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{{Youmay|the episode|[[Cartoon Network: Steven Universe - Gem Glow (V1)|the DVD]]}}
{{Quote|I summon my weapon by eating ice cream!|saidby=[[Steven Universe (character)|Steven]]}}
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<center>{{Quote|I summon my weapon by eating ice cream!|saidby=[[Steven Universe (character)|Steven]]}}</center>
{{Episode
 
  +
|season = 1
 
  +
{{GemGlow
 
|season = 1
 
|episodenumber = 1
 
|episodenumber = 1
  +
|overallnumber = 1
|image = File:GemGlow.png
+
|image = File:Gem Glow 000.png
|production = 1020-003
 
|airdate = November 4, 2013
+
|airdate = November 4, 2013
 
|production = 1020-003
|writer =
 
 
|viewers = 1.861 million <ref name="The Futon Critic 2013-11-05">{{cite web
[[Joe Johnston]]<br>
 
 
|url = http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2013/11/05/mondays-cable-ratings-and-broadcast-finals-mnf-trumps-voice-in-demos-viewers-350113/cable_20131104/
[[Jeff Liu]]
 
 
|title = Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: ''MNF'' Trumps ''Voice'' in Demos, Viewers
|storyboard =
 
 
|publisher = The Futon Critic
[[Joe Johnston]]<br>
 
 
|work = Ratings
[[Jeff Liu]]
 
|director =
+
|date = 2013-11-05
 
|accessdate = 2013-11-05
[[Ki-Yong Bae]], [[Jin-Hee Park]] & [[Seon-Jae Lee]] (animation)<br>
 
 
|author = The Futon Critic staff
[[Kevin Dart]] (art)<br>
 
 
}}</ref>
[[Ian Jones-Quartey]] (co-executive producer)
 
 
|writer = [[Joe Johnston]]<br />[[Jeff Liu]]
|viewers = 1.861 million <ref name="The Futon Critic 2013-11-05">
 
 
|director = * [[Ki-Yong Bae]], [[Jin-Hee Park]] & [[Seon-Jae Lee]] <small>(animation)</small>
{{cite web
 
 
*[[Kevin Dart]] <small>(art)</small>
|url = http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2013/11/05/mondays-cable-ratings-and-broadcast-finals-mnf-trumps-voice-in-demos-viewers-350113/cable_20131104/
 
  +
* [[Ian Jones-Quartey]] <small>(supervising)</small>
|title = Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: ''MNF'' Trumps ''Voice'' in Demos, Viewers
 
|publisher = The Futon Critic
 
|work = Ratings
 
|date = 2013-11-05
 
|accessdate = 2013-11-05
 
|author = The Futon Critic staff
 
}}
 
</ref>
 
 
}}
 
}}
'''"Gem Glow"''' is the 1<sup>st</sup> episode in the [[Season 1|first season]] of ''[[Steven Universe (TV series)|Steven Universe]]'', and the 1<sup>st</sup> episode overall in the series.
+
'''"Gem Glow"''' is the 1<sup>st</sup> episode in the [[Season 1|first season]] of ''[[Steven Universe (TV series)|Steven Universe]]'', and the 1<sup>st</sup> episode overall in the series.
   
==Synopsis ==
+
== Official Synopsis ==
  +
<!--- Do not change this --->
[[Steven Universe (character)|Steven]] thinks his [[Cookie Cat|favorite ice cream sandwiches]] are the trick to summoning his [[Gem Weapons#Steven's/Rose's Shield|magic shield]], but he learns otherwise when facing off with an [[Centipeetles|acid-spewing insect monster]].
+
[[Steven Universe (character)|Steven]] thinks his [[Cookie Cat|favorite ice cream sandwiches]] are the trick to summoning his [[Gem Weapons#Steven's/Rose's Shield|magic shield]], but he learns otherwise when facing off with an [[Nephrite|acid-spewing insect monster]].<ref>http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/video/steven-universe/cookie-cat-clip.html</ref>
   
