faelapis:

steven universe loves to build discomfort and character flaws over time, in order to have them grow later and slowly overcome that.

i don’t think i could have asked for a better example than garnet in this episode.

she’s been afraid and unsure, and it’s become obvious how powerless she feels. she’s supposed to be a leader, and almost like it’s homeworld all over again, she feels unable to do the job she ‘has’ to do.

steven doesn’t know how to help. they’re in the same boat – all they want is to help, but they don’t know enough. the best they can do is steer towards the future they want. they have to hope they can get there. 

accepting that kind of powerlessness can be terrifying. especially for a leader. but as usual, garnet is the most honest and emotionally mature of the crystal gems – she acknowledges that she’s been viewing steven as a child. she understands that it’s wrong to do that now. he’s grown up, and she can’t protect him like she wanted. 

not only does she acknowledge this, but she finds a healthier outlet for her nurturing instincts. the emotion itself wasn’t bad, she just needed a safe outlet where she could express her need to protect and mother someone. 

and all the while, she’s so proud of steven. she loves him so much. she’s never bitter about any of this. heck, the reason she realized his growth in the first place was seeing how loving and nurturing he could be to those that need him. just like she is.