For example, Greta Christina, writing for AlterNet, praises how the narrative portrays Steven and Connie checking in on each other's willingness to continue the fusion.
Several commentators have lauded the episode's portrayal of the importance of consent. Its initial American broadcast was viewed by approximately 1.67 million viewers.
The episode had its television premiere on Cartoon Network on January 15, 2015. According to Elle Michalka, Steven's hometown of Beach City is usually drawn in a more realistic style than other locations however, in "Alone Together", a bokeh effect is introduced to emulate the style of shōjo manga and make Beach City appear simultaneously magical, kitschy, and familiar. The episode was directed by supervising director Ian Jones-Quartey, animation directors Ki-Yong Bae and Sue-Hong Kim, and art director Elle Michalka. One of Rebecca Sugar's goals in writing the episode was to create a metaphor illustrating the importance of consent in relationships Kevin's role is to demonstrate how uncomfortable it is to have one's boundaries disrespected. "Alone Together" was written by Hilary Florido, Katie Mitroff, and Rebecca Sugar. Steven and Connie laugh with nervous relief, and Sour Cream showers them with glowsticks as they run about on the dance floor.Įpisodes of Steven Universe are written and storyboarded by a single team. Stevonnie's violent and angry dance moves confuse and disconcert Kevin, and soon Stevonnie falls apart and unfuses. Eventually, disgusted, they agree to dance with him. Kevin follows them, invading Stevonnie's personal space and refusing to take no for an answer. Stevonnie flees the dance floor, feeling isolated. They are interrupted by Kevin ( Andrew Kishino), an arrogant teenager who wants them to dance with him. Stevonnie, feeling anxious at being the center of attention and the only person dancing, begins to experience a panic attack, visualizing their anxiety as a disco ball closing in around them. Steven's friend Sour Cream ( Brian Posehn) meets Stevonnie, and invites them to a rave he's DJing later that night.Īt the rave, Stevonnie's graceful and athletic moves on the dance floor draw everyone's attention and admiration. Steven and Connie, through Stevonnie's voice, briefly check in with each other to ensure that they are comfortable remaining fused. When they stop for a snack at The Big Donut, the employees Lars and Sadie ( Matthew Moy and Kate Micucci) are flustered and amazed by their beauty. Stevonnie revels in the capabilities of their fused body, running and diving on the beach. Pearl is perturbed by the unprecedented fusion of a Gem with a human, but Garnet is thrilled, and advises Stevonnie to “go have fun!” They show the Gems their fused form-dubbed “Stevonnie” by Amethyst. As they dance, Steven's gem begins to glow, and he and Connie inadvertently fuse into a single individual-a tall, androgynous, beautiful teenager (voiced by AJ Michalka). Steven invites her to dance with him on the beach. She tells him she admires him for even trying, saying she's usually too nervous to dance in front of other people. Later, Steven discusses his difficulties with Connie ( Grace Rolek). Steven has difficulty mastering the dance steps, and Pearl ( Deedee Magno Hall) is unsure whether fusion is even possible for him, though Amethyst ( Michaela Dietz) and Garnet ( Estelle) have more confidence. As the episode begins, the Crystal Gems are trying to teach Steven ( Zach Callison) to dance, hoping he will develop the power of fusion-the ability of Gems to merge their minds and bodies to form more powerful individuals.