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<center>{{Quote|I wanted to tell you for so long.|saidby = [[Pearl]]}}</center>
<center>
 
{{Quote|I wanted to tell you for so long.|saidby = [[Pearl]]}}
 
</center>
 
 
{{Episode
 
{{Episode
|season = 5
+
|season = 5
 
|episodenumber = 18
 
|episodenumber = 18
 
|overallnumber = 146
 
|overallnumber = 146
|image = A Single Pale Rose Title Card.png
+
|image = A Single Pale Rose 000.png
|airdate = May 7, 2018
+
|airdate = May 7, 2018
|production = TBA
+
|production = TBA
|viewers = 0.735<ref>http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-7-2018.html</ref>
+
|viewers = 0.735<ref>http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-7-2018.html</ref>
|writer = [[Amber Cragg]]<br />[[Hilary Florido]]
+
|writer = [[Danny Cragg]]<br>
  +
[[Hilary Florido]]
|director = [[Ki-Yong Bae]] & [[Jin-Hee Park]] (animation)<br />[[Liz Artinian]] (art)<br />[[Kat Morris]] (supervising)
 
  +
|director = * [[Ki-Yong Bae]] & [[Jin-Hee Park]] <small>(animation)</small>
|next = TBA
 
  +
* [[Liz Artinian]] <small>(art)</small>
}}
 
  +
* [[Kat Morris]] <small>(supervising)</small>}}
 
'''"A Single Pale Rose"''' is the 18<sup>th</sup> episode of the [[Season 5|fifth season]] of [[Steven Universe (TV series)|''Steven Universe'']] and the 146<sup>th</sup> episode overall.
 
'''"A Single Pale Rose"''' is the 18<sup>th</sup> episode of the [[Season 5|fifth season]] of [[Steven Universe (TV series)|''Steven Universe'']] and the 146<sup>th</sup> episode overall.
   
 
== Official Synopsis ==
 
== Official Synopsis ==
 
<!--Do not change this-->
 
<!--Do not change this-->
[[Steven Universe (character)|Steven]] helps [[Pearl]] find her phone.<ref>[https://www.cartoonnetwork.com/video/steven-universe/a-single-pale-rose-episode.html "A Single Pale Rose" on CartoonNetwork.com]</ref>
+
[[Steven Universe (character)|Steven]] helps Pearl find her phone.<ref>[https://www.cartoonnetwork.com/video/steven-universe/a-single-pale-rose-episode.html "A Single Pale Rose" on CartoonNetwork.com]</ref>
   
 
== Plot ==
 
== Plot ==
  +
[[File:ASinglePaleRose (97).png|220px|left]]
Upon returning to Earth, Steven anxiously waits to ask Pearl about Pink Diamond while she and Amethyst try out her cellphone. Amethyst leaves to get Pearl a phone case and Steven uses the time to ask about his latest dream. Pearl immediately covers her mouth and doesn't answer, seemingly shocked. Amethyst returns and she swiftly changes the subject, leaving Steven hurt.
+
Upon returning to Earth, Steven remembers the events and dreams of the past so he can get to the truth. He anxiously waits to ask Pearl about [[Pink Diamond]] while she and Amethyst try out her cellphone. Amethyst leaves to get Pearl a phone case and Steven uses the time to directly ask whether Pearl shattered Pink Diamond herself, instead of [[Rose Quartz]]. Pearl immediately covers her mouth and doesn't answer, seemingly shocked. Amethyst returns and she swiftly changes the subject, leaving Steven hurt.
   
  +
[[File:ASinglePaleRose (216).png|220px|right]]
After getting something to eat, Steven suddenly gets a text from Pearl. In it, she apologizes and says she can't tell him. Steven returns home and confronts her about it, to which Pearl responds she hasn't used her phone since that morning. Trying to retrieve her phone from inside her gemstone fails, and eventually Pearl tells Steven to go inside and get it himself, saying to "let me know when you find what you're looking for". With that, Steven is sent inside of Pearl's gemstone.
+
After getting something to eat, Steven suddenly gets a text from Pearl. In it, she apologizes and says she can't tell him. Steven returns home and confronts her about it, to which Pearl responds she hasn't used her phone since that morning. Trying to retrieve her phone from inside her gemstone fails; eventually, Pearl tells Steven to go inside and get it himself, asking him "let me know when you find what you're looking for". With that, Steven is sent inside Pearl's gemstone.
   
He ends up in a cleanly compartmentalized area featuring another Pearl who organizes all of Pearl's possessions. Steven asks the whereabouts of the phone and she responds that it may be with the "other Pearls", but advises him not to go to where they are because it's a "mess". Nevertheless, Steven insists, and Pearl takes him inside her gemstone yet again. The cycle continues several times as Steven is taken further into Pearl's gemstone, passing through her memories including Rose's pregnancy and the aftermath of the Gem War. Eventually, he reaches the scene from his dream, only this time, it's Rose Quartz having shattered Pink Diamond. He steps closer, and once she raises her head and opens her eyes, Steven realizes it's Pearl disguised as Rose. Steven is confused until Pearl holds her hand out, revealing Pink Diamond's gemstone, before taking him into her gemstone once more.
+
He finds himself in a cleanly compartmentalized area featuring another Pearl who organizes all of Pearl's possessions. Steven asks the whereabouts of the phone; after a search by Pearl fails to find it, she guesses that it may be with the "other Pearls", but advises him not to go to where they are because "it's a mess". Nevertheless, Steven insists, and Pearl takes him inside her gemstone yet again. The cycle continues several times as Steven is taken further into Pearl's gemstone, passing through her memories including Rose's pregnancy and the aftermath of the Gem War. Eventually, he reaches the moment where Rose Quartz has just shattered Pink Diamond. He steps closer, and she raises her head and opens her eyes, which resemble Pearl's. 
   
