Jail Break (Steven Universe)

Last updated
"Jail Break"
Steven Universe episode
Steven Universe - Jail Break.png
During the song "Stronger Than You", a re-fused Garnet prepares to fight Jasper.
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 49
Directed by
  • Ki-Yong Bae (animation)
  • Jin-Hee Park (animation)
  • Elle Michalka (art)
  • Ian Jones-Quartey (supervising)
Written by
Production code1026-052
Original air dateMarch 12, 2015 (2015-03-12)
Running time11 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"The Return"		Next →
"Full Disclosure"
List of episodes

"Jail Break" is the 49th episode of the first season of American animated television series Steven Universe , which premiered on March 12, 2015 on Cartoon Network. The episode was written and storyboarded by Joe Johnston, Jeff Liu, and series creator Rebecca Sugar. The episode acts as a continuation of the arc started in the previous episode, "The Return", and the two aired alongside each other as a two-part special. Both episodes were watched by 1.697 million viewers.

Contents

The episode covers Steven's attempt to save the Gems from the captivity of Peridot and Jasper, two Homeworld Gems leading a scouting mission on Earth. The episode reveals that Garnet is a fusion, and introduces the characters Ruby and Sapphire, Garnet's component Gems. The romantic relationship between Ruby and Sapphire has been interpreted one of the ways in which Steven Universe provides LGBT representation.

Plot

Having been knocked unconscious by Jasper (Kimberly Brooks) in the previous episode, Steven (Zach Callison) awakens in a prison cell on the Gem warship. The door of the cell is a force field which can neutralize the strength of any Gem; but Steven is able to pass through it unharmed. While searching for the Crystal Gems, Steven comes across an unfamiliar Gem, Ruby (Charlyne Yi), and disrupts the force field with his body so she can escape. He then helps her search for her companion Sapphire (Erica Luttrell) by following the sound of her singing. Steven and Ruby encounter Lapis Lazuli (Jennifer Paz), but she insists that Steven leave her in her cell to avoid exacerbating their current problems. As Steven and Lapis talk, Ruby runs off in impatience.

Steven finds Sapphire and frees her from her cell. Soon, Ruby and Sapphire meet up again; as they happily reunite, to Steven's surprise, Ruby and Sapphire fuse into Garnet (Estelle). She sends Steven to find Amethyst (Michaela Dietz) and Pearl (Deedee Magno Hall) and free them from their cells. After he leaves, Jasper confronts Garnet. As they fight, Garnet sings the song "Stronger Than You", celebrating the power of Ruby and Sapphire's relationship. Meanwhile, Steven, Amethyst and Pearl overpower Peridot (Shelby Rabara) and take control of the ship. Garnet and Jasper's battle destroys the ship's power core, causing the ship to crash-land onto Earth as Peridot flees in an escape pod.

After the ship hits Earth's surface, the Crystal Gems, Jasper, and Lapis emerge from the wreckage. Jasper convinces Lapis to fuse with her to defeat the Crystal Gems. However, once they fuse into Malachite, Lapis uses her water powers to drag the fusion into the ocean and subdue Jasper. The episode ends with Steven receiving a frantic phone call from Connie (Grace Rolek).

Production

Episodes of Steven Universe are written and storyboarded by a single team. "Jail Break" was written by Joe Johnston, Jeff Liu, and series creator Rebecca Sugar, and directed by co-executive producer Ian Jones-Quartey, while Ki-Yong Bae and Jin-Hee Park provided animation direction, and Elle Michalka served as art director.

In the combat scene between Jasper and Garnet, Jasper's fighting style pays homage to the video game character Sonic the Hedgehog. [1] Johnston indicated on his blog that Ruby and Sapphire's fusion dance is a reference to a dance between Pazu and Sheeta in Castle in the Sky , and that the series often references Studio Ghibli films. [2] The fact that Garnet was a fusion had been previously foreshadowed; for example, in "Coach Steven", the fusion Sugilite (Amethyst and Garnet) is shown to have three gems rather than two. [1] Sugar had intended for Garnet to be a fusion since the show's pilot episode. [3]

