Steven Universe

This show is fantastic. It does start off a bit odd/quirky but stick with it, it gets into some very deep tones and a thrill-by-the-minute storyline. After watching for awhile, and coming back, I do appreciate that everything wasn't laid out and spelled out in the first few episodes,; the mystery and quirkiness with a slow trickle of storyline made the entire show much better. The pacing/style is similar to the Harry Potter series or Trigun - fun and easy at the beginning but serious enthralling plot later. Additionally, I very much like how sterotypes are completely dismissed. Nothing is sterotypical with the characters. The best part - they never point it out nor do they wave flags around saying "look we did this that's different" it just is and we accept it - the way it should always be done. By far the best cartoon/show currently out. I wait fanatically for each new episode and have rewatched this so many times (there are numerous small hints/future things littered throughout each episode and it wasn't until the second or third watching I picked those small details up).

And even in the beginning it's not bad. The show has a method of delivering lore similar to Adventure Time, in that little bits of something epic trickle down, then all of a sudden a two-part episode floods you with a fantastic world that you can't help but want to learn more of. If you're not sure whether you'll like Steven Universe, just watch the 7th pair of episodes, "So Many Birthdays/Lars and the Cool Kids." Both give you an idea of the show at its best (out of the episodes that you can fully appreciate without seeing previous episodes first). This show excels at many things. It seamlessly integrates moments of deep emotion, comedy free of meanness, and fun action sequences together. The characters are well-developed and lovable. And it doesn't hurt that this show is the perfect example of diversity done RIGHT in every possible way, from race to gender to body types. It doesn't make a big deal of its progressiveness, it's just completely natural and visible for all to see, and proud of it. All this, PLUS some adorable songs make this a 5-star show, even in spite of its minor flaws. If every porkchop were perfect, we wouldn't have hotdogs!

Still my favorite 'kids' cartoon after 4 years of watching. I do wish that the release schedule was more regular and not so infrequent, but the quality of the show more than makes up for that. The truly emotionally complex characters that despite being animated, are not one dimensional. The riveting stories that really pull you in, and quite regularly, have you on the edge of your seat. The animation style (including the overall character design, the background and foreground, the whole overall look and feel of the show basically). The positive message the show imparts about not only being true to yourself, but encouraging and supporting others to do the same. The show really celebrates diversity in a way that feels totally natural and "doesn't feel like they are pushing an agenda, just spreading what the Crystal Gems believe in on the show" according to a conservative friend of mine, who is always on about how entertainment is "always pushing a liberal agenda". Her words, not mine! So anyways, basically, I'm in love with the show. Definitely obsessed on the level I used to only experience with Doctor Who and a small number of other shows. Short review: Gay Space Rocks, Rock'n'Roll, Book Nerds, Salty Pearls, Lying To Your Parents & Not Actually Needing Glasses Anymore, But Afraid To Tell Them Your Man Has Healing Spit & You Shared a Dorian Fruit Juice Box, Being Your Own Mom.