From the creators of Love, Simon and inspired by the hit film, the series follows Victor, a new student at Creekwood High School on his own journey of self-discovery: facing challenges at home in a traditional Latinx family environment, adjusting to a new city, and struggling with his sexual orientation. When it all seems too much, he reaches out to Simon to help him navigate the ups and downs of high school.
Spoilers ahead.
Episode 1 – Welcome to Creekwood
In the opener to this sequel series, we are introduced to Victor Salazar, our titular character who has just moved from Texas to Creekwood, Atlanta with his family. Victor shortly meets the unpopular Felix, who lives in the same building as him, and the two soon form a friendship. At school, Victor meets the well-liked Mia and her best friend Lake and develops a crush on openly gay student Benji – whilst Mia is very obviously seen to take a liking to Victor, we weren’t even an episode in and we have ourselves a cute love triangle!
Victor is soon invited to join the basketball team after impressing the coach during class and soon clashes with a member of the basketball team, Andrew – who sets up a GoFundMe to raise the $500 for Victor to join the team, this ridicules Victor for being seemingly poor, leading to the two squaring off during lunch at the school. This is obviously setting up Andrew to be the series’ “antagonist” – I hope they don’t create Andrew to be this completely huge bully, but we shall see what direction the showrunners decide to take with Andrew’s story.
Victor soon finds out about Simon Spier (the titular character of Love, Simon) and the story of his coming out, which leads Victor to make contact with him via social media who lets him know that he’ll always be there to support Victor if he ever needs someone to talk to – this is something I really liked about the series opener, it’s telling us that obviously there will be some similarities and maybe some repeated themes, but this is Victor’s story – and I’m looking forward to seeing this unfold. Victor finds difficulty with his situation, asking himself why Simon had it so easy – which at first if you’ve seen the original film, wasn’t the easiest of situations for Simon.
During the final act of the episode, Victor and Felix head to the Winter Carnival, the annual event where Simon Spier famously got onto the Ferris Wheel with Bram, and the two shared their first kiss. This time around, Victor sees both Mia and Benji at the carnival, but pressured into wanting to fit in – Victor makes the decision to ask Mia to ride the Ferris Wheel with him instead.
Something we will see progress in is Victor coming to terms with his sexuality. Victor’s family are Colombian-Puerto Rican, and it appears the family feature two religious parents, who don’t think kindly of gay people. We get this idea planted from the get-go at a family wedding where Victor’s Dad, asks his wife if a friend they know from church is “a little flojito” – which I googled and came back as being the Spanish meaning for loose or weak. In Hispanic/Latinx communities this is a word used to refer to people in the LGBTQ+ community, mostly gay men.
Overall, the episode is a great opener – we get good introductions to the main characters of the series, and it begins to establish itself by making it Victor’s story as well as everyone else’s in his life. I didn’t really have a favourite moment as most of the episode was the intro to all the characters… but we shall see what the series holds.
Episode 2 – Stoplight Party
The series continues with Episode 2, following on directly from the one prior to it. In this episode, we get to learn more about Victor as he starts to form friendships and potential relationships in his new home.
Following on from his Ferris Wheel adventure with Mia, Victor is catapulted into popularity after going on the Ferris Wheel with Mia, who is starting to have feelings for him. Mia and Lake plan a “stoplight” party, where students wear colours according to their relationship status. Victor begins working at a local coffee shop where Benji also works, Brasstown, in order to make money to join the basketball team – also can it be pointed out that Benji is the ASSISTANT MANAGER, he is a teenager, probably 16/17, do not think the kid’s ages are mentioned but basing it off the film – how is a 16-year-old the assistant manager of a coffee shop…
At the party, Victor struggles to fit in. Felix pines for Lake, who instead likes Andrew. Whilst Victor for the majority of the party hangs out with the basketball dude. Andrew tells Victor to take off his yellow shirt, but instead put on a green jacket, this way would make him look cooler (or it’s so Andrew can pine for Mia instead, which is what I reckon it is all about…) This obviously ends up with Mia spotting Victor at one point, and when she realizes he is wearing green and not yellow, she decides to take it off upset.During this episode, Pilar is still struggling from being separated from her boyfriend back in Texas and decides to take some explicit photos in an attempt to make sure that he still loves her after finding out he has been seeing another girl. Luckily for her, her mum finds out and speaks with her about the whole situation, and soon Pilar breaks up with her boyfriend and decides to move on.
