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Steven Universe: ‘In Too Deep’ Frame-by-Frame Trailer Analysis
Steven Universe is back!
Not two days ago, I posted an article explaining why I feel that weekly episodes spaced evenly across the year are more satisfying than the erratic Steven Bomb release schedule. It seems that my wish may have been (partially) granted, as Cartoon Network have just announced a four-week Steven Universe event that will (presumably) cover what we assumed to be the fifth Steven Bomb.
Below the break, you will find the trailer for In Too Deep, followed by a frame-by-frame, in-depth analysis. I will not be talking about the clips leaked by Cartoon Network UK, so is article is safe for those avoiding spoilers.
There appear to be two main topics at hand: Malachite and the Cluster. Both have been highly anticipated, and it looks like progress is imminent for each plot thread.
Malachite and the Watermelon Stevens
Malachite is back, along with the sentient watermelons that Steven created back in Season 1. Judging by the flower wreath around this melon’s head, we can infer that the watermelon army have established some form of society for themselves, and may be living peacefully. Whatever they have built, it seems that Malachite is about to disrupt it.
She does not look happy.
Fortunately, the Crystal Gems are ready to take her down.
Alexandrite makes her long-awaited return!
Of course, Malachite is not going down without a fight.
Looking at the surroundings, the battle may be taking place on Mask Island, the location introduced in Island Adventure.
As to whether we will see Lapis and Jasper unfuse, only time will tell.
The Cluster
The trailer opens with Steven and Peridot alone, and the Earth shaking beneath them. The Cluster is emerging, perhaps at the most inopportune time. With Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl fighting Malachite, our smallest heroes may be left to operate the drill alone.
“Something doesn’t feel right about this.”
Something definitely doesn’t feel right. Also, it looks like the Gems are getting fantastic milage out of Peridot’s escape pod.
DUN DUN DUN!!!
Details are vague, but it seems that the Cluster may not be exactly what Peridot has been led to believe. Steven says that something “doesn't feel right”, so whatever ends up happening is may not be what they planned for.
At the very least, it appears that the Cluster is beginning to take physical form. Either that, or there are other, smaller fusion experiments set to guard the Cluster lest the rebels discover it and attempt to sabotage Homeworld’s plans.
As for the ghostly white hands and the orange/yellow glowing outside the pod, your guess is as good as mine.
“What We Really Are”
Those of you who have seen the extended theme song may recognise this line sung by Pearl:
“If you could only know | what we really are.”
The words, “what we really are”, can be heard repeating throughout part of the trailer, and the song has been edited to sound eerie and distorted. This played over shots of the Crystal Gems as they look in anger at the hologram of Earth’s destruction in the Moon Base, followed by a clip of Yellow Diamond saying:
“I want that planet to die.”
This old footage tells us nothing new, but perhaps we will learn something new when the upcoming episodes arrive. We still know very little as to what Gems really are, and while I have a theory (as do many within the fandom) that they are advanced AI computers, there may be more to the story; perhaps this theory misses the mark entirely.
I have a feeling that we are in for revelations about the nature of Gems and their history. Perhaps we will learn about Gem biology (i.e. what they “really are”), or delve deeper into Yellow Diamond’s true motives for creating the Cluster and attempting to destroy Earth. If Lapis is freed from Malachite, perhaps we will hear her backstory (which the Crewniverse have clearly been saving for maximum impact).
Steven’s Dream Powers
Perhaps we will gain some new insight into Steven’s abilities regarding dreams. I was intrigued by this shot towards the end of the trailer:
“Gasp!”
Steven appears to be waking from some kind of magical trance; or, perhaps, a dream. We can infer from Chille Tid that Steven has the power to communicate with other Gems through dreams, and Rose’s Room appears to operate on dream logic.
Will Steven use this ability to locate Malachite? Or, perhaps, find a way to communicate with the damaged Gems that comprise the Cluster? We know that fusions have an abstract realm of existence where Steven can talk to the component Gems in his sleep.
This may also apply to the Cluster. Steven may be able to placate the Cluster by talking to its component Gems and convincing them not to take physical form.
All things considered, I am incredibly excited about this news. From what I have heard, we will receive two new episodes on the 12th of May, and one additional episode for each of the following weeks. This is a very smart move on the part of Cartoon Network, and I have a feeling that it will pay off spectacularly.
