Yuri on Ice and Pedestals
Okay, Imma quit with the Yuri on Ice analysis soon, but there is so much to analyse in this show (and I am actually trained in doing these type of analyses so hey it’s about the only part of my higher education I get to exercise these days!)
Anyway, I was reflecting on how much the removal of Viktor’s pedestal from Yuuri’s mindscape was a necessity for their relationship to grow.
Viktor first arrives in Hasetsu and rather than the confident gorgeous Yuuri he was expecting, he finds ‘slightly out of shape nervous wreck’ Yuuri who can barely stand even being in the same room as him for too long. Viktor figures out very quickly that Yuuri has his issues (performance anxiety, painfully shy, not good with people), and after flirting rather obviously for the first couple of episodes and later being outright rejected when Viktor offers to be his boyfriend, Viktor backs off. He also learns that Yuuri is a massive fan (I refuse to believe Viktor shipped a framed picture of himself to Japan when it’s the exact same picture as one of Yuuri’s posters of him (I believe he stole it from Yuuri to see if he’d notice or say anything)). Realising how big a fan Yuuri is of him also makes Viktor very aware that Yuuri has placed him on a pedestal of god-like proportions.
Viktor’s own actions see that pedestal begin to break however, and pretty quickly at that - he repeatedly points out Yuuri’s weak spots, such as his weight and his difficulties landing jumps, tells him to think about an ex-lover when he’s practicing (fully aware Yuuri has no ex-lovers), and goes out drinking all night when he’s meant to be training both Yuuri and Yurio. There’s no actual intent in these words or actions - Viktor just has his own issues dealing with people, but that’s another post…
But Viktor’s actions are enough for Yuuri to start getting irritated with him, going as far as to shout at him incredulously for the lovers comment and to school him publically regarding his previous season’s mishaps in front of a crowd at the regional qualifier.
When the Cup of China comes around, Viktor fucks up. He really fucks up. He fails to see the pressure Yuuri is under and adds to it. When he finally realises that Yuuri’s entire season is in jeopardy due to his nerves he stages an intervention that leads to Yuuri breaking down in tears and shouting at him.
It’s at this moment that Viktor completely dismantles the pedestal Yuuri has built for him. He doesn’t realise that he’s succeeded in doing this until they reach the rinkside and Yuuri dares to go for Viktor’s own sensitive spot - his paranoia about his non-existent baldness. Yuuri takes the opportunity to poke him on the top of his head in front of thousands of people, and tens of thousands watching worldwide.
Yuuri’s entire performance after that is fueled by his monologue about “stupid Viktor”. Viktor is no longer an idol. He’s a person, and Yuuri is able to accept him, warts and all. Even letting Viktor subtly know he’s not all that special by performing Viktor’s formerly unique signature move - the Quad Flip.
Viktor previously told Yuuri (and Yurio) that he was far more ordinary and mediocre than he thought. Yuuri blithely accepted that critique in episode 2 without a fight. In episode 7 he responds by taking away Viktor’s one unique move, while also surprising the master of surprise - Viktor is stunned, impressed and proud…
…and he also realises that Yuuri no longer places him on a pedestal… and that Yuuri’s close to realising the truth - that he’s every bit Viktor’s equal.
And it’s an equal that Viktor is truly seeking.
Yuuri’s outburst in the car park also lets Viktor know another crucial fact - Yuuri has feelings for him. Deep ones. He needs Viktor. Not the idol, not even the coach…Just Viktor.
When the performance is over, Viktor is overjoyed, both with the performance, and with the realisation that they’ve unconsciously torn down the barriers between them.
So he makes his move immediately - Viktor doesn’t even let Yuuri get off the rink before he plants a kiss on him for all the world to see!
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