Animation: Steven Universe – Rose’s Scabbard

In light of the Summer of Steven (starting today!) I thought I’d share with you one of my favourite episodes. Unless you hadn’t guessed it’s Rose’s Scabbard. It focuses on Pearl the gem who, after finding a relic of her ‘dead’ friend, falls victim to her unresolved devastation at her loss.

It’s made clear from the beginning of the series that Pearl is neurotic (to say the least), as evidenced in Space Race when Pearl fixates on her objective to leave Earth so passionately that it is detrimental to herself and those she loves. In Rose’s Scabbard we perceive this same intensity and passion but applied to Rose and love.

The episode begins with Pearl’s excitement to teach Steven all about Rose: her leadership and armoury.  In Pearl’s mind she is not like the other crystal gems, she occupies a special position in Rose, (a privileged position) as her ‘sole confidant’. She’s in disbelief when Steven is familiar with everything already, having been introduced to it by Lion (who even is this guy?!).

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It becomes apparent that Rose is a mystery to everyone and Pearl is no exception. This realisation for Pearl is crushing. She again hurts those she loves, exclaiming cruelly that Steven couldn’t possibly comment on Rose when he’s ‘never even met her’. 

Her passion and unwavering devotion to Rose is shown as, while flawlessly reciting an intimate moment between them, she is stirred with sorrow and frustration. As the moment ends and Rose disappears in the burst of light we understand with what suddenness Pearl happiness has abandoned her. It’s a great development of Pearl, revealing a glimpse into her complex character and history.

My favourite part of the episode is the background art combined with the soundtrack. I feel that they perfectly represent Pearl’s feelings: her despair, loneliness, purposelessness, love lost and then found (she does have Steven after all). But best of all is the ambiguity for the audience as to whether the love she has found satisfies her loss (she doesn’t give anything away; her face is a blank page at the end). 

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I’m so intrigued about Pearl, and the nature of all Pearls. I want to know how Rose and Pearl met and the basis of Pearl’s belief that she is distinct in Rose’s eyes from the other crystal gems. Where was she before the crystal gems? So many questions! Bring on the Summer of Steven! 

The Summer of Steven starts today 18/07/2016 on Cartoon Network at 19:00.