I plan to post more Steven Universe analysis, theories, and reviews over the coming months, so if that sounds like your cup of tea, you are welcome to follow me here on Tumblr to stay up to date. :)
Steven Universe: ‘In Too Deep’ Frame-by-Frame Trailer Analysis
Steven Universe is back!
Not two days ago, I posted an article explaining why I feel that weekly episodes spaced evenly across the year are more satisfying than the erratic Steven Bomb release schedule. It seems that my wish may have been (partially) granted, as Cartoon Network have just announced a four-week Steven Universe event that will (presumably) cover what we assumed to be the fifth Steven Bomb.
Below the break, you will find the trailer for In Too Deep, followed by a frame-by-frame, in-depth analysis. I will not be talking about the clips leaked by Cartoon Network UK, so is article is safe for those avoiding spoilers.
There appear to be two main topics at hand: Malachite and the Cluster. Both have been highly anticipated, and it looks like progress is imminent for each plot thread.
Malachite and the Watermelon Stevens
Malachite is back, along with the sentient watermelons that Steven created back in Season 1. Judging by the flower wreath around this melon’s head, we can infer that the watermelon army have established some form of society for themselves, and may be living peacefully. Whatever they have built, it seems that Malachite is about to disrupt it.
She does not look happy.
Fortunately, the Crystal Gems are ready to take her down.
Alexandrite makes her long-awaited return!
Of course, Malachite is not going down without a fight.
Looking at the surroundings, the battle may be taking place on Mask Island, the location introduced in Island Adventure.
As to whether we will see Lapis and Jasper unfuse, only time will tell.
The Cluster
The trailer opens with Steven and Peridot alone, and the Earth shaking beneath them. The Cluster is emerging, perhaps at the most inopportune time. With Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl fighting Malachite, our smallest heroes may be left to operate the drill alone.
“Something doesn’t feel right about this.”
Something definitely doesn’t feel right. Also, it looks like the Gems are getting fantastic milage out of Peridot’s escape pod.
DUN DUN DUN!!!
Details are vague, but it seems that the Cluster may not be exactly what Peridot has been led to believe. Steven says that something “doesn't feel right”, so whatever ends up happening is may not be what they planned for.
At the very least, it appears that the Cluster is beginning to take physical form. Either that, or there are other, smaller fusion experiments set to guard the Cluster lest the rebels discover it and attempt to sabotage Homeworld’s plans.
As for the ghostly white hands and the orange/yellow glowing outside the pod, your guess is as good as mine.
“What We Really Are”
Those of you who have seen the extended theme song may recognise this line sung by Pearl:
“If you could only know | what we really are.”
The words, “what we really are”, can be heard repeating throughout part of the trailer, and the song has been edited to sound eerie and distorted. This played over shots of the Crystal Gems as they look in anger at the hologram of Earth’s destruction in the Moon Base, followed by a clip of Yellow Diamond saying:
“I want that planet to die.”
This old footage tells us nothing new, but perhaps we will learn something new when the upcoming episodes arrive. We still know very little as to what Gems really are, and while I have a theory (as do many within the fandom) that they are advanced AI computers, there may be more to the story; perhaps this theory misses the mark entirely.
I have a feeling that we are in for revelations about the nature of Gems and their history. Perhaps we will learn about Gem biology (i.e. what they “really are”), or delve deeper into Yellow Diamond’s true motives for creating the Cluster and attempting to destroy Earth. If Lapis is freed from Malachite, perhaps we will hear her backstory (which the Crewniverse have clearly been saving for maximum impact).
Steven’s Dream Powers
Perhaps we will gain some new insight into Steven’s abilities regarding dreams. I was intrigued by this shot towards the end of the trailer:
“Gasp!”
Steven appears to be waking from some kind of magical trance; or, perhaps, a dream. We can infer from Chille Tid that Steven has the power to communicate with other Gems through dreams, and Rose’s Room appears to operate on dream logic.
Will Steven use this ability to locate Malachite? Or, perhaps, find a way to communicate with the damaged Gems that comprise the Cluster? We know that fusions have an abstract realm of existence where Steven can talk to the component Gems in his sleep.
This may also apply to the Cluster. Steven may be able to placate the Cluster by talking to its component Gems and convincing them not to take physical form.
All things considered, I am incredibly excited about this news. From what I have heard, we will receive two new episodes on the 12th of May, and one additional episode for each of the following weeks. This is a very smart move on the part of Cartoon Network, and I have a feeling that it will pay off spectacularly.
