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The Hilarious and Heartbreaking Adventures of Steven Universe’s The Rubies

In the vast and colorful universe of Steven Universe, few characters have captured the hearts and funny bones of fans quite like the Rubies. This quintet of identical Gem soldiers, each bursting with unique quirks and unwavering loyalty, has consistently provided some of the show’s most memorable and comedic moments. From their initial appearance as a search party to their various misadventures across space and Earth, the Rubies have proven to be more than just simple antagonists; they are complex, often hilarious, and surprisingly poignant characters that add depth and levity to the series.

The Initial Arrival and Mission of The Rubies

The Rubies first crash-landed into the narrative in the episode “The Return,” part of the epic Season 1 finale. Sent by Homeworld to find Jasper, the mission of the Rubies was seemingly straightforward: locate the missing Gem and report back. However, even from their introduction, it became evident that these were not your typical, stoic Homeworld soldiers. Their bumbling entrance, complete with a less-than-graceful landing, immediately set the tone for their future appearances. The leader of the group, Ruby (often referred to by fans as “Eyeball” due to her prominent eye gem), displayed a fierce determination, while the other Rubies – Doc, Navy, Leggy, and Army – followed with varying degrees of enthusiasm and competence.

Their attempts to interrogate Steven and the Crystal Gems were marked by a blend of ineptitude and unwavering belief in their mission. Despite their lack of sophistication, their loyalty to Homeworld and Jasper was undeniable. This initial encounter established the Rubies as a recurring comedic force, but also hinted at the deeper complexities of their characterization that would be explored in later episodes.

Individual Personalities and Quirks of The Rubies

One of the most endearing aspects of the Rubies is their distinct personalities, despite their identical forms. Each Ruby possesses unique traits that contribute to their collective dynamic:

Eyeball Ruby: The leader, driven by a fierce loyalty to Homeworld and a particular fascination with Rose Quartz (and later Steven). Her intensity and determination often lead to comedic clashes with the more laid-back members of her group.
Doc Ruby: The self-proclaimed strategist, Doc attempts to bring order and logic to the group, often with limited success. His plans are frequently convoluted and easily derailed by the other Rubies‘ antics.
Navy Ruby: Initially appearing as innocent and naive, Navy reveals herself to be a master manipulator. Her ability to feign emotion and exploit others’ trust makes her one of the most cunning members of the Rubies.
Army Ruby: Brash and impulsive, Army is always ready for a fight. Her aggressive nature and eagerness to prove herself often lead to reckless behavior.
Leggy Ruby: The newest and most inexperienced of the Rubies, Leggy is easily confused and often relies on the others for guidance. Her innocence and naiveté provide a stark contrast to the more seasoned members of the group.

These individual quirks not only enhance the comedic appeal of the Rubies but also allow for deeper exploration of their motivations and desires. They are not simply interchangeable soldiers; they are individuals with unique perspectives and experiences.

Key Episodes Featuring The Rubies

Several episodes of Steven Universe showcase the Rubies in prominent roles, allowing their personalities and storylines to develop further:

“Hit the Diamond”

This episode is a fan favorite, featuring the Rubies in a hilarious baseball game against the Crystal Gems. Disguised as members of a rival baseball team, the Rubies attempt to distract Steven and his friends from their true mission: to search for Peridot. The episode is filled with comedic moments, showcasing the Rubies‘ competitive spirit and lack of understanding of Earth customs. This episode highlights their individual quirks and their overall lack of strategic thinking, making it a standout in their appearances.

“Back to the Moon”

“Back to the Moon” focuses primarily on Eyeball Ruby’s perspective. In this episode, she recounts her experience witnessing Rose Quartz shatter Pink Diamond. This provides a crucial piece of information for the overall plot, but also reveals Eyeball’s unwavering loyalty and admiration for Rose Quartz. Her passionate retelling of the event adds depth to her character and hints at the complexities of her beliefs.