  +
[[File:ASinglePaleRose (433).png|220px|left]]
Inside Pink Diamond's palanquin, Steven overhears a conversation between Rose and Pearl behind the throne. While Pearl is at first hesitant to do the assigned task, Rose is adamant, assuring her that their life will be better and they'll be free afterwards. Pearl agrees to Rose's plan and (to Steven's shock) "Rose" transforms into Pink Diamond. Once out in the open, Pink shows Pearl a handful of dirt with the head of a single pink hibiscus, and gives her the latter. She then changes the dirt into fake diamond shards and swallows them. Before Pink leaves, she gives one last order as a Diamond to her Pearl: Never speak of these events again. Pearl then turns to Steven, who has been watching speechlessly the whole time, and holds out her cellphone with apologetic words. Steven wordlessly takes the phone as Pearl shapeshifts into "Rose" to stage the fake "shattering". Once Steven texts Pearl that he found her phone, she pulls him out of her gemstone.
 
  +
"Rose" turns towards a scream, revealing her pearl [[Gemstones|gem]].  Steven realizes it's Pearl disguised as Rose. Steven sadly takes this as confirmation that Pearl was the one who shattered Pink Diamond until Pearl holds her hand out, revealing Pink Diamond's gemstone. Steven is confused before being taken into her gemstone once more.
   
  +
Inside Pink Diamond's palanquin, Steven overhears a conversation between Rose and Pearl behind the throne. While Pearl is at first hesitant to do her assigned task, Rose is adamant, assuring her that this is the only way to end the war, their lives will be better and they'll be free afterward, saying that if this is really her world then she wants to give it to the Crystal Gems. Pearl agrees to Rose's plan but says she can't believe she is going to do it. Rose reassures, saying that "I can't exactly shatter myself". The two hug and Rose begins to shapeshift, her gem rotating and revealing itself to be a diamond. Rose Quartz reveals herself to be Pink Diamond, much to Steven's shock.
Back outside, Pearl says she wanted to tell Steven for a very long time. Somberly, he realizes that his mother wasn't a Quartz, but Pink Diamond. Behind him, Amethyst and Garnet, who just walked in, stare and gasp in shock.
 
  +
  +
[[File:Shapeshifting into Pink.gif|right|220px]]
 
Once out in the open, Pink shows Pearl a handful of dirt with the head of a single pink hibiscus and gives her the latter. She then changes the dirt into fake diamond shards and swallows them. Before Pink leaves, she gives one last order as a Diamond to her Pearl: never speak of these events again. Pearl then turns to Steven, who has been watching speechlessly the whole time and offers her cellphone with an apology. Steven wordlessly takes the phone as Pearl shapeshifts into "Rose" to stage the fake "shattering". Once Steven texts Pearl that he found her phone, she pulls him out of her gemstone.
  +
 
Back outside, Pearl says she wanted to tell Steven for a very long time. Somberly, he takes in the fact that his mother was Pink Diamond. Behind him, Amethyst and Garnet, who have just walked in, react with shock; Amethyst says, ''"Whhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!"''.
   
 
== Features ==
 
== Features ==
Line 36: Line 43:
 
* [[Pearl]]
 
* [[Pearl]]
 
* [[Amethyst]]
 
* [[Amethyst]]
* [[Garnet]] (non-speaking cameo)
+
* [[Garnet]] (non-speaking)
* [[Rose Quartz]]/[[Pink Diamond]] (flashback)
+
* [[Rose Quartz]]/[[Pink Diamond]]
* [[Jasper]] (flashback)
 
 
* [[Ruby (Eyeball)]] (flashback)
 
* [[Ruby (Eyeball)]] (flashback)
 
* [[Stevonnie]] (flashback)
 
* [[Stevonnie]] (flashback)
Line 44: Line 50:
 
* [[Blue Diamond]] (flashback)
 
* [[Blue Diamond]] (flashback)
 
* [[Yellow Diamond]] (flashback)
 
* [[Yellow Diamond]] (flashback)
* [[Unknown Gems#A Single Pale Rose|Unknown Homeworld Gems]] (flashback)
+
* [[Unknown Gems#.22A Single Pale Rose.22|Unknown Homeworld Gems]] (flashback)
   
 
=== Locations ===
 
=== Locations ===
  +
* Solar System
* [[Beach City]]
 
** [[Beach House]]
+
** [[Earth]]
  +
*** North America
** [[Beach Citywalk Fries]]
 
  +
**** USA
  +
***** [[Delmarva]]
 
