The Hulu series Love, Victor recently finished its run with its third season, which allowed its various characters to find, in their way, love and romantic fulfillment. The series has long been popular and celebrated for the way it depicts young LGBTQ+ people and their concerns, and it remains a landmark in terms of television representation.
However, there are several people, particularly on Reddit, who have expressed some unpopular opinions on various aspects of the series, ranging from the relationships at its core to some of its writing choices.
Most Of The Characters Need To Work On Themselves
As with many of the best LGBTQ+ representations in television, Love, Victor is very much focused on its characters, particularly their romances. However, this hasn’t been to everyone’s liking, with murrrrmaidman writing: “I am not on any “ships” 😂 Most of the characters here need to be single and work on themselves for a couple of episodes.”
While the characters do all have their issues, it is also true that it is their romances and their relationships with one another that ground them. Ultimately, they help them grow and change to be better people.
Andrew Was One Of The Better Parts Of Season Two
Love, Victor is full of many likable characters, and among these is Andrew. Though he started out as a stereotypical jock, he slowly grew into something else. Patrochilless writes: “I liked Andrew the most in season 2. I'm a sucker for redemption arcs.”
Certainly, there is much to praise about this particular character’s journey, but it is also the case that, in some important ways, he takes up too much of the action and, what’s more, there are other characters–including Victor, Benji, Pilar, and Felix–who are just as, if not more interesting, in the second season.
The Trip To New York Felt Out Of Place
One of the most notable incidents in the first season involves Victor traveling to New York City, where he is mentored by Simon. It’s a key moment in his character development, but it wasn’t to the liking of stepanmatek, who writes: “ I didn't like the episode with trip to NY during the first season, just because it's not very common experience for many people, I think that it should have been handled with more care.”
However, while it might be a bit unrealistic, it is still important to Victor to make this important connection to his mentor Simon.
Season One Was Better Than Season Two
As with so many other series, even the best on Hulu, Love, Victor struggles a bit to find its footing in its first season, particularly as Victor comes to terms with his sexuality. Some Reddit, users, however, such as Disastrous-Rest630, argue: “I think season one was generally a better structured season, two is a bit all over the place.”
In reality, however, season two does a much better job of exploring the LGBTQ+ components of this story, rather than focusing so much on Victor’s straight relationship with Mia.
The Love Triangles Are Lazy Storytelling Devices
Like all of the best teen dramas, Love, Victor relies a great deal on love triangles as a storytelling device. While this helps to keep the action moving forward, it hasn’t been met with universal approval from fans of the show. ambientLemon puts it this way: “The love triangles are lazy storytelling and exhausting. Every storyline has a love triangle plot??”
In reality, however, it is precisely these love triangles that help all of the characters, from Victor to Mia, to realize not just what they want out of life but also who they are truly in love with.
The Lake/Lucy Pairing Doesn’t Work
There are many great relationships in Love Victor, and one that emerges fairly late in the show is the one between Lake and Lucy. Each of these characters brings something new and exciting to the other’s life, and so it’s easy to see why it would be so popular. Some on Reddit, however, do not like it. Rickywintour, for example, writes: “I’m not really for this whole Lake/Lucy pairing. Only because it came out of nowhere.”
However, as several other users on Reddit noted, there were already inklings of this dynamic earlier in the series.
Benji Isn’t A Very Good Character
Though he may not always be the most likable character on Love, Victor, there are very good reasons that Benji is seen as one of its best. He is complicated and often unpleasant, but it’s still the case that he is the one that Victor is meant to be with. This hasn’t stopped some Redditors, however, from not liking him. Fosse76, for example, writes: “Not a fan of Benji, and certainly think that Victor's relationship with him is unrealistic.”
This ignores, however, the extent to which these two people do go through a number of all-too-realistic trials, particularly surrounding Benji’s alcoholism.
Mia’s Friendship With Lake Is More Realistic Than The One Between Victor And Felix
As with many great teen shows, friendship plays a key role in Love, Victor. Indeed, in some ways it’s just as important as the romantic relationships that the characters develop. Not all friendships are equal, however and, as shaddy27 says: “Mia’s friendship with Lake was definitely better written and more complex than Victor’s with Felix.”
This line of argument isn't entirely fair to the dynamic between Felix and Victor, as these two are always on one another’s team, even when it becomes difficult for both of them.
Victor Rarely Offers Support To Others
Victor is obviously the main character of this series, but this hasn’t kept him from coming in for his fair share of criticism, even from fans of the show. The StripedSweaters, for example, has this to say: “Victor uses everyone else's emotional support but very rarely offers that support back.”
While Victor does go through a great deal during his time on the show, it’s also true that he is willing and able to support others when they need it, whether that’s his sister Pilar or Felix.
Rahim And Victor Have More Chemistry Than Victor And Benji
One of the most enduring questions from the end of the second season finale was whether Victor would decide to be with Benji or Rahim. While he ultimately chose Benji, this left some viewers dissatisfied. EternalBlaze18, for example, puts it this way: “I like and appreciate Victor and Rahim’s relationship waaaaaay more than Venji. This is the most chemistry Victor has had with anyone IMO.”
The truth is, though, that Victor and Rahim have always worked best as friends, and so it is to the show’s credit that it left them that way in the end.