#and they gave so much redemption to august and sara

[omarcitoloves]

initial young royals s3 thoughts after sleeping on it before rewatching!

start off i loved omar and edvins acting so so much this season it was truly something special. also begging and pleading with omar to not wait too long to do another acting project he has such an energy about him.

simons storyline was also so important to me and i felt like we finally dove into him a little. didn’t love how he’s still seeming to always put his own things aside for everyone else’s feelings? linda is better mom more attentive this season but it felt very much like simon didn’t have a single person to lean on and they were all coming at him from every angle.

wille - i get he’s under so much pressure and grief with his family but he was on another level of mean half the season. some of his comments and that shush. girl be serious. good to see him stand up to his parents though.

overall it just felt like a lot. and a lot shoved into so little. a bit like whiplash and so little time for conflict resolution which is wilmons biggest issue. they never really talk it’s just bits and pieces and it’s all wille yelling at simon or simon putting on a brave face until the breaking point. so many external factors built up just to keep them apart. idk felt messy to me but maybe that was the first watch. lots of strings from s2 feel forgotten and idk how they’re going to wrap this up in just one more episode…

wilmon. wilmon when they had the chance to be they were so sweet that’s what makes it heartbreaking. which could be lisa’s point. still unsure if they will end up together bc again. nothing is resolved. i wasn’t expecting pure fluff but it did feel a bit like we were sold more happiness than we got we never had a chance to linger with them feeling free like we did in the pervious seasons

this could change when i rewatch and i’ll update soon! main takeaway is simon will always be my baby

[raincitygirl76]

Speaking as of March 17, the day before 3.06 drops, I don't see August's arc in 3.01 to 3.05 as a redemption arc. Yeah, he's done one more genuinely nice thing in his life than before S3: for his third years, walking back from the homophobic sexual degradation that he experienced in his own initiation as a first year. Go him.

That's a good thing he's done, no question. But he still organized terrifying initiations (even if they weren't quite as bad as his own), he still got booze from Simon for the initiation party that he'd never had any intention of paying for.

August also allowed his lawyer to make that outrageous statement in 3.01 denying that the video was defamatory. The only reason he's not in jail awaiting trial on CP charges is because he has money and connections to make his criminal act disappear. That's not original, about the money and connections, but I forget who said it first. @unfortunate17 or @billfarrah , maybe... He was also smug rather than penitent while everybody was signing the paperwork.

Also, August persists in walking all over Sara's boundaries. He visits her at Micke's without warning, and doesn't apologize for the position he put her in. He uses that Conversation to remind her that she and he have similar dads, except Micke is alive and Carl Johan is dead. He's trying to play on Sara's sympathy. Even though the whole reason she feels she has to live with Micke is because of august's past bad actions.

And he repeatedly defies her wishes about not wanting to read his first year letter. He follows her out to the dumpster and insists on reading it to her to tug on her heartstrings. Even after she was clear she didn't want to read it and gave it back to him.

Now, was August being manipulative in S3 on purpose? No. But he and Sara aren't an example of a healthy relationship just because in S3 Wilhelm and Simon have an unhealthy relationship. I know I shouldn't use the word healthy, but at the moment I can't think of a suitable synonym.

So yeah, now he's done exactly two nice things in his life that we know of:

Buying Sara for Rousseau

Dialling back the sexual intimidation on the Forest Ridge initiations when he was a third year. Although the initiations August presided over were no walk in the park, so let's not give him too much credit.

I'm not saying he's a soulless monster. He's only 18 going on 19, he has time to improve before we write him off altogether. But he has STILL never apologized to Simon and Wilhelm for the sexual violation he inflicted on them. As soon as the NDA was safely signed, his own bad actions regarding the video were in August's rear view mirror.

So yeah, he listened to Boris and he tried to do a nice thing or two. But he’s still August.

[fan-a-tink]

Young Royals S3 thoughts

EP5

Even just hearing this scene’s echo was horrific. It must have been so much worse to actually go through it. 

