10 Most Messed Up Steven Universe Moments

Usually, the number one rule in shows aimed at younger audiences is to avoid the big "D" word. Death.

Steven Universe is able to get around this a little by "shattering" Gems. This still sounds pretty bad, but it implies there are pieces that can be put back together, though this isn't confirmed to be possible until the final episode of the series. But it takes some major balls for a kids show to outright kill a character and even larger ones to do it onscreen.

The 3rd episode of season 3, "Off Colors," had those balls.

Steven and Lars have been brought to Homeworld. Steven is to stand trial for the shattering of Pink Diamond. Lars was just unlucky and failed to escape when he had the chance back on earth. After the trial goes poorly for Steven, with Yellow Diamond attacking him, Steven and Lars end up in a forgotten section of Homeworld where a rogue group of Gems are hiding out.

The group is comprised of fused Gems and Gems considered to be defective. They're in hiding so they won't be shattered. But Shattering Robonoids swarm the hiding place, scanning the area. In order to save one of the rogue Gems, Steven throws a rock at one of the Robonoids which only turns the shattering machine's attention on him. Lars comes to Steven's aid with a large rock shard.

Finding his bravery, Lars defends the rogue Gems. But after leaping onto a Robonoid and stabbing it with his rock shard, the ensuing explosion throws Lars into the wall with such force, he falls to the ground lifeless. At first, you think, "Oh, he's knocked out, but he'll be fine. This is a kids show."

Then Steven places his head on Lars's chest and his expression says it all. Lars is dead and Steven cries. It was a bold move. One that didn't last too long, since Steven's tears can heal and he brings Lars back to life in the next ten seconds.

But that still initial shock that Lars didn't survive was one felt across the fandom.