Do you think everyone knows about them (in world) or do you think they’re keeping it secret from some?

It’s just a thought that’s been in my head recently. It is most likely fuelled by the whole drama of G&B not being able to depict a “specific character” (it’s definitely Bart) as gay. They’ve had to hide the relationship from their audience - because of ridiculous reasons - but there are still moments that bring up the question - Are they? Before the reveals from AskGreg, I kinda thought- well they are clearly not together yet, but perhaps they both have feelings for one another and are just waiting for the other to make the next move because they’re nervous idiots who don’t want to have read the situation wrong — all while their friends are like - seriously guys? just get together already. Kinda like they did in s1 with Wally and Artemis - and I guess early Supermartian as well - which I would have been okay with... though with the likelihood of there being at least another two year time skip you’d probably have missed the getting together moment - which would kinda suck. Anyway. With the information about the chances being they were supposed to clearly be in a relationship throughout S3 — which makes the whole structuring of ILLUSIONS just make sense — it’s got me viewing their moments with a whole new energy. Also, I saw this post by Greg —

And let me just clarify, I have no idea if this is actually referencing the Ed and Bart stuff, it might not be (probably isn't). This is purely me speculating.

My reading of this is they got told they couldn’t depict Bart as gay pretty late on and that specifically affected ILLUSIONS where they likely intended to confirm the relationship with that first shot - the kiss on the cheek moment. Even now that moment is just odd - because it’s there but it’s not - because technically there is no actual kiss… which I think is absolutely the point. It plants the seed without actually breaking any rules - all by keeping the momentum but removing the specific kiss frame. It’s the only moment that I feel is explicit in saying they are in a relationship - everything else you can just read into and imply there’s something - but they technically don’t confirm anything.

The whole thing is actually quite interesting - despite the reasoning for it being totally ridiculous. By keeping/showing what they did... People notice it. People talk about it. People reflect on it. More people talk about it. People writing. Make. Create. Discuss it. An entire audience is formed who want and support it. It’s a whole thing now because people noticed it and generated a positive response to it - and that was before all the AskGreg information. The whole reason YJ got a season 3 is because the fans fought to get it back. Enough people talked about it - and kept talking about it - to convince TPTB that the show should come back. Greg and Brandon know this. They know the power the fans have and maybe they hoped that power would help them again in freeing Bart from these ridiculous restrictions. #letbartoutofthecloset

Obviously, we can't know until S4 is released whether G&B got the permission to confirm Bart's sexuality the way they envisioned - but maybe the responses that came during the release of 3b were enough to convince TPTB that they were fighting a losing battle. But who knows, people in power can be very stubborn at times, so we will just have to see what we get. Fingers crossed they eased up though - and not just because of the Ed/Bart relationship (which I am obviously a fan of -- it's fine if not everyone is) - but because these restrictions on LGBTQ+ content shouldn't be a thing and need to stop -- there is just no validity in them.

Anyhow. despite their not being allowed to officially confirm the relationship, Greg's comment about Ed's having a boyfriend they can't name basically confirms the fact without technically breaking any rules again. Masterfully done Wiesman. With this, it implies the pair are in fact dating during S3 which brings us back to the original question... but who knows??

With the comments of Virgil during ILLUSIONS, it's easy to assume their friends do in fact know. They also seem to have no problem being close and interacting with one another whilst in the presence of others -- that is, except for one moment...

Ever since the first time I saw this episode (ELDER WISDOM) I have always found this moment strange - because Ed seems to get kinda awkward when Barry comes to check on Bart. (Or that's how I see it at least.) He realises Flash is standing there and immediately pulls his head down averting his gaze -- almost like he doesn't want to be seen by the elder. But why? Does Barry not know about the pair -- or maybe he doesn't know about Bart and Ed thinks their current closeness is too revealing -- who's to say Bart's even fully out to the world yet -- who's to say either of them are? We certainly don't since we weren't allowed to be shown. We can't know until we know - so until then we can play the speculation game while we wait.

