friendbotbeeps:

You know what has really made these character arcs so great and not contrived?

The writing doesn’t fault the characters for reacting negatively in the light of the revelation of Rose Quartz.

When Sapphire and Ruby reunite, Sapphire states how she was wrong for reacting so harshly and Ruby’s first words are “No, you were right.” followed by expanding on her thoughts.

Steven tells Bismuth he’s sorry for everything and Bismuth doesn’t say “It’s okay.” or “No, I was wrong.” She says “Thank you.”

I can count at least 3 different times in this bomb alone where someone asks another person “Are you okay?” to create an open dialogue of discussion.

This whole arc has been so carefully handled, because it’s a big deal. Rose Quartz was the foundation and heart of the Crystal Gems, and when the foundation is made of sand instead of stone, then the whole house sinks.

The purpose of this revelation isn’t just to create drama. It’s to truly divorce Rose’s message and ideals from the deified persona given to her, that the “Crystal Gems” wasn’t just a designated leader and their followers, but a band of equal Gems fighting for freedom for each other.

I’m willing to bet that “The Heart of the Crystal Gems” isn’t one person. It’s all of the Crystal Gems.

I think this is ultimately why Rose decided to have Steven. In order for the Gems who she loved to really achieve freedom, she’d need to recreate the foundation with something more than just herself.

You sink before you swim, and we begin the show in the midst of Crystal Gems sinking. The revelation was breaking point before finally beginning the rise back up to the surface .

Things aren’t over, there is still an ocean to cross before safety, but Crystal Gems aren’t sinking any more. They can all make it through this because their foundation lies in all of them.