While it may not be perfect, Love, Victor’s final outing does offer an ideal ending, leaving us wanting more as we bid farewell to a group of characters who have become deeply embedded in our hearts. Love, Victor Season Three premieres on Disney+ on Wednesday, 15th June.
All good things must eventually end, and I think we can all agree that Love, Victor has been a great series. In its first two seasons, Love, Victor challenged stereotypes, explored intersectionality and dived into a series of big relationship themes, from first love to coming out and first-time sex. Its characters lit up the screen, from the sensitive yet strong Victor to the geeky and lovable Felix, the fiery but insecure Lake and the loving and sweet Mia.
However, we now face the final curtain call as we bid farewell to a group of characters who have warmed our hearts and souls since 2020, guiding us through the dark days of the pandemic while breaking new ground in LGBTQ+ teen drama and representation. But does the final season offer us the curtain call we so richly deserve?
Season two ended on a cliffhanger as Victor kissed Rahim at Mia’s dad’s wedding just as Benji turned up, and as Benji stormed off and Victor ditched Rahim, we were left wondering who Victor would choose. Now, it’s fair to say that while I love Benji with all my heart, a part of me wanted Victor to choose Rahim. But as season three starts, we quickly learn (Spoiler Alert) that Victor has plumped for Benji. However, Victor and Benji’s relationship was on the rocks at the end of season two, so is this really the best choice? Meanwhile, Rahim is left isolated and alone, with Victor unaware of the emotional damage his choice has caused.
READ MORE: LOVE, VICTOR SEASON TWO
However, that’s not all; the end of season two also saw Felix choose Pilar over Lake, and Lake met Lucy, while Mia and Andrew navigated Mia’s dad’s move away. Therefore, it’s fair to say there were a lot of loose ends to tie up in a short eight-episode run in season three. Season two allowed Love, Victor to expand into a range of themes tentatively introduced in the first season. For example, we explored the interface between religion and sexual orientation, young carers, Victor losing his V plates and teenage mental health.
Love, Victor – “It’s You” – Episode 301 – Victor (Michael Cimino), shown. (Photo by: Kelsey McNeal/Hulu)
It’s a joy to see Season Three build on the confidence of Season Two, but it also presents a challenge in drawing things to a close. Here, we explore the complexities of love and the reality that nothing stays the same forever, alongside themes of online hookups, alcoholism, cultural oppression and parental protection. But the shorter season means these conversations can feel underdeveloped at times. For example, we finally get to explore Benji’s background fleetingly, something we have been denied up to now. But it’s over in a heartbeat, despite the significant issues wrapped up in his story. At the same time, a few short scenes exploring the privilege of being able to pass as straight in public fail to fully explore themes of direct discrimination, discrimination by association and hate.
READ MORE: HEARTSTOPPER
However, despite the feeling that we are being rushed toward an emotional conclusion, Love, Victor retains its innate charm, pride, and outstanding central performances. At the same time, its core message of change is strong, echoing the fact that life is never a straight highway but a collection of small winding roads that can lead us to any number of destinations. As the final season ends, we are brought full circle, but from a new, more mature perspective, one where decisions aren’t black and white and could lead to heartbreak or happiness. This perfectly demonstrates the journey we have taken alongside Victor, Felix, Pilar, Lucy, Mia, Rahim, and Andrew as the teenagers shed their skin and become young adults.
While it may not be perfect, Love, Victor’s final outing does offer an ideal ending, leaving us wanting more as we bid farewell to a group of characters who have become deeply embedded in our hearts. Love, Victor may not have always lived up to its full potential, but it has been a groundbreaking show that deserves the highest praise. I, for one, will miss Victor and the gang, and despite a few niggles, you couldn’t ask for a better Pride month treat than this last trip to Creekwood High.
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READ MORE: BIG BOYS
LOVE, VICTOR SEASON THREE – EPISODE GUIDE
Episode 1: “It’s You”
Victor makes his choice between Benji and Rahim. Mia and Andrew reunite with her estranged mother to get answers. Felix and Pilar begin their new romance, while Lake and Lucy spend the night getting closer.
Written By: Brian Tanen
Directed By: Steven Canals
Episode 2: “Fast Times at Creekwood High”
Victor tries to mend the fallout from his love triangle. Mia throws a party to take her mind off the fact that she might be moving. Felix and Lake achieve closure from their breakup. Isabel finally attends a PFLAG meeting, which doesn’t go as planned.
Written By: Marcos Luevanos
Directed By: Jason Ensler
Episode 3: “The Setup”
Victor’s parents introduce him to a gay-friendly church and an exciting new friend. Mia questions how she fits into Lake’s new relationship. Felix learns that his mom is starting to date. A new secret of Benji’s causes friction between him and Rahim.
Written By: Rick Wiener & Kenny Schwartz
Directed By: Melissa Kosar
Episode 4: “You Up?”
Victor is enjoying the steaminess of his relationship until an unforeseen complication makes him reconsider. Lake pawns Mia off on Georgina for the day. Armando catches Pilar and Felix canoodling. Rahim begins to tutor Benji.
Written By: Michelle Lirtzman
Directed By: Jason Ensler
Episode 5: “Lucas and Diego”
Attempting to move on from his past relationships, Victor goes on an unexpected adventure. Felix and Pilar struggle to maintain their relationship after the fallout with Isabel and Armando. New information has Benji revisiting moments from his past.
Written By: Debby Wolfe
Directed By: Randall Winston
Episode 6: “Agent of Chaos”
Victor tries to help a closeted classmate. Mia gets a startling call from her father. Armando and Isabel disagree about how to discipline Pilar. Lake discovers some upsetting news about Lucy. Rahim’s uncle creates family drama.
Written By: Nasser Samara
Directed By: Jay Karas
Episode 7: “The Gay Award”
Victor is conflicted about accepting an award at school. Felix and Lake confide in each other about their relationship problems. Mia and Andrew travel to see her family, which raises questions about their futures.
Written By: Jillian Moreno & Alex Freund
Directed By: Natalia Leite
Episode 8: “Brave”
The Winter Carnival brings all our characters back to where the series began. As they consider their plans past high school, they each decide who they want to be with and where their futures may lead.
Written By: Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger
Directed By: Jason Ensler
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