Love, Victor: Season Two Episode Blog

Love, Victor Season Two is available on Disney + from June 18th; this live blog is updated after each episode has aired.

READ MORE: SEASON THREE REVIEW

Season One – RECAP

One week from now, we will be heading back to Creekwood High for the second season of Love, Victor. But before we rejoin Victor, Benji, Mia and Felix, let’s take a quick look back at season one. Of course, you can read our full spoiler-free review of the first season here, but I am assuming you are here because you are ready for season two. So, a word of warning: I am about to go through the story so far.

Having just moved from Texas to Atlanta, the Salazar family, dad, Armando, mum Isabel, Victor, his sister Pilar, and the youngest Adrian, settle into their new apartment. However, Armando and Isabel have not been completely honest with the kids about the reason for their move, and the truth sits hidden as they unpack their belongings. For Victor, Pilar and Adrian, the move also means a new school. And for Pilar and Victor, this couldn’t have come at a more difficult time as they attempt to make new friends. However, for Victor, the move also opens up new possibilities as he attempts to navigate feelings that have haunted him for a while. Victor is confused about his sexuality and unsure of who he is and who he wants to be – his feelings only intensified by a family environment where the word gay is problematic.

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Victor is aware that his new school was once home to Simon Spier (Love, Simon) and reaches out to Simon via Instagram for some advice. Simon, now living with Bram in New York, responds, and a long-distance friendship begins. Meanwhile, Victor also meets the geeky and adorable Felix, who lives next door, slowly striking up a friendship. Everything is going pretty well at Creekwood, as Victor joins the basketball team and meets the beautiful Mia. But, in the back of his mind, his sexuality continues to dominate his thoughts; what would his parents do if they knew? What would his new friends think? And could he be gay, bisexual or just confused?

These questions are only heightened when Victor meets Benji, who works at the local coffee shop. Benji is out and proud, confident and engaging; he even has a boyfriend. For Victor, Benji is pure perfection, and he quickly gets a job at the coffee shop working alongside him. But Benji is also unattainable, and showing any affection or attraction would only worsen Victor’s situation. And anyway, Mia seems to like Victor, and she is also beautiful, sweet and supportive. But can Victor really offer Mia anything more than friendship?

Victor opts to date Mia, while Felix tries to woo Mia’s popular best friend, trying to overcome his shyness. And by Christmas, Victor has convinced himself that he is straight, even though he knows that to be a lie. Meanwhile, secrets are coming out at home, as his sister discovers the reason for the family move, and Victor finds himself trying to keep the family unit together.

LOVE, VICTOR – SEASON TWO

EPISODE ONE – PERFECT SUMMER BUBBLE

Warning Spoilers Ahead!

We’re back, and what better place for season two to start than with the coming out speech that ended season one? In case you have forgotten, season one ended with Victor and Benji finally getting it on, Mia devastated, and Victor announcing his sexuality in front of his sister and parents following the summer ball. And now we finally get to see the response, and just as we thought, both Armando and Isabel are left in shock while Victor’s sister, Pilar, wraps her arms around her brother. However, Victor’s dad, Armando, already seems less perturbed by Victor’s news, asking the typical questions: What about Mia? And When did you decide? To which Victor responds, “I didn’t decide; I just am!.” Meanwhile, Victor’s mum sits in silence, and it’s clear she may have more of a problem with the news than her husband.

We then jump forward ten weeks as the summer break from school nears its end. Victor and Benji are loved up, and Armando and Isabel have separated as planned. Felix has taken a summer job at Brasstown Coffee alongside Victor and Benji, and Mia has taken up a camp counsellor role out of town. But, as the summer nights begin to turn to Autumn, Victor’s mum continues to struggle with her son’s news.

EPISODE TWO – DAY ONE, TAKE TWO

Those who don’t identify as LGBTQ+ will never truly understand the challenges of coming out to family, friends and even strangers. Coming out is not a singular event, and while we all have a time and place where we decide to be ourselves, the truth is coming out never stops; it just becomes easier with time. For Victor, his coming out journey goes far beyond his previous relationship with Mia or his new love for Benji, and the complexities of this journey are all too real as we start episode two.

Victor is not only battling with a sense of guilt over how he lied to Mia in the weeks leading up to prom but is also nervous about school friends knowing he and Benji are an item. But, to add to that, Victor’s mum continues to be evasive, and while stating she loves him, Victor knows she has not come to terms with his sexuality. The process of his coming out is cloaked in an unspoken discomfort at home, as his mum avoids any discussion. The result is a confusing patchwork of experiences for Victor, with his world divided between Benji’s love and support, fear of losing his mum, and apprehension of school. Of course, Victor’s experiences in episode two are nothing new.

