WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the finale of Steven Universe Future, which aired Friday on Cartoon Network
Steven Universe Future depicted the Crystal Gems and Diamonds moving past the mistakes of their pasts. However, along the way, they didn't realize the pain and anger that Steven had to confront. When that situation finally exploded in the penultimate episode "I Am My Monster," the Gems almost failed to figure out how to contend with him. Instead, it was the most human of his friends who was able to reach through to him.
The finale of Steven Universe Future proves that, of all the Crystal Gems, Connie's leadership skills, and her empathetic nature with Steven, makes her the most valuable person in his life.
CONNIE FOR THE WIN
Connie was one of the first people to recognize in the miniseries that something was wrong with Steven. After his failed proposal to her, she convinced him to go to the hospital. When she heard how Steven was doing after his return from the Gem Homeworld, she was quick to come to him and to comprehend how he was actually doing. When the final threat of the series proves to be Steven himself, the Gems -- Connie included -- leap into action. While the rest of the team prevents Steven from bringing any destruction to Beach City, Connie rushes on the back of Lion to evacuate the citizens in the event Steven gets loose.
Connie succeeds in her mission, quickly returning to the battlefield. But she discovers the rest of the Crystal Gems, even with the help of the Diamonds, have been unable to hold Steven. They're grieving, and blaming themselves for failing to help Steven before he was transformed. But none of this actually helps in the real world. Connie gives the Crystal Gems a speech, telling them that, for once, to not try to make things about themselves. Instead, they need to think about Steven, and what he needs.
That inspires Ruby and Saphire enough to reunite their fusion of Garnet, who is able to come up with a plan to get through to Steven. Attacking Steven all at once, the group essentially traps him in a group hug and tells them that they love him. Connie is the final key to breaking through to Steven - telling him that it's okay to be open with her and giving him a kiss that sets off his transformation back to his human form.
THE REAL HERO
Connie has grown almost as much as Steven has across the course of Steven Universe, transforming from a shy but kind child into a driven, emphatic, and incredibly mature young woman. Despite her youth when compared to the ancient Gems, Connie is able to see the truth about Steven's pain, and recognize when someone she cares about is in pain. But she also has her priorities, helping evacuate the city as a safety precaution. It's a really impressive showing for Connie and a great sign of her leadership skills. Considering that she's going to school in part for politics, it's a good indicator of how effective she can be in a place of authority.
Steven seems to especially appreciate that connection. The series ends with Connie as one of the few people Steven has specific plans to see while he's traveling across the country and learning more about himself, The two are even shown to be fully in a relationship before he leaves: They share a kiss and discuss plans to go to a bed and breakfast, implying Connie meant it when she told Steven that just because she didn't want to get married doesn't mean she wouldn't want to be with him.
The final episodes are essentially Connie proving to be the one who most understands Steven, and how important that kind of relationship is to him, even in his most difficult times. That makes her perhaps the most important Crystal Gem of all.
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