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Steven, it's not lying when you're the mayor. It's politics.

—"Political Power"
Click here to see more of Bill Dewey's quotes.

Bill Dewey is a recurring character in Steven Universe and Steven Universe Future, who made his debut in "Cat Fingers". He was the mayor of Beach City until the events of "Dewey Wins", where he had withdrawn from the next election, therefore resigning from his position. As of "Letters to Lars", he now works at the Big Donut.

Appearance

Bill Dewey has balding dark-brown hair and coral skin. He normally wears a light violet-gray coat with a beige collared shirt underneath, a dark-violet necktie tie, gray-brown pants, black socks, chocolate-brown shoes, and black shoelaces with dark-violet stripes.

Personality

Lars and the Cool Kids (146)

Bill Dewey displays some of the common stereotypes of politicians: he believes his position entitles him to certain privileges, he's overly concerned about money, he's distinguished in public but lacks confidence in private (especially when put under any pressure), etc.

He likes to pretend that he has more importance, influence, and control over Beach City than he really does. It is also implied that Bill has made some less than legal choices during his career as mayor.

He refers to the town as "a magnet for disaster", which is a fair assessment as the locale is often the target of unnatural phenomena such as dangerous Corrupted Gems, destructive machines from space, and other disasters like the recession of the ocean or the falling debris from the Gem Warship.

He's slightly incompetent at his job of managing the city (he pitifully tries to refill the ocean with a watering hose when it recedes), so he employs a "bread and circuses", a political tactic to keep himself in the town's good favor.

He believes it's his job to keep the citizens feeling calm and secure, so he often sets up various diversions and attractions such as the world's largest bowl of ice cream ("Joking Victim"), a Summer Season welcoming speech ("Mirror Gem"), a New Year's Eve fireworks show ("Maximum Capacity"), and a statue of himself.

Letters to Lars (290)

After losing his position as mayor, he shows himself to be extremely insecure without having other people to rely on him, and he wanders around town aimlessly in a desperate attempt to feel useful. He becomes fulfilled and happy again after taking over at the Big Donut, naming most of the menu items after himself.

History

"Cat Fingers"

Cat Fingers (013)

He visits It's a Wash to have his campaign vehicle cleaned in "Cat Fingers". He is upset when Steven sprays him during a hose fight and tells Greg to control his kid. Greg apologetically says the car wash was free, and Mayor Dewey seems satisfied.

"Lars and the Cool Kids"

He later makes an appearance in "Lars and the Cool Kids" where he is seen giving a re-election speech and kissing a baby as Sour Cream, Jenny, Steven, and Buck Dewey drive by in Jenny's Car.

"Rose's Room"

In the recreation of Beach City in Rose's room, Steven accidentally creates a copy of Mayor Dewey.

"Joking Victim"

He appears in "Joking Victim" when he presents the biggest ice cream bowl in Beach City. When Lars burns it with the Fire Salt, he seems to be unaware that it could melt.

"Steven and the Stevens"

Mayor Dewey is seen manning the table at Beach-a-Palooza.

"Mirror Gem"

Mirror Gem 066

In "Mirror Gem", Mayor Dewey is first seen driving on the boardwalk, which Steven happens to be walking on. After telling him to "go get run over somewhere else", Dewey drives to the ocean-side, where he makes a speech to the people of Beach City about the coming of summer.

Unfortunately, his speech is full of double entendres, which Steven and The Mirror mock in order to make fart jokes. The audience is more entertained by Steven’s antics than the speech, leaving Dewey mildly put off.

"Ocean Gem"

He appears again in "Ocean Gem" on the beach and is panicked over the sudden disappearance of the ocean. He's seen grieving about the resulting damage that's likely to be inflicted on the city tourism industry, as well as the likely end of his career.

Ocean Gem 191

As the ocean returns, Dewey is seen desperately trying to restore the ocean using a hose. After Steven and the Gems return, Dewey desperately yet thankfully embraces Steven as the rest of the townspeople celebrate his heroism, lifting him onto his shoulders.

