Steven Universe “Raising The Barn” Review
After “Dewey Wins” brought Steven Universe back to the air, we were thrust back into Beach City, with the effects of Steven going to Homeworld quite apparent. We’ve seen how the humans have reacted to this change, but how do Peridot and Lapis react to Steven’s latest adventure?
Story (SPOILERS)
This episode starts out with Steven finally feeling the weight of his actions with Connie, as she isn’t talking to him. He goes out to the beach to start working on a song which I really wish I could hear the full thing. Sadly I can’t, because Lapis and Peridot call to talk with Steven. After Steven tells them about seeing the Diamonds, Lapis freaks out and hangs up. Steven runs over to the barn and finds that Lapis is trying to leave Earth, so she doesn’t get caught up in another war. However, Peridot tries to protest, but is shut down. But, just as they’re about to leave, Pumpkin goes missing, prompting a search. Peridot talks to Steven about not wanting to leave. When Pumpkin is found, Peridot reveals her true thoughts. Lapis feels terrible but sticks by her original thought, leaving Earth and taking the barn with her.
Presentation
“Raising the Barn” also brings us back to a familiar location, that being the farm. The natural environments look great, and blend well with Lapis and Peridot’s color scheme. When Lapis takes the barn, the scene looks beautiful with the contrasting colors, making the emotional scene that much more powerful. Along with that, the colors of Peridot blending in with the Earth contrasts Lapis’s color standing out from the grass helps to visually reflect their stances on the matter. Lapis’s eyes also get covered by shadow, and it creates a disconnect with her from the generally cheery manner of the other characters.
Final Thoughts
This episode is the perfect blend of both plot importance and character development. Lapis wants to leave after what happened in the previous war, but she wants to make sure Peridot and Steven are safe as well. But Peridot has grown so close to the Earth, she wants to stay, and protect it if she has too. I feel the weakest part of this episode is when Pumpkin goes missing, but it doesn’t overstay it’s welcome.
