The heartwarming small screen spinoff of Becky Albertalli’s Love, Simon is finally coming to an end this month, with the third and final season heading to streaming services Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK and Europe. Following hot on the heels of Netflix’s Heartstopper, the series is another vital exploration of several important topics in the LGBTQ+ community, set in a relatable coming-of-age high school drama. It’s bittersweet to see the beloved show come to an end, but thankfully the showrunners end the series on a fitting note – with the cast heading back to where it all started, the Winter Carnival.
Love, Victor season three picks up events almost immediately after THAT cliffhanger, with Victor (Michael Cimino) deciding who he wants to be with following a complicated love triangle involving boyfriend Benji (George Sear) and his sister best friend Rahim (Anthony Keyvan). This series also delves into the Victor’s parents dynamic, with Isabel (Ana Ortiz) attempting to make amends for her initial reaction to her son coming out, while there’s plenty of new romances blossoming in his friendship circle at Creekwood High.
While this season finally resolves the central love triangle between Victor, Benji and Rahim – which fans are understandably dying to have answered – the journey isn’t quite as straightforward as some might expect. Show-runners Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger devote care and attention to exploring all three characters, particularly their home life (delving into Rahim’s Muslim faith and Benji’s strained relationship with his father) and their own journeys along the way, in a testament to the much loved individuals. Meanwhile, Victor’s family – particularly his mum – are certainly far more accepting of him living an authentic life, especially in regards to the views of those at church etc.
With the first two seasons unfolding as a teen coming out tale, the third evolves into much more of an ensemble character drama. However, due to the extended cast of beloved individuals with a number of established storylines to satisfyingly wrap up in a limited time – the eight-episode instalment does feel a little overstuffed. It’s fantastic to see the addition of an all-female relationship develop between Lake (Bebe Wood) and Lucy (Ava Capri) – as Lake discovers her bisexuality – but their dynamic isn’t really given the proper time to fully develop. Another story thread introduced in the episode “Agent of Chaos” intriguingly teases the potential of Victor stepping into the mentor role for another student, but unfortunately this is pretty short lived.
Despite occasionally straying into melodramatic territory – particularly with the ever evolving relationships – this series is a heartwarming, hopeful and emotional farewell with a particularly fitting finale. There’s plenty of touching moments for the cast, and a wonderful hark back to Love, Simon as the teens head back to the Carnival and the big wheel. There are few threads which are left open, leaving the door open for potential future spin-offs.
Michael Cimino once again shines as Victor, who’s brilliantly evolved from from the shy, sexually confused new kid to an assured and inspiring individual. The chemistry he shares with George Sear is also one of the highlights of the show, along with Andrew’s (Mason Gooding) journey from basketball bully to a genuine friend and ally – with a heartwarming dynamic with Mia (Rachel Hilson). It’s also fantastic to see Ana Ortiz afforded much more affirmative material this season, along with Anthony Turpel as the adorable Felix.
Verdict
The third & final season of Love, Victor comes full circle for a fitting and hopeful conclusion. There’s plenty of drama & heartwarming moments for fans to enjoy, along with a quick resolution to who’s behind the door following THAT season two finale. The showrunners also appear to have cleverly left the door open for a potential spinoff further down the line…