"Shirt Club"

He is seen unpacking inventory in the Abandoned Warehouse, and practices "acting cool" in front of Buck but always fails. He made a poster for "Bench City" (which was actually just a poster that says "Welcome to Beach City" rewritten into "Welcome to Bench City" by Mayor Dewey in permanent marker).

Shirt Club (282)

He is rushed out of the Warehouse by Buck and is later seen again, giving a speech about the bench that was positioned behind him. He is shot in the stomach with a T-shirt by Steven as his bodyguards and the whole crowd goes wild and runs in different directions as they see T-shirts randomly being shot out from nowhere. He's touched upon realizing that the design on the shirt is one of Buck's old drawings of him.

"Political Power"

He takes on the main role in "Political Power" after the Crystal Gems accidentally knock out all the power in the city with an EMP. Enlisting the help of Steven, he travels around the town assuring the citizens that everything will be fine and that the power will return that night. After the power doesn't return the citizens of Beach City turn on him for lying.

He is quickly saved by Steven who encourages all of them to stay strong and to not turn on each other. He also gives Steven advice and explains to him the basis of politics, which, as he understands it, is making stuff up to ensure that the citizens of the town are kept happy and safe.

"The Return"

The Return 047

He returns again in "The Return" after being called by Steven, shown cowering behind a curtain in response to Peridot's ship. Steven calls on him to use his political powers to convince the citizens of Beach City to evacuate to keep them safe from the approaching threat.

He is later seen driving around town with a new truck jingle urging the citizens to evacuate. After Steven is knocked out of Greg's van from the airbag he is seen standing around with the rest of Beach City's Citizens making sure that Steven is not hurt.

"Full Disclosure"

Bill is seen speaking to Onion and Yellowtail through is megaphone.

"Joy Ride"

Buck complains that his father often has issue with what he does.

"Rising Tides, Crashing Skies"

GaleriaRTSC00044

He appears at his desk being interviewed by Ronaldo being asked about the Gem Warship, but he confuses it for people voting to save Beach City by electing, but he soon finds out that he's talking about the Crystal Gems.

He asks why he's talking about them, and Ronaldo says he's covering the story about them, but he then confuses it for asking about a cover-up and gets security to eject him from his office.

"Historical Friction"

Bill wrote the initial version of Beach City or Bust, a play about the founding of Beach City by his ancestor William Dewey. He sits in on Steven and Jamie's rehearsal. In the play, William Dewey is shown to be a capable leader who is adored by his crew, and he has the ability to grow to fifty feet. After they finish, he leaves, reminding them that he's funding the play after Jamie criticizes the writing.

Historical Friction 172

At the play, Mayor Dewey tries to impress Pearl by telling her that he wrote the Beach City or Bust, causing her to scoff and find a different seat. Throughout the play, Bill becomes worried by the changes he sees done to his play, specifically the presence of the Crystal Gems.

After the play ends, the audience cheers and Buck tells Bill that he liked seeing that William Dewey had flaws, causing Bill to congratulate Jamie for the success of his play. He offers Jamie the position of Lead Director of Beach City Community Theater, which he accepts. Bill also thanks Pearl for the revisions she made to the script.

"Sadie's Song"

Bill is once again seen in charge of the Beach-a-Palooza table.

"Steven Floats"

Steven imagines Mayor Dewey as one of the people who would get to have a donut at the Big Donut and later be confused by his absence.

"Onion Gang"

Mayor Dewey appears in Steven's Phone as one of his contacts.

"The New Crystal Gems"

Mayor Dewey has Buck take his van to It's a Wash after it was vandalized.