Bart is certainly a bit of a secret keeper when it comes to being himself. I'm still convinced the Bart we see onscreen is merely his interpretation of what he thinks people expect from a speedster in this time. We saw 'real' Bart, he was snarky and cynical and nothing like the Bart we've had for the past two seasons. He said it himself - he's playing a character - and I don't think he knows how to break out of it - not while the possibility exists that it might hurt those he's grown to care about. Bart wants to be seen a certain way to avoid acknowledging the truth of the past - if people see him as happy and smiley, then no one will question him on things he doesn't want to talk about. The problem with that is you can't hide yourself forever - cracks begin to form and eventually, the truth comes out whether you want it to or not. So who knows how comfortable Bart is revealing any of his true self to those he cares about. Maybe his relationship with Ed will be the thing that finally helps him find comfort in being himself, whilst also trusting others to still accept him as himself... and maybe getting him that bit of therapy he really needs.

This brings us to Eduardo… First, can I just say it made me so happy to see Greg’s confirmation of Ed being gay - though it is slightly annoying that he was robbed of his explicit onscreen reveal in S3 thanks to the drama with Bart. His whole relationship to his powers in S2 to S3 fits the representation of coming to terms with your sexuality/identity from a very negative point of view. Feeling like it’s something that needs fixing or needs to be “cured” - to then finding the light and freedom in accepting yourself for you. His growth between seasons is brilliant. He understands the hate and insecurity the teens are feeling because he felt it himself. He does all he can to help them because he never felt he got that help when he needed it - and no one deserves to feel worse for being who they are. Obviously, the things he talks about are framed in the context of dealing with/accepting the meta-gene - yet there are certain moments where it seems he’s saying more than that…

All of which got me wondering - why did Ed originally runaway? It certainly wasn’t because of the meta-abilities he did not yet have. All he’s ever said on the subject was he thought he wanted to be with his father - the man it seems he barely had a relationship with. No, I think Ed has been running from himself for a long time and his dad just happened to be an actual direction for him to aim for. The way he speaks about his wanting to be “cured” and “praying to get rid of his powers” suggests an upbringing around religion and traditional ideas of there being a ‘normal/proper’ way to be — while anything that doesn’t fit that way is treated as other or something that needs to be changed or 'fixed'. Maybe he ran to avoid being found out and run the risk of being ostracised by those he loved. Or maybe he was found out and leaving wasn’t entirely his choice*. If this was the case, I can certainly imagine him not wanting to come out to his dad for fear of his reaction and completely losing all chance of that father-son relationship they’re both trying so hard to keep. It can seem easier to live in secret than risk the reality of loss. So while the meta-gene likely wasn’t the main thing he was angry about in S2, it was able to become a physical thing he could blame and focus his anger on - without having to think about where his issues truly lied… Though with a bit of time it also became the thing he was comfortable conveying his feelings through...

“I’ve learned to accept, even love my meta-abilities”

I love this line so much and it’s all because of the delivery by Freddy Rodrigues. There is the slightest hint of a pause before he says “meta-abilities”, which gives the impression he was about to say something else before then remembering himself and who he was talking to. Then there’s the small inflecion he put on “love”, which makes it sound like it’s the first time he’s heard himself say the words out loud. I don’t hear him talking about the gene - I hear him talking about finally accepting himself - all of himself - for the first time in maybe ever and finally feeling happy because of it. I hear growth... From being the angry 14-year-old skater who just wanted to run away and escape any way he could. To the 16-year-old councillor/Outsider jumping straight into the danger to protect and inspire those who need it. Both he and Bart are such strong characters with so much more to be seen - especially when it comes to the insecurities which lie behind their masks. They both compliment each other pretty perfectly - both powers-wise and personality-wise - meaning while they try to hide themself from others, I don't think it'll take long for them to realise they can't hide from each other.