Most LGBTQ+ people will recount the mixed emotions and fears surrounding the weeks and months after coming out to family or friends, with each day a new coming out experience as the net widens and more people hear the news. While liberating, this is also scary, as Victor is finding out, here, the confidence he displayed in episode one is challenged as the reality of school comes into view, and his mum warns him of the dangers of telling people he is gay. Her words only further confuse the picture in Victor’s mind as he tries to find the right path through the first days of term.

Meanwhile, for Mia, the first day of school also represents a challenge: the rumour mill. This is not helped by Victor’s initial reluctance to tell people about him and Benji, with the school gossip page ‘Creek Secrets’ going into overdrive as Victor’s basketball team spread rumours that she cheated on Victor over the summer. Of course, this only adds to Victor’s sense of guilt around Mia and a feeling that he has to do the right thing and come out to his school friends. So after a chat with Benji, where Benji explains his own coming-out journey, Victor bites the bullet and announces their relationship. At the same time, Felix continues to struggle at home, with his mum’s mental health problems now placing their home at risk. As Felix struggles to find a way of paying the rent, it’s Pilar he confides in – and we can’t help but wonder whether there is a possible relationship between them brewing.

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Lacing themes of coming out with internal guilt and an external crisis of confidence, episode two once again plays to the strengths of Becky Albertalli’s original book. Highlighting that coming out is both internal and external in nature as we try to judge the reactions of those around us. After all, as Simon said, “And this gay thing, it feels so big. It’s almost insurmountable. I don’t know how to tell them something like this and still come out of it feeling like Simon. Because if Leah and Nick don’t recognise me, I don’t even recognise myself anymore.” Just like Simon, Victor’s internal and social journey is just beginning as we leave episode two. But luckily, he has Benji to support just how big the gay thing is.

EPISODE THREE – THERE’S NO GAY IN TEAM

Relationships are messy, and emotions are even more so. And despite what anyone tells you, we go through our entire lives wondering how we fit in, what people think of us, and what role we should play. It is, of course, true that these feelings get slightly easier with age, but they never fully disappear.

In episode two of Love, Victor, I talked about coming out as a journey, not a singular event. Part of this journey is rooted in emotions, feelings and belonging, and as Victor is beginning to realise, his announcement at the end of episode two stirs up a range of responses among his fellow students. These responses range from sudden and unexpected interest in his life to friendships suddenly feeling distant and vague, and at the heart of the latter sits his basketball teammates, some of whom now feel uncomfortable changing alongside him in the locker rooms.

EPISODE FOUR – THE SEX CABIN

Things are heating up in Creekwood, and no, I am not talking about the weather, as Victor and Benji’s relationship moves up a gear. But, just like Felix and Lake, and in fact, every teenager on the planet, finding somewhere quiet and personal is proving challenging, with the school storage room, the kitchen of the coffee shop and Benji’s bedroom proving more than a challenge as people step in, just as the shirts come off. So Benji comes up with a plan that will benefit him and Victor, Felix and Lake, Andrew and his girlfriend, and Mia and her new college love interest. It’s a simple plan: a weekend away at his folk’s lakeside cabin. So, what could go wrong? The answer is plenty, as bravado and rampant hormones mix with the fear and reality of sex.

For Victor, his apprehension and uncertainty stem from Benji’s experience in bed. While at the same time, he worries that his working knowledge of gay sex is limited. Questions circle Victor’s mind: who takes what role? what if I am nervous? In the end, Victor decides he needs some advice from Simon. However, as they arrive at the isolated cabin, Victor quickly learns there is no phone signal or wifi. Thankfully, Felix is on hand to talk to, but unfortunately, Felix is having his own crisis of confidence at the possibility of sleeping with Lake. Meanwhile, Mia is having her own crisis as her college boyfriend appears to be more interested in himself than her as they drive toward the cabin.

To ease his nerves, Victor turns to vodka as the sun sets outside the cabin, while Felix opts to do some manscaping after talking to Andrew. It immediately becomes clear that the night is not going to go according to plan; first, Victor falls off the bed and bangs his head while trying to get a phone signal, and then Felix realises that razors and scrotums are a dangerous mix. Meanwhile, Mia arrives at the cabin without the college boy she has just dumped at the side of the road. At the same time, back at the Salazar home, Armando and Isabel find themselves bonding over Adrian’s missing turtle as the complexities of sex are demonstrated to be just as much of a maze for adults as teenage couples.

Episode four takes Love, Victor, into new territory as it embraces the complexities of teenage sex and relationships from a physical and emotional perspective. The Sex Cabin reflects all teenagers’ doubts and insecurities as sex rears its head in casual and committed relationships. But, more than that, it reflects how different this journey can be for gay teenagers, their insecurities amplified in a world where sex education is the privilege of heterosexual kids. The episode’s final message is an important one: don’t force yourself into sex; just let it happen when the time is right. In truth, anyone who truly loves and respects you will never apply pressure if you are not ready, and when it does happen, remember sex is about fun, and fun can be imperfect, messy and random.