It must be so hard for Wille to reconcile how he knows Erik which what he now knows about him. And he is not here anymore to defend himself. Uuuurgghhhhh!

Please talk to Simon. Please talk to him. Shutting him out will not make anything better.

Sara and Felice doing desserts together, that’s the best idea anyone has ever had :) A chance for them to talk, yay!

This Micke is starting to be a dad too good to be true. This is sketchy behaviour. He is too happy, this is going to spiral out of his control. Oh Sara I am worried for you….

Ok, I am just going to say it (even 2021 me would judge me so hard for this) but August „redemption arc“ is working. Like I honestly believe that he is trying to be a little bit better as a person. I want him to be alright. And yes, I am shocked that I think this. 

Whose locker is number 60? Is that Sara’s? 

Wille once more calling his parents because he needs support. And his dad once more not stepping up. Nobody is perfect, not even Kronprins Erik….!

Edvin Ryding, the actor you are…

This episode it’s Wille’s turn to look as if his soul has left him. 

Oh shit this will be the music room fight. I am not ready. I am not ready. No no no no no noooooooo.

RIP Wille in the choir. Those scenes in episode two were worth it though :)) 

It is so typical for Simon to think that he has done something wrong. Simon, my love, you are not ‚difficult‘ for asking questions!! You are wonderful. 

Wille, those are your thoughts, not Simons. They are your fears, your doubts, your anxieties. And they are completely valid. But please don’t put words in Simon’s mouth and push him away like that. „Maybe he gave in to peer pressure. What do you know?“ Like, Simon is trying to help you here, he’s trying to talk it through with you and help you out. Nooo, don’t walk out on him?!!!

Simon being left behind in the music room is just as devastating as Wille being in there after their fight last season. I am done with this music room. 

The 36 on Simon’s locker is now always going to remind me of that fan exam :)) I was sooo unsure about that question haha

So she takes the letter, but is she reading it? Should we assume she read it? Or is she just not going to read it? I am confused…

Oh no. Micke has forgotten. The hope and desperation in her voice that she’s trying to conceal while leaving these voice messages for her dad is killing me. Also, ruuuuuun! You can still make it :) 

Why is Wille only ever with Felice when he’s had a fight or something with Simon? Like, when they’re good, he never hangs out with her. 

I also do believe he would have accepted and embraced Wille’s queerness. But I guess it’s the fact that we’ll never know that is so hard to deal with.

Purple nail polish ✨ slay :)

Sara made it :) But also, it’s stressing me out that she just puts her id back into her bag and doesn’t close it properly. It could fall out!

That is so heartbreaking seeing that Micke is falling back into the habit of drinking with his friends. And the worst possible moment for Sara to find out, mid-driving test, in the middle of the road. 

Linda giving Simon the long overdue hug and telling him he’s not doing anything wrong. YES!

„Love shouldn’t be this difficult“ - Linda, I trusted you!!! Don’t give Simon ideas.. 

Sara turning up at the house, breaking down. Simon hugging her. Forgiving her. I am in actual tears now. Can’t handle it. I’m sooo glad he is forgiving her. This was soooo necessary. Finally some healing…. 

That’s a decent apology text, Wille, I’m proud of you :)

The nail polish looks sooo good!!

And its off 😂 That was shorter than Wille’s career in the choir..

The Happy Birthday Song Scene will forever be my favourite Wilson scene. I am crying my eyes out because I know it’s all going to go wrong soon, and this might be one of the last moments of happiness. And it is SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!! 

Also I am sooo glad the ‚Is everything ok between us?‘ line happened here and now was immediately answered with a ‚yes‘ - that takes away one of my biggest fears from the trailer… 

Also, he made him a sandwich? Asjdnä oajbef lskdfb .sjdnfsldnf lsdn 💜

I like Farima. Also her green suit is gorgeous :) 

They are holding hands in the car !!!!

