Peridot and Lapis had a bad case of holding the jerk ball for this episode, in order for the plot to happen. I agree that they were more unlikable than usual and that it can disturb one’s ability to enjoy this episode.

I have no doubt they will be back to their usual self in the following episodes. Fillers tend to do weird thing to the way the characters act, it’s nothing new. Remember Steven not giving a crap when Ronaldo got dumped because of him?

So yeah, just a case of the “filler syndrome”.