now so I don't understand why other people can't piece that together
exactly - even in the original show, hints of Steven's trauma we'd see start snowballing in Future were present from pretty close to the start. Literally what else could Steven's reaction to the whole S1 finale be seen as? In the finale itself, he just completely zones out, and then tries to cut Connie off, saying (singing) that she doesn't "need" him and shouldn't be involved in what's happening.
I think it’s because we had another character who was the same age of Steven who also went through a lot of trauma growing up and didn’t end up acting all victim like. That character was Finn. They would both perish if these big events and keep being themselves and loving themselves and growing but Steven all of a sudden not being able to make friends or live without the people he already know was weird because he was always shown to be self dependent and confident. Just my opinion though.
Future was very important for me because when I first watched the season with my mother I was going through a mental health crisis. I saw how Steven was feeling and how he was self destructing and I saw myself in him and used him to communicate my problems with my mother. It's extra hard for me to watch because it reminds me of my worst times and it's not something that's easy to relive.
OH I absolutely LOVE how unlikeable Steven was in future. I had my own descent into severe depression during the time that future aired. It was to the point that I justified sticking around, in order to just see how Future would end (i had been invested in steven universe since middle school and throughout high school, so I may as well finish the whole thing.) I was an absolute asshole to the people who loved me. I was unbearable to be around, because I felt so miserable. Seeing Steven, the same. Seeing Steven, despite all of that, as still worthy of love and forgiveness means so much to me. It genuinely makes me tear up, time and time again. Remember, Steven, the character, had been there for me as I grew from child to adult. He was very personal to me. It's one of the best depictions of mental illness I've seen in fiction. It just felt so relatable. I still remember the internet argument I got into with someone, telling me Steven's character was ruined because he "tried to kill his dad by crashing the van," lmao.
Right? The amount of people I've had yell at me online for criticising Greg's parenting. You can be a good person and a bad parent, like these two things aren't mutually exclusive.
@@blancfan1 Steven is never formally diagnosed in Future, actually. I’ve seen many different headcanons on an exact mental illness. Despite that, I never said definitively that this is the exact diagnosis for him. Either way, symptoms of Bipolar disorder can and do overlap with general depression. In fact, depression often manifests as a symptom of many untreated disorders. The same way autistic people relate to characters like Peridot despite that being a headcanon is the way I relate to Steven. But thanks for your mansplaining. Really appreciate it.
I see a lot of myself in Steven from Future, because when I was in his years, I've got a lot going on mentally. Still do, tbh And though I'm a bit older now, when I finally watched the show, this epilogue season? I related SO MUCH with him. I understand his reactions, and the ending just teared me up so much, because that's what I would have wanted happening to me. So, imo, people who hated SUF probably couldn't relate to all this trauma going on.
"Growing Pains" was my favorite episode, as most shows *period* don't exactly talk about the trauma their characters undergo. The flashback montage where Steven narrates what happened, before Connie's mother interuppts and Steven says "But... that was just the early stuff!" hit me like a fucking truck. That entire scene is exactly how I feel about any sort of traumatic event, and I already related to Steven enough. Words can't really describe how much I loved that episode/scene and how heavily they impacted me.
I was so surprised about Dr. Maheswaran mentioning trauma. I was like "What, in a (supposedly) kids show? Talking about therapy and consequences from near death experiences?" And it's just sad tbh how little this stuff is mentioned, and how little portraying it gets in cartoons. Because whenever there are adventures, there can't be only bright side. I'm glad for this shows' existence so much, especially so for the opportunity to see Steven getting help he needs in the end
I find it so hilarious when people hate Steven for lashing out because of his trauma, when literally that’s what he’s been surrounded by his WHOLE LIFE. People lashing out because of their trauma. Pearl, Amethyst, Lapis, Bismuth, Spinel. Where do you think he learnt that from??? And yet it’s fine when they do it right?
@@Abdullah-eonkid09 It’s obviously not good that he did that. But it’s also not good how Amethyst violently attacked Pearl right in front of Steven and seeing his two caretakers brutally fight each other. It’s not good that Spinel, who knew he wasn’t pink, still tried to kill him anyways cause she was mad. It’s not good how lapis tried to drown him because she wanted to go home. It’s not good how Bismuth tried to kill him because he said something similar to Rose. Of course I know what he did to Pink Pearl is wrong. But all the others did equally as bad if not worse things to him, and yet NO ONE complains about them. People sympathize and understand those characters, but just can’t seem to do the same with Steven for some reason.
@shadow_spite7121 no I think the problem is that they all happened not but not in the movie or show and it all started when Jasper called him weak and the final battle ended with a hug like dude all that for a hug and they messed up shattering makeing it so you can just fix it if you broken it.
@@Abdullah-eonkid09 what did you want them to do? Beat the shit out of him? Is that what you think he needed. Obviously the hug didn’t fix all his problems, it just helped with his meltdown. Also yeah, i get it. It sucks that they made shattering less impactful, but to be fair, he can literally bring organic life back to life as well, so why is it any different with gems. Death itself isn’t permanent in this show. Neither organic or gem life can stay dead if he had a say in it. So a gem being brought back to life isn’t necessarily that far fetched. Besides, him shattering Jasper wasn’t really about her death, more of the fact that he could do something a diamond could do, tipping him more over the edge. This show shows how trauma can spiral worse and worse if you don’t get the help you need. How it can destroy you as a person.
I feel like people who hate Future just don't understand the goals of the show and it's creators. Sure, I would've liked to see some things done differently but Future is exactly what the next part of Steven's story was always going to be.
A next part should be handled with more respect I’m ngl I understand it’s him transitioning from gem culture to human culture but again it gives him no excuse to treat anyone like that and was unnecessary. (Except the jasper conflict that was necessary just remove the fact Steven treats her like a positive role model) as if that made any sense I could go on but modern anime explains it better than I do: Steven is simply a person who thrives on war not peace because Steven is just someone who likes problems because he is the problem So peace is something he loathes To simplify the point: he likes problems and if no problems he becomes the problem to satisfy himself (think when he had a tantrum over Connie not wanting to marry him at such a young age, or hanging with Jasper, or treating the diamonds like they are a source of trauma when they apologize profusely and do their best to be their for him and to right their wrongs)
@@kerroseir4764they never excuse his behavior, the characters simply understand his behavior and give him some grace. He’s an extremely traumatized child still.
@@kerroseir4764also, the last part of your comment tells me you have 0 media literacy when it comes to stevens character. He does not loathe peace, peace makes him extremely anxious because he’s never had a peaceful moment in his whole life. He’s always been under extreme threat of something. Feeling uncomfortable in peace does not make him hateful towards peace.
@@SunBeeSmoked hasn’t had a peaceful life-so you haven’t watched any of the episodes where he’s doing nothing or understand events occur between episodes
To be honest, this epilogue hold a piece of Rebecca Sugar’s life, and I love when series are based on the author’s real life experiences. More specifically, Steven turning pink whenever he’s in a mental distress is based on a very traumatic incident Rebecca went through. Here’s some of her words regarding “Growing Pains”: “At this point, Steven’s been in so many life-threatening situations that his gem is responding as if his life is in danger. It’s making him stronger. It’s making [him] faster. It’s making him heavier. It’s making him whatever he needs to be to get out of a life-threatening situation. The problem is that he’s not in a life-threatening situation, but his body has learned to react that way. His gem has learned to react that way so that is what’s happening when he is turning pink, that reaction is his life-saving instinct.” […] “When I was 22, I was assaulted and I got away, but I began to experience something that I couldn’t understand after it had happened. Because I had escaped, I thought that nothing had happened, but I began to have trouble with my peripheral vision and I felt like I couldn’t see what was going on around me. Even something as simple as going to the movie theater was so overwhelming. Just the sound and size of the screen would leave me feeling dizzy. I didn’t want to be inside it. I didn’t want to be outside. I would have trouble breathing-“
Steven reminds me of Shinji Ikari in the way a sizable portion of the audience just couldn't handle them being imperfect protagonists going through trauma in a realistic manner.
The Hospital scene is very unreasonable tho, and I actually liked his character beforehand Edit: FUCKING AUTOCOREECT WHAT THE FUCK. I MEANT UNREASONABLE
1:28:12 as the resident Jasper stan and scholar I always argue her just being in Little Homeworld is a massive step for her character. People act as if Jasper wouldn't need to be dragged biting and clawing into introspection and development. Also her crashing through the wall to say goodbye and acting nonchalant about it like she absolutely wasn't just eavesdropping on his conversation with Bismuth, Peridot and Lapis always cracks me up.
I never realized she probably heard their conversation in specific lol, that’s a funny detail. Also yeah I might just be biased because Jaspers my favorite, but I do think her being in there is a step in the right direction and I really want to see her further progress this potential redemption
Omg I agree about Bluebird, the first part of the episode is so whatever but grown-up Steven is so funny when he’s annoyed and done with people’s BS and it made the last part hilarious. RIP Greg’s hair.
34:12 I see Cactus Steven as a parallel of how the Diamonds treated Pink. It learns its behaviors from him but he gets angry at it for just being the way he made it. He starts locking it in a dark box as punishment for just wanting to imitate him because it was inconvenient and irritating to him. Then it starts lashing out.
Steven in SUF is one of my favorite protagonists from any piece of media. I'm so glad people are finally beginning to realize how good this miniseries was.
SAME, I loved OG Steven but SUF elevated him to one of my favorite fictional characters ever. Such good character writing ugh. The revival of this show’s popularity makes me so happy, can’t stand some of those old video essays from when the finale first dropped lmao
I have always loved Steven Universe Future, it definitely has some flaws, but that doesn’t make it bad at all. SUF was just so misunderstood and I’m glad to see it in a positive light for once. This show means a lot to me and has helped me heal in so many ways, so thank you for making this amazing video!
I absolutely adore future. I found that it fantastically followed up on stevens savior complex and it came at a time where i found it very relatable as i was about to go to college so i absolutely bawled at the finale.
For some reason I only decided to watch steven universe earlier this year, and as a very, very mentall ill person, I loved future! it was pretty sad searching what other people thought about the show and seeing how negative most stuff was, only to then realize the entire problem was they didnt understand how mental illness works and how well the show represented it, but I know you're smart and understand this stuff well so imma shut up and enjoy this video now
I never went to look for other people reviews, so I didn't know people 'hated' future. Videos I watched back when it came out were SU reactors enjoying the show.
Same How he describes that those who viewed the show are split into two: those who met such problems in their life (themselves or close ones) and those who did not. It really pains me that people a priori are weirded out and are not understanding or even trying to understand
@@chargoal_games As someone who doesn't really have intense trauma/ptsd per-say but really enjoys psychological type media, this "kids show" made was really something special- especially when Rebecca and the team were bold enough to be so straightforward to tell the audience that their starchild has Trauma.
the gems not being there for steven kinda fits for the whole story line doesnt it? they dont push for answers, dont make him take accountability, and they just let stuff pass by as they dont get it (snow day they really just wanted steven to take it easy after making himself work harder to forget about his inability to take control)
The public’s reaction to SUF is why you should not even humor people who think “everybody has childhood baggage” or “everybody is depressed.” Despite the fact that so many healthy people love to pretend they are just as depressed and traumatized as those who can’t “rise above it,” the vast majority of the population thinks depression is the same thing as grief and trauma is the same thing as PTSD. The world is so used to the dramatic, unmistakable way Hollywood portrays trauma that when a series paints the manifestation of trauma accurately for once, it’s seen as a retcon by anybody who has not personally experienced that flip of the switch from “I’m surprisingly happy and unaffected by this,” to “why am I so much more miserable about my past now that I am safe?” They expect a literal child to identify and resent his trauma while it’s still actively happening, because if you don’t hate it while it’s happening then how is it trauma?! Except real trauma does not come with cinematic foreshadowing. You might not even cry until years later. The “privilege” of being depressed and angsty often cannot come until it’s safe not to ignore and accept everything. Steven in the original series is always happy, not because his upbringing was healthy but because had he not been, his planet would’ve been destroyed. SUF Steven does not “suddenly” have trauma. It was always there somewhere, but hidden even from himself by a never ending loop of life-or-death urgency to solve another person’s trauma. His obsession with fixing other people in SUF shows an immense fear of confronting his own problems, which is EXACTLY why he always seemed fine. It would make LESS sense if he had acknowledged his issues all along. The fact he never expressed his pain in any way at the time is exactly WHY it became trauma. Or perhaps people just expect every traumatized child to grow into a tough, cynical, brooding emo like Lapis; Steven is too optimistic to be going through trauma! But not all trauma is gritty and romantic. It doesn’t reward you by turning you into a hardened stoic. In fact, it tends to make makes life MORE overwhelming, not less. My schizoaffective sibling was exactly like Steven before the illness onset at the age of 19. If anything, a naturally sensitive/emotional temperament and unwillingness to express negativity are exactly why he was so prone to trauma.
I love how the one that ultimately gets Steven to break down (in a good way), is Lion. As The Roundtable said, Lion licking Steven showed him how he's still the same lovable goofball kid he used to be by showing him the same affection he showed Steven when he was a kid. Pets can ultimately be someone's saving grace
That scene is still one of the most cathartic and emotional scenes (for me personally) I’ve seen. Can never watch it without getting at least a little choked up
Future hit me like a brick when I first watched it. I relate to a lot of aspects of it, and it was a great way to examine the effects of the main show and how he's dealt with it
Yeah, Future just felt like a natural continuation of S5. The series started off really great with the first season and as most great series do, just continually gets better each passing season, with each episode improving on the last. And Future fits into this very nicely I'd say.
The biggest shame was it getting cut early because of homophobia, imagine how much more incredible this all would've been had they been given the time of day and budget to properly tell this story...