"Dewey Wins"

Dewey Wins 53

The townspeople begin to criticize Mayor Dewey for his lack of action against the recent kidnappings of citizens, leading to Nanefua Pizza entering the mayoral race against him. Steven supports Dewey's campaign, making a statement that Mayor Dewey was unaware of the abductions and is more his fault than Dewey's. This backfires, as the citizens believe he should have been more involved in what was happening n the town.

Mayor Dewey attempts to calm the situation by reminding his constituents that everyone is safe in Beach City, but Sadie reveals that Lars is still in space, becoming angry that he didn't know. He makes a promise to hire someone new at the Big Donut, which upsets the crowd further and causes a tomato to be thrown in his face.

A video of Mayor Dewey being hit by a tomato circulates online, and Dewey believes that he won't be reelected with the negative press he's receiving. Steven motivates him to prepare for his debate against Nanefua, but he ends up tired and anxious due to staying up late.

In his speech, Dewey claims that the mayor is blamed for everything that goes wrong in the town, and so he should continue to be mayor because he knows how to deal with it. However, Nanefua flips the script on him, saying that she fixed nothing by blaming Bill for the abductions and should instead focus on helping the people of Beach City.

Dewey Wins 127

The impact of her speech causes Bill to drop out of the race, as he believes Nanefua will be a better mayor than him. Steven is hurt and betrayed by Bill's choice, and is confused when he starts relating his feelings to Connie's as he lacks the context.

"Letters to Lars"

In his letter, Steven recounts that Bill has been struggling after losing his job as mayor. Bill walks up to the Big Donut, remarking that he and it are both empty inside. Later, at a town meeting at Fish Stew Pizza, he points out flaws in Mayor Nanefua's emergency plan, such as that it would be difficult to get in touch with everyone should something happen. At the end of the meeting, Bill points out he's the only one without a way to help out.

Letters to Lars (214)

Bill is seen attempting to help a Sadie Killer and the Suspects rehearsal wearing a ghost costume, but Buck says that his appearance doesn't match their aesthetic. Sadie becomes angry at him for cutting holes in her sheets. He's also late for a performance by the Beach City Laugh Guards, appearing on stage unaware of the scene underway. He also attempts to play tennis with Greg and Garnet, but ends up hit in the face by a tennis ball.

While eating tater tots from Hot 2 Tot, Bill becomes distraught after realizing the van used to be his campaign vehicle. He confesses to Steven that he feels like everything has changed and that the town has outgrown him, and he misses seeing people smile at him.

Letters to Lars (312)

Steven has the idea that Bill should get a job at the Big Donut, which he is shown to love. He names different kinds of donuts after himself, smiling as he serves his customers. Steven takes Bill to the Barriga Residence, where he offers Dante and Martha Barriga a Pink Lars, the one donut not named after himself. They invite him and Steven inside.

"What's Your Problem?"

Bill is seen sweeping behind the Big Donut.

"Reunited"

Reunited (290)

Bill attends Ruby and Sapphire's wedding, becoming concerned for Yellowtail after Ruby accidentally almost burns him. At the reception, he is sad to see Mayor Nanefua and his former bodyguards dancing. He dances with Jamie, who is also depressed, interrupting a conversation between several men.

He is fearful when Yellow and Blue Diamond's ships arrive above them, fleeing with the rest of the party guests.

Steven Universe: The Movie

Two years later, Bill is still working at the Big Donut. He's put off by Lion warping into the shop, and scared once again when Steven pops back out to ask for donuts. He's also shown to be worried about Spinel's Injector and the harm it seems to be doing to the grass around it.

After the day is saved, Bill attends a small Sadie Killer and the Suspects concert on the beach.

"Guidance"

Bill is riding The Appalachian when it breaks due to Larimar's inexperience. He and the other riders are saved by Smoky Quartz, who uses Steven's time dilation powers.

"I Am My Monster"

Bill and Buck are with Lace Amethyst when they notice Steven, in his monster form, beginning to scale the Crystal Temple.

"The Future"

Bill is among the Beach City residents who say their goodbyes to Steven as he drives past the Big Donut.

