As a queer individual who has spent countless hours immersed in the horror genre, I wholeheartedly agree with the author’s sentiments. It’s heartening to see series like Chucky pushing boundaries and representing queer characters in significant roles. Growing up, I yearned for characters that mirrored my own experiences, and while there have been strides made in representation, it’s still a rarity to find main characters who are queer.
Over the past ten years, there’s been a resurgence in the production of terrifying TV series. Some of the top-tier ones skillfully combine humor, drama, and heartfelt characters. Many also draw inspiration from established horror film franchises. The Chucky TV show fits this description perfectly. Moreover, it stands out as one of the most openly queer horror shows on television, making it a significant part of the exceptional teen LGBTQ+ TV series group.
Chucky can be described as a blend of drama and comedy rather than a traditional drama, yet it stands out as an engaging show with a central character who is a queer teenager. The storyline starts off with Jake (Zackary Arthur) navigating his sexuality and experiencing the early stages of love. Throughout the series, we follow him as he confidently accepts his gay identity while simultaneously dealing with the threat posed by a menacing doll.
As a horror series, Chucky has a lot of heart, and is more progressive than many would expect.
Warning minor Chucky spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.
At Its Heart, Chucky Is A Coming Of Age Story About A Queer Teen
In the first season of Chucky, Jake’s struggle with accepting his sexuality is a central theme, as he grapples with fear due to his father, family, societal expectations, and even prejudices from peers and authority figures. Remarkably, Chucky skillfully weaves this coming-of-age and coming-out narrative without compromising the horror elements. This blend effectively amplifies the anxiety and fear associated with living and loving authentically amidst adversity.
Chucky isn’t the initial horror TV series to feature a lead character who identifies as LGBTQ+, yet it stands out as one of the most impactful. The character Jake’s sexuality is deeply interwoven into the narrative. It highlights his achievements in accepting and expressing himself genuinely while also portraying some challenges he encounters, such as encountering prejudice from others.
Don Mancini, the mastermind behind the “Chucky” franchise, has opened up about how his personal experiences as a gay man have shaped the series. During an interview with Gay Times, Mancini revealed some autobiographical elements present in the show.
It struck me that it allowed me to delve deeper into a more personal and autobiographical narrative than I’ve done so far. Consequently, the character Jake, portrayed by Zach Arthur, contains many autobiographical aspects for me.
In the realm of gaming, I found myself utterly engrossed in this tale, perhaps because I share a connection with Jake that makes it feel strikingly real. Even in a universe where a relentless, resurrected doll terrorizes, and another haunts an actress, the story never loses its authenticity. And while the plot might border on insanity at times, its exploration of queer identity rings incredibly true.
Jake And Devon’s Romance Is A Vital Part Of The Story
In every season, Jake and Devon’s (Bjorgvin Arnarson) relationship takes center stage. The initial season delves into their blossoming affection for each other, while the second season finds them battling challenges such as Chucky attempting to eliminate them. The third season provides a delightful twist by allowing this young couple to relish in their romantic connection amidst a backdrop of a horror TV show filled with numerous gory deaths. Unbelievably, even a series as violent as Chucky manages to be endearingly sweet when focusing on this couple.
In the third season of Chucky, one significant storyline revolves around Devon and Jake contemplating their first intimate encounter, but they struggle to find the perfect moment. Similar to other popular teen romance series, the show tackles this subject with energy, empathy, and without any hint of judgment or embarrassment. It’s likely that many young LGBTQ+ viewers are grateful for a show like Chucky, which fearlessly portrays queer sexuality while still acknowledging the universal experiences of teenage hormones.
It’s One Of The Few Horror Series With A Gay Lead Character
I’ll acknowledge that I haven’t watched every horror series, past or present, but I’ve seen a good number of them. There have been some fantastic queer teen characters in these shows, with Willow (Alyson Hannigan) from Buffy the Vampire Slayer being one example. Yet, it’s hard for me to recall many series where the primary character, not just sidekicks, is queer.
Although there are likely many similar characters, Chucky still seems unusual. This shouldn’t be the case, given how suitable the horror genre is for telling stories about queer identity. Perhaps in the future, main characters like Jake will become commonplace instead of exceptions. Representation is important, and that includes diverse portrayals, even within the most extreme forms of media.
And, Chucky Is A Very Inclusive Series When It Comes To Gender And Sexualities
In the TV show “Chucky,” the character Tiffany, portrayed by Jennifer Tilly, identifies as bisexual. She develops feelings for Nica (played by Fiona Dourif) and chooses her over Chucky. The offspring of Tiffany and Chucky, Glen/Glenda, is depicted as nonbinary in the series, which presents them as two interconnected nonbinary twins. Overall, “Chucky” is a show that embraces a wide range of gender identities and sexual orientations.
In the narrative, Tiffany’s deep affection for Nica plays a crucial role and forms a substantial part of her character. Despite Nica not sharing Tiffany’s intense feelings, it significantly shapes Tiffany’s identity. This lesbian love story serves as an essential component in the plot, even if it’s portrayed negatively, which is unfortunate given its importance. However, Tiffany’s love for Nica transcends all else, revealing a softer side beneath her seemingly cold exterior.
She doesn’t think Chucky is her soulmate. It’s Nica, a woman. Glen and Glenda are mentioned before they make their appearance on Chucky. Chucky tells Jake about them as a way to bond with him. The nonbinary twins aren’t used in the best way, because they don’t make as much of an impact as I’d hoped, but it’s nice to see more nonbinary characters on television.
One Core Message Of Chucky Is To Not Discriminate
Among the many quotes from the first season that stand out, there’s one particular line by Chucky that resonates strongly with me. In this scene, Chucky discusses his gender-fluid child with Jake, and when Jake wonders if he’s okay with it, Chucky retorts that he’s not a monster. This quote is particularly striking because, after all, Chucky is indeed a murderous doll – a monster. However, even in this monstrous form, Chucky demonstrates an understanding that discrimination is the act of someone truly vile and cruel.
Chucky indiscriminately targets victims regardless of their background. His motive for killing isn’t rooted in hatred due to biases; rather, it stems from his general disdain for humanity as a whole. He embodies a monstrous nature that transcends typical prejudices.
The eagerness of Chucky to kill indiscriminately, coupled with his viewpoint that those who mistreat, bully, or discriminate against LGBTQ+ children are truly monstrous, serves as a powerful message within the series. If even a murderous doll considers you morally reprehensible, it might be wise to reconsider your actions.
In a fresh take on the original statement: The top-tier “Child’s Play” films might not have been overtly focused on LGBTQ themes, but they subtly incorporate progressive elements, setting them apart from other horror franchises. An example of this can be seen in the character of Glen/Glenda introduced in “Seed of Chucky”. The “Child’s Play” series embraces its queer identity, making it a compelling viewing choice for all.
Stream Chucky on Peacock.
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2024-09-25 12:07