Anywho, that’s all the speculatary nonsense I’ve got for today. This turned into such a patchwork of vaguely linkable thoughts I’ve had which barely relate to the one I started with - but that is usually how it goes. Take it as you will…

Also, completely unrelated to YJ, but Bi Tim Drake now exists in dc canon which is really cool - seeing all of the joy it’s sparked has really given me something to smile about this week… There is hope after all. 🌈

— LB ⚡️☀️

* OK so here’s a little random snapshot into the chaos of my mind— as I was writing the Ed stuff I had a scene pop into my head of Ed finally -for whatever reason- having to tell his dad that he didn’t leave his abuelo’s home - he got kicked out. His dads confused about this and asks Why? What did you do? And Ed’s like Nothing… I didn’t do anything wrong… he just… found out something. So Seniors like Found out what Eduardo? And Ed’s getting really nervous now because he doesn’t want to say it - That I, um… I’m… Senior step a fraction closer as he picks up on Ed’s anxiety but remains an appropriate distance - Son? Then after a tensening silence he finally says it - sounding the most vulnerable he has ever been - I’m gay… The silence is there again, heavy and unnerving, neither saying a word. Ed can’t move as he’s lock in his elders unreadable glare. Expecting the worse his head drops to take in the floor - anything that isn’t the disappointment ahead - he feels the urge to disappear burning up inside him - consuming him. Then just as he’s about to escape he’s suddenly grounded by a steadying hand rooting itself on his shoulder. Tentatively he lifts his gaze to witness his father, there, with nothing but love and support in his eyes - Mijo. The clamping in his chest dissipates as all the tension escapes at once, along with the breath he hadn’t realised he was holding. Ed embraces his dad and the elder embraces his son. Together. A family.

Basically, there was one character in the show that Greg and Brandon believed was gay in their depiction but were not allowed to actually show as gay onscreen because the higher-ups told them they couldn’t. He made reference to this in two of his responses that I’ve seen so far. In the first, he made no implication of who this character was - only that that was their only restriction in terms of showing LGBTQ+ content at the time of S3.

In the second response, he mentioned the fact some fans interpret a romantic connection between Dick & Wally and Jaime & Bart - though that was never their intention when writing those characters and their relationships - which is fair enough. Then in brackets, he reiterates the previous statement but adds the sweet little detail that it is one of those four characters that has essentially been blocked from coming out by TPTB. And considering three of them are/have been in established relationships with female characters - I’m gonna take that as him saying it’s Bart without using the words “it’s Bart”.

(This is obviously my reading of the information - I acknowledge I could always be wrong.)

Anyway. Bart officially being an LGBTQ+ character in YJ would make me really happy. Not really for any particular reason but I think it works for this interpretation of him and I like it. That’s all I’m gonna say about that.

Now for why all of this really ticked me off…

They were NOT ALLOWED to represent a character as gay. REALLY?! I get that Bart in the wider world of DC has never (to my knowledge) been gay or anything other than heterosexual - but this isn’t the Bart Allen show that is focused on retelling the official history of the character as everyone has previously known it. He is one character amongst an ensemble of A LOT of other characters who exist in their own contained universe of Earth-16. None of the stuff that happens in YJ is gonna affect the narratives of other DC content - not like it does in the live-action stuff or the MCU. It’s self-contained. It’s its own thing. So what does it matter if they change his sexuality? Who he is attracted to/in a relationship with doesn’t impact anything that would take away from his character or his role in the plot.

I have previously seen comments on Bart/Ed content that justify them not being together because “Bart is straight”. While it’s never been officially said in the show that Bart is gay - it’s also never been officially said that he is heterosexual either. Much is the same for a lot of other characters because sometimes it’s a detail that just doesn’t come up. It doesn’t always matter to them or the narrative being told. We are constantly interpreting what we see in the characters we’re presented - whether that’s with the information we’re shown or what the creators tell us or what we know of previous incarnations of the characters or even our own knowledge of life and interaction. We take what we can. We are constantly filling in the gaps with what we have until we are officially told something different. So yes Bart has been heterosexual in the past - but that does not mean he must always be heterosexual for the rest of time. (Or at least it shouldn’t.)

