Arcane Review: A Groundbreaking Representation of Sapphic Romance
For me, Arcane is easily one of the best shows on Netflix. The second and final season, which just ended amid the 2024 TV schedule, receiving critical acclaim like its predecessor. While the animated show is based on the video-game League of Legends, it supersedes it with its world building, character development and heartbreaking parallels. It also has some of the best queer representation I’ve seen, thanks to writer Amanda Overton. Just recently, she talked about that, as she recalled “dreaming” of a romance like Vi and Caitlyn’s.
Arcane’s Amanda Overton Discusses Crafting Vi and Caitlyn’s Romance
It’s been confirmed by the creators that the Piltovian officer and Zaunite fighter were endgame from the beginning, the One True Pairing (OTP) that was to be developed throughout the series. Very rarely is the main relationship in a show a lesbian one. Thankfully, Riot Games hired Amanda Overton to lead the charge on Arcane. In an interview with The Gamer, the True Blood alum revealed she knew this was the opportunity she’d been waiting for:
This is what I’ve been dreaming for. I still write stories for my 16 year old self. I love video games. I love big sci-fi and world-building shows, but I so rarely saw myself in those spaces. And if I had seen myself more in those spaces, maybe I would have come out sooner. I would have had an easier journey. That is a huge motivator for me, driving me to tell these stories and trying to get representation into those spaces.
It’s not an easy task creating well-received sapphic representation. The LGBTQ+ community can be very scrutinizing, because of historical misrepresentation in the media. Amanda Overton worried that with Caitlyn and Vi’s slow-burn romance, people might mistake it for queerbaiting. So it was really important to her that their notes of a queer relationship and same-sex attraction were not left to chance in the subtext of the show. It’s the little things that matter, like Overton fighting to keep Vi’s iconic flirtatious line “You’re hot, cupcake,” and the showrunners trusted her judgement:
And I had the support of the entire team around me. Constantly, Christian [Linke] and Alex [Yee] would empower me, or defer to me, and even the entire team over at Fortiche all came together to make that story what it is. I’m so happy everyone connected with it because I just poured my heart and soul into it.
Why I’ve Wanted A Queer Relationship Like Vi And Caitlyn’s
What makes Caitlyn and Vi’s romance so special is it creates a sense of normalcy for queer relationships. Arcane isn’t a drama that relies on romance for ratings. It’s a sci-fi show based on a video game. But every good show has a romantic dynamic, a main canon couple fans are rooting for. To make that couple sapphic is everything to me.
The good queer representation happens in the natural timeline of these two characters being drawn to each other, like any romance you might see on TV. Yet it also captures the sapphic experience so well. Caitlyn’s gay panic in the brothel scene is one that had me kicking my feet, and the amount of times they softly hold each other’s faces without kissing is criminal. The obvious closeness and attraction without actually admitting any sort of feelings is so painfully accurate to the queer experience.
Though Caitlyn and Vi don’t kiss in Season 1, the way they lean on each other and quickly begin to care as they face trials together in the Undercity is more intimate than any liplock. Their companionship develops alongside their attraction, and that makes the physical intimacy in Season 2 more meaningful. Also, these characters were clearly developed for the sapphic gaze, instead of the male gaze, as too many lesbian portrayals are subject to.
Finally, this isn’t a tragic relationship. While both characters face a lot of tragedy and death throughout the series, they face it together, and their story concludes in a warm way. Too often do sapphics on TV have tragic endings but, with Caitlyn and Vi, the creators have all but confirmed they end up together in every timeline they exist.
While it’s sad that Arcane has come to an end, I’m pleased with the result. I’m also just glad the lesbians got a (somewhat) happy ending for once. See Vi and Caitlyn’s epic romance play out on the show using a Netflix subscription.
Conclusion
Overall, Arcane stands out as a groundbreaking show that not only entertains but also provides much-needed representation for the LGBTQ+ community. The portrayal of Vi and Caitlyn’s romance sets a new standard for sapphic relationships on television, showcasing authenticity and depth in a way that resonates with viewers on a profound level. As the series comes to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of inclusivity and acceptance that will be remembered for years to come.
FAQs
1. How does Arcane’s representation of queer relationships differ from other shows?
Arcane’s portrayal of Caitlyn and Vi’s romance creates a sense of normalcy for queer relationships, avoiding the tropes of tragic endings often seen in similar portrayals. The show captures the sapphic experience authentically, focusing on the natural development of their relationship.
2. Why is Amanda Overton’s role significant in crafting Vi and Caitlyn’s romance?
Amanda Overton’s leadership as the writer for Arcane allowed for a nuanced and authentic representation of sapphic romance. Her dedication to ensuring that the relationship was portrayed with care and respect for the LGBTQ+ community was crucial in shaping the characters’ story.
3. What impact does Vi and Caitlyn’s relationship have on viewers?
The on-screen romance between Vi and Caitlyn provides viewers, especially members of the LGBTQ+ community, with a sense of visibility and representation. The characters’ dynamic and emotional journey resonate with audiences, showcasing the complexities of love and identity.
4. Why is it important for shows like Arcane to feature diverse relationships?
Representation matters, especially in media. By showcasing diverse relationships like Vi and Caitlyn’s, Arcane promotes inclusivity and acceptance, allowing viewers to see themselves reflected on screen and feel validated in their identities.
5. How does Arcane challenge traditional storytelling norms?
Arcane breaks away from traditional storytelling norms by centering a sapphic romance as a core element of the plot. The show prioritizes character development and relationship dynamics, offering a fresh perspective on love and connection in a sci-fi setting.
6. What sets Caitlyn and Vi’s relationship apart from other on-screen couples?
Caitlyn and Vi’s relationship stands out for its authenticity and depth. The characters’ journey from companionship to romance is portrayed with nuance and care, showcasing the complexities of love and attraction in a way that resonates with audiences.
7. How does Arcane handle the challenges of queer representation in media?
Arcane addresses the challenges of queer representation by presenting Caitlyn and Vi’s relationship in a thoughtful and respectful manner. The show avoids stereotypes and tropes, focusing on the characters’ emotions and experiences with sensitivity.
8. What themes does Arcane explore through the lens of Caitlyn and Vi’s romance?
Arcane delves into themes of love, identity, and acceptance through Caitlyn and Vi’s romance. The characters’ journey highlights the power of connection and the importance of embracing one’s true self, regardless of societal expectations.
9. How does Arcane contribute to the broader conversation around LGBTQ+ representation in media?
Arcane’s portrayal of Caitlyn and Vi’s romance adds to the growing conversation around LGBTQ+ representation in media, showcasing the need for authentic and diverse stories that reflect the experiences of marginalized communities. The show’s impact extends beyond entertainment, sparking important discussions about visibility and inclusion.
10. What can viewers take away from Vi and Caitlyn’s relationship in Arcane?
Viewers can take away a sense of hope and empowerment from Vi and Caitlyn’s relationship in Arcane. Their story serves as a reminder of the power of love and resilience, as well as the importance of embracing one’s true self and finding acceptance in the face of adversity.
Tags
Arcane, Netflix, LGBTQ+, Representation, Sapphic Romance