Steven Universe Podcast: MiniRecaps, "Gemcation."

SU Podcast MiniRecaps: Gemcation (Episode 3)

This is the third episode of MiniRecaps, short behind-the-scenes peeks into episodes of the show. This episode covers “Gemcation” and includes special guest writer Ben Levin.

The official description:

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Steven Universe writer Ben Levin is talking about “Gemcation!” Find out where the Beach House was originally going to be, what made Greg the driving force in this particular episode, and why the bit with Garnet is Ben’s favorite scene.

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McKenzie introduces Ben Levin and asks for his general thoughts on the episode. Ben says there was an original plan to have the vacation house in the desert, and then it ended up being more out in the plains, so when he saw the final he thought “Oh yeah, that’s what we decided!” McKenzie asks about where the original desert idea was, and Ben says even though they kinda wanted to do some different scenery for this, logistically it made more sense for them to not end up in a desert if they’re going from Delmarva (essentially Maryland/Delaware area).

It was a very different episode for Steven because there’s a conflict in the episode that doesn’t get resolved, which is a challenge to write. McKenzie asks if it’s hard to leave things unresolved and if it’s tempting to put in some kind of resolution, and Ben says yes, there has to be SOME kind of resolution (especially since sometimes people watch TV to escape the lack of justice in the world–you might want to see things that are NOT like the stuff you have to put up with in real life, and not want to sit through experiences that are closer to mirroring your own dissatisfaction). But sometimes it’s nice to show not getting what you want, and finding a way to move forward anyway. Steven’s able to lean on his family and trust them in his disappointment.

Ben says they go through a lot of arcs with lots of action and then pull back to a smaller story. The writers don’t want the audience to become numb with so much action, getting hit with that all the time. So, with the kind of show this is, they have to check in with how the characters are handling this emotionally. Not just Steven, but seeing how the Gems and Greg are concerned about Steven, with Greg as the driving force in the episode. Action won’t mean anything if you don’t know the characters and spend some time with them.

McKenzie asks Ben to speak about each of the other characters’ reactions to how Steven is handling things. Amethyst and Steven have a special connection (they’re the Shorty Squad, and both “feel like orphans in a way”), so that’s why Amethyst tries to connect with him first. But the heart-to-heart doesn’t work since Steven’s not ready to open up. Then Garnet tries with her flashback in the silhouette style of “The Answer,” with her big knowledge of everything, but Steven cuts that off. And then Pearl tries to open up to Steven but before she gets through what she’s holding back, Steven blurts out what’s really bothering him. Ben says the Garnet bit was his favorite, because you know everyone just really wants Steven to stop staring at his phone and let Garnet talk. :wink: