“Harley Quinn” Season 2 Offered Well-Written Queer Representation

After how Harley Quinn season 2 handled queer representation, involving Harley and Ivy’s relationship, I hope this series returns with a third installment.

This post contains spoilers regarding Harley and Ivy’s relationship in Harley Quinn season 2. You have been warned!

When I watched the first season last year, I was disappointed with the show basically straightwashing Harley and Ivy’s relationship. It looked like Harley and Ivy weren’t really queer at all. After I wrote that piece, fans of the show assured me (on social media) that the iconic Harley and Ivy relationship was going to be focused on in season 2. I decided to believe said fans and tuned in weekly when the second season debuted on April 3, 2020.

After watching all 13 episodes (the finale aired on June 26, 2020), I have to say that I’m very happy with how the show handled Ivy and Harley. Yes, there were some messy moments. But that’s to be expected when the leads of an R-rated animated series happen to be (reformed?) criminals.

Harley Quinn season 2 showed Kite Man preparing for his wedding with Ivy. Being a good friend, Harley went along with the preparations because she thought that’s what made Ivy happy even though Harley had feelings for her.

My favorite moment involved the confusion they both experienced when they kissed (after a very dangerous incident involving Bane). It’s clear that Harley and Ivy are meant to be each other. However, their journey to that realization took up most of the 13 episodes and that too in a good way. The payoff in the finale was well worth the wait, in my opinion.

Also, kudos to the writing team for treating Kite Man with respect. I wasn’t expecting to like him as a character. While I was rooting for Ivy and Harley, I also wanted Kite Man to be happy. The way everything came together in the finale made me smile. Kite Man’s right. He deserves better and there’s no reason to force Ivy to marry him.

If you, like me, were disappointed with the first season of Harley Quinn, I implore you to give the second season a chance. I loved the buildup of Harley and Ivy’s relationship. And I can’t wait to see what will happen to them when (and if) this series returns for a third outing. I really want a season three!

While certain fans (in my opinion) rightfully complain about DC Comics continuing to separate Harley and Ivy as a romantic couple in certain comic book storylines, I’m glad that the fandom has a show like this that really dives deep into why these two iconic characters work as an iconic couple.

For those wanting more details about Harley and Ivy’s relationship in this animated show, do consider checking out the video below by YouTuber Grace Randolph.

Again, kudos to the writing team for handling all of this in a spectacular fashion. If you don’t want to watch the entire series, you should still, at least, see the season 2 finale. I’m telling you, you won’t be disappointed.

Are you a fan of the Harley Quinn animated series?

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Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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