Relationships

Buck Dewey

Aww... I haven't seen this in years. Remember when you drew this, Buck? You couldn't wait to show it off to all your li'l Montessori friends.

—Bill Dewey, "Shirt Club"
Shirt Club (087)

Bill embarrassing his son, Buck.

Buck Dewey is Bill Dewey's son. According to Buck Dewey in "Lars and the Cool Kids", Bill was never affectionate towards him, saying that he never received "daddy kisses" from his father. In the episode "Shirt Club", Bill was happy that Buck seemed to be "returning to the family business". It can be assumed that Buck used to be an active part of Mayor Dewey's campaign for mayor but now doesn't involve himself with it anymore.

Buck Dewey consistently shows resentment and annoyance towards his father, being exasperated at his father's attempts to seem cool and hip as well as his father being interested in him rejoining his campaign for re-election.

After Steven finds a box of drawings of a young Buck and his father that reads "Vote for My Dad" on the top, Mayor Dewey begins to get emotional over them and the memories behind them which result in Buck hurriedly rushing him out and then crumpling the drawing afterward in angst.

Later, Mayor Dewey gets emotional again after seeing the shirts with the same drawing. The back story of Bill and Buck Dewey is currently unknown. In "Joy Ride", Buck says that his father always has to say something about everything he does because he's the "mayor's son".

Steven Universe

Ocean Gem 201

Bill hugging Steven.

In his first seen interaction with Steven, he was annoyed that Steven sprayed him with water. Since then, however, Dewey has repeatedly turned to Steven and the Crystal Gems in moments of crisis for the city.

He was incredibly grateful to Steven when he returned the ocean in time for the summer tourist rush. Steven helped Mayor Dewey save face with the town when the power went and seems to have gained Dewey's direct phone number in the process.

Steven believes Mayor Dewey sometimes lies to the townspeople because he loves them and wants to protect them. As shown in "Dewey Wins", Bill is willing to let Steven take the fall for his own shortcomings as mayor while readily accepting his help.

Steven later helps Bill get his job at the Big Donut. Two years later, when Steven is leaving Beach City, Bill is happy to be there to say goodbye.

Greg Universe

Greg cleaned Dewey's campaign van in the episode "Cat Fingers". Mayor Dewey was happy to accept a free cleaning as compensation for getting sprayed with the hose by Steven.

Residents of Beach City

People of Beach City. You might think that being a mayor is a fine and glamorous sort of thing. I can understand why my opponent would want the position. But I've been mayor of this city for a decade, and I know some things that Ms. Nanefua does not. You see, when you're the mayor, you get blamed for everything. When the boardwalk has termites, it's the mayor's fault. When aliens steal people, it's the mayor's fault. When the mayor crashes the mayor mobile into the only cell tower in town, it's the mayor's fault. Most people can't handle that kind of pressure, but I can! So, I say to you, Beach City citizens, just enjoy our wonderful ocean breeze and don't worry about a thing. Just let Dewey "do it" for you!

—Bill Dewey, "Dewey Wins"

Dewey believes that the citizens, whom he sometimes refers to as "the Boardies", of Beach City need to be coddled and distracted from the major issues of the town. He knows that the city is a major site of unnatural activity and fears that if the people aren't kept calm they might riot (like in Ocean Town) or worse – not re-elect him.

Crystal Gems

Your caretakers! You know....the tall one, the purple one, the hot one. Look, the power is out and I've been mayor long enough to know they had something to do with it.

—Bill Dewey, "Political Power"
Political Power 085

Bill blushing over Pearl.

Mayor Dewey does not have much interaction with the Gems, other than when major things happen to the town, such as a power outage or the ocean disappearing.

He understands that the Gems have some connection to whatever unusual activity is happening to the town and is happy to let them take care of it. As the Gems live in Beach City, he tries to assert his authority over them in "Ocean Gem" by demanding they return the ocean.