==Plot==
+
== Plot ==
[[File:GemGlow013.png|thumb|200px|[[Steven Universe (character)|Steven]] crying over [[Cookie Cat]].]]
+
[[File:Gem Glow (032).png|thumb|200x200px|Steven crying over Cookie Cat.|left]]
Steven is at the [[Big Donut]] shouting in despair after finding that Cookie Cat has been discontinued due to a recent competitor, [[Lion Lickers]]. [[Sadie]] lets him take the freezer it was originally sold in. When he gets home, he finds [[Amethyst]], [[Pearl]], and [[Garnet]] locked in battle with [[Centipeetles]] that have invaded Steven's room. They destroy most of them, but have not found the gem that normally appears with enemies. Garnet believes there's a mother Centipeetle somewhere. Steven shoos one from the fridge and finds many Cookie Cats in the freezer. The gems explain how they got some from a nearby factory. He is so happy he begins to sing the Cookie Cat theme song from a television advertisement. He then takes a bite out of a Cookie Cat, and his gem starts to glow. Amethyst tells him to try to summon his weapon, but Steven does not know how. Eventually the Gem stops glowing, and Steven is sad. He asks to be taught how to summon a weapon, and Pearl volunteers to show him first.
+
Steven visits the [[Big Donut]], where he becomes distraught after finding out that the Cookie Cat ice cream brand has been discontinued because a recent competitor, [[Lion Lickers]], has become more popular in sales. As an act of consolation, [[Sadie Miller|Sadie]] lets him take the freezer they were originally sold in. When he gets home, he finds [[Amethyst]], [[Pearl]], and [[Garnet]] locked in battle with [[Centipeetles]] that have invaded [[Beach House|Steven's room]]. They destroyed most of them but did not find the [[Gemstones|gems]] they usually receive after "poofing" the [[Gems|Gem's]] form. Garnet believes that the mother Centipeetle must be nearby, controlling the others. Steven drives one off the fridge and finds a lot of Cookie Cats in the freezer. The [[Crystal Gems|Gems]] explain how they got some from a nearby factory since they knew they were his favorite, and decided to buy the last remaining batch for him. Delighted, he begins to sing [[Cookie Cat (song)|the Cookie Cat theme song]] from a television advertisement. He then takes a bite of a Cookie Cat, and his gem starts to glow. Amethyst tells him to try to summon his [[Gem Weapons|weapon]], but Steven does not know how. Eventually, his gem stops glowing, leaving Steven disappointed. He asks to be taught how to summon a weapon, and Pearl volunteers to show him first.
   
[[File:GemGlow051.png|thumb|200px|left|[[Pearl]] teaching Steven on how to summon his weapon.]]
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[[File:Gem Glow (121).png|thumb|200x200px|Pearl teaching Steven on how to summon his weapon.]]
She takes him to a tree with many petals, and tells him that each petal falling to the ground is moving precisely in accordance with the Earth around it, and that this can be mastered by training hard. She then summons her [[Gem Weapons#Pearl's Cyan Sword|spear]] as a demonstration. Steven picks a handful of petals, but is utterly confused. Steven then goes to Amethyst, who is behind the Big Donut. Amethyst explains that whenever she needs her weapon, it comes to her. She demonstrates by pulling out her [[Gem Weapons#Amethyst's Violet Whip|whip]] and slicing a dumpster in half. Steven is confused by this, because it is the opposite of what Pearl told him. He visits Garnet last, on top of the [[Crystal Temple]]. He asks if he has to train hard and not worry at the same time, to which she replies affirmatively. She tells him the alternative is to connect with all living matter and energy around him, which is her method for pulling out her [[Gem Weapons#Garnet's Red Gauntlets|gauntlets]]. Steven remains utterly confused.
+
Pearl takes him to [[Pearl's Tree|a tree]] with petals falling continuously and tells him that each petal falling to the ground is not moving randomly, but precisely, based on the physical properties of the [[Earth]], and that this can be mastered by training hard. She then summons her [[Gem Weapons#Pearl's Spear|spear]] as a demonstration. Steven picks up and throws a handful of petals, but still, doesn't understand what Pearl is trying to say. Steven then goes to Amethyst, who is behind the Big Donut. Amethyst explains that whenever she needs her weapon, it just comes to her naturally. She demonstrates by pulling out her [[Gem Weapons#Amethyst's Whip|whip]] and slicing a dumpster in half. Steven is lost because what Amethyst said was the opposite of what Pearl told him. [[Lars Barriga|Lars]] then comes out of the Big Donut, sees the dumpster in half, and exclaims "Again?!". Steven then visits Garnet last, at the top of the [[Crystal Temple]]. He asks if he has to train hard and not worry at the same time, to which she replies affirmatively. She tells him the alternative is to connect with all living matter and energy around him, which is her method for pulling out her [[Gem Weapons#Garnet's Gauntlets|gauntlets]]. Steven still doesn't understand.
   