****** [[Beach City]]
  +
******* [[Crystal Temple]]
  +
******** [[Beach House]]
 
******* [[Beach Citywalk Fries]]
 
*** Europe (flashback, in Pearl's Dimension)
  +
**** Norway (flashback, in Pearl's Dimension)
  +
***** [[Gem Battlefield]] (flashback, in Pearl's Dimension)
  +
*** Asia (flashback, in Pearl's Dimension)
  +
**** Korean Peninsula (flashback, in Pearl's Dimension)
  +
** Earth's Moon (flashback)
 
*** [[Moon Base]] (flashback)
 
* [[Pearl's Dimension]] (debut)
 
* [[Pearl's Dimension]] (debut)
* [[Gem Battlefield]] (flashback, in Pearl's Dimension)
+
* [[Gem Homeworld]] (flashback)
* [[Gem Homeworld/Locations#Known Locations|Trial Room]] (flashback)
+
** [[Gem Homeworld/Locations#Unknown City|Unknown City]] (flashback)
  +
*** [[Gem Homeworld/Locations#Known Locations|Trial Room]] (flashback)
* Korean Peninsula (flashback, in Pearl's Dimension)
 
* [[Moon Base]] (flashback)
+
* [[Jungle Moon (location)|Jungle Moon]] (flashback)
  +
** [[Jungle Moon Base]] (flashback)
   
 
=== Objects ===
 
=== Objects ===
Line 61: Line 81:
 
* [[Rose's Sword]]
 
* [[Rose's Sword]]
 
* [[Rose's Scabbard]]
 
* [[Rose's Scabbard]]
  +
* [[Diamond Palanquins]]
* [[The Great Diamond Authority/Transportation#Pink Diamond's Palanquin|Pink Diamond's Palanquin]]
+
** [[Diamond Palanquins#Pink Diamond's Palanquin|Pink Diamond's Palanquin]]
   
 
=== Music ===
 
=== Music ===
 
==== Instrumental Songs ====
 
==== Instrumental Songs ====
  +
* "[[Pink Diamond/No One Can Know]]"
TBA
 
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
* This episode reveals that Rose and Pink Diamond are one and the same, and thus Pink Diamond is Steven's mother and Pearl's role in Homeworld as Pink Diamond's Pearl is confirmed.
+
* This episode reveals that Steven has technically always had Pink Diamond's gem. Therefore, by Homeworld's established laws, he rules the Earth, the Moon Base, and Pink Diamond's Zoo. It also means that he owns Pearl, is Jasper's superior, and has his personal court. 
* This episode reveals that Steven has technically always been a Diamond. Therefore, by Homeworld's established laws, he rules the Earth, the Moon Base, and Pink Diamond's Zoo. It also means that he owns Pearl. 
 
 
** Though in continuity, Pink Diamond as Rose Quartz has had already "freed" Pearl of her Diamond-level servile duties when they executed Pink's death ruse.
 
** Though in continuity, Pink Diamond as Rose Quartz has had already "freed" Pearl of her Diamond-level servile duties when they executed Pink's death ruse.
 
* The reason why Pearl never spoke about the Diamonds and is forced to cover her mouth every time she attempts to do so is revealed to be due to Pink Diamond's final order to never speak of her faking her death.
 
* The reason why Pearl never spoke about the Diamonds and is forced to cover her mouth every time she attempts to do so is revealed to be due to Pink Diamond's final order to never speak of her faking her death.
 
** Crewniverse member [[Joe Johnston]] confirmed that this is part of a Pearl's functionality – they cannot disobey a clear order from their owner.<ref>[http://joethejohnston.tumblr.com/post/173772462443/sir-but-how-do-we-know-everything-pearl-did-for Joe Johnston's Tumblr]
 
** Crewniverse member [[Joe Johnston]] confirmed that this is part of a Pearl's functionality – they cannot disobey a clear order from their owner.<ref>[http://joethejohnston.tumblr.com/post/173772462443/sir-but-how-do-we-know-everything-pearl-did-for Joe Johnston's Tumblr]
<br />"''Q: Sir, but how do we know everything Pearl did for Rose wasn't just that Pearl-caste-programming kicking in because in truth, Pearl knew Rose was infact her Diamond. Sure Pearl had feelings for her, but how do we know whether or not the servant mentality still didnt play a role in Pearl's allegiance with Rose.''
+
<br>''"Q: Sir, but how do we know everything Pearl did for Rose wasn't just that Pearl-caste-programming kicking in because in truth, Pearl knew Rose was infact her Diamond. Sure Pearl had feelings for her, but how do we know whether or not the servant mentality still didnt play a role in Pearl's allegiance with Rose.''
<br />
+
<br>
A: ''I’ll put it this way, if Pink Diamond we’re to say “Pearl, I ORDER you to do such and such…” because she’s her Pearl, she would have to do it. Of course her servant mentality played a role in her allegiance to Rose, how could it not. BUT, that relationship clearly grew and changed as naturally as any relationship will, and it wasn’t due to Pink Diamonds powers or influence...''"</ref>
+
''A: I’ll put it this way, if Pink Diamond we’re to say “Pearl, I ORDER you to do such and such…” because she’s her Pearl, she would have to do it. Of course her servant mentality played a role in her allegiance to Rose, how could it not. BUT, that relationship clearly grew and changed as naturally as any relationship will, and it wasn’t due to Pink Diamonds powers or influence..."''</ref>
  +
** Specifically, Pearl could not disobey Pink Diamond's orders because Pearl ''was made for Pink Diamond''.<ref>[http://joethejohnston.tumblr.com/post/173775789328/so-we-know-that-rose-is-able-to-order-pearl-around Joe Johnston's Tumblr]
* Garnet once stated that Rose shattered Pink Diamond so Pearl can be free. However, since the shattering of Pink was revealed to be a ruse the whole time, it can be indicated that Pearl was never truly free from her servitude role as she had been executing Pink's final order for centuries as well as fighting alongside her throughout the Rebellion.
 
