*The moment you realize every time Steven possesses a Watermelon Steven he kills/injures it*

I refused to listen to Escapism the song until the episode came out. I’m not mad the episode was slow and what some people are calling “filler.” I loved the episode. It made me cry. I think the episode fits the song perfectly. It’s about wanting to be free, but also being frustrated to the point of thinking of giving up. Steven is trapped and scared. He needs to keep trying even though it’s hard. I think the episode was perfect.

Can we talk about how Steven created new sentient lifeforms that are rapidly developing civilized societies?

ARE WE GOING TO IGNORE CONNIE LETTING STEVEN USE HER LAP AS A PILLOW!? IT'S THE MOST PRECIOUS THING EVER!

"Hug stance" call it what it is vox. They're t posing to assert their dominance on the warrior tribe

Bishmuth is gonna build a ladder all the way to homeworld

Can we talk about how Steven never gave up trying to find help.

Homeworld is cut In half Watermelon island is cut in half Two tribes are against each other The crystal gems and the diamonds are against each other Steven connects the the two tribes (Foreshadowing I assume) Steven kisses the shark (Maybe he convinces White Diamond with compassion?) What do u guys think

This episode wouldn't have gotten as much hate if we got more than 15 new episodes of Steven Universe a year. I feel like that's the main part of the problem; that we'd wait up to a half a year for like five 10 minute episodes over the course of 5 days and maybe a half-hour episode like a month later. Like, you don't see other shows like that, animated or otherwise. A season of a certain show might be 6 months or even a year away, but at least they give you a full season to work with. Like 12-30 episodes, 20-45 minute long episodes depending on the show, once a week, and maybe take a break between weeks. We'd be lucky if we get like one 20 minute episode or two 10 minute ones every other month.

I like how the melons just t pose to solve problems honestly same

Think about this: Steven possessed a watermelon Steven and then killed it, that shows the kind of power Steven could have if he learned to control his power of possession, he could literally kill anyone he wanted to... its good Steven has standard human morals or this could be a much darker show...

Greg goes to Homeworld to work his 'Universe Charm' on the diamonds, epic gamer moment

Gonna assume a couple things: The Star represents the Crystal Gems. (Rose Quartz) The Face Paint represents Homeworld. (Pink Diamond) Steven wants nothing to do with either, he is his own person, and will unite both under a common banner after finally showing everyone he isn't who they think he is. EDIT: I thought this episode was great. I mean, what were people expecting? Lars? People seem to forget that Lars is on his way to Earth, and if anything, he might be closer to Earth than Homeworld at this point. It would be logical to contact Earth, have Bismuth, Lapis, and Peridot know Steven and the others are in trouble, then have Lars pick them up for backup. We won't see the sword made onscreen, Bismuth is going to bring it with her, we won't see Lapis and Peridot reform on screen, they will already be reformed. And it's going to be awesome. I don't think people would be nearly as upset if they have 0 idea what was going to happen in this episode, and no preset checklist of things that should happen. I'm still gonna blame Sugar for letting important details leak in advance, though, like the SONG that was going to play.

the peaceful tribe made a statue of the baby watermelon steven from season 1 that sacrificed itself to end the conflict peacefully (that baby melon even made the hug pose before it died) while the warrior tribe made a statue of the water melon that steven posses back in super watermelon island that encoreged everyone to fight malekite and be warriors

Here’s the second and third verse that I wrote back when I thought Lapis would sing this, but it still kind of works _I guess I’ll have to stand_ _That nothing goes as planned_ _That freedom in my hand is lost_ _And though it is delayed_ _I cannot go unscathed_ _When I am forced to face the cost_ _I’d rather be free, free, free_ _I’d rather be free, free, free_ _I guess I’ll come to find_ _Though trapped within my mind_ _I have to leave behind my past_ _But thoughts of yesterday_ _Are pulling me away_ _From finding my own way at last_ _I’d rather be free, free, free_ _How can I be free, free, free_ _From here_