[[File:Gem Glow Steven 01.gif|thumb|200px|Steven's Gem Glow.]]
+
[[File:Gem Glow Steven 01.gif|thumb|200x200px|Steven's Gem Glow.|left]]
Steven decides to do it his own way, by recreating what happened when his gem started to glow. He attempts to make everything exactly as it was before, and sings his song again. This fails, and he thinks he is not cut out to be a Crystal Gem. The others think he is being silly, and reassure him that he is one of them. He eats another Cookie Cat, when his gem suddenly starts glowing brighter than it did before. It glows to the point where his weapon is finally revealed: a shield. The others bask, and Steven yells in happiness. His shield starts bouncing around the house and smashes into a TV, which Amethyst finds hilarious.
+
Steven decides to recreate what happened when his gem first started to glow. He attempts to make everything exactly as it was before and sings his song again. This fails, and he wonders whether if he is not cut out to be a Crystal Gem. The others say that he is silly, and reassure him that he is one of them. He eats another Cookie Cat in reassurance when his gem suddenly starts glowing brighter than it did before. It glows to the point where his weapon is finally revealed: a shield. The others bask, and Steven gets too excited, losing control of it. His shield starts bouncing around the house and smashes into [[Steven's TV|the TV]], which Amethyst finds hilarious while Pearl groans.
   
[[File:MotherofCentibeetles.png|thumb|200px|left|[[Centipeetle Mother]] attacks again.]]
+
[[File:Gem Glow (223).png|thumb|200x200px|Nephrite attacks again.]]
Steven thinks that he can summon his weapon by eating ice cream. When Pearl looks at the wrapper, wondering what its ingredients are, the ground suddenly starts rumbling, and the mother Centipeetle appears outside. Amethyst, Pearl, and Garnet go outside, but they tell Steven to stay inside. They engage in battle, but Steven grabs the Cookie Cat freezer and many Cookie Cats, and goes outside to help. The Gems are trapped, apparently losing. Steven captures its attention and eats a Cookie Cat. However, he fails to summon his weapon and runs away. He desperately eats the remaining Cookie Cats, wondering why it's not working. When he sees the Cookie Cat freezer is damaged, he is distraught and gets a new wave of courage. He grabs it by the plug and throws the broken freezer at the mother, electrocuting it. The Gems then defeat the mother, and Garnet bubbles its gem away.
+
Steven concludes that he can summon his weapon by eating ice cream. When Pearl looks at the wrapper, wondering what its ingredients are, the ground suddenly starts rumbling, and the Centipeetle Mother (a corrupted [[Nephrite]]) appears outside. Amethyst, Pearl, and Garnet go outside, but tell Steven to stay inside. They engage in battle, but Steven grabs the Cookie Cat freezer along with the Cookie Cats and goes outside to help. He finds that the Gems are losing the battle. Steven captures the monster's attention and eats a Cookie Cat, ready to summon his shield. However, he fails to summon it and decides to retreat. He desperately eats the remaining Cookie Cats, wondering why it's not working. When he sees Nephrite damage the Cookie Cat freezer, he is distraught and gets a new wave of courage. He grabs the freezer by the plug and throws the broken freezer at Nephrite, electrocuting her. The Gems then defeat Nephrite, and Garnet [[Bubbling|bubbles]] her gem, sending it to the temple.
[[File:S01Ep01 Of Course They Don't Come From Ice Cream.jpg|thumb|220x220px]]
 
Steven buries the wrappers and cries a little. With the aid of the Crystal Gems, he resolves that he is unable to summon his weapon by eating ice cream. Then the gems cheer him up by saying that he'll be able to figure it out, "in his own Steven-y way". He then says he might have ate too many Cookie Cats and then Pearl and Amethyst laugh. Before the iris closes in on him, he throws up.
 
