"One last chance to feel the love."
Love, Victor - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Ferris Wheel
The Ferris wheel symbolizes pivotal, defining romantic moments and the concept of taking a leap of faith in love. It is a direct visual and thematic link to "Love, Simon," representing a safe space for public declarations of love within the Simonverse.
In Season 1, the Winter Carnival Ferris wheel is where Victor, struggling with his feelings for Benji, instead asks Mia to ride with him, marking a significant step away from his truth. In the series finale, the Ferris wheel reappears as the setting for Victor and Benji's reunion. Victor initially boards it alone, signifying his acceptance of himself, before Benji joins him, bringing their story full circle and giving them the iconic romantic moment they were denied in the beginning.
Simon's Jean Jacket
Simon's jean jacket represents a mantle of courage, acceptance, and belonging within the LGBTQ+ community. It's a tangible piece of advice and support passed from one generation to the next.
During Victor's trip to New York in Season 1, Episode 8 ("Boys' Trip"), Simon gives Victor his iconic denim jacket from the movie. This act serves as a physical affirmation for Victor, a reminder that he is not alone and is part of a larger community. He wears it during key moments, drawing strength from what it symbolizes.
Brasstown Coffee Company
The coffee shop where Victor and Benji work symbolizes a neutral ground and a starting point. It's the space where their relationship first begins to blossom, outside the pressures of school and family. It represents the potential for a new beginning and the everyday setting where life-changing connections are made.
Throughout the series, Brasstown is the primary location where Victor and Benji's bond develops. Their initial interactions, shared moments of vulnerability, and early flirtations all happen over the espresso machine. It's where Victor first sees an openly gay person living a normal life, which is crucial for his own journey.
Philosophical Questions
Is there a 'correct' way to come out?
The series consistently explores this question by contrasting Victor's journey with Simon's. Simon had a grand, public coming-out, while Victor's is a slow, painful, and private process that happens in stages. The show argues that there is no one-size-fits-all experience. It examines the factors that influence this journey—family, religion, culture, and personal fear—and concludes that the 'right' way is whichever way is authentic and safe for the individual. Victor's story is a testament to the fact that the journey is personal and valid, even if it's not cinematic or easy.
How does one reconcile faith with unconditional love for family?
This question is at the heart of Isabel Salazar's multi-season arc. Initially, her Catholic faith creates a barrier to accepting Victor. The series delves into her internal conflict, showing her prayers, her attempts to find answers within the church, and her ultimate realization that her love for her son must take precedence over the condemnatory aspects of her religious upbringing. The show presents a powerful argument that true faith and unconditional love are not mutually exclusive, and that personal conviction can lead one to challenge and reinterpret institutional doctrine in the name of family.
What does it mean to be brave?
The series finale is titled "Brave," and the concept is explored throughout. Initially, Victor believes bravery is a grand gesture, like Simon's. However, through his experiences, the show posits that bravery is found in small, terrifying steps: the first time you admit the truth to yourself, the moment you tell a friend, the difficult conversation with a parent, or even the courage to be alone. Victor's final speech redefines bravery not as a lack of fear, but as the act of confronting what scares you because it is important, a theme that resonates across all the characters' final decisions.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Love, Victor" is an exploration of the idea that self-discovery is a personal and non-linear journey, unique to each individual. While its predecessor, "Love, Simon," presented a more idealized coming-out experience, "Love, Victor" deliberately contrasts this by showcasing a more complex path, fraught with cultural and familial hurdles. The series posits that bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the act of embracing the scary and uncertain parts of life, whether that's admitting who you are or who you love. Ultimately, the show champions the message that finding oneself requires introspection, making mistakes, and learning that there is no single "right" way to be you, particularly within the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and cultural heritage.