On Peridot

Subject: On Peridot
Author: firemagic
Posted on: 2015-07-19 16:31:00 UTC

In fact you're not supposed to be intimidated by her. She's the Homeworld's tech support who somehow ended up stranded on an alien planet. She has no idea how half her weapons work (just look at her expressions in Friend Ship) and she is almost certainly the Gem equivalent of a kid. She's supposed to be funny because of how in over her head and how ridiculous she is. In fact I'm pretty sure that Peridot was actually literally based on Invader Zim, who is barely intimidating under perfect circumstances.

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Stephen Universe by World-Jumper on 2015-07-18 03:14:00 UTC Reply

So, my brother, who is hard at work at earning his reputation among his friends as master of all things western animated, has introduced me to this Stephen Universe thing. I have to admit, at first, I did not really get it. However, over time, the show grew on me, and I'm finding myself looking for more and more things Stephen.

The third Stephen Bomb just ended, so I thought now would be as good a time as any to talk about this new fandom I find myself in. Any thoughts on the show? Favorite characters? Any particular ways you want to see Jasper disintegrated? I am willing to talk all things Stephen.

Ah, another show I need to catch up on. by SkarmorySilver on 2015-07-19 00:37:00 UTC Reply

I've wanted to binge-watch all the episodes, but I only made it as far as "Steven's Lion" before I had my laptop taken from me. It’s all over my Tumblr dash, though, so I know about more than a few things about that show. Pearl is best gem, btw :D

I think one of my agents may pick up on the show as well pretty soon, since I want to do a Steven Universe mission sometime. Probably Lapis, since she already shares a name with one of the canons... XD

I kept expecting you to do that, really. XD by SMF on 2015-07-19 15:50:00 UTC Reply

The whole "Lapis meets Lapis" thing. Depends on if there are any missionable-fic, I suppose. :)

Welcome to the fandom! by cartoondarkage1492 on 2015-07-19 00:12:00 UTC Reply

I've adored Steven Universe since the Mirror/Ocean Gem episodes; though to be fair, that was when I finally discovered the series. And to say the least, anyone who hasn't seen it yet SHOULD. It's the best thing to come out of Cartoon Network in a very long time!

In fact, I will go so far as to say it can go toe to toe with the likes of Gravity Falls and Samurai Jack as one of the all-time best animated shows of the late 20th/21st centuries.

I myself am partial to Garnet, with Steven himself not too far behind. And while I myself don't like Jasper due to her douchebaggery, I hate Peridot even more. Why? Because by all accounts, she shouldn't be a threat. Allow me to explain:

When I first saw her, I laughed her off as a joke; I mean, I don't underestimate any Gem I see on the show but...really? I was supposed to be intimidated by her? She looks like the illegitimate lovechild of a Linux and some hardware goggles! She has no place being some all-powerful being.

On Peridot by firemagic on 2015-07-19 16:31:00 UTC Reply

In fact you're not supposed to be intimidated by her. She's the Homeworld's tech support who somehow ended up stranded on an alien planet. She has no idea how half her weapons work (just look at her expressions in Friend Ship) and she is almost certainly the Gem equivalent of a kid. She's supposed to be funny because of how in over her head and how ridiculous she is. In fact I'm pretty sure that Peridot was actually literally based on Invader Zim, who is barely intimidating under perfect circumstances.

Fair Point by cartoondarkage1492 on 2015-07-19 18:40:00 UTC Reply

Come to think of it, I do sometimes wait for her to make a robo-companion that turns into an Earth puppy. XD

WE (nm) by SkarmorySilver on 2015-07-19 00:40:00 UTC Reply

Is that supposed to mean something? (nm) by cartoondarkage1492 on 2015-07-19 00:44:00 UTC Reply

It's a fandom-specific thing. by SkarmorySilver on 2015-07-19 00:47:00 UTC Reply

The mating call of the SU fan, specifically, as noted on Tumblr. That was the first line of the theme song, and I was hoping someone else would continue with the next line, etc.

Oh, THAT! Lemme try that again! by cartoondarkage1492 on 2015-07-19 01:43:00 UTC Reply

Are the Crystal

GEMS! (nm) by World-Jumper on 2015-07-19 07:55:00 UTC Reply

We'll always save the day! (nm) by cartoondarkage1492 on 2015-07-19 18:33:00 UTC Reply

And if you think we can't, (nm) by SMF on 2015-07-19 19:24:00 UTC Reply

We'll always find a way! (nm) by cartoondarkage1492 on 2015-07-19 20:42:00 UTC Reply

That's why the people (nm) by TheShyIon on 2015-07-20 05:09:00 UTC Reply

Of this world! Believe in! (nm) by cartoondarkage1492 on 2015-07-20 05:43:00 UTC Reply

Ooh! by firemagic on 2015-07-18 21:23:00 UTC Reply

I love Steven Universe, I've been watching it since... gee, Frybo, I guess!