  +
<br>''"Q: So we know that Rose is able to order Pearl around if Rose so chooses to (and that Pearl only has to obey her IF Rose orders her to). I just want to know if Pearl is the only one Rose is capable of ordering around in that way (forcing someone to do something). Is it part of her being a Diamond, or does it only apply to Pearl?''
  +
<br>
  +
''A: It only applies to Pearl.
  +
  +
BECAUSE our Pearl was made for Pink Diamond, she must follow her orders.
  +
  +
Rose did not have this power or control over anyone else, and its ONLY because Pearl was made for her that Pink/Rose had this power over her.
  +
  +
Pink is a Diamond, she could order around lots of gems, but they follow because of hierarchy, not because the Diamonds are mind controlling them.
  +
  +
Is this making sense? I’m try to clear this up for everybody, but people still seem confused."''</ref>
  +
* This episode marks the first time we hear Pink Diamond speak, excluding [[Stevonnie]]'s dream in "[[Jungle Moon (episode)|Jungle Moon]]" in which Stevonnie plays her role. It's also the first episode in which we clearly see her entire body.
 
* This is the first time Pearl has been shown to shapeshift.
 
* This is the first time Pearl has been shown to shapeshift.
  +
* This is the first time a Diamond's physical form is broken on-screen.
* It is revealed that there are multiple Pearls (persona-like entities) inside Pearl's gem; each Pearl represents her specific memories and thought. 
+
* It is revealed that there are multiple Pearls (persona-like entities) inside Pearl's gem; each Pearl represents her specific memories and thought.
* This is the first episode in which Pearl has addressed someone as "My Diamond".
 
  +
** While the first Pearl tries to file Steven in alphabetical order, some items around also appear alphabetically, which include:
  +
*** Candelabra, cannon, candy, card (ace of clubs), carp, carafe, cassette, cauldron, cellophane, cleaver, clock, comb, compass, controller, cream, crepe, and Cheeto; the place for "cellular phone" is vacant (which was supposed to appear between "cellophane" and "cleaver").
  +
*** Scissors, screwdriver, [[Minor Objects/Miscellaneous#Sea Pals|Sea Pals]], seashell, shotgun, [[Gem Sloop|sloop]], stapler, stethoscope, sticker, sugar, suitcase, sunscreen, tinfoil, tissue paper, and TV set; Pearl initially attempts to place Steven between "stethoscope" and "sticker".
  +
*** A potted plant, photos, phone books (yellow pages and private), multiple phone numbers, and a portable telephone.
  +
** Some of the telephone numbers have area code 240, and others have area code 301. In the real world, these two area codes are overlaid in western Maryland.
  +
* It is revealed that the [[Zircon (Defense)|defending Zircon]]'s accusation against [[The Great Diamond Authority|the Diamonds]] is not completely inaccurate since Pink Diamond's shattering was indeed ordered and covered up by "someone of supreme authority," Pink Diamond herself.
  +
* A packet of sugar with the brand "Rea Sugar" can be seen alongside the large variety of items stored within Pearl's gem, which is most likely a reference to [[Rebecca Sugar]].
  +
* [[Zach Callison]], the voice actor for Steven, revealed at the Swedish convention Närcon that Rose being Pink Diamond was planned from the start of the series and that he recorded his lines for this episode a year before it aired.
   
 
=== Cultural References ===
 
=== Cultural References ===
* The numbers 555<ref>[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FiveFiveFive]</ref> which can be seen in all of the cellphone numbers stored within Pearl's gem is a common trope used in fictional media whenever a phone number is presented. This area code is used in order to avoid prank calls to real-life people.
+
* The numbers 555<ref>[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FiveFiveFive]</ref> which can be seen in all of the cellphone numbers stored within Pearl's gem is a common trope used in fictional media whenever a phone number is presented. This prefix, which is not generally used for real phone numbers, appears in order to avoid prank calls to real-life people.
  +
* Steven's descent through nested levels of another person's mind, culminating in a highly emotional moment, mirrors the plot of the movie ''[[Wikipedia:Inception|Inception]]''.
  +
* [04:37] The white controller on the left bottom resembles the Xbox 360 controller.
  +
* During the aforementioned scene showcasing Pearl's cellphone numbers, one of the notes also includes an email address consisting of a scribble and "@gmail". The latter is the domain address for Gmail, Google's email service.
   
