‘Steven Universe’ Season 3 Release Date, Rumors, and Spoilers; Returns to Television Sooner Than Expected with New Trailer

Apr 25, 2016 06:13 PM EDT

If there is one thing that fans of Steven Universe hate, it is the long hiatus that happens in between seasons and occasionally mid-seasons.  We previously reported that Season 3 of Steven Universe wasn't happening until June, but recent reports have revealed that it will be occurring in May.  This is what is known about Steven Universe with its release date and how it is returning to TV sooner than later. 

There is a report on iDigitialTimes saying that Steven Universe will return with a special event starting on May 12 at 7 PM with two episodes back to back during a 30 minute special.  The special is known as "In Too Deep", and it looks like a bit more dark than the show's whimsical but somewhat serious tone.  The trailer can be seen below. 

Things to note on the trailer is the conflict between Malachite, and the fusion of all three of the Crystal Gems together to attempt to defeat her.  Season 2 of Steven Universe has brought up two major conflicts, and one of them has been the eventual return of Malachite, who has only appeared in Steven's dreams. 

The other major conflict coming is "The Cluster" that is located underneath the Earth, which could be the reference of the title of "In Too Deep".  The last few episodes of Season 2 have focused on Steven and his three Crystal Gem guardians (Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl) creating a machine to drill through the surface, with the help of an unsure ally named Peridot.  The Cluster is a result of some artificial fusion that is occurring as a result of some orders from the Crystal Gem empire. 

So it looks like upcoming episodes will feature Steven and the Gems digging deep to face the cluster and Malachite both together, or the two antagonists could be dealt with on separate episodes.  The show has established Yellow Diamond as another big baddie for the show, and it is possible that Peridot will fuse together with the other three main Crystal Gem characters.  In fact, with all the time that Peridot has had this season, will she join the already existing quartet?  If so, then they had better change the title sequence again. 

However, the past is just as important as the future on Steven Universe.  In fact, Season 2 revealed some interesting past relations on the rebellion that caused at least Garnet, Pearl, and Steven's mother Rose to separate from the Crystal Empire.  The fact that the three of them and eventually Amethyst managed to defend the Earth from the Crystal Empire is more than admirable, but this story, which has happened over thousands of years ago, still needs to be told to Steven in great detail for him and the audience to see. 

Another issue that the show really needs to deal with is why these three Crystal Gems live in this city in this house, and are not bothered by the general public?  Let's put this in realistic terms.  If the Earth was invaded by aliens, and the one group that repelled them was still on our planet, would the governments of Earth let them have their own unprotected house on the beach?  Heck no, they would probably want the Crystal Gems to always be in a place where they can be contacted in case of emergency.  However, the world of Steven Universe has the Crystal Gems in a house where anyone can enter.  Why the show has not addressed this issue is odd, as no civilizations outside of Beach City are ever depicted.  It isn't clear how much the Crystal Gems have altered history in this alternate version of Earth, and adding this element could make the show even more interesting than it already is. 

It will then go to one per week for the three weeks following.  This will hopefully not affect the already promised "Summer of Steven", which would bring more new episodes.