Funny enough, Future and all of the trauma related arcs felt so close to how season 1 once was with every episode being about Steven farming trauma enough to access his momma's shield
I loved Future because I'm one of those people who know firsthand how mental illness can slowly take over your brain and perception of life as a whole. My main complaint with future was how it ended. I hated that we see Steven end his breakdown, and then it just skips to when he's stable-ish again. He's got a therapist. He's got a plan to go out and see the nation. He's obviously talked with the gems about what happened. That would have been amazing to see. As someone who struggled with suicide, getting help was almost as hard as the actual breakdown itself was. It would have been cool to see Steven struggle and hesitate through that and have his friends and family cheer him on. It would have been cool to see that moment where he realizes it's okay to prioritize himself. Then he and the gems NOT talking about how it would hurt to see him leave in the last episode just kind of undermined the whole communication message the rest of the season was going for. We needed to see them be sad, Steven hesitate (similarly to the getting help hesitation mentioned earlier), and then piece together that it's okay to leave, even if he'll miss his family and they'll miss him.
I feel like people's opinion on Steven's character in SUF is a litmus test for who's trustworthy when it comes to mental illness or mental health advice. SO MANY people dismissed the entire season as just "Steven is an angry white boy now, what else is new" and it BAFFLES ME. These are the same types of people who will write paragraphs about how harmful romanticizing mental illness is. It just breaks my brain trying to understand their thought process. It also really infurates me to see people watch SUF and then get mad that Steven "flips out out of nowhere". Like, I'm sorry, but how is it out of nowhere? He's had to deal with world ending threats his entire life, do you really think he has the time to sit down and process his trauma first? The kid has not been able to breathe until the end of the movie. Now he has all the time in the world, which is why it's all hitting him like a bag of bricks. Don't we joke about that on the internet all the time? "Uh-oh, gotta keep myself busy so I'm not left alone with my own thoughts!" - but when Steven does the same that's unrealistic?
I will say that in my personal experience, watching SU Future was deeply uncomfortable for me because Steven just hit a bit too hard in several ways that I feel so angry and frustrated at the episode where he tried so hard to be "normal" and act his usual self but things just go worsw because that's what I also felt at the time but I still got the benefit of watching it on a screen and can go watch an old episode if it got too much. Maybe that's why I have tried to convince myself to not like it by watching a lot of hate video about Future
There were a bunch of scenes from the OG series that foreshadowed this breaking point of his, so, so MANY. Some or in this case Most people just can't read between the lines.
Future is a complex show, because it was made to be. Because showing the emotions and process of mental health and healing in a cartoon is never going to be perfect. But that is ok, its no way to represent it in a manner of this show, yet it works, because it shows mental health is something you can't really explain as its different for everyone. Yet future shows how its effects people physically and mentally in a cartoonist environment. Stevens story ending is isn't perfect. It isn't the power of love saves the day. The message was, to show Steven he won't go through these emotions alone, and that the people he loves is there. So Yes the show isn't perfect, but it doesn't need to be, because just what steven learns, nothing can perfect in life, and only thing we can do is accept that and that is the true message of Steven Universe Future. So Thank you Rebecca Sugar for the moments we watch Steven universe that you created for us to watch one last time.
As a long-time Steven Universe fan (since 2nd or 3rd grade), this video left me in tears. Since the first time i watched SUF, i was 11, i couldn't truly understand the weight of it. All i saw was "SUF bad", "steven became a different character." Now watching this 4 years later, this recontextualized the show for me. This show was my childhood and it means everything to me. Steven's pains really hit me hard and that shows how SUF was such a great show. I know how cheesy this is, but i truly feel so emotional when it comes to this show.
I have personally never understood the hate towards SUF. As someone who had to grow up too fast for the sake of the lacking adults around them, I connected very personally to Steven's and his struggles to discover himself and move on from his trauma. I also relate to once being a teenager and having to navigate my own new, ever-changing and confusing emotions whilst also playing the role of an adult for those around me. It was hard to accept any kind of change because it felt like I had no control over my life and my own actions, and so I tended to lash out. I am so happy to have grown alongside Steven during the initial show, and then become a better person with him later in Future. It's all about being human!! Took a bit of a hiatus so I could come back and binge all of your videos! This happens to be one that I've been excitedly waiting for, so I'm happy to break my hiatus with this vid. I look forward to watching and commenting on all of the videos that you've put out since! :D
I just rewatched the entire original show, movie, and future again. No matter what, I manage to cry at the end every time. It’s incredibly impactful in my life. I’m getting older. I just turned 18. Life changing is scaring me but this show and it's message keeps me grounded. It reminds me that I will be fine as long as I know I can talk to my loved ones about it. ❤ I love you, Ample Samuel.
I just remembered how that hospital scene just wrecked me and turned the complete series on it's head. No more springing back from the issue of the week, no more percieving Steven's 'not like other kids' as quirky, everything that happened left a mark, even if it didn't scar him on the outside. Up to Growing Pains it looks like Steven just can't take his mind off things and therefore must keep busy, going through the motions without adapting just so he isn't alone with his thoughts, keeping the walls from crashing in. In my opinion the Diamonds in in Homeworld Bound could be seen as the worst attempts of therapy. Yellow: Surgery without reason, offering a body modification without counsel Blue: Medication without further work, just giving out an emotional high and not addressing the underlying reasons White: Reflection without guidance, presenting the problem but no way on how to move on With that they are on the same wavelength as in the original show. They might be a bit friendlier in the new era, but they are still physicly dominating, emotionally shut down, and presenting the status quo, which in turn drives Steven/Pink to lash out because he/she can't live with the world presented.
For a second I thought you were implying Steven was Pink with how it was worded "drove Steven and Pink" would make it clear you are talking about them as seperate characters, rather than pulling a White Diamond
Happy to see people out there actually defending Steven universe future instead of giving it unfair criticism cause they didn't understand it and it wasn't to their standards when it came to writing
STU is a beautiful, heartbreaking show that tackles the struggle of mental health. There are a lot of people who hate steven because he's "a brat" or "a whiney baby" but if they went through all the pain poor steven went through, they would understand why he had that mental breakdown. 10/10 show btw :3
when steven said “how can i move on with my life when i always feel like im about to die” that line sold me. that line gave everything in this show purpose. anyone who doesn’t understand the gravity of that line has not been in steven’s position, via the position of trying to live a normal life after years of being subjected to horrific trauma. steven reacted EXACTLY how i did when i finally moved out of my childhood home and got a change of custody. the self sabotage when you’re trying to heal from childhood trauma is so unbelievably real and accurate.
I honestly enjoy that Future shows so much about mental health. Steven's struggles actually helped me put my own mental issues into words, like the line "How do I live if it feels like I'm always going to die?" I have generalized anxiety disorder, along with other things, and that quote helped me explain to my neurotypical mother why my anxiety can debilitate me, as well as helping her understand just how hard I've worked to make sure that my mental illnesses don't control me. I also had multiple mental breakdowns while I was in college, and they happened a lot like Steven's mental breakdown did. They started small like a snowflake, then snowballed over the course of several weeks/months until they became an avalanche. Just like Steven, when my mental health started rotting, I ignored my own struggles in favor of chasing the short-term validation and joy boost of helping others. I ran myself ragged, trying to prove to myself that I'm a good person in the hopes that other people's happiness would magically fix my own mental state. But it didn't. It never did. It only ever made me feel worse because I was envious of the happiness those people I helped feel, and that made me hate myself for being envious of a person who needed my help. I could say more, but I think I'll leave it here.
I am genuinely so happy and grateful that you made this video, like, beyond words. I’ve always loved Steven universe future and knowing that such a major amount of people misrepresented it made me really really upset. To see this video exist is a blessing to me personally. Steven universe as a franchise and Steven as a character have always been a major comfort for me. In future, the show with Steven spoke to me in a way that I’ve never seen any other piece of media do. Ever. Watching future is like looking in a mirror for me. It’s crazy how much I relate to Steven as a character. I struggle with depression and PTSD and also fear the future and losing the people I love. Steven not being like anyone else being half human and half gem is really relatable as well since I am a person who was born with two bladders and two uteruses. Being born with two bladders and being born with two uteruses can happen separately but the fact that I have both, pretty much a double double, is unheard of and insane. I have also had deep struggles with trying to be normal and having to come to terms that I am literally a one in a billion person on this planet which sometimes leads me into an existential crisis. This show just really hit home. I also have major troubles expressing myself and my true emotions which has unfortunately prevented some positive life changing conversations between people I trust but this show, this show speaks for me when I can’t, it’s almost therapeutic in a way. I’ve been suffering from these emotions and bottling everything for like 6 years of my life, and also, I’m 16 as well, just like Steven was in this series. Both of us had our childhood trauma truly catch up to us and bring us to the impacting reality of facing it at the age of 16. My dad, he loves when I show him my special interests and I have introduced him to the entire Steven universe franchise, Starting from season 1 episode 1 of the original series. I’ve seen the franchise multiple times before but this is my dad’s first time watching. Future has helped me express things to my dad in ways I’ve never been able to, ever since my PTSD first sprouted at the age of ten. Future has helped my bond with my family and has shown me that I’m not alone. Bless you for making this video. 💛
Steven Universe Future is the part of the series I love rewatching the most. The leadup to Steven’s breakdown was masterfully executed, including his speech during the intervention. And the OST is great too. Homeworld’s tune and the background music during “Steven’s here to help” are not talked about a lot, but I find them particularly enjoyable to listen to. Same goes for the ending of the first episode.
SUF is so good. I never understood the hate. It fixed a ton of problems people had with the OG show. But I’m response those same people decided to Either act like it didn’t exist or was still bad for problems that didn’t exist anymore
I honestly had no idea that people hated Future?!? I've watched it several times and it always gets me teary eyed at the end. Such a beautiful message regarding trauma and self compassion.
they always make "the sequel" either a victory lap or a new enemy treating the peace this series is the only to ever make a realistic future about finding purpose and dealing with mental toll after all war is over everyone expects bigger swords and powerful explosions and, but no one realistically thinks what a kid that grew up in a war suppose to do after everything they ever know is turn into peace
I actually would’ve loved to hear your elaborations any time you said it would “take too long to get through”! If you’re not sick of writing about the series, I would 100% watch some follow-up videos where you go deeper into some of your observations and thoughts here. I enjoy hearing you talk about Future! I personally really liked that it followed up on Steven’s mental health, which I think was hinted at in the movie, and it’s something his character deserves after all he’s been through and all he’s done. The epilogue series was difficult to watch at times (and I’ve never felt so much secondhand embarrassment while watching a show), but I think that’s part of what made certain moments feel so hard-hitting. I’ll never forget how absolutely cathartic it was when Steven was able to just let himself cry at the end of the penultimate episode.
The biggest issue is they did need maybe one more episode. Honestly two but with one they could have paced the redemption of Steven, or whatever you want to call that, better.
If they had one more episode they definitely could have drawn out the monster part of the series. It was resolved a little too quick. Or they could have js cut out ‘a very special episode’ all together it wouldn’t have done a lot jajaja
They could've taken out "A Very Special Episode". I love Future but that one was a little too awkward even as a crack episode imo. 😭 I tend to skip it.
I think Steven's pain was dragged out for so long the audience got uncomfortable with it. Like in Owl House, I don't recall seeing Eda or Hunter getting bashed for their trauma the way Steven did. And I think that's because Owl House's writers knew when they needed to step back and let their audience decompress with more fun moments. Just a theory though.
@@ScrewpineCaprice I KNOW i just ,,, it just doesn’t really fit steven universe’s franchise. I know there’s a defense for it in this video and I understand what hes saying, and ,,, i agree to a extent. But i still think its the least necessary for the epilogue series lol. It’s out of place a bit ,,,
Honestly, some of the clunkier parts of Future are my absolute favorites. They take the "not romanticizing" part that they applied to depression and apply it to all the other characters going through various emotional issues and journeys. When Steven was a kid he knew that everyone was flawed, but he truly and completely believed that every conflict could be resolved and everyone could be redeemed. Seeing the story through his eyes as an adult though we see characters and dialogue that are slightly more real. People are TRYING for the perfect solutions, for the perfect words, but often falling flat and it feels like this is on purpose on a number of occasions. I think few things highlight how great the show was at this better than Steven's dad telling him the origin of their name. In retrospect, I understand what Greg was attempting to tell Steven in that scene, but on my first watch, I had the same reaction as Steven. It was a great representation of that moment where children realize that their parents aren't anymore put together than they are and that they can only ever do their best. The fact that upon further watching of that scene you realize that Greg actually DID have good advice that was based on his life experience, but that he simply communicated it poorly because he didn't know what was going on in Steven's head that changed the tone of his words so heavily only makes it even more brilliant.
genuinely don’t get why people don’t like future. i found it to be delightfully (painfully) relatable and a bittersweet but satisfying close to the story. idk what people want, it’s way better than anything we got in my day.
I really liked Future. The only part I disliked, was that shattered gems can be healed. It kind of removes the stakes (for the gem characters at least) in the past seasons. Otherwise great, and the scene where Steven is holding Jasper in the tub after he shatters her is genuinely great despite him succeeding in healing her. Had me teared up.
Honestly yea. You’re right about the stakes being lowered with shattering gems ,,, it would have been a lot more impactful if jasper could not have been revived. But im sure there’s a good argument for this lol
@@dxitydevil healing shattered gems isnt that much of 'stake removal' as the main series is already over. it only affects jasper being shattered, but having her healed is LITERALLY part of the issue of him going past traumatic events without repercussion or any amount of processing, plus he gets called a diamond after, making him think that he really is as bad as the diamond
@@caoinhnamkhanh2795nah I’d say it still removes basically all the stakes of any of the gem war or anything. They can fix corruption so the laser they shot earth with didn’t matter, they can bring them back from death so all the gems that died in the gem war all need to be (excavated? I guess?) I suppose they’re in the cluster but even the cluster is just a sad blob of half dead people I’m sure if they had more episodes they’d have made the diamonds uncluster them too just to remove stakes even further
@@ohnobro3770 I don't understand why you think the stakes were removed. Of course the diamonds can fix shattering and corruption. They're literally the most powerful gems in the series, being the literal creators of their gems. It makes perfect sense and I don't think it's "removing stakes" of any kind.
