So, in the end, Garnet and Pearl's conflict is still resolved by them being trapped in a small space, talking for a bit, and coming out with things mostly back to normal. The only real difference from how this is normally handled in other shows is that we actually experienced the large amount of time passing. Of course, on the other hand, that is a pretty major difference. It could also still be addressed in future episodes.
Still, this was a very clever way to include a story arc in a show where theoretically, episodes should be able to air in any order; though I'd assume they're using the arc system of Gargoyles, where there are tentpole episodes and all episodes between them can be shown in any order, but the tentpoles themselves must remain in place. I think this is the first cartoon I've seen that had an arc about a falling out between two characters that they recover from, that didn't involve one of them leaving the group and/or turning evil. Not only that, but they put a ton of focus on how other characters are reacting to this falling out.
The very first broadcast episode of Teen Titans (third production-wise, I believe) was about Robin and Cyborg arguing with each other and each going his own way, but when it first aired, it was considered a bad episode because, among other things, that was a terrible idea for a first episode. We weren't attached to the characters yet, the source of the conflict was trite, and there wasn't any emotional heft. Steven Universe handled all of that much better, with this happening well into the series, with a conflict that felt very meaningful, and there was plenty of emotional heft.
Anyway, as for the episode itself, Steven being useful in combat is very cool, and Peridot was a very fun character. Otherwise... eh. I really hope they stop letting Peridot get away.
EDIT: When everyone formed a chain to grab Peridot, was I the only one expecting them to fuse one at a time, ending with the grand reveal of a fusion of the Crystal Gems and Steven?
