The Future

"The Future" is the 20th and final episode of the American animated limited series Steven Universe Future, which serves as an epilogue to the 2013–19 television series Steven Universe; it is therefore also the final episode of the Steven Universe franchise. It originally aired on Cartoon Network on March 27, 2020 as the fourth and final part of the series finale. This final episode takes place in the aftermath of the events of the series, which focuses on protagonist Steven Universe's unresolved trauma and need to feel needed by his friends and family. In the penultimate episode, Steven's stress builds up to the point that he becomes a monster and endangers his hometown of Beach City until the unconditional emotional support of his loved ones brings him back to normal. In the finale, Steven finally decides to leave Beach City, but he worries that Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl won't miss him after his departure. Plot It has been several months since Steven's (Zach Callison) meltdown, wherein he became a monster as a result of repressed trauma. Now back to normal, Steven and his best friend Connie (Grace Rolek) discuss his plans to leave Beach City and travel the country; he has told everyone about his decision except the Gems. He worries about their reactions and hopes he can let them down easy. Steven shares homemade Cookie Cat ice cream sandwiches with Garnet (Estelle), Amethyst (Michaela Dietz), and Pearl (Deedee Magno Hall). The Gems sing the Cookie Cat advertising jingle, according to which the Cookie Cat mascot "left his family behind", allowing Steven to segue into his announcement that he's decided to move out the next day. He urges the Gems not to talk him out of his decision, but they seem to take his decision very lightly and are proud of him showing a desire to be independent.