You summed it up better than I ever could have. "It elicits a completely different set of emotions that are more challenging while being extremely satisfying." This season was hard to watch. But it felt like being forced to look in a mirror. I saw so many of my own struggles in Steven, and honestly, it shook me to my core to see a cartoon try and tackle such a heavy topic like Steven's psyche. Of course they were bound to mess up in plenty of ways. It's a nuanced topic where no 2 people's experiences are the same. You could play it safe and just have a cute fanservice send-off... or you can stick to your vision- to tackling a hard topic that had been building through the undertones of the OG series. To go where no cartoons have been willing to go in such brazen ways before. Sure, we're seeing peeks of mental health exploration in animation over the past 15 years- but before then? Almost unheard of. It's not 'safe' for studios to go down that route. It's emotionally charged, divisive, and almost impossible to get 'right.' But, they tried, and that's the part that counts. This show is going to be so important to so many people. I met my current GF through SU, and Future made me look at myself in very uncomfortable, but necessary ways, and I'll forever appreciate the steps [and mis-steps] Sugar and the team made to make their vision come true. I can only hope that my novels I'm writing [that the team inspired me to finally pursue] can accomplish even a fraction of what SU DID do right. Wonderful video, and thank you for taking the time to make it.
HELL YEAH >:D I loved the original series but as someone who wanted the show to focus on steven and the consequences of his traumatic experiences, future put the whole show on the top for me. literally what I always wanted
I think in this season is the most honest look at the reality of processing trauma and change in both positive and negative ways. This season not only keeps relevant to those who grew up with the show, but me as a 40 year old counselor. Its hard to watch at times, but no more than life is hard to live sometimes.
Can I just take a second to thank you for this? SUF was mega impactful on me, much more so than even the original series, and you hit on the exact reasons through this video. SUF focused its emotional weight on Steven's coming to terms with his own trauma, and after years of therapy for my own trauma, it's incredible how beautifully and accurately they portray the process. I'm pretty consistently blown away by Rebecca Sugar's ability to so perfectly represent the emotions one feels when trauma lives in the body but the brain tries to keep it at bay. It's especially impactful for folks who, like Steven, tend to overextend themselves for others as a way of coping with the complex and often contradictory feelings that arise with healing. You feel proud of your progress and know you're doing your best, but you feel guilty for lashing out and feel like every little relapse is a full step backwards. As a show sheerly for entertainment value, I can see why folks may feel like SUF missed the mark. But as a show meant to empathize with and express the tremendously difficult process of coming to terms with CPTSD and conveying those feelings in an accessible and entertaining way, it's top tier. The only other show I've seen that has as much emotional intelligence may be Bojack Horseman,and even so, Bojack tends to be almost TOO difficult to watch at times. Something about Steven Universe Future just makes me feel seen and understood, like a hug for my heart. It's silly that a show can move me so much, but hey, if it helps me heal, it helps me heal. :)
As someone who only watched the pilot of SU and nothing else, Future really hit home for me and it hit hard. I have never related to a character so hard than Future Steven. Watching him struggle with his identity and self-negativity, his need to help others while ignoring his own needs was uncomfortably similar to my own predicament. I’m still in that same headspace but I have found healthy ways to manage. This show really brought out the parts of me I ignored for so long and showed them to me lol. By the finale’s end, I think I understood why so many people enjoyed the world of SU. On that note, I don’t think I would be as open to a lot of things if it weren’t for Future.
I just wanted to let you know I always dream in third person. It's not unheard of, but I'm not sure what's more common. My dreams are essentially like a sitcom or movie playing in my head, where I follow along with the perspective of one of the characters. Sometimes it's myself, sometimes it's another character I understand to be my avatar in the dream.
The thing about a special episode is that if every episode was steven in varying levels of spiraling that would be an unrealistic depiction of a brekdown. Sometimes there are just.. calm days in the middle of a spiral.
As someone who has been recently diagnosed as autistic and adhd and has also just gone through a MASSIVE mental breakdown/meltdown watching steven go through the same things has been incredbly thought provoking and healing, the resistance to change is real, specially when things go from good to also good but different and listening to your thoughts throughout this video really put things into perspective. I had never watched your chanel before but i just know ill spend my break watching all of your videos lol. :]
this was such a well worded and thoughtful analysis of one of my personal favorite seasons of the show. i thought future was an amazing sendoff to steven’s story personally. i respect the crew sm for taking this route and not romanticizing his mental illness. future will always hold a special place in my heart.
i just rewatched the entire series, and watched the 18th and 19th episodes of future a couple times so i could have a good cry about it lol; steven's arc throughout this season is so impactful, and i really do think future overall was an excellent telling of his story. thank you for this stunning breakdown!!
Everyone goes on about how the show over-redeems the diamonds, but I think with some slight adjustments, this could've been a key part of Future's (and Steven Universe as a whole) message that worked greatly to its own storytelling benefit, more than justifying the diamonds' inclusion in the ending. To preface, in Lord of the Rings, a major theme around both Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins' characters (and that of the hobbits in general) is their immense kindness, even to the point that they will spare their own enemies at the risk to their own lives. At the end of LotR, when Frodo finally can no longer resist the ring at the moment it would have counted the most, Smeagel steals the ring and falls into Mount Doom, thus vanquishing the evil and saving the land. Despite Smeagel never having truly redeemed himself, it was still Frodo's own kindness (and even Bilbo's in The Hobbit) in sparing Smeagel that ultimately allowed for this moment to happen, despite his own weakness in the face of the ring's influence. Here, in Steven Universe Future, the purveyor of kindness himself is in a moment of weakness, completely blind to his own worth in the eyes of those around him who love him. However, it is his own kindness that brought the diamonds around to empathy and understanding. Even so, the diamonds constantly struggle to understand and communicate with Steven, as is evident to the very end when White struggles to tap into his mind without traumatizing herself and Blue and Yellow feel guilty and recoil helplessly for a bit. Despite this, Yellow Diamond, Blue Diamond, and White Diamond all have the PERFECT abilities to help his friends communicate with Steven. White can read emotions projected onto her, Blue can convey emotions onto others, and when Steven is finally receptive and able to transform back, Yellow's transformation powers can assist him (she can't de-corrupt gems, but she appears to have the ability to fix their physical scars if the gems themselves consent). Especially considering their personal character struggles, I think it would've been great to see them push their mental and physical limits to BECOME the line of communication between Steven and his friends, and allow Steven to hear everyone's voice, feel their sincerity, and finally come around, with Yellow helping him transform back smoothly while he is still unstable. In this way, the kindness Steven showed these irredeemable characters would have, by means of having spared them and allowed them to grow into better people, helped his friends save himself. And that, to me, would have been thematically stronger and underlined the whole value of Steven's unconditional kindness. I think a lot of people upset with the show letting the diamonds off easy think the diamonds are completely irredeemable, and thus, deserve a much crueler fate than they got. But we call that sort of thinking "retributive justice", and neither I, nor I think the show, are fans of this kind of logic. Rather, I believe in "restorative justice", or maybe "rehabilitative justice", where focus is placed on preventing future harm wherever possible. Both views of justice address the idea of accountability, but I think retributive justice also carries a bit of cruel undertones with it, as if punishing the person who did the crime and having them feel the same pain they put others through somehow helps them realize their folly, or somehow balances the scales in a way that might deter others from doing the same? I don't quite understand it beyond "we just want them to feel the same or worse pain". Rehabilitative justice, on the other hand, views therapy and active problem-solving as vehicles of accountability, in order to prevent future harm (ie. a former drug dealer traveling to schools to teach kids about the dangers of drug addiction through their own experience). While I don't think everyone is necessarily redeemable, I do know that when studied in several countries with different philosophies on justice, it is often retributive justice (such as in the US) associated with more crime and specifically, more relapses into criminal behavior, while rehabilitative justice (such as in Japan) is associated with fewer instances of crime _and_ fewer instances of recidivism, meaning less harm to the public, despite sentences being far less harsh for many of the same crimes. Showing that the diamonds in Steven Universe are not only working at becoming better people, but also still necessary to a healthier, happier future for everyone could have demonstrated that in a more real way and given more meaning behind the gesture of sparing their lives and freedom besides "Steven doesn't kill his enemies because he's a good kid" that season 5 ended with. It's clear the show wanted this message to be part of Future, since it is the diamonds who are actively doing various things only they can do to "fix" their past mistakes, including salvaging previously-lost gems. I just don't think the point was hammered home emotionally, and I would've liked this to have been more apparent. That last battle was a sorely missed opportunity.
In hindsight, I guess there's really not much they could have done otherwise with the time and everything else the network gave them to make the show but... it genuinely upset me how different Pink was treated compare to all the other diamonds. Pink Diamond, the only one who actually tried to change, to do the right thing was treated even worse than a dead horse. Heck, I would say that the show beat her down even harder than Undertale Fandom trying to give Sans more last breath. Like I don't care "her character was written in reverse", that's exactly the problem and the one thing that have prevented me from liking the show in retrospect. They keep tearing down and beat up and destroy the image of Rose/Pink that every bad thing in the show, every misery, every mistake can all trace back to Pink Diamond so much so that when Steven is at the lowest moment in Future, he start to resemble Pink And what did the other Diamonds get for starting and keep perpetuate all the pain and suffering of Homeworld? Nothing. They just flip a switch and now are just three weird aunt who do nothing but mope around and trying to win Steven's approval. All because they are still alive and not suitable to be a scapegoat for every bad things that ever happen in this show
@@duykhangtran4406 - I think you missed a lot of the subtext that Pink Diamond was a complicated figure, whose ignorance often led to tragedy, but whose vision was nonetheless beautiful and important in the end. A lot of the framing around her toward the end was negative because it revolved around how the other characters dealt with the complicated truth of their idol, but no one hates her. They just feel uncomfortable about bringing her up. I hope someday we do get a sequel where Steven comes to terms with the trauma around his own past and his feelings about his mother. It might be able to redeem the diamonds better, and in doing so, bring us back to why Pink Diamond/Rose was nonetheless so important, despite her flaws.
Love the little detail on the last few episodes where Steven was trying to "help" in Little Homeworld. The scene where they were at the greenhouse, Volleyball saw Steven's pink form and was trying to hide her cracked eye behind the plant that she's holding.
As someone who was in a similar position to Steven when I watched SUF it was absolutely CRUSHING. The whole time I was sat there horrified by how familiar it felt and how bad it got just waiting to see what the shows solution would be. It felt like I shattered when I saw that their solution was having a support system and therapy. Therapy wasnt working for me and i had no support system, still being forced into the role of "unlicensed therapist/only support/partner" to my own mother. Ironically my own solution, too, was a support system. Reaching out to my dads side of the family for something other than just spending time with them for the first time in years. Things still arent perfect, but they're getting better. Being human ain't easy, Steven, I know all too well.
I remember watching Steven Universe Future when it was first coming out and not liking it, but over time after I would rewatch the series multiple times, I have grown to love Future.
Personally, I really like how the gems are less serious, because its exactly what they earned. It's their happy ending, they deserve to be goofy and not worry about being prepared. Just like how steven should be. Its like a parent taking the day off even though they have work, and letting the house get messy even though they want it clean. The goal outweighs the mess. Also, bit random but it's odd that Steven gets rid of his mothers portrait but not the photo by his bedside. I get it's more so meaningful to his father but the point stands imo
Just wanna say that i enjoyed listening to this video while i was doing the laundry, cleaning the floors and refrigerator, hanging my laundry, and finally enjoying the sight of my now-clean home. You accompanied me while doing my chores. I was literally 15 during SU Season 1 and have grown up with Steven. I was also battling with a lot of mental health disorders during that time so reminiscing Steven's journey through this video now - now that I am a working, healthy, adult - is truly a full circle moment.
So, i have been so completely disconnected from reality for so long that when my mom walked in on me watching future, it was in the middle of one of steven's breakdowns. She said something jokingly along the lines of "huh, that's kinda like you," and when i tell you a mental floodgate broke right there.