Music

The episode features the song "Stronger Than You", written by Rebecca Sugar and arranged by Aivi & Surasshu, the music team for the series. The song was performed by Estelle as Garnet, and includes strings performed by Jeff Ball. [4] Steven Velema (Surasshu of Aivi & Surasshu) wrote that Estelle's vocals were originally recorded over a demo by Jeff Liu. Sugar wanted the duo to create an arrangement "to capture the feeling of 'there's no way [Garnet] could lose'". In order to "emphasize" Garnet's new form, they changed the timbre of the bass, which represents Garnet in the series. [5]

Themes

The episode has been cited as an important example of LGBT representation in children's media because of the relationship between Ruby and Sapphire. [6] [7] Writer Joe Johnston clarified that the two are romantically involved [8] and Jones-Quartey specified that their relationship could be considered lesbian. [9] An Autostraddle article compares their relationship and fusion to a marriage, where "two parts [make] one whole". [6] The relationship was also compared to similar lesbian relationships in other animated series, such as Adventure Time and The Legend of Korra . [6]

The episode also explores the power of "partnership, love, and community over power-based hierarchy", according to Vrai Kaiser, writing for The Mary Sue. This is represented in the fight between Jasper and Garnet, which is also a performance by voice actor Estelle of the song "Stronger Than You". In the scene, Garnet represents love—specifically, between two gay non-binary individuals—which creates her "emotional balance" and strength. [10] Eric Thurm elaborates on this point, noting that Jasper's quote, "Fusion is just a cheap tactic to make weak Gems stronger", can be interpreted as a criticism of emotional relationships. This makes the physical fight abstractly represent "a contest between Jasper's lone-wolf warrior ideology and Garnet's harmony between two people". According to Thurm, Garnet's victory supports the "thesis statement" of the series, which is that "loving relationships are the most important thing in life". [1]

The episode acts as a turning point for the show because of how Steven's relationship with the Gems changes. According to Sugar, what interviewer Lan Pitts calls "a more serious tone" in episodes following "Jail Break" stems from the fact that Steven has become a more "equal" and capable member of the Crystal Gems. Sugar states that after this point, it almost "becomes another show". [3]

Broadcast and reception

"Jail Break" premiered on Cartoon Network on March 12, 2015. 1.697 million viewers watched its initial American broadcast and the episode received a Nielsen household rating of 0.4, meaning 0.4% of all households viewed it. [11] It aired as part of a programming event advertised as a "Stevenbomb", in which new episodes aired every day for five consecutive days. In order to give the Stevenbomb a strong plot arc, several episodes written as part of the first season were postponed to air as part of the second season, after the Stevenbomb. Thus, although "Jail Break" was written as the 52nd episode of the first season, it was the 49th episode to air.

The episode received positive attention from critics, both for its animation quality and the song "Stronger Than You", performed by Estelle voicing the character Garnet. [10] Writing for The A.V. Club, Eric Thurm called the song "funky as hell". [1] Estelle also received praise for the strength carried in her succinct lines of dialogue. [10]

The episode was nominated twice at the 43rd Annie Awards, in the categories of Best Animated TV/Broadcast Production For Children's Audience and Outstanding Achievement, Storyboarding in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production. However, it did not win either category.

Related Research Articles

<i>Steven Universe</i> 2013–19 American animated TV series

Steven Universe is an American animated television series created by Rebecca Sugar for Cartoon Network. It tells the coming-of-age story of a young boy, Steven Universe, who lives with the Crystal Gems—magical, mineral-based aliens named Garnet (Estelle), Amethyst, and Pearl —in the fictional town of Beach City. Steven, who is half-Gem, has adventures with his friends and helps the Gems protect the world from their own kind. The pilot was first shown in May 2013, and the series ran for five seasons, from November 2013 to January 2019. The TV film Steven Universe: The Movie was released in September 2019, and an epilogue limited series, Steven Universe Future, ran from December 2019 to March 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steven the Sword Fighter</span> 16th episode of the 1st season of Steven Universe

"Steven the Sword Fighter" is the sixteenth episode of the first season of the American animated television series Steven Universe. It is written by Joe Johnston and Jeff Liu.

