Ronaldo edgelord’s his way through an adventure that cements him as TV’s most realistic nerd.
ThisSteven Universereview contains spoilers.
Steven Universe Season 4 Episode 18
Ronaldo is one of my favorite characters inSteven Universe.
Apparently this isnt a popular opinion in theSteven Universefandom so allow me to explain.
I know people like Ronaldo.
Hell, in high school I kind of was Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is cringe worthy because hes so real.
Why would we want to focus on Ronaldo when we have other characters we love so much more?
This episode tackles that feeling head on when Ronaldo tries to join the Crystal Gems.
Steven, of course, lets him.
Theyre all about love and acceptance, right?
How can they not let him in?
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Slowly Steven comes to regret his decision.
Ronalado, like many nerds at his age, is difficult to be around.
Its never about whats best for everyone; its all about him.
In the strongest scene of the episode, Ronaldo uses Stevens most endearing qualities against him.
If he cant, he clearly shouldnt be a part of the team.
This sends Steven on a very brief soul searching walk before he quickly realizes what Ronaldo said was crap.
Steven comes back and lets Ronalado know whats up.
Being a Crystal Gem isnt about loving and accepting someone unconditionally.
This is another great lesson fromSteven Universe.
Ronalado, like many nerds, has some trouble with socializing.
As weve seen previously, he doesnt have many in person friends.
While online friends are amazing and wonderful, they dont always give you the best in person social skills.
By the end of the episode, Ronalado has come around.
He may not be getting it perfect, but hes trying.
Hes even made new pamphlets to promote understanding of the Crystal Gems.
Im sure there are some problematic things in there, but he means well.
Thats enough for Steven.
I think that should be enough for the audience as well.
Ronaldo is not a perfect person to be sure, but he tries.
Id argue that Ronaldo might be the most sympathetic realistic nerd on TV.
Oh sure, sometimes we have the sweet nerds who just dont know any better, but truthfully?
I know more nerds like Ronaldo than not.
Over the course of the series though we see Ronaldo is more than that.
Ronaldo is who he is and I dont see that changing too much as the show continues.
Thats okay, but at least he knows when hes taking it too far.
Special shout out to Zachary Steel for his hilarious work as Ronaldo.
That voice never stops making me laugh.
What with Ronaldo predicting so much in this show, are there any clues to be had here?
Perhaps from Yellow Diamond?
Stray Thoughts
Dont say Rock People, its offensive.
A shocking return of the Cat Finger this week.
I never thought Steven would summon one of those again.
I need copies of I Cant Believe My Step Dad Is My Sword ASAP.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5