Alot of people say this show demonizes PTSD, but as someone who both has it themselves and has family members who it, it's very realistic in it's portrayal. The truth is that it does make people lash out and that is does affect those around you.
eeuuuoooffff i just realized fhe symbolism of steven being stuck in his pink form the last few episodes (his pink human form, not thr monster). to summarize and spare you a sob story, it definitely represents living in a constant fight or flight mode during high anxiety/high physical or mental strain on your body. (i apologize if you already mentioned this in the video; i fell asleep watching last night and missed a little bit this morning)
Even before my own mental health crisis became prominent in my life, upon watching this final season while it was airing, I was completely enamored with it. I was reading tumblr post upon tumblr post of like-minded people who understood what the season was trying to convey as well as enjoying the various reactions of su-related channels I’d been into at the time. I had never seen or even realized so many people disliked it until I was a little bit older, and as someone who holds the memories of this season’s impact on me very dear, it was a bit heartbreaking to me- still is. I guess it highlights more of my own issues in my inability to keep from hyper fixating on my various interests and disinterest in criticism thrown at it, but I also don’t think it’s necessary a bad thing to not have any sort of issues or critiques for a piece of media you enjoy. With how I see it, criticism has its place in every form of art or media. If you love something so much, it’s only natural that you will want to protect it or critique it- out of passion to see it perform at its best. It’s okay to enjoy things without needing to critique it, you aren’t obligated to do so, just like it’s okay for people to have their own issues with it. The only problem is when those issues come from a place of misunderstanding the basic concepts of what drives this whole epilogue, that being Steven’s mental health issues. Most of the critiques are fair, especially concerning the pacing and fan service, and while I personally don’t care about that stuff and enjoy it nonetheless, I can understand other fans being disappointed with that. However, what I wish more people attempted to do is reflect on WHY they couldn’t understand his irrational decisions instead of claiming that they assassinated his character. It’s fine to not enjoy the epilogue and prefer viewing the original series in a more light-hearted lense before it was re-contextualized, but to claim it was an attempt to tear down Steven’s character is an argument I view as bad faith. If anything, his downward spiral made the most sense for an ending. They could have just as easily kept it a happy and fun continuation as opposed to taking it more seriously, thus satisfying a lot of people more comfortable viewing Steven’s issues in the same detached way, but with the themes the show had always been trying to convey from the start- I actually think that actually would have been more of a disservice to his character. The steady build of issues and idea that he’d been avoiding directly dealing with them until the inevitable implosion makes perfect sense when you think about it in the lense that he really was just a child dealing with the kind of trauma no kid should ever have to face, which is a real world issue that still goes on under peoples’ noses and leads to a lot of teens and adults grappling with childhood trauma. To people like them, people like ME, seeing this talked about in a show that we love so much and actually be taken seriously matters the world to us, flaws and all. What we ask the people who are of the belief that it’s character assassination to do is look at it from a new perspective. You may not understand it if you haven’t been in that position or had someone close to you in that position, and it helps to give a new outlook if you keep an open mind and try to think about it differently than your own lived experience. You may find yourself appreciating it more for what it provides to other people, even if you cannot directly relate. Or you can just enjoy it for what it is and have fun with the characters you love so much, it’s no pressure either way. That’s just my thoughts and opinions, though.
SU Future is a gem: relatable, vulnerable, varied, deconstructive, & introspective. I loved every second of it. Although i agree with your positive and downing comments on pacing, character inclusion, writing, songs, etc., everything worked together so freaking well. I love what the show did. I love it all.
i think him continuing to tell cactus steven his issues once he knows it repeats shows him wanting help but not being able to let himself admit it and ask for it
SUF came out while I was dealing with some of the darkest moments of my life, when I started to really have to confront my depression and my people-pleasing. Just like Steven, I put others above myself until it almost broke me, and it was only thanks to my amazing support network that I even survived long enough to write this comment. It showed so well what going through a mental breakdown like that is truly like, and was one of the most realistic depictions of depression I've seen both before and since. So to those of us who are going through a dark period in our lives, remember this: You are loved, you are worthy, and you will get through this. Life is full of mountains and valleys, and you will climb back up. Just give it time.
It’s strange to me that people hated SU Future. the ending where Steven broke down in lions mane was the one time I literally bawled while watching Steven universe
Thank you so much for your analysis and hype around this season, it feels really good to have else someone love it and appreciate its message. I watched all of Steven Universe last year, and I went into Future a bit blind. It hit me square in the chest and made me realize how I was in a similar position to Steven. I had a breakdown not long after, and I’m in my Being Human phase of going to therapy and figuring myself out. Watching your video made me relive the catharsis from my first watch through, and now that I’m doing better I really have to watch it again 💛
I love Future the most, too. Growing Pains always has me break down during that part, like, can y'all imagine kids hearing the word "trauma", learning wtf the ACE test is, & maybe being able to empathize with themselves through Steven?! That is such a gift, I thank everyone involved in this show for that. It's so important for the kids hurting for them to know they'll be supported. That's what anyone needs the most during those times 🌸
my favorite episode of suf IS i am my monster, mainly because it told me what i needed to hear when i was in a similar place as steven. the only person thats never had you, is you. so i will be there. and i will help you. and i will give you whatever you need to get out of this. you are not a monster, and you are loved. as a neurodivergent kid i was pretty much taught that my existence was wrong, and while therapy helps, it doesnt fully erase the feeling. that episode felt like the show that brought me comfort in a dark time looking at me through the screen and saying "youre doing enough. its okay" which is what i think that episode really needed to do anyway. so, idk. i know that from an objective standpoint its not the best episode, but i think it does what its meant to do pretty well. steven universe has always been about comforting the uncomfortable
I genuinely love this video on a personal level. It's not a review, or an analysis; it's someone ellaborating on a topic they deeply care for, and being passionate about it. I loved to hear your perspective in this show, your passion for it alone has convinced me to reevaluate my own opinions on it. Subscribed and liked!
I’m glad you were able to finish this video, and I hope you know how much we all appreciate and enjoy the effort and passion you put in to everything you create
Nice work! It’s still not my favorite season (just not as fun to watch for me compared to other seasons), but I did appreciate the show finally diving into the psyche of Steven. I felt like throughout the show he was like a therapist to the people around him without receiving much support in return. I think its realistic that it finally caught up to him, now that there isn’t a new big threat to focus on. I can admire Future a lot more now thanks to this vid.
Real talk: Steven Universe (original) helped me so much when I was a teenager. But a mini series breaking down why it helped me and explaining what I went through and how it affected me? Beautiful. Therapeutic. Healing. Inspiring. I will never not defend Future.. it taught me and motivated me to chase my own future.
Amazing video Ample! Steven Universe future came into my life after my old "stepdad" left. So it has a special place in my heart. I hav never understood why people don't like future, but also I haven't watched peoples review lol. I am my monster is one of my favorite episode other then the future and the Jasper episode. Though I do agree, it pisses me off to see the diamonds and spenel making it about them. But, I love to see the Break down and then him slowly heal how ever months later in the next episode. It's gives me hope for myself because healing from depression is hard. But we try our best and I.A.M. M makes me feel great.
I loved this video immensely and plan to actually watch it again it’s such a great breakdown. ALSO More Steven universe ideas if you don’t wanna leave the series alone that I’d love to see. - Season 5 break down in the format of this video - Character breakdowns - A video on what you’d like to see that could be “realistic” if Steven universe returned - Why Steven universe is important to you
I love the way this video was structured. Normally I cant sit through these long video essay type videos in one sitting, but this one I easily locked in.
Future was by far my favorite part of SU already but I couldn’t ever really tell why but I think this helped put it into words a bit, I hope this helps more people love it like I did!! This was an amazing vid!!!
I watched SUF when it aired and then again after the pandemic when i was in an absolutely horrible place and related to Steven on a ultra-personal level. This season helped me so so much in terms of sorting through those feelings and I rewatch the episodes occasionally when I'm feeling down
I don't think I'll ever really be able to like Future, mostly for its refusal of consequences to me dulling the entire point, though I can most certainly acknowledge that what most folks hate about it is either personal preference things, or way overblown
You’re so real for that tho. It’s that kind of non-exaggeratory outlook that more people in and out of the community need to have, not the overly-hateful one established by the crappy hate videos !!
i always loved future because i related a ton to steven in different ways. the whole monster thing i related to since having bpd and bipolar sometimes thats what it feels like having it. idk how people can hate it bc i adore it
The series has some flawed execution but the overall message throughout means a lot to me. I've found that people's opinions on Future are mostly related to how much of themselves they can see in Steven and his arc in this show. You get a lot more out of episodes like Growing Pains when you've lived through a similar experience. This video is such a well executed analysis and love-letter to the series that I'm willing to overlook you ranking Shining Through at #7
Hey guys !
As you can tell by this one's length, this has been quite the undertaking, so I'm really glad for you guys to finally see it! Unfortunately, the length of this one also means that there are a few different errors throughout, so here's a list of every correction I can currently think of, plus anything that you guys point out later.
8:14 Comparing her role in getting the actual Rose Quartzes bubbled and her role in injuring White Pearl isn't as simple as I make it sound here.
12:04 Jungle Moon is one of my favorite episodes, don't know why I made it sound bad here.
19:05 There's probably not actually a 'handful' of episodes in this season that focus on characters that nobody cares about.
35:38 Not 'Premises,' it should be 'Premise'.
41:38 This part definitely hurts, as I would usually just rerecord, but since this video kind of needs to come out on Wednesday - here we are. "Out of all of the songs on this list, including number one, there’s not a single one that I enjoy casually listening to more than Mr. Universe, which makes the fact that it’s not on Streaming Services an actual crime. Seriously though, removing the fact that I’m a pretty big Bowie fan, this one also just hits so hard in its namesake episode, as Steven’s been waiting this entire time for some kind of revelation, only for the reveal that his father chose their last name based on a cheesy glam rock song, with some wonderfully cosmic lyrics."
42:42 Technically, Greg and Pearl both sing along with different original songs, but you get the point.
59:08 Again, this isn't technically wrong, but the first "beneficial" is supposed to be "helpful."
1:21:57 'Make,' not 'Makes'
I am very sure that I am missing some other stuff, but if I watch this video again I might actually go crazy, so if you catch any other mistakes please let me know, even if they are as dumb as me mispronouncing a word.
Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy my last month of work !
Oh here it is. Glad I could find it, it's not currently pinned
53:02 Huh? Why wouldn’t you name them? It would help prove your point so I don’t see why you would keep that information a secret.
Honestly, I loved SUF. I don’t understand why people criticize for being too edgy, relatable and with an anticlimactic boss fight, when it makes sense in the context.
Steven is literally the poster child for “Why we do NOT recruit children as soldiers, or as underaged adults, or as degree-less therapists”.
Here’s shown why such trope wouldn’t work in real life.
My only issue really is the anticlimactic boss fight I feel like it should have had maybe not conflict like actual physical conflict but another episode of time to stretch out the idea of him not coming back
@@Awesomewithaz what do you mean? I might misunderstand you.
@@veronicapiccinini7956 It felt like his whole I"m a monster thing was solved a bit too fast. I don't think there should be a physical conflict (if there was I don't know how to really justify it) If they could've dragged it out of him running away or something instead of it being solved by one hug.
@@Awesomewithazyea ,,, i agree with you. Unfortunately there weren’t enough episodes to do all of this ,,, i wish future was a little longer
@@Awesomewithaz I agree with the “dragged out his issues” part (maybe we could get a scene when he tries to “unlive himself”) , but unfortunately they couldn’t get more episodes, but I don’t mind the “physical” part.
I mean, none of them tried to attack him, they just prevent him from hurting himself and others, which it may happen if someone has a meltdown, because using force, or even merely threatening him, would enforce his belief that he’s dangerous. Just because he f**** up, it doesn’t mean he’s a bad person.
Also many therapists suggest to use a gentle touch to calm down a person in the middle of a meltdown (like in this case an hug, although I would ask them their consent first) and just being there and listening, and offering support without judgement.
As Pearl quoted: “I would like an hug” ❤️
I didn’t realize people hated Future. I watched SU last year and Future was my absolute favorite part of the show. Steven was so relatable and it actually does a good job of showing why people bottle up their emotions and why it’s harmful for both yourself and others. It’s not noble to hide your feelings and pain. Plus showing a “good” main character doing pretty horrible things like basically murder is honestly such a breathe of fresh air in cartoons, where so many characters end up being sorted into a “good” or “bad” camp eventually.
Agreed! And as someone who hates the 'fight giant monster as a finale' trope, I was happy with how it was handled here.
Yeah, like I personally loved Future. It was so different and new in the best way and honestly I was just so happy to get more Steven Universe 🫶🩷☺️
LITERALLY SAME
I AGREE
I was there during the Future hate. Man, it was CRAZY.
People likely had different ideas for what Future what going to be....
Is it werid to say I like SUF more than SU?
I grew up a lot like Steven did (no schooling, no doctors visits, very little interaction with peers my age, being a therapist/parentified child for mentally ill adults, my life being a long, haphazard line of gargantuan and small traumas alike, feeling abjectly alienated from the human experience etc etc etc). As someone who lived like that, and watched Steven Universe as a coping mechanism during my formative years... Steven Universe (most especially Future) feels like one big, comprehensive love-letter written just to me. The original show was extremely relatable in a lot of ways already, because as a kid I saw Steven as the good, helpful child I so desperately wanted to internalize myself as being in the face of trauma - it delivered a sense of hope and wonder that my life just couldn't. Future, on the other hand, came when I was first brushing with adulthood - I was growing up, and I was struggling so desperately to make sense of the slew of things that had happened to me, and as a result of all the damage that had been done I couldn't function in daily life.
With Steven Universe, I felt like I saw my parental relationships represented, my sibling relationships represented, my hopes represented.
With Future, I saw the reality of those traumas and my relationships represented, and most importantly, myself represented.
So horribly, wonderfully, awfully comprehensively.
The conversation Steven had at the roller rink with those kids? I feel like I've had that exact same conversation so many times in my life. Some random kid my age asking me what grade I'm in, me not knowing how grades work because I've had no exposure to schooling, "uhhhh... elevennn...th?"
Trying to relate to peers about their struggles and gripes, but saying something horrible and traumatic that no average person is going to relate to.
Doing lots of "normal human things" at what could be considered a very late age.
Being overrun by fear, "how am I supposed to live life if it always feels like I'm about to die?"
Doing horrible things, feeling like a monster, feeling and becoming so much like the people who hurt you. I can go on and on! It's just so funny!!
Both of them feel like genuine love-letters for me at both times of my life!
Steven Universe said, "Look at this! Isn't this wonderful? Despite what goes wrong, it's all going to be okay."
Future said: "I see you. Here you are. How you're feeling makes sense, and what happened to you wasn't okay."
It's just so funny to actually relate to something. To actually feel represented. Because before this show, that had never, ever happened to me.
Anyway this was a bit of a rant, but I really appreciate this video!