I plan to post more Steven Universe analysis, theories, and reviews over the coming months, so if that sounds like your cup of tea, you are welcome to follow me here on Tumblr to stay up to date. :)
This might be a bit of a stretch, but I love the idea all the same.
It’s time to go Full Ronaldo.
This section of the Pyramid Temple’s mural is not a Diamond. It’s Peridot .
Now I know what some may think - Peridot is my favourite Gem, of course I’d say something like that. But look at those hands, reaching upwards. They look like the translucent hands seen in the In Too Deep promo.
The Gem in the middle of the mural section is also surrounded in a large, triangular shape - not that dissimilar from the Gem Drill.
Then there’s the depiction of the Gem herself. She has Peridot’s physique. She’s wearing a mask, or a visor. Her hair is very similar to Peridot’s, albeit with some extra points, but doesn’t that make it appear more star shaped, to imply her defection to the Crystal Gems? Then there’s her outfit, it looks like Peridot’s jumpsuit, doesn’t it? Sure, the Gem might be in the wrong place but it’s the right shape, and we’ve seen that Gems of the same type can have their gemstone in different places.
It’s fandom concensus that mural in the middle is an obvious reference to the Gems’ history on Earth. But the mural to the left is a prediction of the future. We know that Sapphire can see into the future, perhaps she, or one of her kind, saw that the Cluster would be built, that 5,000 years later Homeworld would send a Peridot to check it, and that Peridot would drill to the centre of the Earth.
So this leads me to the mural on the right. The Gem depicted is similar, but there’s a few differences. If it is Peridot again, what on Earth is going on? She’s missing her arms, and is surrounded by something with large spikes protruding from it. Is this Peridot, having been damaged somehow, attempting to regenerate? Is it a reference to her losing her limb enhancers? Hmm…
This might be a bit of a stretch, but I love the idea all the same.
It’s time to go Full Ronaldo.
This section of the Pyramid Temple’s mural is not a Diamond. It’s Peridot .
Now I know what some may think - Peridot is my favourite Gem, of course I’d say something like that. But look at those hands, reaching upwards. They look like the translucent hands seen in the In Too Deep promo.
The Gem in the middle of the mural section is also surrounded in a large, triangular shape - not that dissimilar from the Gem Drill.
Then there’s the depiction of the Gem herself. She has Peridot’s physique. She’s wearing a mask, or a visor. Her hair is very similar to Peridot’s, albeit with some extra points, but doesn’t that make it appear more star shaped, to imply her defection to the Crystal Gems? Then there’s her outfit, it looks like Peridot’s jumpsuit, doesn’t it? Sure, the Gem might be in the wrong place but it’s the right shape, and we’ve seen that Gems of the same type can have their gemstone in different places.
It’s fandom concensus that mural in the middle is an obvious reference to the Gems’ history on Earth. But the mural to the left is a prediction of the future. We know that Sapphire can see into the future, perhaps she, or one of her kind, saw that the Cluster would be built, that 5,000 years later Homeworld would send a Peridot to check it, and that Peridot would drill to the centre of the Earth.
So this leads me to the mural on the right. The Gem depicted is similar, but there’s a few differences. If it is Peridot again, what on Earth is going on? She’s missing her arms, and is surrounded by something with large spikes protruding from it. Is this Peridot, having been damaged somehow, attempting to regenerate? Is it a reference to her losing her limb enhancers? Hmm…
Steven Universe Theory - Lapis Lazuli has PTSD
Lapis Lazuli has always been (and remains) amongst the most mysterious and enigmatic characters in Steven Universe. Prior to Season 3, little was known about her history or motivations, and even after her narration in Same Old World, details remain scarce.
With that said, recent episodes have provided strong evidence towards a possible interpretation of Lapis’ psychology: that she is experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.
The episode Barn Mates has generated a fair amount of debate (perhaps even some mild controversy) over the response of Lapis to Peridot’s advances. At first glance, Lapis’ demeanour may be interpreted as cold or thoughtless, with little regard shown for Peridot’s feelings.
However, if we take a closer look at Lapis' mental state, her actions may become more understandable.
Causes of PTSD
Wikipedia describes PTSD as:
“a mental disorder that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event … Symptoms may include disturbing thoughts, feelings, or dreams related to the events, mental or physical distress to trauma-related cues, attempts to avoid trauma-related cues, alterations in how a person thinks and feels, and increased [fight or flight response].”