„Maybe it was stupid to tell you that thing about Erik. I get that it must’ve been tough to hear.“ Yeah, no shit, August.

Simon is just chilling, living his best life eating cake :) 

„Cause there’s a risk of poisoning.“ Oooff. Simon’s expression is golden :))

I think Simon will never get used to having staff to take care of everything. And to Wille being absolutely ok with that and not even noticing it. 

Spotted Lisa Ambjörn, hihiiiii :))

Please make Simon feel welcome. Please. 

Why are they all pretending like everyone’s happy and fine? 

August is just so happy to be near Sara, it is actually adorable. 

Felice and Sara working side by side. I have so much hope that they can find their friendship again. Like, they are both loving being in each other’s company..! And Felice wanting to be a chef? I am here for it!!!! That whole little scene was beautiful :))

That is the most awkward dinner conversation ever. Poor Simon. Poor Wille. And they really don’t make it easy for anyone just bringing everything back to Erik. Like, that just adds so much pressure on Wille, and also this is such a vulnerable topic for him right now… 

Class Bad Boy. Lol

I love that he hates the title. Like, season 1 August would have loved it! That is GROWTH, ladies and gentlemen!

„It’s not very long. I’ll read it to you“ - dude, she can read, she just didn’t want to! 

His voice breaking up a little while he reads the letter. Malte is really on the next level this season…

The way he leans his head into that hug…! I have so much hope for them…. Please, please, please!

Yes, I can see that from Frederike’s point of view this looks bad. But you don’t know anything about the situation. And you’re just going to cause problems. But of corse she runs straight to Felice. Uuughhh, and things were just starting to look like they could be friends again someday. 

Wille playing a bit of the school song. Is that the only thing he remembers how to play, because he taught it to Simon? 

Wille, you’re being unfair. Yes, it’s hard for you. But Simon is also allowed to find it hard. And he is only trying to support you.

I’m sorry, but Wille’s parents could not be more useless right now. I am so glad Wille is finally speaking his mind. Maybe the delivery is not the most productive, constructive, diplomatic, but a child should not have to beg for his parents to be there for him. And they should not just leave the room when he does. Like, I understand that you are ill and struggling and that it must be absolutely terrible to deal with your eldest son dying tragically in a car crash, but Wille is right, you still have a son, and he needs you!!! 

The way Simon looks horrified and genuinely scared when Wille smashes the gifts. Like, he looks kind of scared of Wille. I bet he witnessed these kind of violent outbursts from his dad when he was younger. Oh Simon….

There it is: „Love shouldn’t be this hard.“ And it hurts just as much as I thought it would. 

Wille’s cheek is so wet, he must have been crying a lot already. 

Simon’s voice cracking when he says „Maybe it just can’t work.“ - he is breaking his own heart admitting this. 

The lyrics just before the cut „I got addicted to a losing game“ - KILL ME NOW!

I am in tears. Like, I knew they were going to come to a point like this, but that doesn’t mean it’s ok!!!

[marieispink]

My Sara rant before season 3

Season 3 is coming, and with that hopefully Sara's redemption and I have to express my anger before that.

What drives me soo mad with Sara in season two is that she's aware of the wrong of her actions, but she refuses to acknowledge the worst of it (as I see it of course). She knows she's in the wrong, but all season she focuses on how Felice will be mad. Not Simon.

She's so desperate to integrate in the upper class that the first concern in her mind is not that Simon, her brother, will be upset at her for using the worst thing that ever happened to him for her advantage (because it all started with her blackmailing August for a place in Hillerska), but with Felice!

(Also Simon doesn't know that she blackmailed August, will it come up in season 3? Hope so)

And in the beginning I took it like she's mad at him it won't last, and then maybe she's supressing her concerns, maybe, like she claims, she doesn't get how damaging it was to Simon, the damage was done she says.

But it's almost worst?? In E5, after she left August waiting in the ball and fought Felice and then went back to August she says that she got freaked out when he said that he's wille's backup and makes him promise not to hurt her. So she knows.