The story of the Watermelon Stevens in this episode is painted as a mirror of the situation of the Gem Empire, but not in the way that one would expect. The Pacifist Tribe may have Stars on their chests which might signify that they are supposed to represent the Crystal Gems, its actually supposed to represent Homeworld and how little their beliefs have desired to change aside from just building more and more housing for more Watermelon Stevens. On the other side we have the Warrior Tribe which opposes the Pacifist Tribe and rejects the Star icon, these are Watermelons that were inspired by Steven posing inside of the form of a Watermelon Steven to rise up against a greater enemy: Malachite. This Warrior Tribe is a mirror to the Crystal Gems in that they want to free themselves from the ideals that their society was originally founded upon and live life to the standards that Steven set them upon in order to face a greater obstacle. Mask Island being broken in two is supposed to represent Homeworld itself, obviously, and the leaders of the Pacifists and the Warriors are mirrors of two particular characters: Blue Diamond and Yellow Diamond in their own conflicting natures of Blue wanting to hold onto the past with Pink Diamonds loss the same way that the Pacifist Tribe keeps remembering Baby Melon, and the Warrior Tribes leader being Yellow Diamond who wants to forge ahead and never look back at where they came from, often clashing worldviews with Blue Diamond and her apparent dereliction of duty to mourn instead of lead her Court. The Two tribes coming together at the end and taking up the leaf bandanas is a clear representation of the embracing of Era 3 and how some of the ideals that the Crystal Gems as defined by Steven as its leader wants it to represent as signified by the two Jades at the Era 3 ball seeing "Pink Diamond" openly commit a taboo and publicly Fuse: with a *HUMAN* no less, and how several other Gems of Pink Diamonds entourage leaped to help protect their Diamond from harm. The Warrior and Pacifist Leaders going at one-another is also a deep parallel to the lack of unity that both Blue Diamond and Yellow Diamond have in regards to things outside of their own control, only when they noticed how their followers had left their sides to go and be with the Watermelon that Steven possessed to try and get back to Beach City did they put aside their differences, just as we hope that Yellow and Blue would see that Steven and Pink Diamond are indeed two separate entities yet Steven is able to become able to grow into a worthy role model for Gemkind in a way that either of them weren't able to really achieve, let alone a role that White Diamond was wanting to do. In this, both the Leaders of the Tribes freely give to Steven their iconography: the Pacifists leafen cloak and the Warriors massive spear, which is combined to create a sail for Steven to use to leave the island behind though not for forever (does this mean we're going to get Green Diamond at long last?) Then the Watermelon Shark comes and smashes up Stevens' raft along with dragging Steven down into the depths only when Steven comforts and kisses the shark does it leave him alone afterwards as he makes his way back home to Beach City on the back of Lion. We can easily infer from this to mean that the Watermelon Shark is a representation of White Diamond; it is unlike the other Watermelon Stevens, and is nothing like the hardly-reasonable Tribe Leaders and that the nosedive into the depths of the ocean to calm it down will represent the Battle of Heart and Mind that both Steven and White Diamond will undertake in the finale, and that only after its conclusion would we get to see Lars and the Off Colors arrive to help take Steven and the others back to Earth.

What if the watermelon tribes aren’t foreshadowing, but a call back instead? The peaceful melons with their arms out are making the same pose that baby melon did to sacrifice himself in order to stop the fighting. The aggressive tribe has war paint under their eyes like Steven wore when he possessed a melon to fight Malachite. Maybe some melons think that peace is the answer, and other melons think that fighting is the answer, but Steven showed them that both are needed in order to resolve conflict.

Ok so this isn't a complaint but just something I noticed: So first it's daytime on the island, and after Steven's boat is destroyed its night. Lion finds him when it's still dark but the sky's slight sunlight on the left suggests it's morning. HOWEVER when Lion gets to Greg, it's sunset. This either means it's been an entire day since Lion found Steven (which would be dumb), or that watermelon island is on the other side of the earth and Lion teleported back home (since itd be sunrise on the island but sunset at Beach City). Just thought that was interesting, tho it was probably just done to make each shot visually interesting. This was a completely unnecessary thing to point out, and I probably missed something, but thank you for attending my Ted talk.

Bismuth can start the war weaponry again. Here comes connie's new sword!

After hundreds of theories of who sings escapism...it's just a voice over on a totally unrelated scene.😂😂😂

What if Lars will be able to locate Steven’s presence similar to Lion?

