~Paint me like one of your Amethysts~
She is a work of modern art
Steven Universe Podcast MiniRecaps: Pool Hopping (Episode 3)
This is the third episode of the return to MiniRecaps, short behind-the-scenes peeks into episodes of the show. This episode covers “Pool Hopping” and includes several voice actors. The official description:
Michaela Dietz (voice of Amethyst), DeeDee Magno Hall (voice of Pearl), and Shelby Rabara (voice of Peridot) return to discuss the impact of Garnet's future vision, her new wardrobe in "Pool Hopping," the mysterious one-eyed cat, and the importance of living in the moment!
McKenzie Atwood gets right into it introducing Shelby, Michaela, and Deedee, and asks them to give a quick summation of what they thought of the episode. Deedee didn't know what "pool hopping" refers to, and Michaela explains that it's about jumping from pool to pool (figuratively). Deedee had been wondering if it would be about the billiards game! Michaela LOVES the episode and she really enjoyed seeing Garnet in the Big Donut work outfit. Shelby thinks she looks really sweet and comments that seeing her wear something different for once is cool, but in talking about this she at first refers to Garnet as "Estelle" and they have to specify that yes, ESTELLE certainly wears different clothes. (Michaela teases Shelby that maybe she's trying to start a rumor.)
They discuss other outfits Garnet might have worn besides her typical one, bringing up the beach outfit (from "Beach Party") and discussing the baseball episode but acknowledging that Garnet didn't participate in that in her fused state so it was Ruby and Sapphire in baseball clothes. They bring up how Garnet has the line "Go weirder!" and how it reminds them of doing their voice-over recordings when they're asked to go weirder during their "weird takes."
McKenzie also brings up how Garnet's Future Vision is represented by water very often. The VAs remembered the coffee, but seemed intrigued to be reminded of the "time is like a river" image that McKenzie references (which is from "Future Vision" back in Season 1).
McKenzie prompts them to discuss the aspect of the episode where Garnet is excited and animated. Deedee loves having the chance to finally see Garnet emotional. She says they do sometimes get to record with Estelle but it's very unusual because she's so busy. And during those records, often it's just a few lines for Estelle to record, while in this one there were straight-up MONOLOGUES. Michaela thinks maybe that's just what Garnet feels her role is in the Crystal Gems' dynamic--in the group, she's got to be concise and firm, but when she's away from the group, she can open up. Shelby says she's only recorded with Estelle once and it was for a Make-A-Wish event. Shelby admits to being a bit star-struck by Estelle because she's a huge fan of her music, and she loves hearing her work. Michaela adds that Estelle's range in this episode was pretty great--Garnet has a rare opportunity to explore emotions she almost never presents, and Estelle gives voice to them so well.
McKenzie points out that this is the most in-depth talk Garnet has had with Steven about the way her Future Vision affects her, and how cool that is that she's willing to share that part of her life with Steven. McKenzie elaborates, suggesting that anyone who could actually see the future would feel burdened by the responsibility to protect others since it's something they alone can do. Michaela reminds everyone that even Future Vision doesn't allow one to always know what's coming. The episode shows us that living in the moment is healthier instead of always preparing for what COULD happen when it's not a sure thing. McKenzie found the image of Garnet in the rain covered by cats having a breakdown to be very relatable. (Michaela asks if that happens to McKenzie a lot and she agrees that it does, but she's kidding, and just wants to be covered in kittens.) She loved that Steven could bring that practical advice to Garnet: just do what you WANT To happen. Deedee thinks he's very wise.
Shelby points out that she loves the one-eyed cat! Michaela asks if it's a coincidence, but they all agree it's got to be an intentional choice--hey, in an episode about Future Vision, having a cat with one blue eye (like Sapphire) is a pretty specific image. They love the decision to call her "Cat Steven." As much as they would love to hold that many kittens, unfortunately, Deedee is highly allergic to cats.
Shelby enjoys the image of rain in this show--how it represents a page being turned, a new perspective. She compares it to when Peridot feels rain for the first time, and how the Crew tends to use water to bring these moments home. (Does this extend to the musical Cats? Well, maybe, says Deedee. Kidding.) McKenzie decides to throw out some random love for Vidalia also, with Deedee chiming in to say that Jackie (Buscarino) does a fantastic voice for the character. Apparently Jackie does not consider her voice acting any big deal, but the others agree she's really so talented. "Paint me like one of your Amethysts" was a highlight for McKenzie in this episode.
Michaela feels there's one more "teaching moment," which is . . . people grow up. Garnet probably has a hard time with the concept, Michaela thinks--the idea that Steven could stop being a child at some point. Deedee and McKenzie aren't ready for that, and Deedee finds it a little sad. But growing up is inevitable. Unless you're Benjamin Button.
Next Tuesday is another episode!
Garnet and Cat Steven See Eye to Eye
That’s right bb, boop the visor and get some eye contact
I don’t really draw animals and this is my first time drawing a regular non-magical animal for this blog (though I have drawn Lion and Pumpkin). Since I like to do something new for follower milestones, consider this my celebration of 1700 followers, woohoo!
Thanks y’all!
Future Vision in “Pool Hopping”
Spoilers for discussion of "Pool Hopping." This is a lengthy discussion of how Future Vision is used in the show and why Garnet's way of using it makes sense a) for her character; b) in the context of the story; and c) in general for precognitive characters. I need to cut for both length purposes and to avoid too many spoilers for people who have not seen this episode yet. Please read on for my examination of this fascinating concept.
I’m always excited for pizza tbh