“Room for Ruby”

This episode introduces Navy Ruby and sees her attempting to integrate into the Crystal Gems’ life on Earth. Initially appearing grateful and eager to learn, Navy quickly reveals her manipulative nature, using the Crystal Gems’ kindness to her advantage. This episode demonstrates the diversity within the Rubies and challenges the notion that they are all simply mindless soldiers.

“The Trial”

While not solely focused on the Rubies, “The Trial” features them as witnesses in Steven’s trial on Homeworld. Their testimonies, though often contradictory and unreliable, contribute to the chaotic nature of the proceedings. This appearance highlights their unwavering loyalty to Homeworld, even in the face of conflicting evidence.

The Rubies’ Impact on Steven Universe

The Rubies are more than just comedic relief; they serve several important functions within the narrative of Steven Universe:

Providing Levity: Their often-clumsy antics and misunderstandings of Earth culture provide a welcome dose of humor to the series, balancing the more serious and emotional storylines.
Exploring Homeworld Culture: Through their interactions and beliefs, the Rubies offer insights into the rigid hierarchy and indoctrination practices of Homeworld society.
Challenging Stereotypes: Despite their initial portrayal as simple-minded soldiers, the Rubies‘ individual personalities and motivations challenge the notion that all Gems from Homeworld are inherently evil or unthinking.
Highlighting Themes of Loyalty and Identity: Their unwavering loyalty to Homeworld, even in the face of conflicting information, raises questions about the nature of loyalty and the importance of individual identity.

The Rubies exemplify how seemingly minor characters can significantly impact a show’s overall themes and emotional resonance. Their presence enriches the world of Steven Universe and provides valuable commentary on loyalty, identity, and the complexities of war.

Fan Theories and Interpretations of The Rubies

As with any popular series, Steven Universe has spawned countless fan theories, and the Rubies are no exception. Some popular theories include:

The Rubies as a Metaphor for Groupthink: Some fans interpret the Rubies as a representation of the dangers of groupthink and the importance of individual critical thinking. Their unwavering loyalty to Homeworld, even when faced with contradictory evidence, highlights the potential consequences of blindly following authority.
The Rubies as a Reflection of Steven’s Growth: As Steven matures throughout the series, his interactions with the Rubies evolve. He learns to empathize with them, even when they are his adversaries, demonstrating his growing understanding of the complexities of the Gem War.
The Potential for Redemption: Many fans speculate about the possibility of the Rubies eventually defecting from Homeworld and joining the Crystal Gems. Navy’s initial attempt to integrate into the group suggests that some Rubies may be open to questioning their beliefs and embracing a new way of life.

These theories demonstrate the lasting impact of the Rubies and the depth of their characterization. They are not simply one-dimensional antagonists; they are complex and multifaceted characters that invite interpretation and analysis.

The Future of The Rubies in the Steven Universe Universe

While Steven Universe has concluded its main storyline, the world and characters continue to live on through spin-offs, comics, and fan works. The potential for future appearances of the Rubies remains high, and fans eagerly anticipate their next misadventure. Whether they continue to serve as comedic relief, explore their own internal conflicts, or even undergo a redemption arc, the Rubies will undoubtedly remain a beloved and memorable part of the Steven Universe legacy.

The Rubies have consistently proven to be some of the most engaging and entertaining characters in Steven Universe. From their initial bumbling appearance to their individual quirks and the hilarious situations they find themselves in, the Rubies provide both levity and depth to the series. Their unwavering loyalty, their individual personalities, and their potential for growth make them a fascinating and enduring part of the Steven Universe universe. The adventures of the Rubies, whether in the past, present, or future, are a testament to the show’s ability to create memorable and meaningful characters, even in the most unexpected of forms. The story of the Rubies is one of both humor and heart, making them a truly unforgettable part of the Steven Universe saga. Seeing the Rubies on screen always promises a good time, and their presence is a testament to the show’s brilliance. The future for the Rubies, even within fan fiction, is bright, and many hope to see their stories continue to unfold. Ultimately, the Rubies are a highlight of the series, showcasing the magic that Steven Universe brought to the world of animation. [See also: Steven Universe: The Movie Review] [See also: The Evolution of Steven Universe’s Music]