It's crazy thinking how much hate this show got from bad faith reviews. It provided so much nuanced character development and was one of the only shows trying to teach kids how to deal with their emotions

Kevin is fascinating since he's not just an antagonist or foil for Stevonnie, he's sort of their alternate fusion. He's like the other stable relationship model Steven and Connie could have. Like, imagine if Steven's Funky Flow had worked as intended, and instead of embarrassing himself riding a bicycle through sand, he had rolled up suave as could be. Imagine if Connie had taken the attention of her magical destiny space friend to become not just confident, but arrogant. Both are emboldened to defy authority, flaunt their power and privilege, and revel in the praise and attention they get. Steven asked Connie to trust him by being herself with him, to dance like nobody's watching. Imagine if he had asked her to trust him to lead her in a dance instead, asked her to submit her body to him unconditionally. That's Kevin. The bold, powerful, exhilarating, arrogant, dismissive, insecure, sexy, cool, manipulative, domineering fusion that Stevonnie could be. And they have to deal with the way he treats them, because that's how Steven and Connie can treat each other in their relationship and inside their fusion. They could so easily violate each other's boundaries in that form, so easily become obsessed with their fusion, so easily let their insecurities lead them to seek each other's lust or admiration rather than trust or forgiveness.

Another detail is at 9:20 which shows Stevonnie turning the rear view mirror from Kevin to themself, showing how Stevonnie has finally given up focus from Kevin and is focusing on themself from that point on, and *literally* leaving Kevin behind screaming at them

One of the only people still making Steven universe content, great quality as well

indifference is worse than hate. Kevin is a jerk bc he wants people to react to his jerkiness, and Stevonnie not being bothered by him its ultimately gives them the win. They showed him that not matter how bad he is, it wont affect them anymore. He needs that attention, Stevonnie doesnt.

i love your steven universe vids so muuuchh i always thought stevonnie was really interesting characterwise especially in beach city drift

I think one of the most crucial things that wasn't pointed out was this whole episode is one big reference to a street racing anime named Initial D. From the "car wash" mimicking the Fujiwara Tofu Shop, to the cars being painted similarly towards their Initial D based ones (Kevins car = Keisuke Takahashis Mazda RX-7, Stevonnies Supremo = Takumi Fujiwaras Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT-Apex), to the choice of music, the camera angles, everything. But they did an incredible job not making it too different from the normal Steven Universe storyline. Amazing episode and excellent insight by you, diving into the deep depths of this episodes meaning.

Thank you for these Steven Universe videos, they really bring me back to simpler times :)

honestly was always one of my favorite episodes, glad you talked about it

No comments about how this episode was a big reference to Initial D? I loved to see it

Beautiful review ❤

Stevonnie is a great character and I wish they appeared more than they did

Ahh yes, that time Steven became a Speedy Speed Boi (Insert eurobeat here) But honestly i love that this whole epsiode is just an extended Initial D reference. Both cars are clearly based off of the Trueno 86' and RX 7 respectively. The setting. The whole race. Ronaldo as the itsuki stand in. The only thing its missing is some extra tire squeels and some eurobeat

I wasn't expecting Hylics music, that's pretty cool

have a nice day

Kevin is the worst

I think Stevonnie goes by they/them pronouns

Great analysis!!

Nice.

10:09 inate drive ajajaja

I love this episode, but the show in general is amazing at showing how healing isn't a linear act. The next time we see Kevin, Steven and Connie are still hurt by him and don't like what he did to them and Stevonnie. It's not as active as here, but that pain is still bothering them.

Do can't go back

🙂👍😊