   
  +
[[File:Gem Glow (274).png|thumb|left|200x200px|Steven sad after burying his last wrapper.]]
==Features==
 
 
Steven buries the wrappers of the Cookie Cats and begins to sob. With the aid of the Crystal Gems, he resolves that he is unable to summon his weapon by eating ice cream. Then the Gems cheer him up by saying that he'll figure out how his gem works "in his own Steven-y way." He starts feeling queasy and states he might have eaten too many Cookie Catsand Pearl and Amethyst laugh. Before the iris closes in on him, Steven laughs anxiously, then retches.
===Characters===
 
  +
{{-}}
*[[Steven Universe (character)|Steven]]
 
 
== Features ==
*[[Garnet]]
 
 
=== Characters ===
*[[Amethyst]]
 
 
* [[Steven Universe (character)|Steven Universe]]
*[[Pearl]]
 
 
* [[Garnet]]
*[[Centipeetles]] (debut)
 
 
* [[Amethyst]]
*[[Centipeetle Mother]] (debut/antagonist)
 
*[[Lars]]
+
* [[Pearl]]
 
* [[Centipeetles]] (debut)
*[[Sadie Miller|Sadie]]
 
 
* [[Nephrite|Nephrite/Centipeetle Mother]] (debut; antagonist)
*[[Cookie Cat (character)|Cookie Cat]] (debut)
 
*[[Rose Quartz]] (pictured)
+
* [[Lars Barriga]]
 
* [[Sadie Miller]]
 
* [[Cookie Cat (character)|Cookie Cat]] (debut)
  +
* [[Rose Quartz]] (first pictured)
   
===Locations===
+
=== Locations ===
*[[Pearl's Tree]]
+
* [[Pearl's Tree]] (debut)
*[[Beach City]]
+
* [[Beach City]]
**[[Big Donut]]
+
** [[Big Donut]]
  +
** [[The Lighthouse|Lighthouse]] (debut)
**[[Crystal Temple]]
 
***[[Beach House]]
+
** [[Crystal Temple]]
  +
*** [[Beach House]]
  +
**** [[Steven's Room]] (debut)
   
===Objects===
+
=== Objects ===
*[[Cookie Cat]] (first appearance)
+
* [[Cookie Cat]] (debut)
*[[Lion Lickers]] (first appearance)
+
* [[Lion Lickers]] (debut)
*[[Connie's Glow Bracelet]] (first appearance/cameo)
+
* [[Connie's Glow Bracelet]] (debut/cameo)
  +
* [[Steven's TV]] (debut)
  +
* [[Crying Breakfast Friends!]] (debut/cameo)
  +
* [[Gem Bubbles]] (debut)
   
 
=== Music ===
 
=== Music ===
  +
==== Songs ====
*"[[Cookie Cat (song)|Cookie Cat]]"
 
*"[[Steven's Shield (soundtrack)|Steven's Shield]]"
+
* "[[Cookie Cat (song)|Cookie Cat]]"
*"[[Pearl's Theme]]"
 
*"[[The Mother]]"
 
   
  +
==== Instrumental Songs ====
==Trivia==
 
 
* "[[Pearl's Theme]]"
*The Crystal Palace, referred to in the [[Pilot]], is now called the [[Crystal Temple]].
 
  +
* "[[Synchronize/Sugilite]]" (short version)
*In the storyboards, [[Pearl]] had an extra line, but it was removed for unknown reasons.
 
  +
* "[[Steven's Shield (soundtrack)|Steven's Shield]]"
*"[[Steven's Shield (soundtrack)|Steven's Shield]]", the song that plays when Steven activates his gemstone, was the first piece of music composed for ''[[Steven Universe (TV series)|Steven Universe]]''.<ref>https://soundcloud.com/aivisura/steven-universe-stevens-shield</ref>
 
 
* "[[The Mother]]"
*This episode was available on iTunes as a free download before it officially aired on Cartoon Network.
 
*This is the first episode to end with a star-shaped iris, which is to appear again in many episodes after.
 
*When [[Garnet]] was demonstrating how to summon her weapons, a soundtrack similar to "[[Synchronize/Sugilite]]" can be heard playing as background music.
 
*If one looks closely, one can see that the reoccuring TV show ''[[Crying Breakfast Friends!]]'' was airing on Steven's T.V. when he got home.
 
*The background music for the [[Cookie Cat (song)|Cookie Cat song]] was composed on a GameBoy.
 
*This episode has the second most errors of the series, with 10 errors.
 
   
 
== Trivia ==
===Cultural References===
 
 
* The Crystal Palace, as it is referred to in the [[Pilot]], is now called the Crystal Temple.
*"I'm stocking here", said by Lars at the beginning of the episode, is a reference to busy New York as portrayed on TV. "I'm walking here!" Is a common phrase.
 
 
* In the storyboards, Pearl had an extra line<sup>what?</sup>, but it was removed for unknown reasons.
 
