The season concludes with the double-episode finale "The Return" and "Jail Break." This arc is widely regarded as one of the high points of the entire series. It introduces new antagonists (Peridot, Jasper, and Lapis Lazuli), raises the stakes to a planetary level, and delivers a reveal that changed the show forever: Garnet is a fusion of two gems, Ruby and Sapphire, who are in love.
In Monster Buddies , Steven befriends a slobbering, centipede-like monster (the Centipeetle). He doesn't see a threat; he sees a creature in pain. He tries to feed it chips. He draws with it. The episode ends not with a triumphant explosion, but with Steven crying as the re-corrupted monster is dragged away. Season 1 whispers a dangerous idea to its young audience: What if the monster doesn't want to hurt you? What if it’s just scared? steven universe season 1