“Love shouldn’t be so hard”

This solemn yet painful thought resonates throughout the series finale. Love isn’t something easy, but it shouldn’t be so hard either. It is about adapting, giving space and understanding each other’s needs. Something that both Wilhelm & Simon fail at, before they reconsider their choices and reconcile towards the end. The finale was everything that I hoped for and some more. Without sidelining the royal romance which is the heart of this story, the show hightails important issues like internalized homophobia, traditional hierarchy and unjustified prejudices. As Wilhelm and Simon grapple with the consequences of Wilhelm’s public declaration of their love; Hillerska is thrown into chaos, the Queen has a mental breakdown and August goes through a character transformation. The show packs a lot in the six episodes to bid a fitting farewell to these characters that have carved a special place in our hearts.

WILMON ENDGAME

As predictable as it was, Wilmon had a lot of growing up to do this season. While Wilhelm had to step up to his new responsibilities as the openly gay Crown Prince, Simon was thrust into limelight as the supposedly “Gold Digger Boyfriend”. There were catcalls and comments on his character with people openly expressing their disgust. While this hatred cannot be singularly attributed as homophobia, the royal court did little to safeguard him. Simon is put under a scanner and everything he does is scrutinized in the worst way possible. While his socialist heart bleeds with compassion and Simon hopes that Wilhelm would use his “Crown Prince Foundation” to advocate LGBTQ+ issues; Wilhelm’s neutral stance leaves him bewildered. There were many instances in the show where I felt that Simon would make a better King with his idealistic attitude and yearning to make a difference. Wilhelm’s nonchalant attitude might grate on your nerves; but he has been under public scrutiny for too long and knows the consequences of making unresolved decisions. I remember reading that Meghan Markle was asked to delete her social media accounts before her marriage to Prince Harry. Simon’s circumstances lead to the same resolution, when his home is vandalized, because of his mere presence at a protest. If the monarchy cannot protect the expressive freedom of an individual, then what good is it? Simon struggles with having his online identity stolen as his freedom is choked to death. As much as they want to make it work, their relationship is torn apart. Wilhelm also has his own set of issues to deal with- his mother’s apathetic attitude continously hurts him, he also becomes aware that his perfect elder brother wasn’t exactly perfect. These realizations coupled with the problems at Hillerska take a toll on Wilhelm. One of Edvin Ryding’s most compelling performance is Wilhelm’s open confrontation with the Queen. He tears down the walls that his parents had built and questions their apathy. It was agonizingly painful and heartbreaking to watch Wilhelm, as he tearfully expresses his hurt on being ignored. Omar Rudberg also steps up his game by embracing the confusion and aggravation that Simon faces. They are beautiful together, and their chemistry speaks volumes of the camaraderie they have build over the years.

AUGUST-THE KING???

Many might been left surprised or even stupefied by Wilhelm’s decision to step down from his duties and abdicate his position; so August (Malte Gardinger) could take over. This season, August also had a lot of growing up to do. With Hillerska under the scanner for systemic abuse allegations, disciplinary precautions are taken. While the juniors try to adjust to the new climate, the third years take matters in their hands. From signing petitions to save their school to staging protest against the unfair new rules, August and his friends present a subdued yet strong front. August also struggles with his new found feelings for Sara (Frida Argento) while trying to make amends with Wilhelm. Obviously, Wilhelm wants nothing to do with him, until one day, August reveals the horror he faced at Eric’s hands. August has always been presented as an antagonist so it wasn’t easy to empathize with his situation. But his attempts to redeem himself were commendable; although August as the King isn’t something I want to envision. Wilhelm doesn’t always make the right decisions; but he never makes wrong decisions like August does.

FELICE MAKES A STANCE

Felice (Nikita Uggla) has always been portrayed as a girl born to nobility, who has everything in her palms. This season we are faced with a different Felice; she is depressed after Sara stops attending school. Even though her close friends try their level best to cheer her up, they are no match to Sara who understood her better. When the School Inspectorate arrive at Hillerska, Felice is choosen as one of the representatives in the interviews. Although her friends insistently question her about her replies, she doesn’t reveal anything. Later, when she reunites with Sara at a late night party, she honestly accepts that she told the Inspectorate about the initiations happening at the School. Sara commends her and says “Why should you lie?”. With this single line, their friendship is restored and everything is forgivable. Felice tries to outgrow the racist attacks that she has been facing at Hillerska and her stance makes a lot of difference.

THE SHOW HAS ENDED, BUT THEY WILL LIVE ON

Three years back, when the first season premiered, we were introduced to a wide-eyed Prince who was irresponsible yet charming. Him falling in love with a commoner was inconceivable, yet we loved their romance. The second season speculated a lot on their relationship, with the “Will They or Won’t They Make It” situation. Despite everything, they have been through, Wilmon emerged stronger. It is not because they can’t stop loving each other; it is because they are each other’s “Oxygen”. I did wish for a scenario from the “Red, White & Royal Blue” remake where Alex & Henry stood together, waving to their supporters outside the Palace. But realistically that is not possible in Wilmon’s case, since Simon is a commoner (unlike Alex, who was the President’s son and is used to being in the limelight). Wilhelm’s decision to abdicate was solely for himself and also for the person he loves. Frankly, love shouldn’t be so hard; especially when you are so young!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Netflix