* "Steven's Shield", the song that plays when Steven activates his gemstone was the first piece of music composed for ''Steven Universe''.<ref>https://soundcloud.com/aivisura/steven-universe-stevens-shield</ref>
 
* This episode was available on iTunes as a free download before it officially aired on [[Cartoon Network]].
  +
* The iTunes/digital HD version of the episode has an audio mixing error during the first shot. The original broadcast version fades the ocean soundscape in smoothly instead of using an abrupt cut.
 
* When Garnet is demonstrating how to summon her weapons, a soundtrack similar to "Synchronize/Sugilite" can be heard playing as background music.
 
* The background music for the Cookie Cat song was composed on a [[wikipedia:Game Boy|Nintendo Game Boy]].
  +
 
=== Cultural References ===
 
* "I'm stocking here," said Lars at the beginning of the episode, is a reference to the line "I'm walkin' here!" spoken by Dustin Hoffman in the 1969 film ''Midnight Cowboy''.
  +
* The sequence in which Steven's gem glows and summons his shield for the first time is similar to the transformations of [[Wikipedia:Magical girl|magical girls]] often seen in anime and manga.
  +
* Nephrite's [[Nephrite#Gemstone|gem]] resembles a [http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/pokemon/images/4/44/Pok%C3%A9_Ball.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20090507215041 Poké Ball] from ''[[Wikipedia:Pokémon|Pokémon]]''.
   
 
=== Continuity ===
 
=== Continuity ===
* The [[Centipeetle Mother]] returns in "[[Monster Buddies]]" in a much reduced form.
+
* Nephrite returns in "[[Monster Buddies]]" in a much smaller form.
 
* In "[[Steven and the Stevens (episode)|Steven and the Stevens]]", multiple Stevens travel back in time to the ending of the episode where Steven throws up due to eating too many Cookie Cats.
 
* In "[[Steven and the Stevens (episode)|Steven and the Stevens]]", multiple Stevens travel back in time to the ending of the episode where Steven throws up due to eating too many Cookie Cats.
* [[Connie's Glow Bracelet]], which will later be returned to her in "[[Bubble Buddies]]", can be seen behind the Cookie Cats in Steven's freezer.
+
* [[Connie Maheswaran|Connie's]] Glow Bracelet, which is later returned to her in "[[Bubble Buddies]]", can be seen behind the Cookie Cats in Steven's freezer.
* ''[[Crying Breakfast Friends!]]'' was airing on Steven's T.V.. This show would later appear in "[[Space Race]]". Additionally, a sticker from the show also appeared in "[[Warp Tour]]" and once again in "[[Marble Madness]]". Steven took a personality test about the ''Crying Breakfast Friends!'' characters in the episode "[[Reformed]]". More recently, Steven, Amethyst, and Garnet were seen watching the show in "[[Cry for Help]]" when it was interrupted by [[Peridot|Peridot's]] signal.
+
* A still image from ''Crying Breakfast Friends!'' is visible on Steven's television. The show would later appear in "[[Space Race]]". Additionally, a sticker from the show also appeared in "[[Warp Tour]]" and once again in "[[Marble Madness]]". Steven took a personality test about the ''Crying Breakfast Friends!'' characters in the episode "[[Reformed]]". More recently, Steven, Amethyst, and Garnet were seen watching the show in "[[Cry for Help]]" when it was interrupted by [[Peridot|Peridot's]] signal.
* In "[[Say Uncle]]", [[Uncle Grandpa]] references this episode by showing a flashback where he appears as a promo in the corner, trying to get the Gems' attention.
+
* In "[[Say Uncle]]", [[w:c:unclegrandpa:Uncle Grandpa (Character)|Uncle Grandpa]] references this episode by showing a flashback where he appears as a promo in the corner, unsuccessfully trying to get the Gems' attention.
*The [[Centipeetle Mother]] has the ability to create minions to fight for her. This is similar to Steven's ability in "[[Watermelon Steven]]" where he created [[Watermelon Stevens|watermelons]] that fought for him.
 
   
==Errors==
+
== Errors ==
  +
*When Steven turns his head, his reflection on the mini freezer is the complete opposite of the direction of where his head is.[[File:Steven Gem Glow Error.jpg|thumb|220x220px]]
 
  +
<center>''Note: Time is displayed in [mm:ss]; [00:00] refers to the point after the title card is displayed and before the episode's start.''</center>
*When Steven is panicking as his gem's glow is fading, the star on his shirt disappears.
 