There’s a funny sub subplot with Lake, who is obviously interested in Andrew, so she wears red and tells everyone she has a “college boyfriend” to try and impress Andrew. How she thought it would work… who knows. But there’s a really funny bit where there’s a group of people and Lake makes a b thing about receiving a text message of her boyfriend, however, Andrew responds with “you’re not even holding your phone” – and I don’t know if it was because I was watching at 2 am, but that was hilarious.
One thing that should be noted, all the young actors have great chemistry with each other, especially Victor and Mia who end up talking towards the end of the party, when it’s revealed to Mia that he was wearing yellow all along during the party…
Overall, another strong episode with some great funny moments whilst also dealing with sensitive subjects too
Episode 3 – Battle of the Bands
During Episode 3, we get the chance to dive even deeper into Victor’s sexuality as he begins to start a relationship with Mia as the pair go on their first date to an art exhibition, shortly followed by a trip to the Battle of the Bands!
Interestingly as I have previously suggested, Andrew is definitely interested in Mia, after confirming it to Lake after deciding to ask Lake to join him to the Battle of the Bands in hopes of getting closer to Mia. I would say I’m great at reading people, however, I believe it’s down to a few predictable character storylines…
Once again Mia and Victor have great chemistry as they explore the very humorous animal exhibition, and even share their first kiss – but all goes to pot later on in the episode as Benji is discovered to have a significant other, which leaves Victor in shock, me too.
Another subplot continues this week, with Pilar helping her mother Isabel by setting up a Facebook account for her and is shocked when a man named Roger R. sends a friend request to the new profile and starts flirting with her. Isabel spends some well needed time with Armando as they go on a dinner date, however, Isabel does slip up at one point, mentioning a time the two went to a restaurant she liked but Armando shows no clue of remembering going…
The episode was standard, nothing of huge importance happened but its great to see Victor exploring who he is and trying to find himself
Episode 4 – The Truth Hurts
The episode begins with Victor and Benji in a short cold open getting along like clockwork at the coffee shop, it’s a fun playful scene showing the two have great chemistry together… if only Benji didn’t have a boyfriend! The cold open also confirms Victor is settling in with his new friend group – Lake, Mia and Felix, which is nice to see compared to the start of the season where Victor was virtually a nobody.
We get a lovely, happy family meal with Pilar confronting Isabel during Pizza Night, when she starts by giving an unpleasant grace at the meal. This is obviously down to her being suspicious about the messages her Mum has been receiving from Roger. Once sent to her room. Victor goes to check on her, who soon tells him the news… something more for Victor to worry about on top of his sexuality – we’re 4 minutes in and you can tell we’re in for a treat with Episode 4
We finally meet Mia’s absent father from the first few episodes, who returns from a trip to Paris, with his new beau Veronica… Mia doesn’t warm to Veronica at first and requires Lake to accompany her to dinner with Veronica and her father. This episode is very mother-centric as we deep into the backstories of Mia’s mother whilst the drama with Isabel also escalates. We find out at first that Mia’s mother was an addict whom checked into rehab at the age of 20, leading to Mia struggling to deal with all of her father’s partners whom have come and gone over the years.
Dinner is a disaster as Mia becomes very short and challenges Veronica as she is determined to cause trouble and find some dirt on her. It is later revealed to Victor, that Mia’s mother wasn’t an addict, but a student of her Dad’s when he was a college professor. who left after struggling to cope by herself during the days whilst Mia’s dad was working. Mia admits that she tells people her mum was an addict as it hurts less than admitting she wasn’t enough to keep her around. It’s quite a sad moment, and even know it is a teen drama, Rachel Hilson really stands out this episode with a great performance.
Whilst this is all unfolding with Mia’s mom, Victor struggles to come to terms with the fact that Isabel had an affair with Roger. Pilar and Victor set him up so they can meet him, but they soon discover that Roger is in fact Armando’s old boss. This ultimately has an effect on Victor during his basketball game causing him to have a blank, and ultimately lash out at the coach. This is why I find the title of this episode “The Truth Hurts” so fitting, ultimately in this episode we see how the truth hurts for two of our protagonists, and how they deal with it in two different ways. Enraged about the whole situation, Victor confronts his parents in the car park about the affair. It’s soon revealed that Armando knows of the affair, and it is the main reason the family moved to Creekwood… Pilar didn’t seem too happy about that detail.
What I like about the affair storyline, is it isn’t a typical dramatic one, and there’s more than meets the eye with it, meaning I’m definitely excited to see where it goes in future episodes. Armando reveals that the parents aren’t letting on to his side of the story, and I’m curious to soon find out about what his side entails… we’ll just have to wait and see
Overall, another fun episode with some new interesting developments with our favourite half Puerto Rican, half Colombian-American family – roll on next week’s episode!