PTSD goes beyond the short-term stress more commonly experienced after traumatic events; it is often long-term (sometimes lifelong), and can have a profound influence over an individual’s entire psychology.
Lapis Lazuli has a long history of traumatic circumstances, many of which are associated with the disorder. According to helpguide.org, “traumatic events that can cause PTSD include:
◆ War
◆ Car or plane crashes
◆ Kidnapping
◆ Assault
◆ Sexual or physical abuse”
"serious injury or such threat to the self or others in a situation in which the individual felt intense fear, horror, or powerlessness.” (Wikipedia)
Gathering those pictures was rather depressing…
… which, I suppose, was the Crew’s intent. Lapis is what TvTropes describes as a ”woobie”: a character who suffers repeated misfortunes, drawing sympathy from the audience. When written effectively, a woobie can be highly engaging, as the audience longs to see them overcome their conflicts and achieve a happy ending.
Lapis has finally overcome the physical threats to her wellbeing, but the psychological effects still impact her in significant ways.
Symptoms of PTSD
Lapis demonstrates a significant number of PTSD symptoms, including, but not limited to:
"Reliving the event … You may feel the same fear and horror you did when the event took place. … You may see, hear, or smell something that causes you to relive the event. This is called a trigger."
Lapis loses her grip on Steven for a long time after seein the Galaxy Warp, suggesting that her mind is completely preoccupied with the associated memories.
"You may feel detached from others and emotionally numb"
Ocean Gem:
Same Old World:
I always found it rather odd that Lapis, despite her friendship and gratitude towards Steven, gives him a rather hasty goodbye in Ocean Gem. Having watched Same Old World, it seems that this was a conscious move by the Crewniverse, as Lapis makes another speedy departure despite having been rescued by Steven and company. The way the scene plays out, it seems as though she never even planned to say goodbye.
It isn’t that Lapis does not value Steven, or what he has done for her; rather, she is experiencing a high degree of social detachment, instinctively seeking solitude despite enjoying Steven’s company.
"You may think the world is completely dangerous, and no one can be trusted."
Mirror Gem:
"Don’t trust them, Steven. Goodbye."
Thankfully, Lapis has made some progress in this regard, as she seems comfortable residing in Crystal Gem territory and even helps the Crystal Gems in Hit the Diamond.
"[Losing] interest in activities and life in general, sensing only a limited future for yourself."
Lapis believes that she has nowhere to go, as she cannot return to Homeworld but does not feel that she belongs on Earth.
"Increased anxiety and emotional arousal. These symptoms include trouble sleeping, irritability or outbursts of anger, difficulty concentrating, feeling jumpy and easily startled, and hypervigilance (on constant “red alert”)."
When Lapis’ Gemstone is damaged, she appears to be in fight or flight mode, despite Steven’s peaceful advances.
"irritability or outbursts of anger"
This may not be irritability, per se, but Lapis is notably deadpan and emotionally reserved around the Crystal Gems in Hit the Diamond (but not so when alone with Steven).
And, perhaps most importantly:
"You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event."
Peridot is (unknowingly) a powerful trigger for Lapis’ Post-Traumatic Stress. While Yellow Diamond and Jasper are the main culprits behind Lapis’ mistreatment, Peridot was complicit in the mission. Her past interactions with Lapis are largely unknown, but Peridot mentions having interrogated Lapis, and we are already familar with Homeworld’s method of demanding information from Lapis Lazuli Gems.
Even if Peridot did not place Lapis in another mirror, and merely kept her captive aboard the ship, this frosty reception is hardly surprising. Peridot is a reminder of the crimes of Homeworld, and while she now views herself as a crusader against Homeworld, Lapis was present for none of that development.
Thus, while Peridot is sincere in her redemption, Lapis is (as expected in cases of PTSD) fixated on past memories of Peridot, rather than the new Peridot that she sees in the present. This, combined with Peridot’s struggles with communication and understanding others’ perspectives, creates the central conflict of Barn Mates.
Treatments for PTSD
There are no failsafe cures for PTSD, and overcoming the condition is often a highly individualised process. In virtually all cases, however, some form of counselling or interpersonal psychotherapy is the default course of action. While Steven is by no means qualified in the field of psychology, he does perform an equivalent function in his interactions with Lapis.
Steven is a healer, both literally and figuratively. Not only does his magic allow him to heal physical wounds, but he also possesses a tremendous capacity for empathy, which may (in time) allow him to heal mental injuries. These abilities form the cornerstone of his relationshp with Lapis Lazuli, allowing him to become her friend and help her out of a seemingly hopeless situation.