 
=== Continuity ===
 
=== Continuity ===
* Flashbacks from "[[Back to the Moon]]", "[[The Trial]]", "[[Jungle Moon]]" and "[[Your Mother and Mine]]" are shown.
+
* Flashbacks from "[[Back to the Moon]]", "[[The Trial]]", "[[Jungle Moon (episode)|Jungle Moon]]", and "[[Your Mother and Mine]]" are shown.
* This episode takes place right after "[[Can't Go Back]]".
+
* This episode takes place right after "[[Can't Go Back]]".
* Pearl covering her mouth once the Diamonds were brought up was first referenced in "[[Gemcation]]".
+
* Pearl covering her mouth when details surrounding Pink Diamond's shattering are brought up was first shown in "[[Back to the Moon]]".
  +
** However, the first time this was shown as an unpreventable physical reaction was in "[[Gemcation]]".
* Mystery Girl's number is seen again in the episode, next to a handful of other cellphone numbers that Pearl had previously acquired, all stored within her gem.
 
  +
*Some items that appeared previously can be found in Pearl's gemstone.
* Rose Quartz's conversation with Pearl offers two hints at her true identity:
 
 
** Mystery Girl's number is seen again in the episode, next to a handful of other cellphone numbers that Pearl had previously acquired.
** She calls Earth, Pink Diamond's colony, "my planet".
 
  +
** "Pearl Points", which appeared in "[[Steven vs. Amethyst]]", can be found in the "S" category (as "sticker").
** She concludes by saying, "I can't exactly shatter myself," which would make no sense if she weren't Pink Diamond.
 
  +
** Sea Pals (from "[[Love Letters]]") and Gem Sloop (from "[[Cat Fingers]]") are also present.
  +
* Pearl's phone makes its second appearance.
  +
** Its first appearance was in "[[Letters to Lars]]".
  +
** Amethyst says Pearl has had her phone for a month.
  +
*** This implies that "Letters to Lars" takes place around a month before the events of this episode, assuming that Pearl first got the phone around the time of the episode.
  +
* Pearl's aversion to shapeshifting is revealed to stem from her role as Rose Quartz in the staged shattering of Pink Diamond and the trauma from the loss of nearly all of her comrades in the [[Corrupting Light|ensuing retaliation]].
   
 
== Errors ==
 
== Errors ==
 
* The exact shape of Pink Diamond's gem cannot be directly translated into a 3-dimensional object, because it is impossible to transition from a straight edge to a curved edge in a facet of a series. The circular shape of Rose's gem could be explained by the separation ring we can see in some pictures of this episode, for example in the shot of Rose-Pearl's hand after she poofed her Diamond when Steven came back to the real world (the same kind of separation ring we can see through Amethyst's gem, which is featured in "Reformed" when Amethyst is poofed and both sides of her gem are revealed). However, this ring mysteriously disappears from Pink's gem when she turns back to her real self.
* In "[[Your Mother and Mine]] ", Rose Quartz is depicted as appealing to Pink Diamond in person for the sake of Earth's lifeforms. Given that the two are the same person, how this was accomplished is unclear, though explanations are possible.
 
  +
* Just before Rose/Pink flips her gemstone, the pentagonal facet can be seen pointing down instead of up like usual.
** However, this could be just how the other original Crystal Gems told Garnet about the "formation of the Rebellion", never actually knowing the truth.
 
 
* When Garnet and Amethyst are seen comforting Pearl after what appears to be Rose's death, Amethyst's bare arm is seen. Judging from "[[Three Gems and a Baby]]" and [[We Are the Crystal Gems (short)|We Are the Crystal Gems]], Amethyst did not wear her off-shoulder mauve tank top until sometime when Steven was in his adolescence, instead wearing an off-shoulder mauve sweater.
* The exact shape of Pink Diamond's gem cannot be directly translated into a 3-dimensional object, because it is impossible to transition from a straight edge to a curved edge in a facet of a series. The circular shape of Rose's gem could be explained by the separation ring we can see in some pictures of this episode, for example in the shot of Rose-Pearl's hand after she poofed her Diamond when Steven came back to the real world (the same kind of separation ring we can see through Amethyst's gem, which is featured in "Reformed" when Amethyst is poofed and both sides of her gem is revealed). However, this ring mysteriously disappears from Pink's gem when she turns back to her real self.
 
  +
** Also in the same shot, Garnet's shoulder pads appears to be oval-shaped like her current regeneration instead of cube-shaped.
* When Amethyst screams "What?" at the end of the episode, her tank top has the form it had in her previous regeneration.
+
* When Amethyst screams "What?" at the end of the episode, her tank top is rounded at the bottom instead of ripped.
* When Garnet and Amethyst are seen comforting Pearl after what appears to be Rose's death, Amethyst is wearing her off shoulder mauve tank top instead of her off shoulder mauve sweater. Judging from "[[Three Gems and a Baby]]" and [[We Are the Crystal Gems (short)|We Are the Crystal Gems]], Amethyst did not wear the former top until sometime when Steven was in his adolescence.
 