  +
*At one point, the Cookie Cat wrappers on the ground near Steven disappear in the next scene.
 
  +
=== Plot ===
*When Amethyst was telling Steven how she "didn't try at all" in summoning her weapon, her tongue appears to be deep purple for a second.
 
 
[07:34] When Nephrite climbs the Temple, she is also followed by a few Centipeetles, which disappear as the Gems leave the Beach House.<br />
*After Steven rushes through the Cookie Cat song a second time, the colors of Garnet's stars are reversed.
 
  +
[08:50] When Steven overeats Cookie Cats, the mini-fridge's cable is in a loop, but when Nephrite attacks, it is not in a loop.<br />
*When the Centipeetle attempts to spew more acid on the Crystal Gems, the lower part of Amethyst's tank top is colored white.
 
 
[10:04] When Garnet picks up Nephrite's gem, she uses her left hand, but when she bubbles it away, she is seen using her right hand.
*When the Crystal Gems brought Steven the Cookie Cats, there were a lot in his fridge. However, when battling the Centipeetle, after Steven eats 4 or 5 Cookie Cats, all of the other Cookie Cats disappear.
 
  +
*When the gems were fighting the Centipeetle, the beach was a grassland rather than a sandy beach like it's supposed to be.
 
  +
=== Design ===
*When Garnet picks up the Centipeetle's gem, she uses her left hand, but when she bubbles it away, she is seen using her right hand.
 
  +
[00:09] When Steven hugs Lars, the cash register looks one way, but three seconds later, the register is a mirror image of what it was.<br />
*When the Centipeetle Mother climbed the house, Garnet's star colors are reversed again.
 
  +
[00:23] In some scenes in the Big Donut, a yellow shoe advertisement is partially behind the Cookie Cat fridge, but it can be fully seen in other scenes.<br />
*When the Centipeetle mother climbs the Temple, she is also followed by a few Centipeetles, which disappear as the Gems leave the Beach House.
 
  +
[04:03] The star on Steven's shirt disappears, returning in his next scene.<br />
*When Steven is done rushing the Cookie Cat song, Pearl's socks disappear.
 
  +
[05:18] Amethyst's tongue is purple instead of its normal color.<br />
*After Steven summons his shield, he throws the Cookie Cat in his hand in shock. However, it is seen in his other hand.
 
  +
[06:26] Pearl's socks disappear, and Garnet's shoulder pads have swapped colors.<br />
  +
[07:39] Garnet's shoulder pads have swapped colors.<br />
  +
[07:55] The star of Steven's shirt is light pink instead of yellow.<br />
 
[08:05] The beach appears to be a grassland rather than a sandy beach like it's supposed to be.<br />
 
[09:30] When Nephrite attempts to spew more acid on the Crystal Gems, the lower part of Amethyst's tank top is colored white.<br />
  +
[09:33] When Steven is mad about how Nephrite ruined his Cookie Cat fridge, the star on his shirt has an outline when it should not.<br />
  +
[TBA] The picture that's usually seen hanging on the wall by the fridge keeps on disappearing and reappearing throughout the episode.
   
 
{{Transcript}}
 
{{Transcript}}
 
{{Gallery}}
 
{{Gallery}}
  +
 
== Videos ==
 
== Videos ==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
NYCC 2013 Steven Universe Clip from Episode Gem Glow
 
NYCC 2013 Steven Universe Clip from Episode Gem Glow
  +
The Mother - Steven Universe - Gem Glow - CN
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  +
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Episodenav}}
 
{{Episodenav}}
  +
[[ar:بريق الحجر الكريم]]
[[pt-br:Gem Glow]]
 
  +
[[de:Juwelenfunkeln]]
[[ES:Brillo de Gema]]
+
[[es:Brillo de Gema]]
 
[[fi:Gem Glow]]
  +
[[fr:Une lueur d'espoir]]
  +
[[hu:Ragyogás]]
  +
[[it:Gemma lucente]]
  +
[[ja:お腹の宝石]]
  +
[[nl:De Gloeiende Steen]]
  +
[[pl:Blask Klejnotu]]
  +
[[pt:O Brilho da Pedra]]
  +
[[pt-br:O Brilho da Pedra]]
  +
[[ro:Strălucire de Nestemată]]
  +
[[ru:Gem Glow]]
  +
[[tr:Taş Parıltısı]]
  +
[[vi:Gem Glow]]
 
[[Category:Season 1]]
 
[[Category:Season 1]]
 
[[Category:Season 1A]]
 
[[Category:Season 1A]]

Revision as of 01:54, 18 June 2020

This article is about the episode. You may be looking for the DVD.