This episode was fine *_my unpopular opinion_*

I enjoyed this episode. It’s an episode we needed for a downtime before Battle of the Heart and Mind. All plots need space to breathe in between more intense plot points. Also it was unique and reminded me of an earlier episode of the series which was refreshing. Absolutely loved the Escapism song too 💕

Who else just imagines Rebecca just sitting with popcorn and watching Who's Singing Escapism videos laughing manically.

I wasn’t disappointed by this episode-my favorite character is now the watermelon dog-but I really hope Lars returns in Battle of Heart and Mind

I honestly thought the episode was going to be stevonnie falls asleep in the prison and dreams of pink diamond calling for blue and yellow to let her out.then sings escapism then they unfused Steven realizing he could contact bismuth and does through lion and they get the message.BUTTTTT I GUESS THIS WORKS

Lol, Lars is gonna get home and immediately Bismuth and Greg are gonna say "Stevens in trouble!! We need your ship!!"

"Pee is stored in the balls"

I think lapis and peridot will be in the battle of heart and mind, after all, I don't think bismuth will be the only one coming. like, she can't do something this big on her own she'll need more gems to help. also, I don't think Greg will be coming because I don't see how he could help and he might get hurt. ahh that was so long >.< thank you for reading lol

oh it’s bismuth Steven contacted not Lars! get rekt!

“You’re mature for just 14!” Steven: “thanks, it’s the trauma.”

tbh I love how you're mature enough to just actually break it down rather your theories of lars coming back didn't happen and going a rant about it even if it's brief that's what I was expecting but props to you!! But who knows we still have 4 more episodes soooo aahhh can't wait!!

Steven doesnt have full control of his mind powers yet. Lars was an accident and his first go at it, Lars was also nearby. Kiki was also nearby. He could acess the cluster because the cluster was nearby both times. Then later with the diamonds and the Crystal Gems, they were also nearby. Earth was light-years away, so concentrating on the general place he wanted to go and getting there was a big leap foward, but acually getting to who he wanted to get to was still beyond his reach. Coming into control of a Watermelon Steven makes more sense than anyone else he is close to from a distance for the first time as they are literally a part of him

I don’t know what it was about that episode, but parts of it kind of gave me Adventure Time vibes

The stars on the watermelon Stevens and the opposite line under their eyes Stevens made me think of dr. Seuss’ the sneetches. Stars and no stars sneetches battling it out, lol

I'm always so happy with your positive breakdowns of episides♡ I used to be big into tv show analysis youtubers, but they would always tear down episodes I enjoyed (which caused me to like them less.) It's super refreshing to see an analysis youtuber not completely bash the media they're analysing!

Am I really the only one who’s excited for volume two soundtrack of Steven universe?

Pretty sure 9/10 people were disappointed about this episodes outcome.

Hugging stance = T pose

I loved the episode. It was so relaxing and cute. I did laugh when escapism came on since in the end nobody actually sang it xD lmao

I loved this episode! And Adam muto working on this episode?! Yay! More people from adventure time working of Steven universe! Yay! And you saying that watermelon Steven losing a arm as a reference to adventure time is amazing. And I can’t wait for battle of heart and mind! Edit : oh my stars! 421 likes?! Thank you so much!❤️

We don’t need a calm before the storm because the past two episodes (besides the gems getting in the last two minutes) were very calm, but still plot and lore heavy. Foreshadowing shouldn’t be the entire episode. Foreshadowing should be smaller and more subtle references. If most of the episode was foreshadowing what’s going to happen with the diamonds and Homeworld etc, then why not just show us? It’s like, they’re trying to spoil the plot by showing it in some other form.

*_PeE iS stOreD in ThE baLLs_*

I love when you do reviews because you look for the best in whatever it is and you do proper research. I tried to listen to a few other theorists and they all sound the same. And some refuse to see any other point but their own while you ask us. You have no idea how much I appreciate that and thank you…It’s not that I don’t respect other peoples opinion on theories is it just you provide the source material from where you get your answers they don’t come from thin air. While some may have a misguided point of view but still May not want to listen to a fan Who just wants to make sure the information they’re putting out is correct. Again this is why I love the fact that you have heavily research before putting anything out. Exactly why you,And your incredible crew at the round table, Are my favorite Steven universe theorists…

Crystal clear is the best

The first time I saw Escapism all I saw was a white-hot rage.

