Love, Victor
By Charlotte Dekle
Disclaimer, I have not seen Love, Simon. Though I have been dying to. Yet, I watched this show with pretty high expectations. I don’t know why I did. I’m usually a sucker for teen shows with good LGBTQ characters because there need to be more. I was pleasantly surprised. I’m not going to go on a limb and say that this show is amazing, it’s good. It’s very sweet and has a lot of heart and I do love the South Pasadena representation in the coffee shop that the protagonist works at. This show is every single romantic comedy cliche in one neatly wrapped present, which may not be such a bad thing. However, not to diminish what the characters go through, but they only gave each character enough depth to keep us engaged, not enough to care. Every character is a stock character that’s been used in every romantic comedy that’s ever been created. I do applaud the representation of LGBTQ characters on this show but I feel that they could have dug deeper. It shows these characters go through struggles with a family that’s not as accepting as the ones we see on television. I just wish that they delved deeper into the individual characters, as it could’ve been a remarkable portrayal of how coming out isn’t as cut and dry as TV movies make it seem. But instead, it’s more of a surface-level story with mild character development - like a beginner’s class to LGBTQ. Maybe that’s intentional, but a missed opportunity imo.
Honestly, this show is so cliche, cheesy, and predictable, but for all that, you can’t help but enjoy it.
logline: Victor is a new student at Creekwood High School on his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges at home, adjusting to a new city, and struggling with his sexual orientation.
Source: IMDb
My favorite character:
Anthony Turpel as Felix Westen: I LOVE FELIX. He is the feminist boyfriend I have always dreamed of. He is a movie nerd, and an overall nerd. He makes movie references and I swoon. He is funny and is always a great, supportive friend. I wish they gave Felix more backstory, he was just apparently living in this apartment complex with an unnamed mother. If Lake doesn’t want him, I’ll take him. I adore Felix and wish that he had more to do than just be the funny best friend. Where can I find myself a Felix?
My favorite Part: all of the high schoolers dress like they’re real high schoolers and I can appreciate that. The costume department made this show feel more of a documentary about teens than the semi-shallow teen show that it is.
This show is rated TV-14. Here’s why:
Mild Sexual Content and Nudity
Language
Where to Watch: Hulu
Image source: IMDb