Say Uncle (<i>Steven Universe</i>) 48th episode of the 1st season of Steven Universe

"Say Uncle" is an episode of the American animated television series Steven Universe. The episode, written and storyboarded by Joe Johnston and Jeff Liu, is a non-canon crossover with Uncle Grandpa, another Cartoon Network series. While The A.V. Club described its announcement in February 2015 as "confusing", the episode aired on April 2 in that same year to high critical praise. The episode was watched by 1.926 million viewers. The events of the crossover specials take place during the first season of Steven Universe and during the second season of Uncle Grandpa.

The Answer (<i>Steven Universe</i>) 22nd episode of the 2nd season of Steven Universe

"The Answer" is the 22nd episode of the second season of American animated television series Steven Universe, which premiered on January 4, 2016 on Cartoon Network. It was written and storyboarded by Lamar Abrams and Katie Mitroff. The episode was viewed by 1.384 million viewers.

Cry for Help (<i>Steven Universe</i>) 11th episode of the 2nd season of Steven Universe

"Cry for Help" is the eleventh episode of the second season of American animated television series Steven Universe. The episode was written and storyboarded by Joe Johnston and Jeff Liu; it premiered on July 13, 2015, on Cartoon Network and was watched by 1.714 million viewers.

Garnet (<i>Steven Universe</i>) Fictional character

Garnet is a character from the animated series Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar. Based on the real world mineral garnet, Garnet is a Gem, a fictional alien being that exists as a magical gemstone projecting a holographic body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Watermelon Island</span> 1st episode of the 3rd season of Steven Universe

"Super Watermelon Island" is the first episode of the third season of American animated television series Steven Universe, which premiered on May 12, 2016 on Cartoon Network. It was written and storyboarded by Joe Johnston and Jeff Liu. The episode was viewed by 1.693 million viewers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr. Greg</span> 8th episode of the 3rd season of Steven Universe

"Mr. Greg" is the eighth episode of the third season of American animated television series Steven Universe, which premiered on July 19, 2016 on Cartoon Network. It was written and storyboarded by Joe Johnston and Jeff Liu. The episode was viewed by 1.549 million viewers. It is the series' first fully musical episode, and features seven songs, more than any other Steven Universe episode.

Amethyst (<i>Steven Universe</i>) Steven Universe character

Amethyst is a fictional character from the animated television series Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar. She is voiced by Michaela Dietz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mindful Education</span> 4th episode of the 4th season of Steven Universe

"Mindful Education" is the fourth episode of the fourth season of the American animated television series Steven Universe, which premiered on August 25, 2016 on Cartoon Network. The episode was written and storyboarded by Colin Howard, Jeff Liu, and by Takafumi Hori. The episode was watched by 1.334 million viewers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gem Harvest</span> 8th episode of the 4th season of Steven Universe

"Gem Harvest" is the eighth episode of the fourth season of the American animated television series Steven Universe. A special double-length episode, it was written and storyboarded by Raven M. Molisee, Paul Villeco, Hilary Florido, and Lauren Zuke. The episode was first broadcast on Cartoon Network on November 17, 2016, and was viewed by 1.385 million viewers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gem Drill</span> 2nd episode of the 3rd season of Steven Universe

"Gem Drill" is the second episode of the third season of American animated television series Steven Universe, which premiered on May 12, 2016 on Cartoon Network. It was written and storyboarded by Raven Molisee and Paul Villeco. The episode was viewed by 1.693 million viewers.

Reunited (<i>Steven Universe</i>) 23rd and 24th episodes of the 5th season of Steven Universe

"Reunited" is the 23rd and 24th episode of the fifth season of the American animated television series Steven Universe, and the 151st and 152nd episode of the series overall. A 22-minute double-length special episode, it was directed by Joe Johnston and Liz Artinian, and written and storyboarded by Miki Brewster, Jeff Liu, Katie Mitroff and Paul Villeco from a story by Johnston, Matt Burnett, Ben Levin, Kat Morris, Tom Herpich and series creator Rebecca Sugar. It first aired on July 6, 2018 as the final part of the seventh "StevenBomb", a series of six episodes aired between July 2 and 6.

