Summary
Love, Victor is here to stay, and the cast and crew deserve all the credit they get.
This review of Hulu’s Love, Victor season 2 contains no spoilers — the drama will be released on the streaming service on June 11, 2021.
The appeal for Love, Victor was plainly evident from the start — a spin-off to Love, Simon makes an easy destiny for the series. As one of the biggest teen dramas in 2020, season 2 secures itself in the same mantle for 2021.
Season 2 feels different — rather than basking in Victor’s reasoned anxiety of “coming out,” it deals with a new phase — Victor (played by Michael Cimino) has to navigate life as a young-and-out gay student in a cultured and traditional family with outdated rules. His cute face and soft nature can easily fool, but the second season highlights the courage one must face in a less desirable environment. That’s the key trope in an all-encompassing narrative that brings many arcs.
Love, Victor season 2 mainly deals with various relationships that hold value; the writers put in an extensive effort to make the viewers understand the pains of growing up and dealing with the ramifications of falling in love. It’s not as simple as “I love you”; bringing in marriage problems, jealousy, and family issues, the second installment becomes entangled in many story arcs, but thematically remains an LGBTQ+ narrative at its heart.
From Felix and his struggle with his mother’s bipolar disorder to Victor battling with a religious and less understanding mother, Love, Victor season 2 brings real stories that audiences can engage with. Mia’s voyage to find someone who wants to love (and keep her) is equally as important as Lake’s eagerness to be a supportive and loving partner.
And I would be tempted to say that Love, Victor season 2 is stronger than its predecessor. With the characters bedding in and Victor being less reliant on Simon, this series can stand on its own two feet without yearning to be associated with the film. Victor does contact Simon in the second season, but it doesn’t feel paramount; you are not left wondering if Simon will appear as a fan-appealing subplot. Love, Victor is a title in its own right, successfully disconnecting itself and able to voyage a streaming service with ease.
Of course, the cast has to be commended again. Although it’s a teen drama, the performances understand the messages; they relay on to the screen and bring a well-natured story keen to bring these wonderful characters to life. Love, Victor secures itself as a YA series, but it doesn’t convolute itself with a plethora of plot points to muddle the audience; it stays on track.
But it would be shameful to discuss the strength of season 2 without discussing Victor’s main story — phase two is life after “coming out.” The story proudly deals with many issues, but mainly it tackles his mother Isabel, who is conflicted by her religious beliefs; the series highlights how one pivotal person can unwrap and cause issues. Victor’s parents feel way more present in season 2, not only because of the separation but also their reaction to Victor’s reveal. Season 2 also tackles the life of being gay and an athlete, squashing the myth that there can’t be both. Love, Victor season 2 hits the theme with aggression but balance — it feels part of the story, rather than wedged in to spell out the message.
So with that, Love, Victor is here to stay, and the cast and crew deserve all the credit they get.