   
 
{{Transcript}}
 
{{Transcript}}
 
{{Gallery}}
 
{{Gallery}}
  +
  +
== Video ==
  +
<gallery>
  +
Steven Universe Pearl Finally Shares the Truth Cartoon Network
  +
</gallery>
  +
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Episodenav}}
 
{{Episodenav}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Single Pale Rose, A}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Single Pale Rose, A}}
  +
 
[[es:Una Sola Rosa Pálida]]
 
[[es:Una Sola Rosa Pálida]]
  +
[[it:Una Rosa senza spine]]
  +
[[pl:A Single Pale Rose]]
  +
[[pt:Uma Única Rosa Pálida]]
 
[[pt-br:Uma Única Rosa Pálida]]
 
[[pt-br:Uma Única Rosa Pálida]]
 
[[ru:A Single Pale Rose]]
 
[[ru:A Single Pale Rose]]
  +
[[tr:Tek Bir Solgun Gül]]
  +
[[fr:Dans la perle de Perle]]
 
[[Category:Season 5]]
 
[[Category:Season 5]]

Revision as of 17:40, 22 September 2020

I wanted to tell you for so long.

Pearl

"A Single Pale Rose" is the 18th episode of the fifth season of Steven Universe and the 146th episode overall.

Official Synopsis

Steven helps Pearl find her phone.[2]

Plot

ASinglePaleRose (97)

Upon returning to Earth, Steven remembers the events and dreams of the past so he can get to the truth. He anxiously waits to ask Pearl about Pink Diamond while she and Amethyst try out her cellphone. Amethyst leaves to get Pearl a phone case and Steven uses the time to directly ask whether Pearl shattered Pink Diamond herself, instead of Rose Quartz. Pearl immediately covers her mouth and doesn't answer, seemingly shocked. Amethyst returns and she swiftly changes the subject, leaving Steven hurt.

ASinglePaleRose (216)

After getting something to eat, Steven suddenly gets a text from Pearl. In it, she apologizes and says she can't tell him. Steven returns home and confronts her about it, to which Pearl responds she hasn't used her phone since that morning. Trying to retrieve her phone from inside her gemstone fails; eventually, Pearl tells Steven to go inside and get it himself, asking him "let me know when you find what you're looking for". With that, Steven is sent inside Pearl's gemstone.

He finds himself in a cleanly compartmentalized area featuring another Pearl who organizes all of Pearl's possessions. Steven asks the whereabouts of the phone; after a search by Pearl fails to find it, she guesses that it may be with the "other Pearls", but advises him not to go to where they are because "it's a mess". Nevertheless, Steven insists, and Pearl takes him inside her gemstone yet again. The cycle continues several times as Steven is taken further into Pearl's gemstone, passing through her memories including Rose's pregnancy and the aftermath of the Gem War. Eventually, he reaches the moment where Rose Quartz has just shattered Pink Diamond. He steps closer, and she raises her head and opens her eyes, which resemble Pearl's. 

ASinglePaleRose (433)

"Rose" turns towards a scream, revealing her pearl gem.  Steven realizes it's Pearl disguised as Rose. Steven sadly takes this as confirmation that Pearl was the one who shattered Pink Diamond until Pearl holds her hand out, revealing Pink Diamond's gemstone. Steven is confused before being taken into her gemstone once more.

Inside Pink Diamond's palanquin, Steven overhears a conversation between Rose and Pearl behind the throne. While Pearl is at first hesitant to do her assigned task, Rose is adamant, assuring her that this is the only way to end the war, their lives will be better and they'll be free afterward, saying that if this is really her world then she wants to give it to the Crystal Gems. Pearl agrees to Rose's plan but says she can't believe she is going to do it. Rose reassures, saying that "I can't exactly shatter myself". The two hug and Rose begins to shapeshift, her gem rotating and revealing itself to be a diamond. Rose Quartz reveals herself to be Pink Diamond, much to Steven's shock.

Shapeshifting into Pink

Once out in the open, Pink shows Pearl a handful of dirt with the head of a single pink hibiscus and gives her the latter. She then changes the dirt into fake diamond shards and swallows them. Before Pink leaves, she gives one last order as a Diamond to her Pearl: never speak of these events again. Pearl then turns to Steven, who has been watching speechlessly the whole time and offers her cellphone with an apology. Steven wordlessly takes the phone as Pearl shapeshifts into "Rose" to stage the fake "shattering". Once Steven texts Pearl that he found her phone, she pulls him out of her gemstone.

Back outside, Pearl says she wanted to tell Steven for a very long time. Somberly, he takes in the fact that his mother was Pink Diamond. Behind him, Amethyst and Garnet, who have just walked in, react with shock; Amethyst says, "Whhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!".