<i>Steven Universe: The Movie</i> 2019 animated television film

Steven Universe: The Movie is a 2019 American animated musical television film based on the animated television series Steven Universe created by Rebecca Sugar. The film is directed by Sugar, alongside co-directors Joe Johnston and Kat Morris, and stars Zach Callison, Estelle, Michaela Dietz, Deedee Magno Hall, and Sarah Stiles, alongside an ensemble cast reprising their roles from the television series. Steven Universe: The Movie takes place two years after the events of the series finale "Change Your Mind", and follows the Crystal Gems as they attempt to save all organic life on Earth from a deranged Gem with a history with Steven's mother Rose Quartz.

The Question (<i>Steven Universe</i>) 21st episode of the 5th season of Steven Universe

"The Question" is the 21st episode of the fifth season of the American animated television series Steven Universe. It first aired on July 4, 2018, on Cartoon Network. It was directed by Joe Johnston and Liz Artinian and written and storyboarded by Miki Brewster and Jeff Liu. The episode attracted media attention after it aired because it featured the first same-sex marriage proposal in Western children's animation.

Change Your Mind (<i>Steven Universe</i>) 29th and 32nd episodes of the 5th season of Steven Universe

"Change Your Mind" is the series finale of the American animated television series Steven Universe; a 44-minute quadruple-length episode, it is counted as the 29th to 32nd episode of the series' fifth season and as the 157th to 160th episodes of the series overall. The only 44-minute episode of the series, it was directed by Joe Johnston and Kat Morris, with art direction by Liz Artinian, and written and storyboarded by Johnston, Morris, Lamar Abrams, Miki Brewster, Danny Cragg, Hilary Florido, Ian Jones-Quartey, Christine Liu, Jeff Liu, Katie Mitroff, Paul Villeco, and series creator and executive producer Rebecca Sugar.

Aivi & Surasshu are an electronic composer duo, composed of pianist Aivi Tran and electronic artist Steven "Surasshu" Velema. They are known for composing soundtracks, including that of Cartoon Network's animated series Steven Universe. The two married in 2015.

<i>Steven Universe Future</i> American animated television series

Steven Universe Future is an American animated limited series created by Rebecca Sugar for Cartoon Network. It serves as both an epilogue and the de facto sixth and final season of the 2013–2019 original series Steven Universe and its follow-up 2019 animated film Steven Universe: The Movie. It premiered on December 7, 2019, and concluded on March 27, 2020.

The Future (<i>Steven Universe Future</i>) Episode of Steven Universe Future

"The Future" is the 20th and final episode of the American animated limited series Steven Universe Future, which serves as an epilogue to the 2013–19 television series Steven Universe; it is therefore also the final episode of the Steven Universe franchise. It originally aired on Cartoon Network on March 27, 2020 as the fourth and final part of the series finale.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Thurm, Eric (March 12, 2015). "Steven Universe: "The Return"/"Jail Break"". The A.V. Club . Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  2. ↑ Johnston, Joe (March 13, 2015). "Was Ruby and Sapphire's fusion..." Tumblr . Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  3. 1 2 Sugar, Rebecca; Abrams, Lamar (June 12, 2015). "New STEVEN UNIVERSE Episodes Beginning of New Era For Show Says REBECCA SUGAR" (Interview). Interviewed by Lan Pitts. Newsarama. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  4. ↑ Tran, Aivi; Velema, Steven (June 2015). "Steven Universe – Stronger Than You (Rebecca Sugar feat. Estelle)". SoundCloud . Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  5. ↑ Velema, Steven (2015). "This definitely qualifies as a career highlight..." Surasshu.com. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 Mey (March 13, 2015). ""Steven Universe" and the Importance of All-Ages Queer Representation". Autostraddle . Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  7. ↑ Bendix, Trish (July 21, 2015). "Morning Brew – "Steven Universe" confirms Ruby and Sapphire are a gem of a lesbian couple". After Ellen . Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  8. ↑ Johnston, Joe (March 13, 2015). "are you allowed to tell us..." Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  9. ↑ Morgan, Joe (July 21, 2015). "Cartoon Network show confirms lesbian couple". Gay Star News. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  10. 1 2 3 Kaiser, Vrai (March 18, 2015). "The Great Big Steven Universe Recap; Or, The Femme Smooch Heard 'Round the World". The Mary Sue . Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  11. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 13, 2015). "Thursday Cable Ratings: NBA Basketball Tops Night + Vikings, Thursday Night SmackDown, Archer & More". TV by the Numbers . Gracenote. Archived from the original on March 16, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.