Episode 5 – Sweet Sixteen
This episode is quite an important one, not only as it marks the halfway point of the first season, but it introduces us as the viewers more to the Salazar family’s opinion on gay people. At the start of the episode, it is revealed that for Victor’s Sixteenth birthday, Armando’s parents Natalia and Tito would be making the visit from Texas to celebrate the special occasion. Mom decides the best thing to do is for them to throw Victor a birthday party.
Whilst discussing the party with his friends, Lake invites Benji and his boyfriend to the party, which Victor worries about in an email to Simon due to the fact his father and grandfather have certain views which do not match his own, and he does not want any more issues getting on top of other previous ones and ruining his birthday.
This episode is also a landmark for Victor and Mia’s relationship as she is introduced to the family – the family respond quite well until Isabel, who is in a state due to Pilar and also Natalia stressing her out. When Benji and Derek arrive to the party, they are greeted by Tito who Victor introduces as bandmates. The two are upset at first but soon understand when Victor explains the situation to them. All goes well until the couple share a moment away from the party until Tito sees them kissing. In a shock, Tito confronts Victor about his friends, who in the end stands up for what he believes in and defends the couple. There is soon a mini-feud with the family all barking at one another but soon it all dies down and they continue with the party…
Whilst this is all going on, Lake and Felix try to find a cake to replace Isabel’s which she has messed up and does not want to upset Natalia about it. I quite liked this little side adventure, as for a few weeks I have hoped this couple becomes a thing, and there are positive signs so far…
During the closing moments of the episode, Armando warns Victor that Adrian, his younger brother might be gay due to an obsession with an Elsa toy wand and that he is not happy about it. It is quite upsetting watching a series where a person is coming to terms with who they are, and to then have their own father say something like this… makes you extremely uncomfortable as a viewer – but it is making for some really well written television.
Yet another fun episode, whilst also dealing with some serious issues with different generations having different responses to homosexuality. Can’t wait to see what happens next week as it definitely seems Victor is still crazy about Benji despite announcing that he and Mia are now an official couple… we shall see how this all unfolds…
Episode 6 – Creekwood Nights
During this week’s episode, we get a lot of discussion about sex and how fast/slow both Mia and Victor are feeling as their relationship grows. On one hand, you have Mia who is confident in her stance that she is ready to take things to the next level, whilst Victor is still torn about his own identity and ultimately is what is slowing him down.
To instigate, Lake makes the decision that Mia sends flirtatious text messages and to invite Victor round to her house, for the couple to get romantic, things go west, however, when unsure about the situation – Victor brings Felix along with him to delay the inevitable between the lovebirds which upsets Mia as she had hoped the pair would get some alone time…
Whilst the games night is happening, Benji and Derek are celebrating their one year anniversary, but similar to the games night over at Mia’s place – things are going too well for this couple either. Instantly there are red flags when Derek doesn’t see the point of celebrating anniversaries and would rather visit a concert, whilst Benji is really up for it…
Victor soon apologises to Mia and explains that he isn’t ready and doesn’t feel comfortable moving to the next stage yet, which she acknowledges and as he leaves we get a funny scene of Lake and Felix hooking up downstairs… a nice comedic moment in an episode which felt quite like a debbie downer in my opinion
Overall, the episode was okay… quite a slow pace episode but still enjoyable. Nice to see more relationships develop whilst others crumble… Nice to see Felix and Lake finally get together though, been waiting for that one
Episode 7 – What Happens in Willachoochee
In this episode, we see Benji and Victor both making a trip to Willachoochee to fix the coffee shop’s coffee machine! Whilst the nice little road trip happens we have a few subplots going on this week too…
Isabel begins teaching piano lessons again, which Armando isn’t happy about following the last time she taught piano lessons led to her affair. This is really striking as Armando has been very off in recent episodes, first him voicing his worry to Victor about Adrian’s sexuality, and now his reaction to Isabel wanting to teach again… In a fun twist, Pilal and Felix go “cold turkey” as both ditch their phones and some time in the real world. Felix worries too much about Lake, and Pilal worries too much about her old friends back in Texas – it’s nice seeing this unexpected pair interacting and made for a fun side plot
Already, I enjoyed this week’s episode so much more than the previous as we get some great character development. We find out about Benji coming out to his Dad and it didn’t go to plan. Throughout the episode, whilst the two boys are out repairing the coffee machine, Mia gets more and more wound up as Victor is a no show for the auction. There’s a shock twist when the repair guy tells Victor the machine is ready to collect, however, Victor takes advantage of a point Benji previously made and lies so the two have to share a hotel room for the note… it all kicks off however when Victor kisses Benji, who pushes him away leading to a very awkward drive home in the morning
Overall, it was definitely an interesting watch… the tension is building between Isabella and Armando, and honestly I don’t see the relationship lasting if Armando continues to try and control Isabella, however I do think we’ll see Lake and Felix make it official too. I’m really excited for next week as Victor is seen booking a bus ticket to New York to go and meet Simon, which should make for an awesome episode
Episode 8 – Boys’ Trip
When I found out that Victor and Simon would meet in a crossover episode, I was really excited. Being a fan of the original film, it was cool seeing characters I loved interacting with new characters I’ve grown fond of.