Features

Characters

Locations

Objects

Music

Instrumental Songs

Trivia

  • This episode reveals that Steven has technically always had Pink Diamond's gem. Therefore, by Homeworld's established laws, he rules the Earth, the Moon Base, and Pink Diamond's Zoo. It also means that he owns Pearl, is Jasper's superior, and has his personal court. 
    • Though in continuity, Pink Diamond as Rose Quartz has had already "freed" Pearl of her Diamond-level servile duties when they executed Pink's death ruse.
  • The reason why Pearl never spoke about the Diamonds and is forced to cover her mouth every time she attempts to do so is revealed to be due to Pink Diamond's final order to never speak of her faking her death.
    • Crewniverse member Joe Johnston confirmed that this is part of a Pearl's functionality – they cannot disobey a clear order from their owner.[3]
    • Specifically, Pearl could not disobey Pink Diamond's orders because Pearl was made for Pink Diamond.[4]
  • This episode marks the first time we hear Pink Diamond speak, excluding Stevonnie's dream in "Jungle Moon" in which Stevonnie plays her role. It's also the first episode in which we clearly see her entire body.
  • This is the first time Pearl has been shown to shapeshift.
  • This is the first time a Diamond's physical form is broken on-screen.
  • It is revealed that there are multiple Pearls (persona-like entities) inside Pearl's gem; each Pearl represents her specific memories and thought.
    • While the first Pearl tries to file Steven in alphabetical order, some items around also appear alphabetically, which include:
      • Candelabra, cannon, candy, card (ace of clubs), carp, carafe, cassette, cauldron, cellophane, cleaver, clock, comb, compass, controller, cream, crepe, and Cheeto; the place for "cellular phone" is vacant (which was supposed to appear between "cellophane" and "cleaver").
      • Scissors, screwdriver, Sea Pals, seashell, shotgun, sloop, stapler, stethoscope, sticker, sugar, suitcase, sunscreen, tinfoil, tissue paper, and TV set; Pearl initially attempts to place Steven between "stethoscope" and "sticker".
      • A potted plant, photos, phone books (yellow pages and private), multiple phone numbers, and a portable telephone.
    • Some of the telephone numbers have area code 240, and others have area code 301. In the real world, these two area codes are overlaid in western Maryland.
  • It is revealed that the defending Zircon's accusation against the Diamonds is not completely inaccurate since Pink Diamond's shattering was indeed ordered and covered up by "someone of supreme authority," Pink Diamond herself.
  • A packet of sugar with the brand "Rea Sugar" can be seen alongside the large variety of items stored within Pearl's gem, which is most likely a reference to Rebecca Sugar.
  • Zach Callison, the voice actor for Steven, revealed at the Swedish convention Närcon that Rose being Pink Diamond was planned from the start of the series and that he recorded his lines for this episode a year before it aired.

Cultural References

  • The numbers 555[5] which can be seen in all of the cellphone numbers stored within Pearl's gem is a common trope used in fictional media whenever a phone number is presented. This prefix, which is not generally used for real phone numbers, appears in order to avoid prank calls to real-life people.
  • Steven's descent through nested levels of another person's mind, culminating in a highly emotional moment, mirrors the plot of the movie Inception.
  • [04:37] The white controller on the left bottom resembles the Xbox 360 controller.
  • During the aforementioned scene showcasing Pearl's cellphone numbers, one of the notes also includes an email address consisting of a scribble and "@gmail". The latter is the domain address for Gmail, Google's email service.

Continuity

  • Flashbacks from "Back to the Moon", "The Trial", "Jungle Moon", and "Your Mother and Mine" are shown.
  • This episode takes place right after "Can't Go Back".
  • Pearl covering her mouth when details surrounding Pink Diamond's shattering are brought up was first shown in "Back to the Moon".
    • However, the first time this was shown as an unpreventable physical reaction was in "Gemcation".
  • Some items that appeared previously can be found in Pearl's gemstone.
    • Mystery Girl's number is seen again in the episode, next to a handful of other cellphone numbers that Pearl had previously acquired.
    • "Pearl Points", which appeared in "Steven vs. Amethyst", can be found in the "S" category (as "sticker").
    • Sea Pals (from "Love Letters") and Gem Sloop (from "Cat Fingers") are also present.
  • Pearl's phone makes its second appearance.
    • Its first appearance was in "Letters to Lars".
    • Amethyst says Pearl has had her phone for a month.
      • This implies that "Letters to Lars" takes place around a month before the events of this episode, assuming that Pearl first got the phone around the time of the episode.
  • Pearl's aversion to shapeshifting is revealed to stem from her role as Rose Quartz in the staged shattering of Pink Diamond and the trauma from the loss of nearly all of her comrades in the ensuing retaliation.

Errors

  • The exact shape of Pink Diamond's gem cannot be directly translated into a 3-dimensional object, because it is impossible to transition from a straight edge to a curved edge in a facet of a series. The circular shape of Rose's gem could be explained by the separation ring we can see in some pictures of this episode, for example in the shot of Rose-Pearl's hand after she poofed her Diamond when Steven came back to the real world (the same kind of separation ring we can see through Amethyst's gem, which is featured in "Reformed" when Amethyst is poofed and both sides of her gem are revealed). However, this ring mysteriously disappears from Pink's gem when she turns back to her real self.
  • Just before Rose/Pink flips her gemstone, the pentagonal facet can be seen pointing down instead of up like usual.
  • When Garnet and Amethyst are seen comforting Pearl after what appears to be Rose's death, Amethyst's bare arm is seen. Judging from "Three Gems and a Baby" and We Are the Crystal Gems, Amethyst did not wear her off-shoulder mauve tank top until sometime when Steven was in his adolescence, instead wearing an off-shoulder mauve sweater.
    • Also in the same shot, Garnet's shoulder pads appears to be oval-shaped like her current regeneration instead of cube-shaped.
  • When Amethyst screams "What?" at the end of the episode, her tank top is rounded at the bottom instead of ripped.

Transcript

View the episode's transcript here.