Steven has already helped Lapis to overcome her aversion to living on Earth, and it seems that the series will continue in this fashion, showing Lapis slowly rebuild her life (and her sanity) through Steven’s friendship.
"Exercise, sport and physical activity … The U.S. National Center for PTSD recommends moderate exercise as a way to distract from disturbing emotions, build self-esteem and increase feelings of being in control again."
A less common (and more controversial) treatment is exposure therapy.
"Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that involves assisting trauma survivors to re-experience distressing trauma-related memories and reminders in order to facilitate habituation and successful emotional processing of the trauma memory.” (Wikipedia)
This is what Steven (unknowingly) attempts in Barn Mates. He believes that if Lapis can see how different Peridot is and tries to tolerate her company, she will eventually overcome the aversion. However, this approach fails spectacularly.
In order for exposure therapy to succeed, it must be driven by the patient’s own motivations. Attempting to force this course of action will only serve to worsen the patient’s mental state. Thus, Steven fails to make any headway. Lapis has only recently escaped from traumatic circumstances, and her aversion to Peridot, while unfortunate, is entirely understandable.
Personally, I appreciate the decision to have Lapis withhold forgiveness. Having a character change too quickly can feel rushed or forced; one of the strengths of Peridot’s redemption arc was its length, allowing ample time for her to incrementally change her outlook. It appears that Lapis is beginning a similar arc, where she will come to accept Peridot in her own way, and in her own time.
Things may seem rather hopeless now, but this could all be the start of a beautiful friendship.
Sources used:
Wikipedia
helpguide.org
US Department of Veteran Affairs
Steven Universe Theory - Lapis Lazuli has PTSD
Lapis Lazuli has always been (and remains) amongst the most mysterious and enigmatic characters in Steven Universe. Prior to Season 3, little was known about her history or motivations, and even after her narration in Same Old World, details remain scarce.
With that said, recent episodes have provided strong evidence towards a possible interpretation of Lapis’ psychology: that she is experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.
The episode Barn Mates has generated a fair amount of debate (perhaps even some mild controversy) over the response of Lapis to Peridot’s advances. At first glance, Lapis’ demeanour may be interpreted as cold or thoughtless, with little regard shown for Peridot’s feelings.
However, if we take a closer look at Lapis' mental state, her actions may become more understandable.
Causes of PTSD
Wikipedia describes PTSD as:
“a mental disorder that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event … Symptoms may include disturbing thoughts, feelings, or dreams related to the events, mental or physical distress to trauma-related cues, attempts to avoid trauma-related cues, alterations in how a person thinks and feels, and increased [fight or flight response].”
PTSD goes beyond the short-term stress more commonly experienced after traumatic events; it is often long-term (sometimes lifelong), and can have a profound influence over an individual’s entire psychology.
Lapis Lazuli has a long history of traumatic circumstances, many of which are associated with the disorder. According to helpguide.org, “traumatic events that can cause PTSD include:
◆ War
◆ Car or plane crashes
◆ Kidnapping
◆ Assault
◆ Sexual or physical abuse”
"serious injury or such threat to the self or others in a situation in which the individual felt intense fear, horror, or powerlessness.” (Wikipedia)
Gathering those pictures was rather depressing…
… which, I suppose, was the Crew’s intent. Lapis is what TvTropes describes as a ”woobie”: a character who suffers repeated misfortunes, drawing sympathy from the audience. When written effectively, a woobie can be highly engaging, as the audience longs to see them overcome their conflicts and achieve a happy ending.
Lapis has finally overcome the physical threats to her wellbeing, but the psychological effects still impact her in significant ways.
Symptoms of PTSD
Lapis demonstrates a significant number of PTSD symptoms, including, but not limited to:
"Reliving the event … You may feel the same fear and horror you did when the event took place. … You may see, hear, or smell something that causes you to relive the event. This is called a trigger."
Lapis loses her grip on Steven for a long time after seein the Galaxy Warp, suggesting that her mind is completely preoccupied with the associated memories.
"You may feel detached from others and emotionally numb"
Ocean Gem:
Same Old World:
I always found it rather odd that Lapis, despite her friendship and gratitude towards Steven, gives him a rather hasty goodbye in Ocean Gem. Having watched Same Old World, it seems that this was a conscious move by the Crewniverse, as Lapis makes another speedy departure despite having been rescued by Steven and company. The way the scene plays out, it seems as though she never even planned to say goodbye.
