[Debate] Is Lapis Evil?

So recently on Tumblr, I've seen an interesting theory stating that Lapis is in fact evil and was the one mainly controlling Malachite. Examples to support this theory include the fact that the water weaponry was perfectly formed whereas when Jasper tried to use water weaponry, they were sloppy at best. They also cited the fact that we couldn't see Jasper's face as evidence.

The whole point of the theory is that Lapis is going to betray Steven and the Crystal Gems but right now is currently working to gain their trust. She is going to betray them to her diamond.

I'm pretty torn on the idea - I have no idea what was going on with Malachite. I wouldn't say Lapis was mostly doing it - I would say she was tired and Jasper was in control. Jasper could, having been fused for so long, have tapped into Lapis' powers and was able to use them more efficiently. But, I don't think Lapis is actually evil. Steven freed her from the mirror and showed her friendship and kindness. I know that doesn't always win but in Steven Universe, that seems to be the key to winning people over and the special ability of Steven, so it wouldn't make much sense for it to not work on Lapis.

What are your thoughts on this?

I've seen this theory as well,and really I don't see her as evil.Selfish however I can see.

She hates the Crystal Gems just as much,if not more so then Jasper.I think when the CG showed up without Steven it was the first time Jasper and her agreed and they worked together to bring the pain.That moment is a great example of what the two can do when they actually are working together.And really the case could be made that Ice is Malachite's unique power,given that Lapis uses water and Jasper uses a helmet.The two together make Ice.Just a theory of course.

I don't see Lapis' betraying Steven.After all she had plenty of chance to do that when she returned to Homeworld,but didn't.She even risked her life to try to warn Steven about Peridot coming back.Now if they did go with that subplot I would be surprised,but I'm going to put it down as unlikely.

ArcNitemare wrote:

I've seen this theory as well,and really I don't see her as evil.Selfish however I can see.

She hates the Crystal Gems just as much,if not more so then Jasper.I think when the CG showed up without Steven it was the first time Jasper and her agreed and they worked together to bring the pain.That moment is a great example of what the two can do when they actually are working together.And really the case could be made that Ice is Malachite's unique power,given that Lapis uses water and Jasper uses a helmet.The two together make Ice.Just a theory of course.

I don't see Lapis' betraying Steven.After all she had plenty of chance to do that when she returned to Homeworld,but didn't.She even risked her life to try to warn Steven about Peridot coming back.Now if they did go with that subplot I would be surprised,but I'm going to put it down as unlikely.

I think it'll take time for her to come around to the Crystal Gems no doubt. If she likes Steven and Steven hangs out with them, they can't be that bad. It'll take her time I think. If they put her in that mirror, it's gonna take her a looooong time to make amends. They're already in hot water (hehe) because they didn't free her. But again, more plot progression there and emphasis on Steven's special abilities to make friends and make others feel cared for and important.

I would rather say she's very natural. Lapis is not bad  but she isn't exactly the good guy aka hero. She is that type of character that I think don't want to be involve in conflict. She just want place where she can belong and to be free.

I think for the mos part, Lapis is kind of neutral. She could go either way and I think a lot of that is going to depend on what happens and how she can best protect herself. I would like to see her stay with the Crystal Gems and have Steven finally win her over, but she may give them up at a chance to return to homeworld.

Well We know she can't go back to home world. Not after what she did with Jasper and how she hided informations before mission, and send message to warn Steven. So at worst she will be on earth not taking part in conflicts.

She strikes me as a type though that if a Diamond, especially hers which I think is Blue Diamond, offers her a way to come back in exchange for backstabbing, I think she'd do it, or at least consider it. Whether or not the Diamond would ever let her come back, that's another thing.

She would go with BD but I think more out of fear what BD will do to her if Lapis don't obey her wish

She's also scares of the CG and what they'd do to her. I think if the CG can make friends with her it may save her from making a mistake.

Well if somebody can do it it's Steven right now. But who knows maybe with time she will be able to trust pother CG