mistermaf:

I’d just like to pause and appreciate this scene and the message that it sends to the people watching it. At every stage of this awkward fusion dance, Peridot is reserved but willing, and Garnet is respectful of her reluctance.

Fusion has been repeatedly shown to be a very intimate experience in which all participating parties must be comfortable and trusting with each other. The entire Week of Sardonyx was based around this concept.

For Peridot, the Crystal Gems’ uses of fusion is entirely foreign and discomforting. When Garnet suggests that the two of them fuse in an attempt to help her understand, Peridot’s immediate jerk reaction is to reject the offer.

Garnet’s response: “I get it — you’re not ready, that’s fair.”

Peridot decides to try anyway, but clearly neither knows how to dance nor is she comfortable doing it. As soon as she starts saying “No, no no,” Garnet lets go and stops.

Peridot says shortly, “I can’t do it,” to which Garnet replies, “That’s fine! Peridot, I’m proud of you [for trying].”

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT AND IMPORTANT MESSAGE about respecting your partner and “no” meaning “no”. Cartoon Network and the Crewniverse know well and good that they’ve snagged an older audience with this show and they’ve stuffed it full of life lessons like this that kids and adults alike can learn from.

I just wanted to talk about this because as excited as I was to see a new fusion, I think this outcome was much better in the end. Peridot and the group have a long way to go before she can really fit in with them, and it’s better to take it slowly.

Mad props to Garnet and mad props to the Crewniverse in handling this scene.