She knows Simon's hurt, she knows there were consequences for being with someone of the royal family, and she knows Simon still loves Wille she said it herself. It drives me insane. Where's her empathy??? Girl you're so much better than this. And still all she talks about is Felice's anger. Not a mention to Simon. It's like he doesn't even cross her mind. The biggest victim here.

Remember in season 1 E2 when she left with Simon the second he stood up? E3 when she was teasing about his crush? Babygirl, come back, you're not this stupid. The damage was done? Be for real.

And I truly don't know if her diagnosis can explain any of her behavior. I'm not neurodivergent and don't know anyone who is, all I have is wikipedia. But this isn't like when she was missing the signals in the room with Felice's mother. It's just so egocentrical.

And that takes me to my biggest complain, to me, her feelings come partly from the fact that August is the ideal of upper class aka the life she wants. And she loses sight of what she is in that.

Far from me to condemn someone that wants to social climb, that was my favourite part about her in season 1. I was like yes girl I get you, I want pretty dresses too, their shit is so much better. But she gets lost in the dream, and that's why she loses everything by the end of the season.

I understand that her issues with bullying gave her this desperate desire to fit in, and in hillerska fitting in means different things, but the class division is never too far. Even when she's accepted into manor house, her social space is completly dependent on Felice, all of the girls turn on her the second Felice does, they don't even care to hear her side or keep the peace, like friends would. They're not her friends, but she ignores all that.

At this short moment between S2 E3 e E5, Sara has almost everything she wants, August, Her place in manor house, a friend group, and Rosseau's going to a good family. Does it last? No. Is it perfect? No, because it's fake. It's all fake. She's not one of them, she'll never be. It's all hanging on lies and the will of the upper class. No matter who she dates, where she lives, it's all fake.

But does she think of Simon? No! Or at least, if she does, we don't see it, until it blows on her face. My theory is denial, she knows she's in the wrong, so she won't even let herself think of him, but like, what an asshole.

And she goes and tells August that Simon's going to the police. As if he was ever going to confess, she's not stupid, she can't possibly honestly think he will. And if he did then what? How's that any better? She still hid it.

And it annoys me at that scene when she tells August he was supposed to confess, honey, did you insist for him to go to the police after you started kissing? You didn't want him to confess. Don't pass the blame, you're still accomplices.

That being said, I still hope for her redemption. I do miss the Eriksson siblings from S1, good times. At least she seems to be sorry now (Finally!). Can't help but think she's only sorry she was caught like August, but I guess we'll see it now on the 11th.

Please let it be good, I saw a theory she'd be in a car accident? If Simon forgives her just because she almost dies I'll be so upset. She needs to work for it. Simon deserves it.

We have no good information on Sara, she's probably going to spend the season with the Felice plotline that I won't care for. She's almost kissing August in the trailer, but I choose to give her the benefit of the doubt. If not I hope she's miserable with him S2. They can be together in unhappiness, maybe she can visit him in jail.

[scatteredpiecesofme]

On August and Sara

I know that a part of the fandom disliked the Sargust storyline and among the various reasons mentioned, one made me think. Some were disappointed because August was given this sort of "redemption arc", some others complained about his arc being contradictory, as if the writers couldn’t decide what to do, whether to “redeem” him or not.

I think this wasn’t the point at all. I don't believe Sara and August love story was meant to be an actual redemption arc, for either of them (if anything, because as such it badly failed). This was just Young Royals doing what Young Royals does best. Namely, showing us once again that human beings are very much complex and nuanced when it comes to their feelings, decisions and actions.

It was easy to accept the not-all-black-and-white pov with Wilhelm and Simon because we love them, sympathize with them, we even identify with them. Doing the same with August and Sara is much harder. But even assholes can have a soft side. It's real. It's human. And it doesn't erase their wrongs.