It isn’t that Lapis does not value Steven, or what he has done for her; rather, she is experiencing a high degree of social detachment, instinctively seeking solitude despite enjoying Steven’s company.
"You may think the world is completely dangerous, and no one can be trusted."
Mirror Gem:
"Don’t trust them, Steven. Goodbye."
Thankfully, Lapis has made some progress in this regard, as she seems comfortable residing in Crystal Gem territory and even helps the Crystal Gems in Hit the Diamond.
"[Losing] interest in activities and life in general, sensing only a limited future for yourself."
Lapis believes that she has nowhere to go, as she cannot return to Homeworld but does not feel that she belongs on Earth.
"Increased anxiety and emotional arousal. These symptoms include trouble sleeping, irritability or outbursts of anger, difficulty concentrating, feeling jumpy and easily startled, and hypervigilance (on constant “red alert”)."
When Lapis’ Gemstone is damaged, she appears to be in fight or flight mode, despite Steven’s peaceful advances.
"irritability or outbursts of anger"
This may not be irritability, per se, but Lapis is notably deadpan and emotionally reserved around the Crystal Gems in Hit the Diamond (but not so when alone with Steven).
And, perhaps most importantly:
"You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event."
Peridot is (unknowingly) a powerful trigger for Lapis’ Post-Traumatic Stress. While Yellow Diamond and Jasper are the main culprits behind Lapis’ mistreatment, Peridot was complicit in the mission. Her past interactions with Lapis are largely unknown, but Peridot mentions having interrogated Lapis, and we are already familar with Homeworld’s method of demanding information from Lapis Lazuli Gems.
Even if Peridot did not place Lapis in another mirror, and merely kept her captive aboard the ship, this frosty reception is hardly surprising. Peridot is a reminder of the crimes of Homeworld, and while she now views herself as a crusader against Homeworld, Lapis was present for none of that development.
Thus, while Peridot is sincere in her redemption, Lapis is (as expected in cases of PTSD) fixated on past memories of Peridot, rather than the new Peridot that she sees in the present. This, combined with Peridot’s struggles with communication and understanding others’ perspectives, creates the central conflict of Barn Mates.
Treatments for PTSD
There are no failsafe cures for PTSD, and overcoming the condition is often a highly individualised process. In virtually all cases, however, some form of counselling or interpersonal psychotherapy is the default course of action. While Steven is by no means qualified in the field of psychology, he does perform an equivalent function in his interactions with Lapis.
Steven is a healer, both literally and figuratively. Not only does his magic allow him to heal physical wounds, but he also possesses a tremendous capacity for empathy, which may (in time) allow him to heal mental injuries. These abilities form the cornerstone of his relationshp with Lapis Lazuli, allowing him to become her friend and help her out of a seemingly hopeless situation.
Steven has already helped Lapis to overcome her aversion to living on Earth, and it seems that the series will continue in this fashion, showing Lapis slowly rebuild her life (and her sanity) through Steven’s friendship.
"Exercise, sport and physical activity … The U.S. National Center for PTSD recommends moderate exercise as a way to distract from disturbing emotions, build self-esteem and increase feelings of being in control again."
A less common (and more controversial) treatment is exposure therapy.
"Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that involves assisting trauma survivors to re-experience distressing trauma-related memories and reminders in order to facilitate habituation and successful emotional processing of the trauma memory.” (Wikipedia)
This is what Steven (unknowingly) attempts in Barn Mates. He believes that if Lapis can see how different Peridot is and tries to tolerate her company, she will eventually overcome the aversion. However, this approach fails spectacularly.
In order for exposure therapy to succeed, it must be driven by the patient’s own motivations. Attempting to force this course of action will only serve to worsen the patient’s mental state. Thus, Steven fails to make any headway. Lapis has only recently escaped from traumatic circumstances, and her aversion to Peridot, while unfortunate, is entirely understandable.
Personally, I appreciate the decision to have Lapis withhold forgiveness. Having a character change too quickly can feel rushed or forced; one of the strengths of Peridot’s redemption arc was its length, allowing ample time for her to incrementally change her outlook. It appears that Lapis is beginning a similar arc, where she will come to accept Peridot in her own way, and in her own time.
Things may seem rather hopeless now, but this could all be the start of a beautiful friendship.
Sources used:
Wikipedia
helpguide.org
US Department of Veteran Affairs