I really adore Lapis Lazuli, and can get very irritated by people acting like she's just some poor victim of circumstance woobie. She's probably one of the strongest characters on the show, physically and mentally, for goodness' sake!

I cannot wait to find out more about the backstory. I particularly am wondering what role the Gems play in human folklore and history - are there Gem-inspired monsters scattered throughout folklore? Do the Gem armies occupy a space similar to the Sidhe courts in mythology?
Yay! by eatpraylove on 2015-07-18 15:37:00 UTC Reply

I'm watching the show on the Internet cause my dash won't shut up about it. Did anybody else think Jasper was a dude for the longest time before they learned more about the show? 'Cause I totally thought Jasper was a guy.

As for favorite characters, I can't decide between Connie and Pearl, though I'm willing to let the show surprise me once I get to later episodes. (Garnet is also pretty awesome. :D)

Yep. by World-Jumper on 2015-07-18 18:58:00 UTC Reply

Still don't know what I should call Jasper. I know Gems have no gender (what with being, you know, gemstones) and usually use female pronouns, but Jasper is trying so hard to be male, deepening the voice, changing appearance... I think "dead meat" or "glitter dust" will do. Seems the least offensive route.

I adore Pearl. She is, bar none, my favorite Gem. I mean, Garnet is great, especially later in the series, but Pearl has a special place in my heart. Her motherly actions, her grace, her inner thoughts of worthlesness (Spoilers:since Rose died) all moves me so.

And no, this will not become a "best Gem" thread. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. ~~even the wrong ones~~

Just a question, how far have you gotten in the series? I don't want to spoil anything, as there are some very big events that come later that I want you to see for yourself. A good check is, what do you think when I say "Gem kindergarten."

Jasper is a she by firemagic on 2015-07-18 21:18:00 UTC Reply

At least, she's referred to as a she by every other character. And how exactly is she 'trying so hard to be male'? Women are entirely capable of having deep voices and being aggressive. Also 'changing appearances' to what are you referring to? Malachite? Because Jasper's never shapeshifted that we've seen.

Masculine body shape. by World-Jumper on 2015-07-18 22:18:00 UTC Reply

There is one thing of being a muscular woman, and having the body of a man. Now, calm down, I know physical sex does not equate gender, however, Gems can alter their appearance in ny way they like, save color. Jasper chose this form. Also, glitterdust is definitely lowering their pitch down. Looked a lot like a trans gem, if there is such a thing.

...I get the feeling I am somehow being offencive. Gender is difficult enough to wrap my head around as is, forget trying to pin it to a species that for all intents and purposes has no gender. All I was trying to do was note that I never once heard glitterdust referred to by any pronoun, and chose to appear male. If I was wrong, I was wrong. Now I'm just going to call Jasper glitterdust out of spite.

First, I am perfectly calm. by firemagic on 2015-07-18 22:42:00 UTC Reply

Second, Why do you think she's male? Because she's tall and buff? Such women can exist while still being women. Actually, one of the better things about Steven Universe is how it has female characters who are all different body types!

I have no idea what you're talking about with 'glitterdust.' That's not a phrase I've heard of anywhere in the show. In any case, she is very clearly referred to as a she.

Steven: Are you going to be able to beat her on your own?

My first post. by World-Jumper on 2015-07-18 22:51:00 UTC Reply

I said it as a joking pronoun. Instead of she, I use glitterdust. Because that is all I see this Gem as.. Glitterdust waiting to be.

And I see I was wrong. I misremembered, and I am sorry. Let us just move on.

Hello minis~ by Matt Cipher on 2015-07-18 12:05:00 UTC Reply

Oooh, shiny mini-gems~! "Stephen Universe" "Stephen" and "Stephen Bomb"

I blame my phone. by World-Jumper on 2015-07-18 18:24:00 UTC Reply

Thanks though. I'll try to avoid that in the future.
Yes, but which gem is mini? ^_^ by TheShyIon on 2015-07-18 14:07:00 UTC Reply

I'm kinda imagining a mini-Peridot-bot.

Re: Yes, but which gem is mini? ^_^ by firemagic on 2015-07-18 21:16:00 UTC Reply

I'm gonna go with mini-Centipeedles. They're one of the more recognizable monsters on the show, both as the first ones to show up and the only recurring ones.
No idea... by Matt Cipher on 2015-07-18 15:48:00 UTC Reply

Steven Universe is an undiscovered continuum. No missions yet, therefore no minis exist. I just assumed they'd be mini-gems.

And I've thought about actual, glittery prescious stones.