Now in the last post I mentioned that I have two go to examples when talking about musical episodes of shows, and well, this is the second one. Now Steven Universe, being one of my favorite animated shows of all time is no stranger to having stand-out songs in its episodes. But this one is different, though the show is known for having characters break into songs from time to time, and music plays a huge role in it, they do not do it episodes, some house one to two songs. This episode I count as the musical episode because of the themeing, as well as holding the most songs in the series in a single episode at six songs, one even being a reprise.
This one sees Steven's father Greg becoming super rich, so they leave the quiet beach town they know to take a trip to the very New York City inspired Empire City. Bringing Pearl who loved Steven's mother as well, brings out some drama that needs to be confronted, and what way to do so then in song. Leaving the episode wrapping up with a solid emotional conclusion that leads into the rest of the series.
The visuals are stunning as usual for the show, but stand out wonderfully in this episode in particular. Bright lights, purple skies at night, and cityscapes, all done with soft colors, the visuals changing with some of the songs to make them stand out even more.
The songs lead this story along wonderfully, from small and sweet, to fun, to big, grand, and powerful. The stand-out song for this episode is "It's Over Isn't It?", Peal's powerful and sad solo ballad. Emotionally stunted, left with nothing but question marks and not knowing where to go, left only with bitterness and sadness. Her resentment towards Greg in full force, the song sweeping and soaring, conveying strong but relatable emotions, the visuals working hand in hand to make this moment so memorable, the clouds, the purple skies, the lights of the city and quiet air of the balcony. Accompanied by powerful instrumentals, this song stands strong within the episode and on its own.
But the other songs are no slouches either, providing great emotional closure, or just being fun. The songs can either be short and sweet, full of some fun moments and a couple jokes or maybe even one to cause a tear or two to escape your eye. A couple of the songs in this episode can warrant some very strong emotional responses, all packed tight into this episode paced perfectly, and none overstaying their welcome. The structure of the episode works out wonderfully giving a solid beginning, middle, and end with a very satisfying conclusion.
The setting fits for a musical episode, taking part of the cast out of their environment and showing them somewhere we have not seen in the show yet, and even before they leave the way the episode is presented sets up for an unforgettable musical journey. The songs follow the cast from home to the big city and back, making the musical structure stand out on its own. Beginning as other episodes do with a song, but then having a fair number and in a new locale to show the auidence that this stands out as a the musical episode. Having a song at the beginning that gets a reprise before the credits roll, the music style harkening to that of tradition musicals, and the visuals all setting the tone and keeping it perfectly.
This episode is amazing on a wriitng, musical, and visual stand point. It fires on all cylanders to stand head and shoulders as one of the series best, for adressing plot points, using emotions the audience can relate too, and giving an experience all in a package that leaves the watcher sastified. The music standing out in the context of the show or on their own for isolated listens, and a really wonderful messege about moving on and forgiving, makes this one, a true showstopper
No comments:
Post a Comment