I'm glad to give you your 100th like. I feel pretty similar, watching Steven as a kid trying to take care of everyone else around him used to make me feel so seen, like I was a hero and a good person too for being there for everyone. I used to watch the original seasons on repeat until Future. I was too deep in my own mental breakdown to even watch it when it aired. And when I came back years later to watch it, it was painful. A lot of it is realizing how traumatized and taken advantage of this sweet, kind child is by the adults in his life, that even after all these years, they still have no idea how to empathize with him and care for the child he still is. And I haven't been able to watch the original since, because I can't stop seeing this traumatized child being adultified and used and harmed by everyone around him. Most of the empathetic support he gets is from other children, the cool kids, Lars and Connie. Children filling the role adults in his life should fill, while he cares for everyone else on his too-small shoulders. It's so much more gutting to watch the original now, and I don't regret that
Oh my god, do we live the same life?? I'm not an adult yet, but I relate a LOT here.
The isolation, the inability to know what to do around people, the constantly trying to keep everything fine and everyone together. I related so much to SU, and now that I'm also becoming an adult SUF is there to continue that relatability.
I cried reading this... Though I did not experience what you did in the same magnitude, the way you phrased it as a "love letter" makes me feel incredibly seen. Thank you.
I hope you're doing well in life~
F cried reading this, sending you virtual hugs
The episode Growing Pains was honestly probably my favorite episode of the entire show. As someone with C-Ptsd, I could feel for Steven sooo deeply. I love the entire show so much, depression and PTSD can be struggling and so hard to cope with. It can be ugly and raw and I love how well they portray that in Future. I love this show so much
This episode had me sobbing. I wasn’t understanding why I felt so on edge after being out on my own and away from my childhood home. I didn’t have to look over my shoulder or walk on eggshells anymore, and yet I was and even *more* than before. “You've been dealing with genuine threats from such a young age, your body is now responding to minor threats as if your life were in danger” put it exactly the way I needed to have it explained.
@@brit6979As another person with PTSD, I’m with you on this one. It was only once I was forced to be still with quarantine keeping me in my home that I realized something was very wrong.
@@madam-mint oh yeah, being still definitely made me realize it too! I’m a “keep busy” kind of person and turns out that’s also a trauma response lmao
I'm a therapist, and I've used that episode to help explain c-ptsd to younger clients and their parents
@@diallo1347 its really nice to hear that. I'm really grateful that a show meant for preteens and young teens touches on trauma, since being aware of said trauma is a good first step into healing.
I’ll always hate the fact that people acted like Steven’s trauma in this show came out of nowhere, even though the original show had a LOT trauma moments for Steven and Future even references some of them when Steven goes to a doctor’s appointment.
Trauma can affect you the worst once you're long out of the woods of the traumatic events that have happened to you. I wonder if those people don't realise that.
@@chrissy9997 i don't know because that's exactly how i acted so ive always heavily related to Steven Universe growing up and i am almost an adult now so I don't understand why other people can't piece that together
@@chrissy9997 They clearly didn’t in this case
exactly - even in the original show, hints of Steven's trauma we'd see start snowballing in Future were present from pretty close to the start.
Literally what else could Steven's reaction to the whole S1 finale be seen as? In the finale itself, he just completely zones out, and then tries to cut Connie off, saying (singing) that she doesn't "need" him and shouldn't be involved in what's happening.
I think it’s because we had another character who was the same age of Steven who also went through a lot of trauma growing up and didn’t end up acting all victim like. That character was Finn. They would both perish if these big events and keep being themselves and loving themselves and growing but Steven all of a sudden not being able to make friends or live without the people he already know was weird because he was always shown to be self dependent and confident. Just my opinion though.
Future was very important for me because when I first watched the season with my mother I was going through a mental health crisis. I saw how Steven was feeling and how he was self destructing and I saw myself in him and used him to communicate my problems with my mother. It's extra hard for me to watch because it reminds me of my worst times and it's not something that's easy to relive.
If you're okay now, I'm very happy for you and happy that you managed to succeed in communication with your mother
OH I absolutely LOVE how unlikeable Steven was in future. I had my own descent into severe depression during the time that future aired. It was to the point that I justified sticking around, in order to just see how Future would end (i had been invested in steven universe since middle school and throughout high school, so I may as well finish the whole thing.)
I was an absolute asshole to the people who loved me. I was unbearable to be around, because I felt so miserable. Seeing Steven, the same. Seeing Steven, despite all of that, as still worthy of love and forgiveness means so much to me. It genuinely makes me tear up, time and time again. Remember, Steven, the character, had been there for me as I grew from child to adult. He was very personal to me. It's one of the best depictions of mental illness I've seen in fiction. It just felt so relatable.
I still remember the internet argument I got into with someone, telling me Steven's character was ruined because he "tried to kill his dad by crashing the van," lmao.
Right? The amount of people I've had yell at me online for criticising Greg's parenting. You can be a good person and a bad parent, like these two things aren't mutually exclusive.
Except this isn’t depression. It’s more bipolar disorder.
@@blancfan1 Steven is never formally diagnosed in Future, actually. I’ve seen many different headcanons on an exact mental illness. Despite that, I never said definitively that this is the exact diagnosis for him. Either way, symptoms of Bipolar disorder can and do overlap with general depression. In fact, depression often manifests as a symptom of many untreated disorders.
The same way autistic people relate to characters like Peridot despite that being a headcanon is the way I relate to Steven.
But thanks for your mansplaining. Really appreciate it.
I see a lot of myself in Steven from Future, because when I was in his years, I've got a lot going on mentally. Still do, tbh
And though I'm a bit older now, when I finally watched the show, this epilogue season? I related SO MUCH with him. I understand his reactions, and the ending just teared me up so much, because that's what I would have wanted happening to me. So, imo, people who hated SUF probably couldn't relate to all this trauma going on.
@@blancfan1nuh uh
"Growing Pains" was my favorite episode, as most shows *period* don't exactly talk about the trauma their characters undergo. The flashback montage where Steven narrates what happened, before Connie's mother interuppts and Steven says "But... that was just the early stuff!" hit me like a fucking truck. That entire scene is exactly how I feel about any sort of traumatic event, and I already related to Steven enough. Words can't really describe how much I loved that episode/scene and how heavily they impacted me.
Looking back, I think even more critical viewers of Future were okay with Growing Pains.....
Back when I didn’t even know about future I saw this clip and went “,oh huh that’s a cool fan animation, wish he did go to therapy tho” lol
And the funny thing is that after that he went to therapy anyways.
I was so surprised about Dr. Maheswaran mentioning trauma. I was like "What, in a (supposedly) kids show? Talking about therapy and consequences from near death experiences?"
And it's just sad tbh how little this stuff is mentioned, and how little portraying it gets in cartoons. Because whenever there are adventures, there can't be only bright side.
I'm glad for this shows' existence so much, especially so for the opportunity to see Steven getting help he needs in the end
I find it so hilarious when people hate Steven for lashing out because of his trauma, when literally that’s what he’s been surrounded by his WHOLE LIFE. People lashing out because of their trauma. Pearl, Amethyst, Lapis, Bismuth, Spinel. Where do you think he learnt that from??? And yet it’s fine when they do it right?
Are you talk about when steven yelled at pink pearl for taking about her trama that Pink diamond did to her 😅
@@Abdullah-eonkid09
It’s obviously not good that he did that. But it’s also not good how Amethyst violently attacked Pearl right in front of Steven and seeing his two caretakers brutally fight each other. It’s not good that Spinel, who knew he wasn’t pink, still tried to kill him anyways cause she was mad. It’s not good how lapis tried to drown him because she wanted to go home. It’s not good how Bismuth tried to kill him because he said something similar to Rose.
Of course I know what he did to Pink Pearl is wrong. But all the others did equally as bad if not worse things to him, and yet NO ONE complains about them.
People sympathize and understand those characters, but just can’t seem to do the same with Steven for some reason.
@shadow_spite7121 no I think the problem is that they all happened not but not in the movie or show and it all started when Jasper called him weak and the final battle ended with a hug like dude all that for a hug and they messed up shattering makeing it so you can just fix it if you broken it.
@@Abdullah-eonkid09 what did you want them to do? Beat the shit out of him? Is that what you think he needed. Obviously the hug didn’t fix all his problems, it just helped with his meltdown.
Also yeah, i get it. It sucks that they made shattering less impactful, but to be fair, he can literally bring organic life back to life as well, so why is it any different with gems. Death itself isn’t permanent in this show. Neither organic or gem life can stay dead if he had a say in it. So a gem being brought back to life isn’t necessarily that far fetched.
Besides, him shattering Jasper wasn’t really about her death, more of the fact that he could do something a diamond could do, tipping him more over the edge.
This show shows how trauma can spiral worse and worse if you don’t get the help you need. How it can destroy you as a person.
I feel like people who hate Future just don't understand the goals of the show and it's creators. Sure, I would've liked to see some things done differently but Future is exactly what the next part of Steven's story was always going to be.
A next part should be handled with more respect I’m ngl
I understand it’s him transitioning from gem culture to human culture but again it gives him no excuse to treat anyone like that and was unnecessary. (Except the jasper conflict that was necessary just remove the fact Steven treats her like a positive role model) as if that made any sense
I could go on but modern anime explains it better than I do:
Steven is simply a person who thrives on war not peace because Steven is just someone who likes problems because he is the problem
So peace is something he loathes
To simplify the point: he likes problems and if no problems he becomes the problem to satisfy himself (think when he had a tantrum over Connie not wanting to marry him at such a young age, or hanging with Jasper, or treating the diamonds like they are a source of trauma when they apologize profusely and do their best to be their for him and to right their wrongs)
@@kerroseir4764they never excuse his behavior, the characters simply understand his behavior and give him some grace. He’s an extremely traumatized child still.
@@kerroseir4764also, the last part of your comment tells me you have 0 media literacy when it comes to stevens character. He does not loathe peace, peace makes him extremely anxious because he’s never had a peaceful moment in his whole life. He’s always been under extreme threat of something. Feeling uncomfortable in peace does not make him hateful towards peace.
@@SunBeeSmoked hasn’t had a peaceful life-so you haven’t watched any of the episodes where he’s doing nothing or understand events occur between episodes
To be honest, this epilogue hold a piece of Rebecca Sugar’s life, and I love when series are based on the author’s real life experiences.
More specifically, Steven turning pink whenever he’s in a mental distress is based on a very traumatic incident Rebecca went through.
Here’s some of her words regarding “Growing Pains”:
“At this point, Steven’s been in so many life-threatening situations that his gem is responding as if his life is in danger. It’s making him stronger. It’s making [him] faster. It’s making him heavier. It’s making him whatever he needs to be to get out of a life-threatening situation. The problem is that he’s not in a life-threatening situation, but his body has learned to react that way. His gem has learned to react that way so that is what’s happening when he is turning pink, that reaction is his life-saving instinct.”
[…] “When I was 22, I was assaulted and I got away, but I began to experience something that I couldn’t understand after it had happened.
Because I had escaped, I thought that nothing had happened, but I began to have trouble with my peripheral vision and I felt like I couldn’t see what was going on around me. Even something as simple as going to the movie theater was so overwhelming. Just the sound and size of the screen would leave me feeling dizzy. I didn’t want to be inside it. I didn’t want to be outside. I would have trouble breathing-“
Steven reminds me of Shinji Ikari in the way a sizable portion of the audience just couldn't handle them being imperfect protagonists going through trauma in a realistic manner.
YEP
so truueee 😭
Yesss nobody else gets it, the scene in the movie where Steven visits Amethyst while she's comatose in the hospital is just necessary for the plot.
I feel like the only valid thing they can criticize Shinji on, is the hospital scene with Asuka…
The Hospital scene is very unreasonable tho, and I actually liked his character beforehand
Edit: FUCKING AUTOCOREECT WHAT THE FUCK. I MEANT UNREASONABLE
1:28:12 as the resident Jasper stan and scholar I always argue her just being in Little Homeworld is a massive step for her character. People act as if Jasper wouldn't need to be dragged biting and clawing into introspection and development.
Also her crashing through the wall to say goodbye and acting nonchalant about it like she absolutely wasn't just eavesdropping on his conversation with Bismuth, Peridot and Lapis always cracks me up.
I am pretty sure Jasper has an actual sweet spot for Steven but just has no idea to show it.
I never realized she probably heard their conversation in specific lol, that’s a funny detail. Also yeah I might just be biased because Jaspers my favorite, but I do think her being in there is a step in the right direction and I really want to see her further progress this potential redemption
Omg I agree about Bluebird, the first part of the episode is so whatever but grown-up Steven is so funny when he’s annoyed and done with people’s BS and it made the last part hilarious. RIP Greg’s hair.
34:12 I see Cactus Steven as a parallel of how the Diamonds treated Pink. It learns its behaviors from him but he gets angry at it for just being the way he made it. He starts locking it in a dark box as punishment for just wanting to imitate him because it was inconvenient and irritating to him. Then it starts lashing out.
I like this, it makes sense to me
Steven in SUF is one of my favorite protagonists from any piece of media. I'm so glad people are finally beginning to realize how good this miniseries was.
SAME, I loved OG Steven but SUF elevated him to one of my favorite fictional characters ever. Such good character writing ugh. The revival of this show’s popularity makes me so happy, can’t stand some of those old video essays from when the finale first dropped lmao
This video was so good, I'm gonna let you choose which horseman you die to in 20 years
Conquest.
@@AmpleSamuel Based pick
@@AmpleSamuelDeath is where it's at frfr
I have always loved Steven Universe Future, it definitely has some flaws, but that doesn’t make it bad at all. SUF was just so misunderstood and I’m glad to see it in a positive light for once. This show means a lot to me and has helped me heal in so many ways, so thank you for making this amazing video!
