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These two episodes collectively saw Steven further expand what seems to be a psychic ability that was only hinted at back in "Chille Tid". Then, he was making mental contact with Lapis Lazuli while he dreamed. In "Watermelon Island" he actually possesses a Watermelon Steven and proves to be integral to saving the day as he organizes the other Watermelon Stevens. (An interesting nod to the previous episode in which they appeared, by having a statue of the baby watermelon person who sacrificed themselves to save the Crystal Gems.) And in "Gem Drill", Steven seems to form a connection with the gem shards of the cluster by tapping into their collective feelings and communicating with them mentally.

"Super Watermelon Island" saw the return of Lapis Lazuli, with Jasper slipping into a crevice to disappear until a later time. And as vital as it was to show the elimination of Malachite, I liked the message of "Gem Drill" so much more. We got to see Peridot and Steven bonding, and Steven finding a non-violent solution to a problem that could have destroyed the world. A poster on Tumblr made an important observation as well; when Peridot and Steven thought it was the end and Peridot asked if he had any final words, Steven made sure they were something that would mean something. "I love you Peridot!" That tells you so much about his character, that those were the last sentiments he wanted to express if this was the end, to tell someone they were loved. And how does Peridot respond? With her eyes tight with emotion, telling him "Gee, thanks." What she was taught by Steven to say when you are given a gift. She understood on some level the importance of his statement, and it moved her. And THAT is why this is one of my favorite shows ever, that sentiment and message.

What will be interesting now is that the threat of the cluster has been solved (even though it's still very much there and I expect it to show up again in later episodes), and Lapis Lazuli has been brought back (albeit unconscious) with the returning Crystal Gems.

I did find the second episode a little anticlimactic in that the build up about the cluster had been enormous and it seemed to be resolved pretty quickly overall; however, I loved the fact that Steven and Peridot bonded and that Steven matured in his abilities. I can't wait to see what happens with Lapis since I suspect that she now knows that she can't return to the Homeworld. I hope Peridot can help her with adjusting.

I thought it was rather funny watching the Watermelon Stevens as they grew new children and had wonderful little lives.

I really like the developing sibling-like connection that Peridot and Steven are forming. While the Crystal Gems are clearly and obviously the "Mom Squad" as they are often called, Peridot is more like Steven. She's still learning a lot, and she's more of a peer to Steven than someone he looks up to.

I know perhaps to a lot of people, they'd feel this was a "filler" episodes... but to me, these sorts of episodes are the exploration of character that I adore. Firstly, we get to see Peridot telling the story behind "Gem Drill" from her point of view, and I liked that it showed she wasn't suddenly given a dramatic change in nature. She likes Steven and is learning to do good, but she still has a lot of flaws and her slightly egocentric nature showed in how she related the story. But at the same time, that she wanted to communicate the events with the other Crystal Gems showed her improvement in socialization.

Then, there was Lapis Lazuli. She can't return to her home, and Steven does his best to show her that just because life changes doesn't mean it's always bad - it's just change. They had some fun bonding moments, including a couple of throw backs to Lapis and Steven making flatulence noises and how Lapis doesn't get it when Steven uses a rhyming different name to refer to her. "No prob, Bob" to "Ready, Freddy?" And of course, we find out the complicated and unfortunate situation that found Lapis trapped in a mirror. Still, in spending time with Steven, he got her to smile and enjoy the moment for a little while.

Then, there was the ending of course. Lapis seeing Peridot was with them, and how clearly agitated she was to learn over that twist. Something that will likely be addressed in the next episode, "Barn Mates".