Gallery

New Gallery

Click to view the gallery for A Single Pale Rose.

Video

References

  1. http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-7-2018.html
  2. "A Single Pale Rose" on CartoonNetwork.com
  3. Joe Johnston's Tumblr
    "Q: Sir, but how do we know everything Pearl did for Rose wasn't just that Pearl-caste-programming kicking in because in truth, Pearl knew Rose was infact her Diamond. Sure Pearl had feelings for her, but how do we know whether or not the servant mentality still didnt play a role in Pearl's allegiance with Rose.
    A: I’ll put it this way, if Pink Diamond we’re to say “Pearl, I ORDER you to do such and such…” because she’s her Pearl, she would have to do it. Of course her servant mentality played a role in her allegiance to Rose, how could it not. BUT, that relationship clearly grew and changed as naturally as any relationship will, and it wasn’t due to Pink Diamonds powers or influence..."
  4. Joe Johnston's Tumblr
    "Q: So we know that Rose is able to order Pearl around if Rose so chooses to (and that Pearl only has to obey her IF Rose orders her to). I just want to know if Pearl is the only one Rose is capable of ordering around in that way (forcing someone to do something). Is it part of her being a Diamond, or does it only apply to Pearl?
    A: It only applies to Pearl. BECAUSE our Pearl was made for Pink Diamond, she must follow her orders. Rose did not have this power or control over anyone else, and its ONLY because Pearl was made for her that Pink/Rose had this power over her. Pink is a Diamond, she could order around lots of gems, but they follow because of hierarchy, not because the Diamonds are mind controlling them. Is this making sense? I’m try to clear this up for everybody, but people still seem confused."
  5. [1]
ve Episode List
Pilot Pilot
Season 1 A: Gem GlowLaser Light CannonCheeseburger BackpackTogether BreakfastFryboCat FingersBubble BuddiesSerious StevenTiger MillionaireSteven's LionArcade ManiaGiant WomanSo Many BirthdaysLars and the Cool KidsOnion TradeSteven the Sword FighterLion 2: The MovieBeach PartyRose's RoomCoach StevenJoking VictimSteven and the StevensMonster BuddiesAn Indirect KissMirror Gem/Ocean Gem

B: House GuestSpace RaceSecret TeamIsland AdventureKeep Beach City WeirdFusion CuisineGarnet's UniverseWatermelon StevenLion 3: Straight to VideoWarp TourAlone TogetherThe TestFuture VisionOn the RunHorror ClubWinter ForecastMaximum CapacityMarble MadnessRose's ScabbardOpen BookShirt ClubStory for StevenThe MessagePolitical PowerThe Return/Jail Break

Season 2 Full DisclosureJoy RideSay UncleLove LettersReformedSworn to the SwordRising Tides, Crashing SkiesKeeping It TogetherWe Need to TalkChille TidCry for HelpKeystone MotelOnion FriendHistorical FrictionFriend ShipNightmare HospitalSadie's SongCatch and ReleaseWhen It RainsBack to the BarnToo FarThe AnswerSteven's BirthdayIt Could've Been Great/Message ReceivedLog Date 7 15 2
Season 3 Super Watermelon Island/Gem DrillSame Old WorldBarn MatesHit the DiamondSteven FloatsDrop Beat DadMr. GregToo Short to RideThe New LarsBeach City DriftRestaurant WarsKiki's Pizza Delivery ServiceMonster ReunionAlone at SeaGreg the BabysitterGem HuntCrack the WhipSteven vs. AmethystBismuthBetaEarthlingsBack to the MoonBubbled
Season 4 Kindergarten KidKnow Your FusionBuddy's BookMindful EducationFuture Boy ZoltronLast One Out of Beach CityOnion GangGem HarvestThree Gems and a BabySteven's DreamAdventures in Light DistortionGem HeistThe ZooThat Will Be AllThe New Crystal GemsStorm in the RoomRocknaldoTiger PhilanthropistRoom for RubyLion 4: Alternate EndingDoug OutThe Good LarsAre You My Dad?I Am My Mom
Season 5 Stuck TogetherThe TrialOff ColorsLars' HeadDewey WinsGemcationRaising the BarnBack to the KindergartenSadie KillerKevin PartyLars of the StarsJungle MoonYour Mother and MineThe Big ShowPool HoppingLetters to LarsCan't Go BackA Single Pale RoseNow We're Only Falling ApartWhat's Your Problem?The QuestionMade of HonorReunitedLegs From Here to HomeworldFamiliarTogether AloneEscapismChange Your Mind
Film Steven Universe: The Movie
Steven Universe Future Little HomeschoolGuidanceRose BudsVolleyballBluebirdA Very Special EpisodeSnow DayWhy So Blue?Little GraduationPrickly PairIn DreamsBismuth CasualTogether ForeverGrowing PainsMr. UniverseFragmentsHomeworld BoundEverything's FineI Am My MonsterThe Future
Shorts Lion Loves to Fit in a BoxThe Classroom Gems: What Are Gems?We Are the Crystal GemsThe Classroom Gems: How Are Gems Made?UnboxingThe Classroom Gems: FusionCooking with LionGem KaraokeSteven ReactsVideo ChatSteven's Song Time