Like most citizens of Beach City, he doesn't fully understand what the Crystal Gems are or what their relationship is with the Universe family. He knows they're Steven's caretakers and assumes they're his sisters.

He does, however, appear to be attracted to Pearl as shown in "Political Power", he swoons and blushes when she appears by the door. In "Historical Friction", he leaves out the fact it was the Crystal Gems that helped his ancestor find Beach City. Mayor Dewey tries to impress Pearl by stating he wrote the play but becomes disheartened when she leaves for another seat.

Once the play is over and Steven credits the play's success to Pearl, Mayor Dewey thanks her for preserving his family's legacy. She gently pats him on the head and calls him a "friend", which causes him to blush and leave.

Episode Appearances

Trivia

  • It is possible that his last name is based on Dewey Beach, in Delaware, one of the locations that inspired Beach City.
  • Both his first name and his son's first name, Buck, are related to money. A "buck" and a "bill" are slang terms for paper currency.
  • It is revealed in "Political Power" that Dewey has a crush on Pearl, as he refers to her as "the hot one".
  • It is revealed in "Shirt Club" that his son used to help him make posters for his election campaigns when Buck was young.
  • In "Rising Tides, Crashing Skies", Dewey's response to a cover-up implies there may be one actually in place.
  • On page 62 of Steven Universe: Art & Origins there is a picture of a statue of him that reads "Big Bill Dewey – Founder" indicating that he was once meant to be the founder of Beach City.

Gallery

New Gallery

Click to view the gallery for Bill Dewey.

ve Characters in Steven Universe
Crystal Gems Human-Gem Hybrids: Steven Universe

Unfused Gems: AmethystBiggs JasperBismuthLapis LazuliLarimarPearlPeridotRubySapphireSnowflake Obsidian
Fusion Gems: AlexandriteCrazy Lace AgateGarnetMega PearlObsidian (Rose Quartz Fusion)OpalRainbow QuartzSardonyxSugilite
Hybrid Fusions: Obsidian (Steven fusion)Rainbow Quartz 2.0Smoky QuartzStegStevonnieSunstone
Inactive Gems: Rose Quartz
Humans: Connie Maheswaran
Pets: LionPumpkinCat Steven

Homeworld Gems Unfused Gems: CombyEmeraldPebblesPeridotsSapphiresSpinel

Fusion Gems: MalachiteTopazZebra Jasper (fusion)Giant RubyRuby (triple fusion)Lemon JadeBluebird Azurite
Inactive Gems: Pink Diamond

Off Colors Unfused Gems: PadparadschaRutile Twins

Fusion Gems: FluoriteRhodonite
Humans: Lars Barriga

Other Gems (Formerly) Corrupted Gems: AlbiteAngel Aura QuartzBig Bird • Biggs Jasper • BixbiteBlue ChalcedonyBlue Lace Agate • Cherry Quartz • ChrysocollaDesert GlassEarth BeetleGrossular DiopsideHeaven Beetle • Jasper • Lace Amethyst • Larimar • Moonstone • Nephrite • Ocean JasperOrange Spodumene • Snowflake Obsidian • Tongue MonsterUnknown Giant Gem MonsterWater BearWatermelon TourmalineWhite TopazZebra Jasper (singular)Minor Corrupted Gems

Other Gems: Minor GemsUnknown Gems (Morganite • Nephrite-XJ Cut-763 • Unknown Quartz Warrior • Blue Diamond's Court • Pink Diamond's EntourageUnknown Crystal Gems67 Elite CitrinesPyritesHessonites, Demantoids, and PyropesKyanites)

Forced Fusions: Cluster Gems (The Cluster)

Comic Gems: Ant Gem MonsterClock Tower GemFrozen FragmentGlass GhostInvisible Manta RayMole Gem MonsterMolluskMonster Lizard GemObeliskOld Book GemPlant MonsterPerils of PweepweeRainbow Cloud MonsterRed Bird Gem MonsterRed Eel MonsterScorching ShardSlime Gem MonsterSlug MonsterSnowbeastTentacle MonsterUnknown Giant BirdVine Monsters

