Ep 12. Monster Buddies / An Indirect Kiss

Steven Universe season 1 episode 12 is titled "Monster Buddies / An Indirect Kiss." In the first half of the episode, "Monster Buddies," Steven discovers a strange creature living in a nearby cave. The creature, which he dubs "Centipeetle," is injured and scared, but Steven convinces it to come back to his house with him so that he can care for it. The Crystal Gems are understandably wary of the creature, but Steven is determined to befriend it and understand it.

As Steven begins to learn more about Centipeetle, he discovers that the creature has a rich and complex history. He starts to form a bond with it and teaches it about the world outside the cave. However, things take a turn for the worse when some of the Crystal Gems try to attack Centipeetle. Steven must convince the Gems to give the creature a chance, even though it looks like a monster to them.

The second half of the episode, "An Indirect Kiss," finds Steven with a broken leg after a daring gem retrieval mission. He tries to use his healing powers but finds that they're not working properly. Steven begins to panic, worried that he has lost his powers forever. In an effort to cheer him up, the Crystal Gems take him on a picnic. But even this doesn't help, as Steven becomes more and more convinced that he's broken beyond repair.

Steven decides to visit his favorite waterfall, hoping that the magical energy there will help him heal. Amethyst tells him a story about how the waterfall came to be, and Steven becomes fascinated with the idea of nature and magic working together. He decides to drink some of the waterfall's water, hoping that it will help him regain his healing powers.

The first half of the episode, "Monster Buddies," deals with themes of acceptance and understanding. Steven learns that appearances can be deceiving and that even something that looks like a monster can be friendly and kind. The episode also touches on the idea of preconceived notions and how they can prevent us from seeing people (or creatures) for who they really are.

The second half of the episode, "An Indirect Kiss," deals with themes of self-doubt and the fear of failure. Steven is worried that he's lost his powers forever and that he won't be able to help anyone anymore. His struggle is relatable, as many people have experienced moments of self-doubt and insecurity. The episode also touches on the idea of nature and magic working together, which is a recurring theme in the Steven Universe series.

Overall, "Monster Buddies / An Indirect Kiss" is a great episode that showcases the heart and soul of the Steven Universe series. It is both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and wonder. If you're a fan of the show, this is definitely an episode that you won't want to miss.