EPISODE FIVE – GAY GAY

After episode four’s sexual tension and heat, it’s back to school in episode five and back down to earth for Victor. Having given up his place on the basketball team in episode three, Andrew is keen to get Victor back, but, for Victor, his experience of homophobia and in-direct discrimination within the team is still raw. Despite this, Andrew launches a charm offensive that includes his transformation into an LGBTQ+ ally. But, as Victor weighs up whether Andrew’s transformation is genuine or just based on the team’s needs, he also finds himself caught up in a conversation on identity with Benji and his band. Meanwhile, Lake meets Felix’s mother and becomes increasingly concerned about his ability to cope with her mental health condition. At the same time, Mia and Andrew finally reconnect (it’s about time!), and Armando issues an ultimatum to Isabel.

Episode five continues the ongoing discussions on identity, belonging and support, with its origins rooted in the major connecting storylines that have weaved through the series so far. But, at the heart of this week’s discussion, we find Victor asking himself, What is a gay identity? And do stereotypes and subcultures define the experience of young gay people? These are important questions for young people who are just starting their new life after coming out. Here, we find Victor asking himself whether his love of sport can coexist with his sexuality while Benji’s bandmates jokingly label him an ex-jock.

EPISODE SIX – SINCERELY, RAHIM

Victor’s mum, Isabel, has struggled with her son’s sexuality ever since he came out after the prom, her silence, avoidance and internal religious conflict driving a wedge in their once-close relationship. And while Victor’s dad has sought help from a local Pflag group, Isabel felt her only option was to turn to her local priest. Meanwhile, it is clear Victor has struggled to find a path in talking to his mum, and while Benji may have been supportive of Victor in many areas, Victor’s relationship with his mum has not been one of them.

However, in episode six, the family takes centre stage, and with it, both Victor’s relationship with his mum and Felix’s home life and trust in his girlfriend Lake. But, surrounding this, we also have Mia’s new relationship with Andrew and a brand new character, Rahim, who seeks out Victor’s help. The result is a junction episode packed with big issues as the final four episodes of this season come into view.

EPISODE SEVEN – TABLE FOR FOUR

In the film Words on Bathroom Walls, Adam (recently diagnosed with Schizophrenia) states, “It’s hard to let someone find you in all the dark and twisty places inside, but eventually, you have to hope that they do, because that’s the beginning of everything.” In any relationship, whether a friend, parent or lover, it can be difficult to let someone into the areas of our life we keep firmly closed; after all, what if they walk away from us or decide we are not the person they thought they knew? This is a risk we all have to accept as we open ourselves up to others. But, it is also a part of human life that never goes away, no matter how old you get. In truth, nobody is ever 100% honest about everything that makes them tick. We all choose to divulge some information while keeping other parts firmly locked away. However, sometimes this information comes out anyway, often from other people, and that can cause significant problems in any relationship.

EPISODE EIGHT – THE MORNING AFTER

Isabel accidentally walked in on Victor and Benji at the end of the last episode, ‘making up’ after their argument. Now, of course, when I say ‘making up’, I mean making out, as things were getting more than a bit hot under the collar. This is where we pick up episode eight, except this time, we see things from Victor and Benji’s perspective as Isabel walks in at the most inconvenient moment. However, Isabel is generally more concerned with the fact that Victor’s younger brother is sleeping next door as Victor quickly dresses to apologise. But, when Benji joins the discussion, things take a far more fiery turn, and when Victor’s younger brother wakes up and walks into the room, it’s Benji who snaps and tells him that he and Victor are boyfriends.

Victor is just as mortified by Benji’s actions as his mum; after all, they were planning to tell his brother, but not like this. As Benji leaves, it would appear the couple’s relationship problems are far from over. The following day, Isabel invites Armando over to help explain the night’s events to Victor’s brother, but to everyone’s surprise, Adrian takes it all in his stride; his brother’s sexuality is not an issue, and this only further helps Isabel overcome her own concerns, as she decides to challenge the local priest on his homophobic views.

EPISODE NINE – VICTOR’S DAY OFF

One of the things I love about the second season of Love, Victor, is the raw honesty on display. The show hasn’t been afraid to explore some of the big issues young people face when they come out throughout the season; for example, we have seen the thorny issue of sex in a world where gay sex education isn’t discussed outside of online forums. While at the same time, we have explored themes of race, religion and the interface with sexual orientation and experience. But, even though all these important themes have found a dedicated voice, one topic has remained absent: the importance of gay friendships in navigating the LGBTQ+ world. However, with episode nine (my favourite of the series so far), this important part of LGBTQ+ life finally finds a voice.