I absolutely adore future. I found that it fantastically followed up on stevens savior complex and it came at a time where i found it very relatable as i was about to go to college so i absolutely bawled at the finale.
Same here, the way it recontextualized the entire OG show was brilliant, and that ending really hit me hard on a rewatch for some reason
For some reason I only decided to watch steven universe earlier this year, and as a very, very mentall ill person, I loved future! it was pretty sad searching what other people thought about the show and seeing how negative most stuff was, only to then realize the entire problem was they didnt understand how mental illness works and how well the show represented it, but I know you're smart and understand this stuff well so imma shut up and enjoy this video now
I never went to look for other people reviews, so I didn't know people 'hated' future. Videos I watched back when it came out were SU reactors enjoying the show.
Are you doing okay now?
Same
How he describes that those who viewed the show are split into two: those who met such problems in their life (themselves or close ones) and those who did not. It really pains me that people a priori are weirded out and are not understanding or even trying to understand
@@chargoal_games As someone who doesn't really have intense trauma/ptsd per-say but really enjoys psychological type media, this "kids show" made was really something special- especially when Rebecca and the team were bold enough to be so straightforward to tell the audience that their starchild has Trauma.
the gems not being there for steven kinda fits for the whole story line doesnt it? they dont push for answers, dont make him take accountability, and they just let stuff pass by as they dont get it (snow day they really just wanted steven to take it easy after making himself work harder to forget about his inability to take control)
The public’s reaction to SUF is why you should not even humor people who think “everybody has childhood baggage” or “everybody is depressed.” Despite the fact that so many healthy people love to pretend they are just as depressed and traumatized as those who can’t “rise above it,” the vast majority of the population thinks depression is the same thing as grief and trauma is the same thing as PTSD.
The world is so used to the dramatic, unmistakable way Hollywood portrays trauma that when a series paints the manifestation of trauma accurately for once, it’s seen as a retcon by anybody who has not personally experienced that flip of the switch from “I’m surprisingly happy and unaffected by this,” to “why am I so much more miserable about my past now that I am safe?” They expect a literal child to identify and resent his trauma while it’s still actively happening, because if you don’t hate it while it’s happening then how is it trauma?! Except real trauma does not come with cinematic foreshadowing. You might not even cry until years later. The “privilege” of being depressed and angsty often cannot come until it’s safe not to ignore and accept everything. Steven in the original series is always happy, not because his upbringing was healthy but because had he not been, his planet would’ve been destroyed. SUF Steven does not “suddenly” have trauma. It was always there somewhere, but hidden even from himself by a never ending loop of life-or-death urgency to solve another person’s trauma. His obsession with fixing other people in SUF shows an immense fear of confronting his own problems, which is EXACTLY why he always seemed fine. It would make LESS sense if he had acknowledged his issues all along. The fact he never expressed his pain in any way at the time is exactly WHY it became trauma.
Or perhaps people just expect every traumatized child to grow into a tough, cynical, brooding emo like Lapis; Steven is too optimistic to be going through trauma! But not all trauma is gritty and romantic. It doesn’t reward you by turning you into a hardened stoic. In fact, it tends to make makes life MORE overwhelming, not less. My schizoaffective sibling was exactly like Steven before the illness onset at the age of 19. If anything, a naturally sensitive/emotional temperament and unwillingness to express negativity are exactly why he was so prone to trauma.
I love how the one that ultimately gets Steven to break down (in a good way), is Lion. As The Roundtable said, Lion licking Steven showed him how he's still the same lovable goofball kid he used to be by showing him the same affection he showed Steven when he was a kid. Pets can ultimately be someone's saving grace
That scene is still one of the most cathartic and emotional scenes (for me personally) I’ve seen. Can never watch it without getting at least a little choked up
Future hit me like a brick when I first watched it. I relate to a lot of aspects of it, and it was a great way to examine the effects of the main show and how he's dealt with it
Yeah, Future just felt like a natural continuation of S5. The series started off really great with the first season and as most great series do, just continually gets better each passing season, with each episode improving on the last. And Future fits into this very nicely I'd say.
The biggest shame was it getting cut early because of homophobia, imagine how much more incredible this all would've been had they been given the time of day and budget to properly tell this story...
Funny enough, Future and all of the trauma related arcs felt so close to how season 1 once was with every episode being about Steven farming trauma enough to access his momma's shield
"farming trauma" HELPPPPPP 😭😭😭
“Traumamaxxing” in brainrot terms
I loved Future because I'm one of those people who know firsthand how mental illness can slowly take over your brain and perception of life as a whole. My main complaint with future was how it ended. I hated that we see Steven end his breakdown, and then it just skips to when he's stable-ish again. He's got a therapist. He's got a plan to go out and see the nation. He's obviously talked with the gems about what happened. That would have been amazing to see. As someone who struggled with suicide, getting help was almost as hard as the actual breakdown itself was. It would have been cool to see Steven struggle and hesitate through that and have his friends and family cheer him on. It would have been cool to see that moment where he realizes it's okay to prioritize himself.
Then he and the gems NOT talking about how it would hurt to see him leave in the last episode just kind of undermined the whole communication message the rest of the season was going for. We needed to see them be sad, Steven hesitate (similarly to the getting help hesitation mentioned earlier), and then piece together that it's okay to leave, even if he'll miss his family and they'll miss him.
I feel like people's opinion on Steven's character in SUF is a litmus test for who's trustworthy when it comes to mental illness or mental health advice.
SO MANY people dismissed the entire season as just "Steven is an angry white boy now, what else is new" and it BAFFLES ME. These are the same types of people who will write paragraphs about how harmful romanticizing mental illness is. It just breaks my brain trying to understand their thought process.
It also really infurates me to see people watch SUF and then get mad that Steven "flips out out of nowhere". Like, I'm sorry, but how is it out of nowhere? He's had to deal with world ending threats his entire life, do you really think he has the time to sit down and process his trauma first? The kid has not been able to breathe until the end of the movie. Now he has all the time in the world, which is why it's all hitting him like a bag of bricks.
Don't we joke about that on the internet all the time?
"Uh-oh, gotta keep myself busy so I'm not left alone with my own thoughts!" - but when Steven does the same that's unrealistic?
At the very least, it's a litmus test for media literacy
Exactly
literally all of the signs are there in the og series
I will say that in my personal experience, watching SU Future was deeply uncomfortable for me because Steven just hit a bit too hard in several ways that I feel so angry and frustrated at the episode where he tried so hard to be "normal" and act his usual self but things just go worsw because that's what I also felt at the time but I still got the benefit of watching it on a screen and can go watch an old episode if it got too much.
Maybe that's why I have tried to convince myself to not like it by watching a lot of hate video about Future
There were a bunch of scenes from the OG series that foreshadowed this breaking point of his, so, so MANY.
Some or in this case Most people just can't read between the lines.
Future is a complex show, because it was made to be. Because showing the emotions and process of mental health and healing in a cartoon is never going to be perfect. But that is ok, its no way to represent it in a manner of this show, yet it works, because it shows mental health is something you can't really explain as its different for everyone. Yet future shows how its effects people physically and mentally in a cartoonist environment. Stevens story ending is isn't perfect. It isn't the power of love saves the day. The message was, to show Steven he won't go through these emotions alone, and that the people he loves is there. So Yes the show isn't perfect, but it doesn't need to be, because just what steven learns, nothing can perfect in life, and only thing we can do is accept that and that is the true message of Steven Universe Future. So Thank you Rebecca Sugar for the moments we watch Steven universe that you created for us to watch one last time.
As a long-time Steven Universe fan (since 2nd or 3rd grade), this video left me in tears. Since the first time i watched SUF, i was 11, i couldn't truly understand the weight of it. All i saw was "SUF bad", "steven became a different character." Now watching this 4 years later, this recontextualized the show for me. This show was my childhood and it means everything to me. Steven's pains really hit me hard and that shows how SUF was such a great show. I know how cheesy this is, but i truly feel so emotional when it comes to this show.
Omg, I was the exact same age and I agree! I never truly understood future until now.
I have personally never understood the hate towards SUF. As someone who had to grow up too fast for the sake of the lacking adults around them, I connected very personally to Steven's and his struggles to discover himself and move on from his trauma. I also relate to once being a teenager and having to navigate my own new, ever-changing and confusing emotions whilst also playing the role of an adult for those around me. It was hard to accept any kind of change because it felt like I had no control over my life and my own actions, and so I tended to lash out. I am so happy to have grown alongside Steven during the initial show, and then become a better person with him later in Future. It's all about being human!!
Took a bit of a hiatus so I could come back and binge all of your videos! This happens to be one that I've been excitedly waiting for, so I'm happy to break my hiatus with this vid. I look forward to watching and commenting on all of the videos that you've put out since! :D
I've always been a staunch SU:F defender, so I'm very hyped to watch
I love future for personal reasons
I just rewatched the entire original show, movie, and future again. No matter what, I manage to cry at the end every time. It’s incredibly impactful in my life. I’m getting older. I just turned 18. Life changing is scaring me but this show and it's message keeps me grounded. It reminds me that I will be fine as long as I know I can talk to my loved ones about it. ❤
I love you, Ample Samuel.
I just remembered how that hospital scene just wrecked me and turned the complete series on it's head. No more springing back from the issue of the week, no more percieving Steven's 'not like other kids' as quirky, everything that happened left a mark, even if it didn't scar him on the outside. Up to Growing Pains it looks like Steven just can't take his mind off things and therefore must keep busy, going through the motions without adapting just so he isn't alone with his thoughts, keeping the walls from crashing in.
In my opinion the Diamonds in in Homeworld Bound could be seen as the worst attempts of therapy.
Yellow: Surgery without reason, offering a body modification without counsel
Blue: Medication without further work, just giving out an emotional high and not addressing the underlying reasons
White: Reflection without guidance, presenting the problem but no way on how to move on
With that they are on the same wavelength as in the original show. They might be a bit friendlier in the new era, but they are still physicly dominating, emotionally shut down, and presenting the status quo, which in turn drives Steven/Pink to lash out because he/she can't live with the world presented.
For a second I thought you were implying Steven was Pink with how it was worded
"drove Steven and Pink" would make it clear you are talking about them as seperate characters, rather than pulling a White Diamond
I really like this analysis 👌 🙂 👏
Happy to see people out there actually defending Steven universe future instead of giving it unfair criticism cause they didn't understand it and it wasn't to their standards when it came to writing
STU is a beautiful, heartbreaking show that tackles the struggle of mental health. There are a lot of people who hate steven because he's "a brat" or "a whiney baby" but if they went through all the pain poor steven went through, they would understand why he had that mental breakdown. 10/10 show btw :3
Steven Teven Universe
when steven said “how can i move on with my life when i always feel like im about to die” that line sold me. that line gave everything in this show purpose. anyone who doesn’t understand the gravity of that line has not been in steven’s position, via the position of trying to live a normal life after years of being subjected to horrific trauma. steven reacted EXACTLY how i did when i finally moved out of my childhood home and got a change of custody. the self sabotage when you’re trying to heal from childhood trauma is so unbelievably real and accurate.
I honestly enjoy that Future shows so much about mental health. Steven's struggles actually helped me put my own mental issues into words, like the line "How do I live if it feels like I'm always going to die?" I have generalized anxiety disorder, along with other things, and that quote helped me explain to my neurotypical mother why my anxiety can debilitate me, as well as helping her understand just how hard I've worked to make sure that my mental illnesses don't control me. I also had multiple mental breakdowns while I was in college, and they happened a lot like Steven's mental breakdown did. They started small like a snowflake, then snowballed over the course of several weeks/months until they became an avalanche. Just like Steven, when my mental health started rotting, I ignored my own struggles in favor of chasing the short-term validation and joy boost of helping others. I ran myself ragged, trying to prove to myself that I'm a good person in the hopes that other people's happiness would magically fix my own mental state. But it didn't. It never did. It only ever made me feel worse because I was envious of the happiness those people I helped feel, and that made me hate myself for being envious of a person who needed my help. I could say more, but I think I'll leave it here.
I am genuinely so happy and grateful that you made this video, like, beyond words. I’ve always loved Steven universe future and knowing that such a major amount of people misrepresented it made me really really upset. To see this video exist is a blessing to me personally. Steven universe as a franchise and Steven as a character have always been a major comfort for me. In future, the show with Steven spoke to me in a way that I’ve never seen any other piece of media do. Ever. Watching future is like looking in a mirror for me. It’s crazy how much I relate to Steven as a character. I struggle with depression and PTSD and also fear the future and losing the people I love. Steven not being like anyone else being half human and half gem is really relatable as well since I am a person who was born with two bladders and two uteruses. Being born with two bladders and being born with two uteruses can happen separately but the fact that I have both, pretty much a double double, is unheard of and insane. I have also had deep struggles with trying to be normal and having to come to terms that I am literally a one in a billion person on this planet which sometimes leads me into an existential crisis. This show just really hit home. I also have major troubles expressing myself and my true emotions which has unfortunately prevented some positive life changing conversations between people I trust but this show, this show speaks for me when I can’t, it’s almost therapeutic in a way. I’ve been suffering from these emotions and bottling everything for like 6 years of my life, and also, I’m 16 as well, just like Steven was in this series. Both of us had our childhood trauma truly catch up to us and bring us to the impacting reality of facing it at the age of 16. My dad, he loves when I show him my special interests and I have introduced him to the entire Steven universe franchise, Starting from season 1 episode 1 of the original series. I’ve seen the franchise multiple times before but this is my dad’s first time watching. Future has helped me express things to my dad in ways I’ve never been able to, ever since my PTSD first sprouted at the age of ten. Future has helped my bond with my family and has shown me that I’m not alone. Bless you for making this video. 💛
Steven Universe Future is the part of the series I love rewatching the most. The leadup to Steven’s breakdown was masterfully executed, including his speech during the intervention. And the OST is great too. Homeworld’s tune and the background music during “Steven’s here to help” are not talked about a lot, but I find them particularly enjoyable to listen to. Same goes for the ending of the first episode.
