<p>And that was the Summer of Steven Event; and WHEW, what a rush this summer's been! Not just on the show's end, but mine as well! Don't ask, long story. Anyway, though technically, the episodes haven't stopped airing, the last episode's already been seen regardless; and a few more are on the way within the coming weeks. So to end off Summer of Steven, I'll break down just went down not just in this summer, but the entirety of Season 3:
</p><p>Super Watermelon Island was a great rush of action after months of waiting, and we finally got to free Lapis from the Curse of the Crazy Jasper. We also get to see a near-end to the Cluster Arc, as well as its impact on this episode.
</p><p>Gem Drill gave us some good chemistry between Steven and Peridot; and also showing that Peridot, loveable and smart though she may be on Homeworld subject matters....really needs to think some of her plans through, as we'll soon see. Not only that, but we also, surprisingly, get to see the inner-workings of the Cluster. As it turns out, it has no interest in hurting Earth (implying that the Cluster is likely made of fallen Crystal Gems as some form of Diamond-style poetic justice), but just wants to be their whole Gems again. Steven does the seemingly impossible, and, with the help of the Cluster itself, bubbles the Cluster so it may remain together for as long as it wants.
</p><p>Same Old World gave us some proper backstory to Lapis, why she hates the Crystal Gems so much, and why she has so little faith in Earth. As usual, she has my sympathy; as she was an innocent bystander that just so happened to end up temporarily in a war zone. However, through a little coaxing from Steven, Lapis becomes...well, not a Crystal Gem, but at very least, an ally. So we'll probably see her helping later on down the line.
</p><p>Speaking of down the line, not long after, we get Barn Mates. And through this, we see Peridot trying to make peace where Lapis clearly doesn't. And for good reason, given what happened in the Season 1 finale. We get some funny moments from all sides, we totally understand both side's motivations, and while I side more with Peridot here (as it wouldn't shatter Lapis to at least TRY to give her a chance to redeem herself), I don't fault her distrust. After all, Steven's thus far been the only Gem-related thing that gave her anything resembling a choice/decent treatment. And it's this treatment/Roaming Eye invasion that convinces her to room with Peridot.
</p><p>Hit the Diamond, despite the name, does NOT involve socking it to Yellow Diamond or the like; just a bunch of Rubies that'd be great makeshift, sheeple Seven Dwarves...minus two. Not only that, but we get some funny dry humor from Lapis (I mean, calling herself Bob after being unintentionally called that in Ocean Gem? PRICELESS!), to some good humor from the Rubies. Though again, what the Rubies care for Jasper is beyond me, but more on this later.
</p><p>In Steven Floats, we see Steven getting another power to his arsenal...basically the ability to hop around like he's Master Chief. But it's not just this that makes it enjoyable; the chemistry between our four leads is, as usual, funny; Garnet outright stealing Kofi's phone and homaging David Bowie in the process when calling Steven was great, and we FINALLY confirm what has been speculated this whole time: That Steven's emotions are what make him so powerful.
</p><p>Drop Beat Dad was a decent episode; gave us some good development between Sour Cream and Yellowtail, showing us yet again why Marty's a Grade A Jerk, and in return for putting up with him, Greg gets rich. If only temporarily; it's hard to say how long that'll last.
</p><p>Mr. Greg was a surprisingly enjoyable episode, with Greg and Pearl finally reconciling courtesy of Steven over their love of Rose. Also, for those who don't know, Steven's VA's a great piano player and learned to play the guitar during Season 1.
</p><p>Too Short to Ride was another decent episode; showing us again that Sinbad CAN be a good actor when he wants to be, and giving us some character growth for Peridot. Also, she apparently gained the Force near the end. Make of that what you will.
</p><p>The New Lars was surprisingly better than I had hoped; I thought they'd try making him so 'cool' that it'd make him cringe-worthy. Then I remembered they did that already with Lars and the Cool Kids. No, instead, we get what Steven did in Chille Tid (which was essentially what'd happen if CN invented Princess Luna's dreamwalking) taken to the next level. This episode reminded me greatly of the Ring of Chaos chapter in Kid Icarus Uprising; wherein one plays as multiple characters trying to get Pit back in his original body; which has gone on a rampage! ....Except here, Steven didn't cause any major damage from his own body. Just Lars'. Also, something about trying to keep Sadie and Lars hooked. Lost track after the possession thing.
</p><p>Beach City Drift gave us back Stevonnie, and gave me further reason to hate Kevin.
</p><p>Restaurant Wars is essentially what'd happen if fast food franchises turned into Les Miserables. Little do they know, Taco Bell will come from behind and claim victory! Also, Garnet looks awesome in a tux.
</p><p>Kiki's Pizza Delivery Service is where things really start getting freaky. Let's just say, I'll never look at Pizza Hut the same way again... But besides that, we also see Steven unintentionally putting his dreamwalking abilities to greater use. This could prove beneficial in Season 4's continuation.
</p><p>Now Monster Reunion....HERE'S where things get interesting; not to mention, tragic/rage-inducing. Not because the episode is bad, but because it gives me a whole new reason to hate the Diamonds more and more. And I already hate the for their little Cluster project and treating anything that isn't them as worthless.
</p><p>Alone at Sea gives us Lapis lightening up, if only for a bit. And we also get to see Jasper's true colors, seeing Fusion no longer as a trick, but a steroid drug. And lemme tell ya, Lapis Hydro-Punching Jasper into the sea was SOOOO satisfying!
</p><p>Greg the Babysitter gave us some insight into the relationship between the Universes and the Onion family. Well, moreso than after that hack Marty entered the picture.
</p><p>And with Gem Hunt...here begins what I like to call: The Jasper Descent into Madness. See, she already had her pride beaten down multiple times before, but here is where the rope is starting to reach its end. We see her capturing her own, now-corrupted fellow Quartzes for reasons that, as of this episode are unknown, But one thing's for sure, it will NOT be pretty!
</p><p>And in Crack the Whip, we couldn't be more right! Jasper uses these beasts as her own private army...with less than perfect results. It's also here that Amethyst's confidence is taken down yet another peg after her breakdowns in both Reformed and On the Run.
</p><p>And we finally see this in full in Steven vs. Amethyst. There's little to say here without spoiling much, so let's just say now Amethyst is determined to kick Jasper ten times til Tuesday!
</p><p>But not before we reach one of the best episodes of Season 3: Bismuth. This episode showed us something we rarely see in children's media: The idea that not everyone who sides with you has the same goal in mind, And tht goal may cause friendships to break, and ideals to be questioned. But hey, at least Rose Quartz still loved her enough to protect her from the Diamond corruption that ruined so many.
</p><p>And finally, we got the four-parter that ends Season 3: Beta, Earthlings, Back to the Moon, and Bubbled. By this stage, we're beginning to second-guess Rose Quartz's motivations, though her heart was in the right place. And here is where this is most examplified. The Crystal Gems may not be proud of what they did, but what they did, they did for Earth, and all who inhabit it.
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</p><p>And these are my thoughts on this Season. Do you agree? Disagree? By all means, tell me in the comments. And thus, Season 3 ends, and Season 4 begins. Here's hoping the next 26 episodes will be just as strong as its predecessors.
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