I summon my weapon by eating ice cream!

Steven


"Gem Glow" is the 1st episode in the first season of Steven Universe, and the 1st episode overall in the series.

Official Synopsis

Steven thinks his favorite ice cream sandwiches are the trick to summoning his magic shield, but he learns otherwise when facing off with an acid-spewing insect monster.[2]

Plot

Gem Glow (032)

Steven crying over Cookie Cat.

Steven visits the Big Donut, where he becomes distraught after finding out that the Cookie Cat ice cream brand has been discontinued because a recent competitor, Lion Lickers, has become more popular in sales. As an act of consolation, Sadie lets him take the freezer they were originally sold in. When he gets home, he finds Amethyst, Pearl, and Garnet locked in battle with Centipeetles that have invaded Steven's room. They destroyed most of them but did not find the gems they usually receive after "poofing" the Gem's form. Garnet believes that the mother Centipeetle must be nearby, controlling the others. Steven drives one off the fridge and finds a lot of Cookie Cats in the freezer. The Gems explain how they got some from a nearby factory since they knew they were his favorite, and decided to buy the last remaining batch for him. Delighted, he begins to sing the Cookie Cat theme song from a television advertisement. He then takes a bite of a Cookie Cat, and his gem starts to glow. Amethyst tells him to try to summon his weapon, but Steven does not know how. Eventually, his gem stops glowing, leaving Steven disappointed. He asks to be taught how to summon a weapon, and Pearl volunteers to show him first.

Gem Glow (121)

Pearl teaching Steven on how to summon his weapon.

Pearl takes him to a tree with petals falling continuously and tells him that each petal falling to the ground is not moving randomly, but precisely, based on the physical properties of the Earth, and that this can be mastered by training hard. She then summons her spear as a demonstration. Steven picks up and throws a handful of petals, but still, doesn't understand what Pearl is trying to say. Steven then goes to Amethyst, who is behind the Big Donut. Amethyst explains that whenever she needs her weapon, it just comes to her naturally. She demonstrates by pulling out her whip and slicing a dumpster in half. Steven is lost because what Amethyst said was the opposite of what Pearl told him. Lars then comes out of the Big Donut, sees the dumpster in half, and exclaims "Again?!". Steven then visits Garnet last, at the top of the Crystal Temple. He asks if he has to train hard and not worry at the same time, to which she replies affirmatively. She tells him the alternative is to connect with all living matter and energy around him, which is her method for pulling out her gauntlets. Steven still doesn't understand.

Gem Glow Steven 01

Steven's Gem Glow.

Steven decides to recreate what happened when his gem first started to glow. He attempts to make everything exactly as it was before and sings his song again. This fails, and he wonders whether if he is not cut out to be a Crystal Gem. The others say that he is silly, and reassure him that he is one of them. He eats another Cookie Cat in reassurance when his gem suddenly starts glowing brighter than it did before. It glows to the point where his weapon is finally revealed: a shield. The others bask, and Steven gets too excited, losing control of it. His shield starts bouncing around the house and smashes into the TV, which Amethyst finds hilarious while Pearl groans.

Gem Glow (223)

Nephrite attacks again.

Steven concludes that he can summon his weapon by eating ice cream. When Pearl looks at the wrapper, wondering what its ingredients are, the ground suddenly starts rumbling, and the Centipeetle Mother (a corrupted Nephrite) appears outside. Amethyst, Pearl, and Garnet go outside, but tell Steven to stay inside. They engage in battle, but Steven grabs the Cookie Cat freezer along with the Cookie Cats and goes outside to help. He finds that the Gems are losing the battle. Steven captures the monster's attention and eats a Cookie Cat, ready to summon his shield. However, he fails to summon it and decides to retreat. He desperately eats the remaining Cookie Cats, wondering why it's not working. When he sees Nephrite damage the Cookie Cat freezer, he is distraught and gets a new wave of courage. He grabs the freezer by the plug and throws the broken freezer at Nephrite, electrocuting her. The Gems then defeat Nephrite, and Garnet bubbles her gem, sending it to the temple.

