Ep 20. Back to the Barn

In season 2, episode 20 of Steven Universe titled "Back to the Barn," the Crystal Gems attempt to build a new drill that will allow them to travel deep into the Earth's mantle to track down a cluster of Gem monsters. However, their lack of technical proficiency becomes a roadblock.

Peridot, a newly reformed villain and expert technician, offers to help them build the drill. She introduces them to a group of robots she has created, known as the “Robonoids,” who have been designed to assist her in this task.

As they begin working on the drill, Peridot quickly takes charge and dismisses the Gems' ideas as impractical and outdated. As tensions start to rise, Pearl challenges Peridot's authority and suggests that they use a traditional Gem manufacturing technique to build the drill.

Peridot, however, refuses to give in to Pearl's suggestion, stating that they are living in a time where technology has surpassed Gem tradition. Pearl, feeling that her knowledge and expertise are being belittled, and frustrated that she cannot get through to Peridot, builds her own robot, known as a “Simulated Artificial Intelligence,” or S.A.I., to compete with the Robonoids.

As both the Gems and the robots work on building the drill, they encounter several setbacks, including a malfunctioning power core and an attack from a cluster of Gem monsters. Through it all, Pearl's S.A.I. proves to be a valuable addition to the team and helps them overcome the obstacles they face.

As the drill is finally finished, Peridot admits that she was impressed with Pearl's approach, and the two of them share a newfound respect for each other. However, the realization that they will soon be saying goodbye to the robots they created, who have served them well, proves to be emotional for both Peridot and the Gems.

In the end, the Gems succeed in using the drill to reach the Gem monster cluster, setting up the foundation for future episodes. The episode concludes with Steven and the Gems contemplating the future of their partnership with Peridot and the possibilities that lie ahead for them on their journey to save the world.

Overall, "Back to the Barn" is an episode that highlights the clash between tradition and modernity, as well as the importance of collaboration and mutual respect among team members. It also provides a glimpse into the technical expertise of Peridot, a character who has evolved significantly over the course of the series, and sets the stage for new adventures for Steven and the Gems.