With Victor still reeling from his split with Benji, Rahim suggests they skip school for the day; after all, Rahim also needs some TLC after coming out to his parents the night before. Victor, at first, isn’t sure about Rahim’s suggestion, but he soon finds himself persuaded, and the two head into town, taking in some street food, coffee and finally a local gay bar. The result is a delightfully simple episode that focuses solely on Victor and Rahim and their conversations and shared experiences of gay life. Here, both boys discuss the pleasure and pitfalls of online gay hook-ups, image, sex and concepts of masculinity in a gay world, finding something truly special in the other: the freedom to talk, laugh and enjoy a newfound sense of connectivity and belonging.

EPISODE TEN – CLOSE YOUR EYES

I am going to miss our weekly check-in with Victor and Co., but all good things must eventually come to an end, even if it’s just for now. Last week saw Victor and Rahim find a new friendship while Victor and Benji’s relationship floundered. We all wondered whether the spark of something new sat within Victor and Rahim’s day together because, let’s be honest, we hadn’t seen Victor that relaxed and happy since episode one. However, if you are expecting any easy answers, you may just have to wait. But, more of that later.

It’s the morning of Harold and Veronica’s wedding day, but Victor feels uneasy; after all, Benji has decided not to attend as his plus one, leaving him at somewhat of a loose end. But, on asking his sister, Pilar helpfully suggests Victor should go with Rahim instead, and Rahim quickly accepts before Victor has even had a chance to think. Meanwhile, Felix welcomes his mum home following her hospital stay; as he tells her of his split with Lake, his mum surprises him, praising Lake and her mum for helping her to get better. This raises an important question for Felix: has he been too hard on Lake? And should he give their relationship another go? However, to add to this dilemma, he now knows how Victor’s sister feels about him, and he isn’t sure how he feels about her.

Meanwhile, Mia is under the impression her dad turned down the job offer from Stanford University after their heart-to-heart. However, Harold can’t bring himself to say no, and as the wedding starts, Veronica insists he tells Mia the truth, her hopes for remaining at Creekwood High with Andrew suddenly dashed. But, this time, Mia isn’t going down without a fight, and Andrew isn’t going to let Harold off the hook, even if it is his wedding day.

But, that’s not all folks, because we have the will they, won’t they reunion of Armando and Isabel, and Isabel’s arrival at Benji’s workplace during the wedding; her mission to try and help resolve the problems that sit between him and Victor while apologising for her previous behaviour. As the wedding gets underway, relationships take centre stage, with Felix suddenly realising that Lake may not be the one he needs. At the same time, Benji arrives only to find Victor dancing with Rahim, and as Victor tries to explain, leading Benji to storm off, Rahim declares that he thinks he may love Victor.

Escaping from the wedding party, both Victor and Felix find themselves consoling each other. Felix announces he may love Pilar while Victor tries to work out whether Benji or Rahim makes him happy, and as the episode comes to an end, Felix finds Pilar and finally returns the kiss she gave him in spades while Victor travels across town to the door of the boy he loves. But, is that Benji or Rahim? Well, I am afraid we will have to wait until season three for that answer.

LOVE, VICTOR, SEASON THREE

It could be argued that Close Your Eyes mirrors the finale of season one with a classic tale of loves, winners and losers. But we have come a long way since season one, and Victor’s final phone call to Simon beautifully expresses this. Victor is now a young gay man and a confident one at that. And whatever the outcome of his choice, one thing is for sure: it’s his choice, based on his needs.

Over the course of season two, Love, Victor has not only built upon season one but transcended it with a rich tapestry of themes, ideas, and discussions, taking us to places absent in the teenage LGBTQ+ dramas of the past. Here, conversations on race, sex, mental health and coming out have found a new voice in characters who sing with originality. The result has been a fresh, important and beautifully written season that reflects modern gay life for many young people. Here, the trials, tribulations and questions of young gay life are explored and embraced. This makes Love, Victor just as important as a range of LGBTQ+ TV milestones, including Queer as Folk or It’s a Sin. Love Victor’s ability to talk directly to a teenage audience while never shying away from difficult topics is admirable, even if occasionally falls into classic American feel-good drama.

As it moves into season three, the challenge for Love, Victor, will be to maintain this standard and continue to plough new ground. If it can manage this, it will avoid becoming a teenage soap opera and undoubtedly cement its place as one of the best teenage LGBTQ+ dramas of recent years. But, whatever its destiny, one thing is for sure: season two has been an absolute pleasure from start to finish, and we look forward to welcoming Victor and co back to our screens in 2022.