Gem Glow (274)

Steven sad after burying his last wrapper.

Steven buries the wrappers of the Cookie Cats and begins to sob. With the aid of the Crystal Gems, he resolves that he is unable to summon his weapon by eating ice cream. Then the Gems cheer him up by saying that he'll figure out how his gem works "in his own Steven-y way." He starts feeling queasy and states he might have eaten too many Cookie Cats, and Pearl and Amethyst laugh. Before the iris closes in on him, Steven laughs anxiously, then retches.

Features

Characters

Locations

Objects

Music

Songs

Instrumental Songs

Trivia

  • The Crystal Palace, as it is referred to in the Pilot, is now called the Crystal Temple.
  • In the storyboards, Pearl had an extra linewhat?, but it was removed for unknown reasons.
  • "Steven's Shield", the song that plays when Steven activates his gemstone was the first piece of music composed for Steven Universe.[3]
  • This episode was available on iTunes as a free download before it officially aired on Cartoon Network.
  • The iTunes/digital HD version of the episode has an audio mixing error during the first shot. The original broadcast version fades the ocean soundscape in smoothly instead of using an abrupt cut.
  • When Garnet is demonstrating how to summon her weapons, a soundtrack similar to "Synchronize/Sugilite" can be heard playing as background music.
  • The background music for the Cookie Cat song was composed on a Nintendo Game Boy.

Cultural References

  • "I'm stocking here," said Lars at the beginning of the episode, is a reference to the line "I'm walkin' here!" spoken by Dustin Hoffman in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy.
  • The sequence in which Steven's gem glows and summons his shield for the first time is similar to the transformations of magical girls often seen in anime and manga.
  • Nephrite's gem resembles a Poké Ball from Pokémon.

Continuity

  • Nephrite returns in "Monster Buddies" in a much smaller form.
  • In "Steven and the Stevens", multiple Stevens travel back in time to the ending of the episode where Steven throws up due to eating too many Cookie Cats.
  • Connie's Glow Bracelet, which is later returned to her in "Bubble Buddies", can be seen behind the Cookie Cats in Steven's freezer.
  • A still image from Crying Breakfast Friends! is visible on Steven's television. The show would later appear in "Space Race". Additionally, a sticker from the show also appeared in "Warp Tour" and once again in "Marble Madness". Steven took a personality test about the Crying Breakfast Friends! characters in the episode "Reformed". More recently, Steven, Amethyst, and Garnet were seen watching the show in "Cry for Help" when it was interrupted by Peridot's signal.
  • In "Say Uncle", Uncle Grandpa references this episode by showing a flashback where he appears as a promo in the corner, unsuccessfully trying to get the Gems' attention.

Errors

Note: Time is displayed in [mm:ss]; [00:00] refers to the point after the title card is displayed and before the episode's start.

Plot

[07:34] When Nephrite climbs the Temple, she is also followed by a few Centipeetles, which disappear as the Gems leave the Beach House.
[08:50] When Steven overeats Cookie Cats, the mini-fridge's cable is in a loop, but when Nephrite attacks, it is not in a loop.
[10:04] When Garnet picks up Nephrite's gem, she uses her left hand, but when she bubbles it away, she is seen using her right hand.

Design

[00:09] When Steven hugs Lars, the cash register looks one way, but three seconds later, the register is a mirror image of what it was.
[00:23] In some scenes in the Big Donut, a yellow shoe advertisement is partially behind the Cookie Cat fridge, but it can be fully seen in other scenes.
[04:03] The star on Steven's shirt disappears, returning in his next scene.
[05:18] Amethyst's tongue is purple instead of its normal color.
[06:26] Pearl's socks disappear, and Garnet's shoulder pads have swapped colors.
[07:39] Garnet's shoulder pads have swapped colors.
[07:55] The star of Steven's shirt is light pink instead of yellow.
[08:05] The beach appears to be a grassland rather than a sandy beach like it's supposed to be.
[09:30] When Nephrite attempts to spew more acid on the Crystal Gems, the lower part of Amethyst's tank top is colored white.
[09:33] When Steven is mad about how Nephrite ruined his Cookie Cat fridge, the star on his shirt has an outline when it should not.
[TBA] The picture that's usually seen hanging on the wall by the fridge keeps on disappearing and reappearing throughout the episode.

Transcript

View the episode's transcript here.

Gallery

New Gallery

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Videos

References

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