SUF is so good. I never understood the hate. It fixed a ton of problems people had with the OG show. But I’m response those same people decided to Either act like it didn’t exist or was still bad for problems that didn’t exist anymore
I honestly had no idea that people hated Future?!? I've watched it several times and it always gets me teary eyed at the end. Such a beautiful message regarding trauma and self compassion.
they always make "the sequel" either a victory lap or a new enemy treating the peace
this series is the only to ever make a realistic future about finding purpose and dealing with mental toll after all war is over
everyone expects bigger swords and powerful explosions and, but no one realistically thinks what a kid that grew up in a war suppose to do after everything they ever know is turn into peace
I actually would’ve loved to hear your elaborations any time you said it would “take too long to get through”! If you’re not sick of writing about the series, I would 100% watch some follow-up videos where you go deeper into some of your observations and thoughts here. I enjoy hearing you talk about Future!
I personally really liked that it followed up on Steven’s mental health, which I think was hinted at in the movie, and it’s something his character deserves after all he’s been through and all he’s done. The epilogue series was difficult to watch at times (and I’ve never felt so much secondhand embarrassment while watching a show), but I think that’s part of what made certain moments feel so hard-hitting. I’ll never forget how absolutely cathartic it was when Steven was able to just let himself cry at the end of the penultimate episode.
The biggest issue is they did need maybe one more episode. Honestly two but with one they could have paced the redemption of Steven, or whatever you want to call that, better.
If they had one more episode they definitely could have drawn out the monster part of the series. It was resolved a little too quick. Or they could have js cut out ‘a very special episode’ all together it wouldn’t have done a lot jajaja
They could've taken out "A Very Special Episode". I love Future but that one was a little too awkward even as a crack episode imo. 😭 I tend to skip it.
I think Steven's pain was dragged out for so long the audience got uncomfortable with it.
Like in Owl House, I don't recall seeing Eda or Hunter getting bashed for their trauma the way Steven did. And I think that's because Owl House's writers knew when they needed to step back and let their audience decompress with more fun moments.
Just a theory though.
@@ScrewpineCaprice I KNOW i just ,,, it just doesn’t really fit steven universe’s franchise. I know there’s a defense for it in this video and I understand what hes saying, and ,,, i agree to a extent. But i still think its the least necessary for the epilogue series lol. It’s out of place a bit ,,,
Honestly, some of the clunkier parts of Future are my absolute favorites. They take the "not romanticizing" part that they applied to depression and apply it to all the other characters going through various emotional issues and journeys. When Steven was a kid he knew that everyone was flawed, but he truly and completely believed that every conflict could be resolved and everyone could be redeemed. Seeing the story through his eyes as an adult though we see characters and dialogue that are slightly more real. People are TRYING for the perfect solutions, for the perfect words, but often falling flat and it feels like this is on purpose on a number of occasions. I think few things highlight how great the show was at this better than Steven's dad telling him the origin of their name. In retrospect, I understand what Greg was attempting to tell Steven in that scene, but on my first watch, I had the same reaction as Steven. It was a great representation of that moment where children realize that their parents aren't anymore put together than they are and that they can only ever do their best. The fact that upon further watching of that scene you realize that Greg actually DID have good advice that was based on his life experience, but that he simply communicated it poorly because he didn't know what was going on in Steven's head that changed the tone of his words so heavily only makes it even more brilliant.
genuinely don’t get why people don’t like future. i found it to be delightfully (painfully) relatable and a bittersweet but satisfying close to the story. idk what people want, it’s way better than anything we got in my day.
I really liked Future. The only part I disliked, was that shattered gems can be healed. It kind of removes the stakes (for the gem characters at least) in the past seasons. Otherwise great, and the scene where Steven is holding Jasper in the tub after he shatters her is genuinely great despite him succeeding in healing her. Had me teared up.
Honestly yea. You’re right about the stakes being lowered with shattering gems ,,, it would have been a lot more impactful if jasper could not have been revived. But im sure there’s a good argument for this lol
@@dxitydevil healing shattered gems isnt that much of 'stake removal' as the main series is already over. it only affects jasper being shattered, but having her healed is LITERALLY part of the issue of him going past traumatic events without repercussion or any amount of processing, plus he gets called a diamond after, making him think that he really is as bad as the diamond
@@caoinhnamkhanh2795nah I’d say it still removes basically all the stakes of any of the gem war or anything. They can fix corruption so the laser they shot earth with didn’t matter, they can bring them back from death so all the gems that died in the gem war all need to be (excavated? I guess?) I suppose they’re in the cluster but even the cluster is just a sad blob of half dead people I’m sure if they had more episodes they’d have made the diamonds uncluster them too just to remove stakes even further
@@ohnobro3770 what stakes does it remove? Its future, era 3 is fixing their mistakes and it only ever has effect on the story of steven with jasper
@@ohnobro3770 I don't understand why you think the stakes were removed. Of course the diamonds can fix shattering and corruption. They're literally the most powerful gems in the series, being the literal creators of their gems. It makes perfect sense and I don't think it's "removing stakes" of any kind.
I was talking to my partner about how meaningful SUF was for me and told her "There are people that don't like SUF.
The rest of us have trauma."
You summed it up better than I ever could have. "It elicits a completely different set of emotions that are more challenging while being extremely satisfying." This season was hard to watch. But it felt like being forced to look in a mirror. I saw so many of my own struggles in Steven, and honestly, it shook me to my core to see a cartoon try and tackle such a heavy topic like Steven's psyche. Of course they were bound to mess up in plenty of ways. It's a nuanced topic where no 2 people's experiences are the same. You could play it safe and just have a cute fanservice send-off... or you can stick to your vision- to tackling a hard topic that had been building through the undertones of the OG series. To go where no cartoons have been willing to go in such brazen ways before. Sure, we're seeing peeks of mental health exploration in animation over the past 15 years- but before then? Almost unheard of. It's not 'safe' for studios to go down that route. It's emotionally charged, divisive, and almost impossible to get 'right.' But, they tried, and that's the part that counts. This show is going to be so important to so many people. I met my current GF through SU, and Future made me look at myself in very uncomfortable, but necessary ways, and I'll forever appreciate the steps [and mis-steps] Sugar and the team made to make their vision come true. I can only hope that my novels I'm writing [that the team inspired me to finally pursue] can accomplish even a fraction of what SU DID do right. Wonderful video, and thank you for taking the time to make it.
HELL YEAH >:D I loved the original series but as someone who wanted the show to focus on steven and the consequences of his traumatic experiences, future put the whole show on the top for me. literally what I always wanted
I think in this season is the most honest look at the reality of processing trauma and change in both positive and negative ways. This season not only keeps relevant to those who grew up with the show, but me as a 40 year old counselor. Its hard to watch at times, but no more than life is hard to live sometimes.
Can I just take a second to thank you for this? SUF was mega impactful on me, much more so than even the original series, and you hit on the exact reasons through this video. SUF focused its emotional weight on Steven's coming to terms with his own trauma, and after years of therapy for my own trauma, it's incredible how beautifully and accurately they portray the process. I'm pretty consistently blown away by Rebecca Sugar's ability to so perfectly represent the emotions one feels when trauma lives in the body but the brain tries to keep it at bay. It's especially impactful for folks who, like Steven, tend to overextend themselves for others as a way of coping with the complex and often contradictory feelings that arise with healing. You feel proud of your progress and know you're doing your best, but you feel guilty for lashing out and feel like every little relapse is a full step backwards.
As a show sheerly for entertainment value, I can see why folks may feel like SUF missed the mark. But as a show meant to empathize with and express the tremendously difficult process of coming to terms with CPTSD and conveying those feelings in an accessible and entertaining way, it's top tier. The only other show I've seen that has as much emotional intelligence may be Bojack Horseman,and even so, Bojack tends to be almost TOO difficult to watch at times. Something about Steven Universe Future just makes me feel seen and understood, like a hug for my heart. It's silly that a show can move me so much, but hey, if it helps me heal, it helps me heal. :)
As someone who only watched the pilot of SU and nothing else, Future really hit home for me and it hit hard. I have never related to a character so hard than Future Steven. Watching him struggle with his identity and self-negativity, his need to help others while ignoring his own needs was uncomfortably similar to my own predicament. I’m still in that same headspace but I have found healthy ways to manage.
This show really brought out the parts of me I ignored for so long and showed them to me lol. By the finale’s end, I think I understood why so many people enjoyed the world of SU. On that note, I don’t think I would be as open to a lot of things if it weren’t for Future.
I just wanted to let you know I always dream in third person. It's not unheard of, but I'm not sure what's more common. My dreams are essentially like a sitcom or movie playing in my head, where I follow along with the perspective of one of the characters. Sometimes it's myself, sometimes it's another character I understand to be my avatar in the dream.
holy shit it's been 4 years?
The thing about a special episode is that if every episode was steven in varying levels of spiraling that would be an unrealistic depiction of a brekdown. Sometimes there are just.. calm days in the middle of a spiral.
As someone who has been recently diagnosed as autistic and adhd and has also just gone through a MASSIVE mental breakdown/meltdown watching steven go through the same things has been incredbly thought provoking and healing, the resistance to change is real, specially when things go from good to also good but different and listening to your thoughts throughout this video really put things into perspective.
I had never watched your chanel before but i just know ill spend my break watching all of your videos lol. :]
this was such a well worded and thoughtful analysis of one of my personal favorite seasons of the show. i thought future was an amazing sendoff to steven’s story personally. i respect the crew sm for taking this route and not romanticizing his mental illness. future will always hold a special place in my heart.
as a kid who grew up with SU, this show made me cry, thnks for sheding a light on it :)
Future is literally my life ever since i turned 17 (i'm turning 20 this year and everything that has happened to him has happened to me)
i just rewatched the entire series, and watched the 18th and 19th episodes of future a couple times so i could have a good cry about it lol; steven's arc throughout this season is so impactful, and i really do think future overall was an excellent telling of his story. thank you for this stunning breakdown!!
Everyone goes on about how the show over-redeems the diamonds, but I think with some slight adjustments, this could've been a key part of Future's (and Steven Universe as a whole) message that worked greatly to its own storytelling benefit, more than justifying the diamonds' inclusion in the ending.
To preface, in Lord of the Rings, a major theme around both Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins' characters (and that of the hobbits in general) is their immense kindness, even to the point that they will spare their own enemies at the risk to their own lives. At the end of LotR, when Frodo finally can no longer resist the ring at the moment it would have counted the most, Smeagel steals the ring and falls into Mount Doom, thus vanquishing the evil and saving the land. Despite Smeagel never having truly redeemed himself, it was still Frodo's own kindness (and even Bilbo's in The Hobbit) in sparing Smeagel that ultimately allowed for this moment to happen, despite his own weakness in the face of the ring's influence.
Here, in Steven Universe Future, the purveyor of kindness himself is in a moment of weakness, completely blind to his own worth in the eyes of those around him who love him. However, it is his own kindness that brought the diamonds around to empathy and understanding. Even so, the diamonds constantly struggle to understand and communicate with Steven, as is evident to the very end when White struggles to tap into his mind without traumatizing herself and Blue and Yellow feel guilty and recoil helplessly for a bit. Despite this, Yellow Diamond, Blue Diamond, and White Diamond all have the PERFECT abilities to help his friends communicate with Steven. White can read emotions projected onto her, Blue can convey emotions onto others, and when Steven is finally receptive and able to transform back, Yellow's transformation powers can assist him (she can't de-corrupt gems, but she appears to have the ability to fix their physical scars if the gems themselves consent). Especially considering their personal character struggles, I think it would've been great to see them push their mental and physical limits to BECOME the line of communication between Steven and his friends, and allow Steven to hear everyone's voice, feel their sincerity, and finally come around, with Yellow helping him transform back smoothly while he is still unstable. In this way, the kindness Steven showed these irredeemable characters would have, by means of having spared them and allowed them to grow into better people, helped his friends save himself. And that, to me, would have been thematically stronger and underlined the whole value of Steven's unconditional kindness.
I think a lot of people upset with the show letting the diamonds off easy think the diamonds are completely irredeemable, and thus, deserve a much crueler fate than they got. But we call that sort of thinking "retributive justice", and neither I, nor I think the show, are fans of this kind of logic. Rather, I believe in "restorative justice", or maybe "rehabilitative justice", where focus is placed on preventing future harm wherever possible. Both views of justice address the idea of accountability, but I think retributive justice also carries a bit of cruel undertones with it, as if punishing the person who did the crime and having them feel the same pain they put others through somehow helps them realize their folly, or somehow balances the scales in a way that might deter others from doing the same? I don't quite understand it beyond "we just want them to feel the same or worse pain". Rehabilitative justice, on the other hand, views therapy and active problem-solving as vehicles of accountability, in order to prevent future harm (ie. a former drug dealer traveling to schools to teach kids about the dangers of drug addiction through their own experience). While I don't think everyone is necessarily redeemable, I do know that when studied in several countries with different philosophies on justice, it is often retributive justice (such as in the US) associated with more crime and specifically, more relapses into criminal behavior, while rehabilitative justice (such as in Japan) is associated with fewer instances of crime _and_ fewer instances of recidivism, meaning less harm to the public, despite sentences being far less harsh for many of the same crimes.
Showing that the diamonds in Steven Universe are not only working at becoming better people, but also still necessary to a healthier, happier future for everyone could have demonstrated that in a more real way and given more meaning behind the gesture of sparing their lives and freedom besides "Steven doesn't kill his enemies because he's a good kid" that season 5 ended with. It's clear the show wanted this message to be part of Future, since it is the diamonds who are actively doing various things only they can do to "fix" their past mistakes, including salvaging previously-lost gems. I just don't think the point was hammered home emotionally, and I would've liked this to have been more apparent. That last battle was a sorely missed opportunity.