I think what comes across as disturbing in August+Sara's story is that both of them have made terrible and selfish choices, both of them have betrayed their friends and family, and yet they get to enjoy some blissful moments of love, tenderness, and care. Moments of real happiness. And they do it exactly when Wilhelm and Simon are apart, heartbroken and dealing with a lot of issues. Somehow it feels unfair.

Love is often perceived as something that people deserve or don't deserve according to their behaviour or moral standing. Some sort of reward that we get if we are good enough. Then, how can an asshole who has done such shitty things be loved? Or how can a selfish, untrustworthy person be able to love anybody? These are the unspoken questions.

The thing is, love is not a prize. Love is just something that happens. Often in the most unexpected ways. It's unfair. It’s random. Uncontrollable. Messy. Sara puts it into words beautifully: "You can't control your feelings. Even if you have feelings for the wrong person, it can feel so damn right". And love is not a redeeming force either. The bare fact of being in love or being loved doesn't make a person better, nor it can be expected to.

Any redemption tropes left aside, their storyline shed light on some sides of the characters that we hadn't seen yet, adding layers and depth to both and making them even more interesting (to me Sara and August were already very interesting characters in S1). It challenged the viewers to question their perspective and to deal with mixed feelings (oh, wait he's the villain, I hate him... how comes that for a split second I found him so tender and I was rooting for them??). It gave us some sweet, fluffy moments in a season which was at risk to have none, together with some very realistic intimacy representation. It provided a good amount of drama for the final climax and it set things up for potential plotlines in s3 (lots of potential shit, depending on where the authors want to go). And despite Sargust being the most random, weird and unlikely couple ever, it felt believable to me. On top of everything, Malte and Frida showed great chemistry and their acting was truly amazing.

Sooo... I might be the only one here, but I really enjoyed Sara+August storyline in S2.

[faretheewellpotato]

I finished watching Young Royals few hours ago and I need to rant about it. Here are somethings that I absolutely loved about the show

The show has teenagers who actually look like teens. There have been so many shows where the cast looks so much older than the characters age. Like seriously where in the world do you have teens who look like the cast of Riverdale ( no offense).

This was one of those teen dramas which was relatable at a higher level. High school isn't all love stories , gossips and parties. Most of these shows portray high school in such a glorified manner, when it is so much more.

Let's talk about Sara. Her main aim was to fit in and want to have a life that she thought she couldn't. She gets so lost in it that she snaps at her mother and has be calmed down by Simon. This is something that most teens go through, the urge to fit in but also making sure they don't loose themselves in the process.

Then we have August, yes I know we hate him for what he did. But still let's look into his character. He wants to succeed and carry on his family's legacy. He gets so lost in trying to be good at everything that he looses his values. I hope in season 2 we have a redemption arc for him.

Felice is a character that I didn't like at the beginning. She was obsessed to get with Wilhelm and I don't know, I didn't like it. But when she and Sara connect, I feel like both their characters had some kind of development and honestly it was one of the best thing to watch. Also how the 'popular' girl was not skinny, white and blonde should truly be appreciated.

Simon is probably my favourite character in the show. He is absolutely adorable and lovely. I love how awkward, shy and loving he is. He has always been Wilhelm, since the beginning. His and Wilhelm's relationship has been rocky because of the added drama, but Simon never gave up on him. He was there for Wilhelm in his most difficult times and I love him for it.

Wilhelm, it's difficult to describe him because I don't know how form words to talk about him. I loved his storyline the most. Everything from him loosing his brother to being outed out was executed perfectly. And the way he got through them or how he handled it was really beautiful.

Simon and Wilhelm, one of the best couples I have seen on any streaming platform in a long time. They literally complete each other and are dependent on each other in a healthy way. Their relationship is so pure that my burst everytime I watch it. Every scene of theirs is sooo cute. It can be the glances, the awkward flirting or the comforting hugs, it was so beautiful. I loved it so much that I can't wait for the next season. P.S : I loved the last scene where Wilhelm looks into the camera, there was something about the way he did it that has been replaying in mind a million times.