Ep 19. When It Rains

In Steven Universe season 2 episode 19, titled "When It Rains," Steven takes on the role of teacher as he attempts to help Peridot understand the nuances of life on Earth. As a gem from another planet, Peridot struggles to grasp concepts like rain and understanding the organic life-forms that inhabit Earth.

The episode begins with Steven and Peridot stranded in a barn in the middle of a downpour. While Steven is used to rainy days, Peridot has no experience with this usually-annoying aspect of life on Earth. Peridot struggles to understand the mechanics of rain, including why it falls from the sky and how it interacts with the environment. Steven, as the experienced Earthling, takes on the role of teacher, using simple analogies and demonstrations to help Peridot understand.

As the day progresses, Steven takes Peridot on a tour of the countryside, showing her various plants, animals, and natural phenomena. Along the way, he attempts to spark Peridot's curiosity and foster a sense of wonder about the world around them. However, Peridot is more concerned with securing her mission objective - namely, finding a way to repair her crashed spaceship and return to her home planet.

This conflict between Steven's desire to teach and Peridot's narrow focus on her primary mission forms the central tension of the episode. Throughout the day, Steven and Peridot engage in various debates and discussions about the merits of exploring versus achieving goals. Steven argues that life on Earth has more to offer than just science and technology, while Peridot counters that her goal is of utmost importance and cannot be delayed.

As night falls and the rain continues, Steven and Peridot take shelter in an abandoned kindergarten. Here, Peridot begins to open up about her past and her experiences on Earth thus far. She speaks of the pressures she feels as a member of the Homeworld Gem society, and the difficulties she has faced adjusting to Earth culture. Steven listens patiently, trying to empathize with Peridot's struggles even as he works to convince her of the value of living in the moment and exploring the world around her.

Ultimately, "When It Rains" is a meditation on the importance of curiosity, wonder, and empathy in our lives. Steven's patience and wisdom as a teacher help Peridot grow and learn about the world, even as he learns more about her and her experiences. As the rain clears and the two prepare to return home, they have both developed a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.