Other Major Characters Humans: Greg UniverseSadie Miller
Recurring Characters Humans: Andy DeMayoBarbara MillerBill DeweyBuck DeweyBuddy BuddwickDante and Martha BarrigaDoug MaheswaranPriyanka MaheswaranHarold SmileyJamieJaneJenny PizzaKevinKiki PizzaKofi PizzaMartyMr. FrymanMystery GirlNanefua PizzaOnionPeedee FrymanQuentin FrowneyRonaldo FrymanShepSour CreamSuitcase SamVidaliaYellowtailZoomans (F-3Jay-TenU-12Wy-Six)

Others: Baby MelonBlue CrabsCactus StevenHolo-PearlMagic MossSteven Jr.Watermelon Stevens

Minor Characters Humans: The Best Diner in the World's WaitressEmpire City Wildlife Rehabilitation Center EmployeeGaryGreg's family (Aunt and Uncle • Aunt DebGrandfatherParentsGreat-aunt Gregargia) • Hospital Employees (Dr. GeroDr. StrombergDr. West) JeffKhajima, Jaime, and BrandishMarty's RoadiesMayoral BodyguardsMike KrolOnion's Friends (Garbanzo • Pinto • Soup • Squash) • Patricia and DanielRickySabinaSteven's BabysitterSunshine JusticeWilliam Buford BuchananWilliam DeweyMinor Human Characters

Animals: Butt LobsterCrystal BasiliskDogGiant BirdMask Island BirdsMask Island FishMask Island WormOnion's MouseOnion's SnakeParty GuyRaccoonSeagullsSnakeSteven The ThirdSusanMinor Animal Characters
Aliens: Beetle AliensBird Blob AliensUngulate AliensWorm AliensFlower-Like AliensMinor Alien Characters

Fictional Characters Cookie CatDogcopterMearlPizza JennyMinor Fictional Characters

Camp Pining Hearts: PaulettePercyPierre
"Garnet's Universe": FoxmanHopperHoppyRingo
Golf Quest Mini: AceAce's Father
Li'l Butler: Li'l ButlerMr. MoneyMrs. MoneyDaughter Money • Dirtbike Money
Lonely Blade: Evil JanitorLonely BladeLonely Blade's Brother
Rose's Room: Cloud ConnieTiny Floating Whale
The Spirit Morph Saga: ArchimicarusLisaPlinkmanWind Lizard

Antagonists Blood PolypCentipeetlesCrab MonstersCrystal ShrimpDrill ParasitesElectric SkullsFryboHolo-ConnieShadow ConnieSmoke MonsterWater Clones
Alter Egos Billy Bank AssetsChunk TruckConcrete HeatDashing Danny DooberHandsome Hank HackleschmidtHowl JonesLoch Ness BloggsterPurple PumaSea WaspShark-O-ManiaTiger Millionaire
Attack the Light Blue LightGreen LightIndigo LightOrange LightRed LightViolet LightWhite LightYellow Light

Groups: Light ArmyBlue Monsters • Green Monsters • Indigo MonstersOrange MonstersRed Monsters

Save the Light Hessonite • SquaridotHessonite's Citrines
Unleash the Light DemantoidPyrope
The Phantom Fable Fable • Lonely PearlJasper (Eyeball)
Groups The Cool Kids • Crystal Gems • Crystal Temps • The "Famethyst" • The Great Diamond Authority • Homeworld Gems • Off ColorsSadie Killer and the SuspectsSecret Team • Steven and the Stevens • Zoomans • Species
Gem Types Aquamarines • Bismuths • Diamonds • GarnetsJades • Lapis Lazulis • Nephrites • Pearls • Pebbles • Peridots • Quartzes • Rubies • Sapphires • Topazes • Zircons
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