Overall this episode, is fun – we get Victor going off to New York, Lake; Felix; Mia and Andrew all in detention together, then Pilar off with her mother to get a cartillage piercing – a lot, but enough subplots to make this a memorable episode! During the detention sequences, tension builds once again with Andrew and Mia, following their kiss as the group continue through their efforts to make it through detention. I think it is set in stone at this point that these two will get together at some point, it is painfully obvious at this point
One thing I really enjoyed about this episode, is that it is Victor’s first time properly immersing himself within LGBTQ culture, and it is a testament to the writers for not shying away from this – I was worried during the first few episodes, that Victor potentially wouldn’t meet any other LGBTQ characters other than Simon so to have multiple show up throughout this episode is great. The decision to include Graham from the original is great too, who gives Victor a well-needed lesson when he explains that Victor shouldn’t be afraid of being gay and there is never a correct way to be gay and he is who he is. Victor asks the group a tonne of questions about the whole culture and discusses how he has religious parents who may not react well when he comes out to them, similar to how his grandparents reacted to Benji and his boyfriend earlier this season.
A thoroughly good episode with some memorable moments definitely and an awesome cameo from Simon himself!
Episode 9 – Who the Hell is B?
Episode 9 is pretty tame when compared to the previous episodes. but picks up on some important themes. In this episode, we get to meet Lake’s mother once again, played by Leslie Grossman who critiques Lake for her appearance and is the reason for a lot of Lake’s insecurities. Her mother makes comments about her size, her appearance and style, which really dampens the mood of the episode. Felix, who at one point hides under Lake’s bed when her mother arrives overhears the conversation, and basically tells Lake she’s the perfect the way she is, and wants to take her to the upcoming Spring Fling.
It’s a big episode for Victor too, who in this episode comes out to Felix and makes the decision that he needs to tell Mia about how he truly feels too… things go sour however when there’s conflict between Veronica and Mia after it is revealed she is both pregnant and engaged to Mia’s Dad, causing a serious bump in the road for Victor!
Another good episode and we’re so close to the finale! I’m hesitant as to what to expect as there’s a lot going on at the minute, but I trust their will be resolution to everything going on in the series!
Episode 10 – Spring Fling
Following on from last episode, Felix expects that Victor has told Mia however he has not since and tells Victor about ending it with Lake…
Mia has really rubbed off on me though, what started as a nice likeable character, especially her conversations with Veronica – just doesn’t sit right with me anymore. The group get together for the dance and it is very nice and cutesy (if that is a word). Benji and Victor talk at the prom, where Benji forgives Victor but it won’t change the situation and it’s quite sad cause Benji is pushing Victor away… Andrew overhears the two talking and it sends a spiral throughout the episode… however, when confronted by Victor – Andrew tells him he would never tell Mia, and its quite a nice character growth moment again for Andrew, and I am fully on the Andrew x Mia bandwagon – especially with his parting words to Mia in the dying moments of the episode.
Mia obviously spots Victor and Benji kissing, as the two confess their feelings for each other, and whilst it is heartbreaking especially given Mia’s current situation at home – it’s so great to finally see Victor and Benji together. Shortly after, Mia and Victor soon win Spring Fling King and Queen – but neither shows up! Instead, Lake goes up on stage and accepts it for the two and “comes out” and talks about how Felix makes her happy after the two didn’t go to the Spring Fling together, a truly heartwarming moment.
The utter chaos is what made this episode for me, especially with Pilar kicking up the most fuss, and after this episode, my respect for Pilar went 📉📉. Isabel and Armando end up separating finally and it’s safe to say it was expected… throughout the season, we’ve seen the two distance themselves, especially with the fact that the kids discovered about Isabel’s affair. The separating will provide a new dynamic for Victor after he comes out to his parents, and the series leaves us on an insane cliff hanger!
Love, Victor is now available to stream on Disney+. Check out a trailer below:
