Arcane Writer Talks ‘Dreaming’ About Seeing A Relationship Like Vi and Caitlyn’s on TV, And This Is The Queer Representation I’ve Been Waiting For

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As a young queer individual who’s grown up with a love for animation and video games, Arcane has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on my heart. The final season, nestled among the 2024 TV schedule, was a masterful blend of captivating storytelling, world-building, and character development that resonated deeply with me.

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that Arcane, streaming on Netflix, stands out among the best shows for me. The second and concluding season, airing within the 2024 TV schedule, has garnered critical praise similar to its first installment. This animated series, though derived from the video game League of Legends, transcends it in terms of world creation, character growth, and emotionally resonant parallels. It’s also commendable for featuring some of the most authentic queer representation I’ve encountered, a testament to writer Amanda Overton’s vision. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on the romance between Vi and Caitlyn, mentioning that she had always envisioned such a relationship.

Arcane’s Amanda Overton Discusses Crafting Vi and Caitlyn’s Romance

The creators have confirmed that the Piltovian officer and Zaunite fighter were intended to be the primary romantic pairing in the series from the start, a rarity as the main relationship in many shows is between two women. Kudos to Riot Games for bringing on Amanda Overton to spearhead the development of Arcane; in an interview with The Gamer, Overton, known for her work on True Blood, expressed that this was the opportunity she had long been anticipating.

This is what I’ve longed for: I continue to pen tales for my 16-year-old self. Video games are a passion of mine, and so are grand sci-fi series that delve into world creation. However, I seldom recognized myself in these realms. If I had seen more of myself reflected there, I might have found the courage to express myself earlier, making my journey smoother. This desire fuels me, pushing me to craft these stories and strive for representation within those spaces.

Crafting authentic sapphic portrayals can be challenging due to the critical eye of the LGBTQ+ community, given past media misrepresentations. Amanda Overton was mindful that their slow-developing relationship between Caitlyn and Vi might be misunderstood as queerbaiting, so she ensured their undercurrents of a queer relationship and same-sex attraction were explicitly shown, rather than left ambiguous. The finer details mattered to her, such as her insistence on keeping Vi’s flirtatious line “You’re hot, cupcake,” in the show, which the showrunners supported her decision on.

I was fortunate to have the whole team behind me, including Christian [Linke] and Alex [Yee], who regularly boosted me up or gave me control, and even the Fortiche team rallied together to shape that narrative as we know it. It’s heartening to see everyone resonate with it because I put my entire being into it.

For a young individual identifying as queer, the value of seeing such authentic sapphic representation, especially in a beloved show like The Umbrella Academy (specifically in Arcane), is not taken for granted. This is precisely the impact that the creators aimed to make when crafting this storyline.

Why I’ve Wanted A Queer Relationship Like Vi And Caitlyn’s

As a passionate gamer diving into the world of Arcane, I can’t help but be thrilled by the unique and refreshing romance between Caitlyn and Vi. Unlike many shows, Arcane isn’t all about ratings or relying on conventional romances. It’s a captivating sci-fi series born from a video game. But what sets it apart is its inclusion of a main, beloved sapphic couple – something that means the world to me as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. This representation brings a sense of normalcy to queer relationships in a genre where it’s often lacking, making this show truly special and relatable.

In this show, the authentic portrayal of queer relationships unfolds as a natural progression between two characters, similar to many TV romances. It skillfully encapsulates the nuances of sapphic experiences. The scene at the brothel where Caitlyn expresses apprehension about her sexuality was particularly impactful. Additionally, the numerous instances where they gently hold each other’s faces without kissing is almost unfair, given how it resonates with the queer experience. The palpable closeness and attraction, without explicitly declaring feelings, rings painfully true to many within the LGBTQ+ community.

More on Arcane

The potential conclusion of Arcane Season 2 could mark the end of the series, yet Christian Linke has shared some concepts for what he plans to explore next.

In Season 1, while Caitlyn and Vi don’t share a kiss, their closeness and mutual support during the challenges they face in the Undercity is deeply intimate, surpassing the impact of a mere lip-to-lip contact. As their bond deepens and their feelings for each other grow, the physical intimacy displayed in Season 2 carries significant weight. Moreover, these characters are thoughtfully crafted with a focus on the sapphic perspective, deviating from the common trope where lesbian characters are often objectified in media.

Ultimately, the relationship between Caitlyn and Vi is not a sorrowful one. Despite the fact that both characters encounter numerous tragedies and deaths across the series, they experience it side by side, and their narrative ends on a heartwarming note. Unlike many TV sapphic relationships that end tragically, Caitlyn and Vi’s story appears to be one where they ultimately end up together in every universe they inhabit.

Although it’s unfortunate that the series Arcane has concluded, I’m satisfied with how things turned out. Additionally, I can’t help but feel relieved that for once, the lesbian characters received a somewhat happy ending. Witness Vi and Caitlyn’s extraordinary romance unfold on the show by subscribing to Netflix.

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2024-12-02 17:37