The melons t-posed it's good

Stop setting expectations too much as to what's about to happen in the future episodes. That way, you won't get disappointed for expecting too much. I'd say, I love this episode very much. It gave the right pause for what's about to come in the next episode.

Watermelons... welp l wanted to be suprised for this episode and lets just say they did it XD

I don’t mind the slower-paced and calmer episodes of Steven Universe, but what I don’t like are episodes that are just... boring. In my opinion, excluding the first minute and the last two minutes, the rest of the episode was really uninteresting. I feel like they could have done many other things that would have worked as a “calm before the storm” episode that would have been at least interesting. In fact, they could’ve still done the watermelon Steven stuff, but just had it shorter and had a little more at the beginning between Steven and Connie, but the watermelon Steven part just dragged on. Idk, just my opinion

I loved the episode and was very excited to see Adam Muto working on it. I am loving the way that I can go back to old episodes and understand them in a completely different way now that we have learned more about Steven, and I'm sure that this episode will unfold into deeper meanings the further we go.

*Let me drive my van into your heart*

The episode wasn't terrible, but it certainly wasn't what I expected, can't wait for the finale!

No shade but this episode was a bit underwhelming I hope this changes my mind

The episode was nice, and a nice use of the lack of budget. The only reason it feels out of place here is that we're used to hiatuses so long we'd like to see as much of the story at a time as we possibly can - plus I think a two weeks wait until the next episode after this is a little too long. If we'd been getting one episode a week consistently, I wouldn't see any issue with a break on watermelon Island.

I don't usually watch your videos but I made it a habit of watching a video every time a new Steven universe episode comes out

I wish Greg told Steven Good luck son before Steven came to back on Homeworld. That would of made it even better. Anyways I did really love the episode and the song at the end and how it was sung.

I really enjoy watching the episode

I know this is kinda off topic of the video but after the new promo for Battle of Heart and Mind I think the first scene of the promo plays right before they get to the ship and that's when White Diamond merges.

I love this episode because I feel there's a lot of foreshadowing in it and it was just really nice to get away from all of the business of Home world and what's going on it was like a little break it was on Escape for the audience in a way and it really captures the charm of the show.

There was as so much hype to this episode when it came everyone was disappointed. :(

I just realized im the only one who voted the poll 😂😂😂

Okay so to all the people that were expecting the episode to be crazy and filled with drama, get out of the fandom of Steven Universe. You are not needed or wanted. This is not the theme of the show, it's meant to be slow, light-hearted, and complex. It's not an anime. And if you were expecting it to be super anime style crazy, get out of the fandom right now! Otherwise, this was a great episode. ^w^

so basically steven stole another watermelon's life and body and then killed it and returned to his own body at the end

Have you noticed that the stars on the watermelon Stevens stand for the crystal gems? Well, there are three dots around it. They may just be splatters, but they might also be Easter eggs for Bismuth, Peridot, and Lapis!

White diamond ain't nothing but a pink lasagna

I thought the episode was going to go like this - Stevonnie tries to escape but remains stuck - They sing escapism as Stevonnie - They unfuse half through song and continue singing as Steven and Connie through the end - Steven gets the idea of calling Lar's ship - Steven goes to Earth and tries to find Lion via Watermelon - Goes through Lion's mane - Teleports to Lars, and ask for help

At first I was really disappointed with the episode but you've helped me see it in a way where I really like it. Thanks lol

Can’t wait to see 5 seconds of White Diamond in Battle of Heart and Mind 😍

The episode was unexpectedly satisfying. Honestly speaking i was pissed off by Familiar, Together Alone was decent and above average, I was literally not expecting this to happen.

This episode is awesome, because my cousin was home sick Monday, and decided to catch up on the episodes she missed, and now we're both super hyped for the new episode. And we have school off that day!!

I agree with your points. You’ve changed my mind about this episode. At first, I thought it was boring but you changed my perspective.

