Love, Victor - Season 2
By Charlotte Dekle
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
Since its publication, I have always regretted how harshly I treated Season One of Love, Victor. It was a genuinely sweet show with a rich ensemble cast and a lovable protagonist. The harshness came from lofty expectations, I expected the show to address every complexity in its first season, and that's not feasible. Also, I've seen Love, Simon, which adds a new layer to the viewing experience. Thankfully, Season Two is good, so that I can amend my mistakes in this review. The second season picks up where the first ends, with Victor Salazar (the charming Michael Cimino) coming out to his parents. The first good determination that the show made was to flash forward ten weeks. So many television shows and movies choose to dwell on the moments immediately following the coming out. This route was a welcome change. The second season also amended an issue with the characters, mainly that they all had the same underlying wounds. They expanded the progenitor-teen relationships to create a more prosperous relationship show. But they made Victor's mother absurdly conniving. She would rather throw out a perfectly good stew than have dinner with her son's boyfriend. But her deceitful plans fail, and an awkward chip-eating soiree ensues. But she has a great acceptance arc, so don't hate her too much. The first day of school rolls around, and Victor is cagey about coming out to his rumor-obsessed classmates. Nevertheless, Benji is exceptionally understanding. Luckily, the cagey-ness subsides, and he comes out in a very rom-com method. If I were to provide one critique for this second season, it would be its predictability and contrived drama. Its predictability is not a substantial issue; its lack of originality just provided me with methods to deduce precisely how the storyline will play out, even finishing the quips. My screen probably designed headphones to shield itself from my distaste manifesting itself in some choice four-letter words. The creation of drama irritated me to no end. It is especially infuriating when the drama demeans a character for no purpose. Top this enraging cake with a gratuitous karaoke moment, and you've got a defective back half to a sweet show. It's depressing that the season closed with such a sour conclusion. It's not all bad though, the expansion of the characters was a wise decision. But you know, teen drama gotta teen drama. Nonetheless, this show is lovely, and its formula accentuates the pulsating heart beating underneath it. I actually do love Victor, with caveats.
my favorite characters:
Anthony Turpel as Felix Westen: he is STILL my favorite character. They expanded on his home life more in the second season, and it exemplified why he's such a great character. He is clever and snarky to cover up deep-rooted issues, namely his bipolar mother. His relationship with Lake is one of my favorite romances in the show; they complement each other so well. Yes, this relationship ends in the season. The new beginnings are splendid for both of them. Though his transgressions of being in a possible relationship with his best friend's sister muddled my love, Turpel is delightful as the comedic best friend.
George Sear as Benji Campbell: he's in a band. What more could you want? Benji is a sincerely phenomenal character, and his relationship with Victor is one of the high points of the series. Though much like the Lake-Felix ship, this one is on the verge of total demolition. He is comfortable in his sexuality and always accepts Victor's idiosyncrasies. His alcoholism is an odd detail just off-handedly to throw into the mix, but at least he's committed to sobriety. Who is he, Dylan McKay?
Bebe Wood as Lake Merriwether: The best decision that the show made this season was to expand Lake's character. In the first season, she was just a popular girl with some hastily defined insecurities. But they developed her character and showed her genuine care for Felix and his wellbeing. In season one, Felix just pined for Lake, but now Lake assists him. See below for a long-winded defense of Lake's actions. The hinting at a possible romance between Lake and a girl has opened new possibilities and wonder that I adore. Although, I will always have a special place in my heart for Felix and Lake.
this show is rated TV-14. here’s why:
Mild Sexual Content/Nudity
Language
my favorite part: I have many thoughts regarding Felix's mom. There will be spoilers here for that storyline. To summarize, Felix's mother is bipolar and refuses to take her medication. Felix confided in Lake about the ordeal and swore her to secrecy. Lake told her high-status mother, who then proceeded to offer unsolicited help. Felix's mother becomes defensive, and there is an altercation at Lake's mother's place of business. Felix's mom is then committed to a 72-hour psychiatric stay, and Felix doesn't forgive Lake for betraying his trust. The show positions Lake as being 'in the wrong' in this scenario. Felix lives in an unstable household. If he was in danger or his mother was not equipped to take care of him, the former is questionable, but the latter is true; notification to the proper authorities is the correct way to proceed. She did the right thing. However, the situation is, of course, more complicated than I just made it seem. Both sides presented are valid, but it all contributes to the contrived drama hell-bent on driving a wedge between one of my favorite romances. And the mother, through the extended psychiatric stay, was able to get the help she needed.
where to watch:
IMDb:
