Steven Universe Season 4 Review

This season might be the best season to date. Although it is littered with beachisodes which can ruin some of the exceptional runs the show accomplishes, the impassioned and emotive plots and themes are the strongest and most satisfying it has ever been. The most vital part of this season is centered around Steven as all the built up silence and bottled up confusion is explored through episodes where he understands the balance of fusions, his family history with Greg/Uncle Andy, the feeling of not knowing his mom, purpose, and identity, and him finally coming to terms with that in a sensational finale.

This season also involves integral themes and exploration through dreams and visiting the home world. At first the zoo arc seems a bit underwhelming but to give us a look at the simplicity and foreign view of humanity, pain, and love is profound especially as it ties into the more complex dynamics of the Diamonds. Another newfound addition was with the teasing of Aquamarine and Topaz as the show hasn’t unexpectedly introduced and ended threats this way. It allowed to leave uninteresting episodes with a sudden hook that has you at the edge of your seat.

Overall, this season contained the most cathartic and abstract tones and developments the series has seen. With the heavy focus on Steven’s entire being from emotions, identity, family, and purpose to the questionable but fascinating zoo and Diamond stories to a the quick foreshadows that ended the finale with the biggest cliff hanger, this was a phenomenal season that completes much needed character growth for Steven all while exploring Rose’s suspect intentions and dives into the Diamonds thought alongside getting a taste at the politics of the home world. 9/10