Buismith creates the sword and brings it to homeworld

Escapism: *Biggest disappointment in the whole galaxy*

Can we talk about how precious it was when Steven calmed down the watermelon shark by kissing it on the snoot? Just.. UGH! MY HEART!!

My friend argued so much about this episode xD I personally loved it and although the watermelon Stevens and the island brought in a lighter, more whimsical look, it still carried the dark and serious undertones of their plight as Steven struggles to communicate and reach out for help and the frustration shows through even in such a cute melon face! The more vibrant colors lightened the dreary and depressing tone of the tower Stevonnie was tossed in, giving a visual breakup and a slight mood lift that kindled the tiny, flickering flame of hope even in such horrible circumstances and tragedy

This was the most disappointing Diamond Days special ever

What if Just what if That instead of all this fancy meta hyper mega symbolism going on with the Watermelon Stevens One tribe prefered to idolise Baby Watermelon's sacrife and the other idolised Steven's "warrior spirit" that saved them from Malachite Literally just showing us that the Watermelon society has branched in two sub-cultures and their separate religions Im making it sound complex, really isnt tho, it's just showing us what happened

Finally started supporting you guys on Patreon! Hope to see the roundtable grow bigger in 2019!

This was a beautiful needed relief from all the heavy stuff goin on, after all it is a kids cartoon, but i adore watermelon island, i adore the perseverance, and i loved getting an update on the watermelons, its like the watermelons keep advancing everytime we see them! Im more upset the hour special is 2 weeks instead of a week away! This was a wonderful episode but i would like to see what u think about the advancement of the watermelons and how far the new species can go.

One thing I am curious about regarding gems is: How aware are gems when they are poofed? for example are Peridot and Lapis aware that the fight against Blue and yellow is over? I think it would be an interesting topic for discussion.

Stevonnie was the best part of this episode tbh.

I liked that you didn't dismiss the episode when it went differently than the fandom expected.

This episode was so cute, a great breather, and I kinda cried when the song came on because, well....I can understand and feel the song to heart. This episode was just what I needed

I honestly really loved the episode I think the reason some people didn't was because of the hype. I find a lot of the time hype kills stuff and people end up hating it.

Gotta love the t posing Stevens tho

Wowzer, did not expect spoilers. No cue, no warning, nothing. Awesome.

I was actually pleasantly surprised by the episode’s ability to stay tonally consistent with what’s been happening in the series. It was a nice break from Homeworld and, I think, a reflection of Steven’s internal struggle and growing exhaustion with always having to save the day and the weight of his responsibly as Pink Diamond and the leader of the Crystal Gems. “Somber” was a great word to describe this episode and “calm before the storm”. I have a feeling Steven is going to have another moment of weak hopelessness, similar to the moment before Lion found him, before the end of this arc.

Pretty disappointing episode. Last 5 minutes saved it for me though

Ultimately, I liked this episode! How else was Steven gonna find help at the time? plus, wonderful song ^u^

WHO ELSE AGREES that Steven should've taken the watermelon doggo with him to beach city... I MEAN, THE WATERMELON DOGGO AND THE PUMPKIN DOGGO COULD BE THE ULTIMATE DUO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The episode truly was a form of Escapism. An escape from homeworld, Steven’s body, and just the drama that has been happening. Sort of like the uncle grandpa episode from a while ago that provided a small break- but yknow, only more bearable.

Oof I can’t wait for two weeks

I hope Battle of Heart and Mind will be much better but Escapism was good too!

This is the best episode of the series so far. It was so subtle yet, so impactful.

6:09 Raft, the game, in a nutshell.

So why isn’t there an episode next week?

I was not okay when he said bismuth I was really excited to see my boi Lars

The Warrior Watermelons came about when Steven-melon rallied the melons to fight against Malachite. The Peaceful Melons came about when baby melon sacrificed himself to save the Crystal gems, and Steven demanded they leave until they understand his sacrifice. What Escapism does for the melons is show them that cooperation between the two is necessary for a greater goal, even if they have different ideologies. Much like how the diamonds and the Crystal gems come together to heal the corrupted gems.

I was also pretty pleased with the episode :) its not exacly a filler, it feels like but it is not ! And i love how it still was so important to the story! And the budget! Your so right about the budget im sure XD