This should be the pinned comment
japan has a low crime rate because it is ethnically and culturally homogenous country lol
In hindsight, I guess there's really not much they could have done otherwise with the time and everything else the network gave them to make the show but... it genuinely upset me how different Pink was treated compare to all the other diamonds.
Pink Diamond, the only one who actually tried to change, to do the right thing was treated even worse than a dead horse. Heck, I would say that the show beat her down even harder than Undertale Fandom trying to give Sans more last breath. Like I don't care "her character was written in reverse", that's exactly the problem and the one thing that have prevented me from liking the show in retrospect.
They keep tearing down and beat up and destroy the image of Rose/Pink that every bad thing in the show, every misery, every mistake can all trace back to Pink Diamond so much so that when Steven is at the lowest moment in Future, he start to resemble Pink
And what did the other Diamonds get for starting and keep perpetuate all the pain and suffering of Homeworld? Nothing. They just flip a switch and now are just three weird aunt who do nothing but mope around and trying to win Steven's approval. All because they are still alive and not suitable to be a scapegoat for every bad things that ever happen in this show
@@duykhangtran4406 - I think you missed a lot of the subtext that Pink Diamond was a complicated figure, whose ignorance often led to tragedy, but whose vision was nonetheless beautiful and important in the end. A lot of the framing around her toward the end was negative because it revolved around how the other characters dealt with the complicated truth of their idol, but no one hates her. They just feel uncomfortable about bringing her up.
I hope someday we do get a sequel where Steven comes to terms with the trauma around his own past and his feelings about his mother. It might be able to redeem the diamonds better, and in doing so, bring us back to why Pink Diamond/Rose was nonetheless so important, despite her flaws.
the fairest criticism I've seen against SUF is that the portrayal of trauma is so real that it's hard to watch. Which speaks strongly for it
this is a rare W take from a guts pfp, i think i love you
That's not a criticism, and it's not a fair one.
Love the little detail on the last few episodes where Steven was trying to "help" in Little Homeworld. The scene where they were at the greenhouse, Volleyball saw Steven's pink form and was trying to hide her cracked eye behind the plant that she's holding.
As someone who was in a similar position to Steven when I watched SUF it was absolutely CRUSHING. The whole time I was sat there horrified by how familiar it felt and how bad it got just waiting to see what the shows solution would be. It felt like I shattered when I saw that their solution was having a support system and therapy. Therapy wasnt working for me and i had no support system, still being forced into the role of "unlicensed therapist/only support/partner" to my own mother.
Ironically my own solution, too, was a support system. Reaching out to my dads side of the family for something other than just spending time with them for the first time in years.
Things still arent perfect, but they're getting better.
Being human ain't easy, Steven, I know all too well.
I remember watching Steven Universe Future when it was first coming out and not liking it, but over time after I would rewatch the series multiple times, I have grown to love Future.
It’s js one of those series that needs a rewatch. Not in a bad way ,,, like the second time around can sometimes be better jajaja
@@dxitydevil Agreed!
Personally, I really like how the gems are less serious, because its exactly what they earned. It's their happy ending, they deserve to be goofy and not worry about being prepared. Just like how steven should be. Its like a parent taking the day off even though they have work, and letting the house get messy even though they want it clean. The goal outweighs the mess.
Also, bit random but it's odd that Steven gets rid of his mothers portrait but not the photo by his bedside. I get it's more so meaningful to his father but the point stands imo
Just wanna say that i enjoyed listening to this video while i was doing the laundry, cleaning the floors and refrigerator, hanging my laundry, and finally enjoying the sight of my now-clean home. You accompanied me while doing my chores.
I was literally 15 during SU Season 1 and have grown up with Steven. I was also battling with a lot of mental health disorders during that time so reminiscing Steven's journey through this video now - now that I am a working, healthy, adult - is truly a full circle moment.
❤️
So, i have been so completely disconnected from reality for so long that when my mom walked in on me watching future, it was in the middle of one of steven's breakdowns. She said something jokingly along the lines of "huh, that's kinda like you," and when i tell you a mental floodgate broke right there.
Alot of people say this show demonizes PTSD, but as someone who both has it themselves and has family members who it, it's very realistic in it's portrayal. The truth is that it does make people lash out and that is does affect those around you.
eeuuuoooffff i just realized fhe symbolism of steven being stuck in his pink form the last few episodes (his pink human form, not thr monster). to summarize and spare you a sob story, it definitely represents living in a constant fight or flight mode during high anxiety/high physical or mental strain on your body. (i apologize if you already mentioned this in the video; i fell asleep watching last night and missed a little bit this morning)
Even before my own mental health crisis became prominent in my life, upon watching this final season while it was airing, I was completely enamored with it. I was reading tumblr post upon tumblr post of like-minded people who understood what the season was trying to convey as well as enjoying the various reactions of su-related channels I’d been into at the time. I had never seen or even realized so many people disliked it until I was a little bit older, and as someone who holds the memories of this season’s impact on me very dear, it was a bit heartbreaking to me- still is. I guess it highlights more of my own issues in my inability to keep from hyper fixating on my various interests and disinterest in criticism thrown at it, but I also don’t think it’s necessary a bad thing to not have any sort of issues or critiques for a piece of media you enjoy.
With how I see it, criticism has its place in every form of art or media. If you love something so much, it’s only natural that you will want to protect it or critique it- out of passion to see it perform at its best. It’s okay to enjoy things without needing to critique it, you aren’t obligated to do so, just like it’s okay for people to have their own issues with it. The only problem is when those issues come from a place of misunderstanding the basic concepts of what drives this whole epilogue, that being Steven’s mental health issues. Most of the critiques are fair, especially concerning the pacing and fan service, and while I personally don’t care about that stuff and enjoy it nonetheless, I can understand other fans being disappointed with that. However, what I wish more people attempted to do is reflect on WHY they couldn’t understand his irrational decisions instead of claiming that they assassinated his character.
It’s fine to not enjoy the epilogue and prefer viewing the original series in a more light-hearted lense before it was re-contextualized, but to claim it was an attempt to tear down Steven’s character is an argument I view as bad faith. If anything, his downward spiral made the most sense for an ending. They could have just as easily kept it a happy and fun continuation as opposed to taking it more seriously, thus satisfying a lot of people more comfortable viewing Steven’s issues in the same detached way, but with the themes the show had always been trying to convey from the start- I actually think that actually would have been more of a disservice to his character. The steady build of issues and idea that he’d been avoiding directly dealing with them until the inevitable implosion makes perfect sense when you think about it in the lense that he really was just a child dealing with the kind of trauma no kid should ever have to face, which is a real world issue that still goes on under peoples’ noses and leads to a lot of teens and adults grappling with childhood trauma. To people like them, people like ME, seeing this talked about in a show that we love so much and actually be taken seriously matters the world to us, flaws and all.
What we ask the people who are of the belief that it’s character assassination to do is look at it from a new perspective. You may not understand it if you haven’t been in that position or had someone close to you in that position, and it helps to give a new outlook if you keep an open mind and try to think about it differently than your own lived experience. You may find yourself appreciating it more for what it provides to other people, even if you cannot directly relate. Or you can just enjoy it for what it is and have fun with the characters you love so much, it’s no pressure either way. That’s just my thoughts and opinions, though.
SU Future is a gem: relatable, vulnerable, varied, deconstructive, & introspective. I loved every second of it. Although i agree with your positive and downing comments on pacing, character inclusion, writing, songs, etc., everything worked together so freaking well. I love what the show did. I love it all.
i think him continuing to tell cactus steven his issues once he knows it repeats shows him wanting help but not being able to let himself admit it and ask for it
SUF came out while I was dealing with some of the darkest moments of my life, when I started to really have to confront my depression and my people-pleasing. Just like Steven, I put others above myself until it almost broke me, and it was only thanks to my amazing support network that I even survived long enough to write this comment. It showed so well what going through a mental breakdown like that is truly like, and was one of the most realistic depictions of depression I've seen both before and since.
So to those of us who are going through a dark period in our lives, remember this: You are loved, you are worthy, and you will get through this. Life is full of mountains and valleys, and you will climb back up. Just give it time.
It’s strange to me that people hated SU Future. the ending where Steven broke down in lions mane was the one time I literally bawled while watching Steven universe
1.5 hour Ample Samuel SUF video Christmas came early
Thank you so much for your analysis and hype around this season, it feels really good to have else someone love it and appreciate its message. I watched all of Steven Universe last year, and I went into Future a bit blind. It hit me square in the chest and made me realize how I was in a similar position to Steven. I had a breakdown not long after, and I’m in my Being Human phase of going to therapy and figuring myself out. Watching your video made me relive the catharsis from my first watch through, and now that I’m doing better I really have to watch it again 💛
I love Future the most, too. Growing Pains always has me break down during that part, like, can y'all imagine kids hearing the word "trauma", learning wtf the ACE test is, & maybe being able to empathize with themselves through Steven?! That is such a gift, I thank everyone involved in this show for that. It's so important for the kids hurting for them to know they'll be supported. That's what anyone needs the most during those times 🌸
my favorite episode of suf IS i am my monster, mainly because it told me what i needed to hear when i was in a similar place as steven. the only person thats never had you, is you. so i will be there. and i will help you. and i will give you whatever you need to get out of this. you are not a monster, and you are loved.
as a neurodivergent kid i was pretty much taught that my existence was wrong, and while therapy helps, it doesnt fully erase the feeling. that episode felt like the show that brought me comfort in a dark time looking at me through the screen and saying "youre doing enough. its okay" which is what i think that episode really needed to do anyway.
so, idk. i know that from an objective standpoint its not the best episode, but i think it does what its meant to do pretty well. steven universe has always been about comforting the uncomfortable
I genuinely love this video on a personal level. It's not a review, or an analysis; it's someone ellaborating on a topic they deeply care for, and being passionate about it. I loved to hear your perspective in this show, your passion for it alone has convinced me to reevaluate my own opinions on it. Subscribed and liked!
was trying to have this as background noise but ended up getting sucked into it! This was really fun to watch and I love how this was played out!
56:00 I think I said it in your episode review but Mr. Universe really is just a masterclass of an episode, both in writing and visual storytelling.
I’m glad you were able to finish this video, and I hope you know how much we all appreciate and enjoy the effort and passion you put in to everything you create
Nice work! It’s still not my favorite season (just not as fun to watch for me compared to other seasons), but I did appreciate the show finally diving into the psyche of Steven. I felt like throughout the show he was like a therapist to the people around him without receiving much support in return. I think its realistic that it finally caught up to him, now that there isn’t a new big threat to focus on.
I can admire Future a lot more now thanks to this vid.
Real talk: Steven Universe (original) helped me so much when I was a teenager. But a mini series breaking down why it helped me and explaining what I went through and how it affected me? Beautiful. Therapeutic. Healing. Inspiring. I will never not defend Future.. it taught me and motivated me to chase my own future.
literally
Amazing video Ample!
Steven Universe future came into my life after my old "stepdad" left. So it has a special place in my heart.
I hav never understood why people don't like future, but also I haven't watched peoples review lol.
I am my monster is one of my favorite episode other then the future and the Jasper episode. Though I do agree, it pisses me off to see the diamonds and spenel making it about them. But, I love to see the Break down and then him slowly heal how ever months later in the next episode.
It's gives me hope for myself because healing from depression is hard. But we try our best and I.A.M. M makes me feel great.
I loved this video immensely and plan to actually watch it again it’s such a great breakdown.
ALSO
More Steven universe ideas if you don’t wanna leave the series alone that I’d love to see.
- Season 5 break down in the format of this video
- Character breakdowns
- A video on what you’d like to see that could be “realistic” if Steven universe returned
- Why Steven universe is important to you
I love the way this video was structured. Normally I cant sit through these long video essay type videos in one sitting, but this one I easily locked in.
When pearl transformed, I had to pause and cry cause like🥹😭😭😭 YOU GO PEARL
Future was by far my favorite part of SU already but I couldn’t ever really tell why but I think this helped put it into words a bit, I hope this helps more people love it like I did!! This was an amazing vid!!!
a positive steven universe video essay??? what year is it???
thank you for making this tho i need more positivity
I loved and appreciated the tone shift in this season. And Steven’s breakdown was so personal to me it had me sobbing. Thanks for making this video!
You like me comment 😄. I’ve already subbed so looking forward to seeing more of your content.
I watched SUF when it aired and then again after the pandemic when i was in an absolutely horrible place and related to Steven on a ultra-personal level. This season helped me so so much in terms of sorting through those feelings and I rewatch the episodes occasionally when I'm feeling down
i feel like steven universe future is overhated, i love steven universe future and i love the original show
I don't think I'll ever really be able to like Future, mostly for its refusal of consequences to me dulling the entire point, though I can most certainly acknowledge that what most folks hate about it is either personal preference things, or way overblown
You’re so real for that tho. It’s that kind of non-exaggeratory outlook that more people in and out of the community need to have, not the overly-hateful one established by the crappy hate videos !!
i always loved future because i related a ton to steven in different ways. the whole monster thing i related to since having bpd and bipolar sometimes thats what it feels like having it. idk how people can hate it bc i adore it
The series has some flawed execution but the overall message throughout means a lot to me. I've found that people's opinions on Future are mostly related to how much of themselves they can see in Steven and his arc in this show. You get a lot more out of episodes like Growing Pains when you've lived through a similar experience.
This video is such a well executed analysis and love-letter to the series that I'm willing to overlook you ranking Shining Through at #7
your video essays are the absolute best