Ep 7. So Many Birthdays / Lars and the Cool Kids

Steven Universe season 1 episode 7 consists of two separate stories. The first one, "So Many Birthdays," is about Steven's unique, but also slightly terrifying, ability to age rapidly. The second story, "Lars and the Cool Kids," follows the titular character, Lars, as he attempts to become part of the cool crowd.

In "So Many Birthdays," Steven learns that he can change his age by shifting his mental focus. While initially excited about this discovery, things quickly get out of hand when Steven ages rapidly, causing him to fear for his life. The Gems try to figure out how to reverse the process, but their attempts only make things worse. Along the way, Steven has to confront his fear of growing up and the reality of mortality.

The episode does a great job of exploring the complexity of growing up. Steven is torn between the excitement of becoming an adult and the fear of the unknown. He's forced to confront his own mortality, all while trying to reverse the effects of his aging. Throughout the episode, the viewer gets a real sense of the weight of Steven's situation, making it a poignant and powerful episode.

The second story, "Lars and the Cool Kids," centers on Steven's friend Lars. He's desperate to become part of the cool crowd but struggles to fit in with their interests. Steven and the Gems offer to help Lars by introducing him to their favorite hangout spot, which they hope will make him cool. However, things don't go according to plan, and Lars ends up feeling more out of place than ever before.

While "Lars and the Cool Kids" is a more lighthearted story, it still manages to pack an emotional punch. Lars is a relatable character for anyone who's ever felt excluded or out of place. The episode explores themes of acceptance and being true to oneself, showing viewers that it's okay to be different and that sometimes the people we think are cool aren't as great as we imagine.

Overall, Steven Universe season 1 episode 7 is a standout episode that explores real-world issues through the lens of a sci-fi cartoon. The two stories complement each other well, with "So Many Birthdays" providing a weighty contrast to the lighter "Lars and the Cool Kids." It's an emotional rollercoaster of an episode, but one that's well worth watching.