While the incredible visuals of Yuri!!! on Ice dazzle and entertain viewers, the emotion and personality injected into each routine raises the ante considerably; rather than just beautifully animated and choreographed skating programs, the action on the ice serves as a metaphoric expression of the skaters' psyche, their relationships, and their development as characters.
The human drama that drives the anime is compelling, and the connection between Yuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov serves as the show's emotional center. Initially, Yuri is reserved and starstruck in Victor's presence—the latter has been the former's skating north star. As they come to know one another personally, their growing intimacy not only lights their own competitive drives but also pushes the entire skating community forward.
Yuri's Homage To Victor
Coming off a catastrophic performance at his first Grand Prix Final and subsequent meltdown, Yuri returns to his hometown in Japan, Hasetsu, where he hopes to reconnect with his family as he considers retirement. Disappointed with his career, Yuri has let his figure go and isn't physically or mentally competition-ready—these factors in conjunction with his recent losses suggest that he has all but fallen out of love with skating.
This impression changes when, in the privacy of the skating rink he trained at as a child, Yuri performs a perfect imitation of Victor's championship free skate program. Yuri's childhood friend, Yuuko Nishigori, is moved to tears by his grace and obvious passion—an emotional connection that spreads as her children furtively record and then upload Yuri's homage to Victor to the Internet.
Victor Leads Yuri To Eros
When Victor introduces Yuri and Yuri "Yurio" Plisetsky to the two musical movements that compose "In Regards to Love," the more emotional "Agape" and the intense "Eros," it is obvious that Yuri's reserved nature will gravitate towards the former and Yurio's fiery disposition will prefer the latter. In an effort to push the skaters to develop and improve, Victor forces them to take the music that is most opposed to their personality.
Unsurprisingly, both skaters struggle to find the necessary motivation to bring their routines to life with emotional authenticity. As Yuri's feelings for Victor begin to take shape, from awestruck fan to something more realistic and human, he is able to draw forth the requisite feelings to perform "Eros," despite struggling technically.
Victor Wants To Be What Yuri Needs
It is evident from the series's onset that one of Yuri's greatest weaknesses and most pressing obstacles is his lack of self-confidence. Unable to believe in his own skill or visualize defeating other great skaters, Yuri perpetually occupies a middling rank among his competitors. While this negatively affects his official performances, viewers are aware of his potential due to his perfect copy of Victor's free skate program—with all its grace and technically demanding jumps, it's clear that Yuri has what it takes to be great.
Victor's proximity to Yuri causes him discomfort as he is worried his idol will see his weaknesses. This causes friction until the two have an honest conversation on the beach centering on what role Victor needs to take to facilitate Yuri's growth. When Victor settles on "boyfriend," Yuri objects in a blushing show of emotion, explaining that he simply needs Victor to be himself.
Victor Touches Yuri's Lips
Remembering the self-destruction he underwent during his last appearance at Japan's national skating competition, Yuri's nerves threaten to prevent him from performing his best yet again. Recognizing Yuri's anxiety, Victor—still learning the ins and outs of his new position as coach—considers how he can calm his skater down and reset his mental state to be competition-ready.
Opting for a simple but intimate gesture, Victor notices that Yuri's lips are chapped and tenderly applies chapstick. This show of physical closeness, which could easily be perceived as romantic, shocks onlookers and Yuri himself, who has been in love with Victor the skater and now might be falling for Victor the man.
Yuri Declares His Feelings On Television
After winning the national tournament in Japan, Yuri attends a televised press conference where he is asked what his theme for the year will be. As a leading figure in Japan's male figure-skating scene, Yuri declares that the theme he will express during his Grand Prix series run will be "love."
Although he blushes throughout his entire explanation, there is a new sense of confidence that is evinced in the clear, expressive way Yuri communicates his theme—an element of his personality unlocked by Victor. Aware that his coach has brought about this change and cognizant of the limited time they may have together, Yuri states that Victor taught him the meaning of "love" and that he hopes to keep Victor near him by winning gold at the Grand Prix Finals.
A Romantic Embrace
With Grand Prix Finals aspirations, Yuri's nerves are once again rattled when, after scoring highest in the Cup of China's short skate program the previous day, he is forced to deal with the pressure of being in first place. Drained from lack of sleep and obviously on edge, Victor frantically drags him around the stadium and employs multiple tactics in an attempt to relax his skater.
As they reach the parking garage beneath the rink—literally rock bottom—Victor, in an act of desperation, lies and threatens to step down as Yuri's coach if he misses the podium on day two after such a strong start day one, which prompts tears from Yuri. Shaking off the encounter, Yuri performs well and even enhances the difficulty of his last jump to the shock of everyone; as a reward for his efforts and an apology, Victor embraces and seemingly kisses Yuri in a passionate moment after the latter's routine.
Making A Statement Of Love
Considering Victor's legacy in the world of skating, it's no surprise that throughout his stint as Yuri's coach many skaters and fans wonder when he'll return to competitively skating. Victor's star status and the pronounced desire for him to make his return generate pressure and friction for Yuri; he feels he should win with Victor as his coach and a sense of guilt for "stealing" him away from the rink.
During Yuri's second Grand Prix competition, held in Victor's home country of Russia, the demand for Victor's return is palpable. Just before his performance, as Victor waves to the crowd of adoring fans, Yuri grabs Victor's tie and pulls him close to declare that he'll express his love before all of Russia—almost as if he's in competition with Victor's fans.
Yuri Proposes An Idea
After narrowly qualifying for the Grand Prix Final, Yuri returns to Japan and is reunited with Victor. Emotions are running high when they meet at the airport; Yuri feels relieved to have qualified while Victor's beloved dog, Makkachin, nearly died which prompted his early return to look after him.
Their embrace is charged with feelings of affection and relief, which exemplifies how they both find comfort in being with one another—it's not always Victor comforting Yuri. Although Yuri plans to retire at the end of the season, he asks Victor to stay with him until he is finished skating. Victor, touched by the request, notes that it's not unlike a marriage proposal, and then voices his wish that Yuri never quits, implying he hopes they can be together forever.
Yuri Purchases "Good Luck" Rings
With the Grand Prix Finals fast approaching, Yuri and Victor spend time taking in Barcelona's sights as a means of unwinding before the massive competition. Hoping to find a birthday and Christmas gift for Victor, Yuri scurries in and out of shops looking for the perfect present.
He eventually enters a jewelry store and purchases two golden rings for Victor and himself to wear as "good luck" tokens. If the imagery of matching gold bands wasn't enough, Yuri places the ring on Victor's finger in front of a church, evoking the idea of matrimony to an even further degree.
Yuri And Victor's Plans For The Future
Although he didn't take home a gold medal at the Grand Prix Final, Yuri's growth and development are epitomized in his record-breaking performance, topping even Victor's best free skate score. Considering Yuri and Yurio's new records, Victor feels both proud and challenged, and it's confirmed that he will make a return to competitive skating.
Despite this decision, the bond between Yuri and Victor is reaffirmed as they promise to stay together. Yuri promises that he really will win the next Grand Prix Final, but Victor insists Yuri will owe him much more since he'll be competing and coaching.