The beauty of these characters is that they are fictional. They’re not bound to truth/factual reality like historical figures are - meaning they are free to be reinterpreted and moulded to fit into different narratives.

Reinterpretation isn’t just about fixing something because it’s problematic and saying this is how it should always be from now on. There are so many ways reinterpretation can be used effectively in a piece of media - and I think YJ executes them all pretty well.

First is the FIX IT - reworking to correct problematic elements that do not work anymore and need to be changed/reconsidered. The Runaways are great examples of this since they are sourced from characters created in a time when DC was trying to be more diverse with its heroes - but really they were just cliched with little thought put into them. These characters needed to be completely reimagined in order to make them feel like characters who actually enhance the plot - rather than just being added to tick off the diversity box. I love these characters. I am fascinated by these characters. I still want more from these characters. They all had depth because they had been thought about as actual human beings with perceptions and emotions - instead of just tagging a face to a diverse sounding name. Eduardo has become my favourite character in the show and he’s not even in it that much. While Tye has the best visual representation of power I have ever seen - I literally get chills every time I see the scene where he manifests his astral form at the bus depot. Truly brilliant. Time and effort have been put into ensuring these characters are real and fit organically into the world without offending those cultures which are being represented.

Next is ADAPTING TO FIT the specific narrative - this includes things like Halo being a MotherBox or the Harper clones. These changes allow for stronger connections between characters and the wider world being built. Originally Halo was created by an alien inhabiting the dead girl's body, but Greg and Brandon thought, why spend time introducing a new race of aliens when we can create the same product with the already established MotherBox technology. Not only does that strengthen Halo’s ties to the current plot but also connects her to Vic, to Forager, to Sphere, to the New Gods, New Genesis, Apokolypse, Darkseid and the coming war we are still yet to see. This type of reinterpretation isn’t completely necessary but it makes for a better and tighter story. It trims away unnecessary branches to keep a neat and flowing plotline.

Then there’s what they did with Roy - a well known and popular character of DC. To my knowledge Roy has never been cloned - it’s always been one guy who goes through a bunch of different hero identities over his timeline. By choosing to split the character they changed him from his original comic counterpart but crafted something which fits the specific world with much more potential. With Roy being a clone in S1, you get your angsty teen hero who wants nothing to do with the team but can still show up whenever he wants and also supply them with info they wouldn’t have gotten themselves. You get your hidden in plain sight mole content which was genuinely unexpected and masterfully done. You get multiple plot twists through Roy alone with his being both the mole and a clone. You establish how naive the heroes were of what the villains were doing - since Roy had been taken 3 years prior to our first meeting of him - which further implement how much of a threat the villains actually are. You get a hell of a lot from the one decision to make Roy a clone. It was a highly impactful change. Not to mention it allows for all of his identities to have been/still be in play, you get his descent into addition (even though it technically wasn’t shown), you get HeroRoy, PapaRoy and AngstyRoy all at the same time… and you get the genius that is PRIVATE SECURITY. All by reinterpreting Roy and making him a clone.

That then leads us to the final type of reinterpretation which is the WHAT IF. This one has no necessity whatsoever to the narrative and is completely personally driven. It’s taking a character and thinking - what if we did this, how would that impact that. It’s changing things that technically don’t need to be changed but changing them for the curiosity of seeing how things might change. You see this in fanfictions and AU stuff. Thought experiments that make you consider all the different possibilities and layers of a character and situation they’re in. I love thinking up what if stuff (as you can probably guess from my Tumblr name) because it’s so interesting to see where one simple/totally random thought can take you. The impact caused by the change can be major or it can be minor - it just depends on what’s been done/how much thoughts actually gone into it. My belief is, so long as the creator(s) 100% commit to the change they’re making I’ll follow them for the ride (you can tell when they don't.)

This brings us back around to Bart. Changing his sexuality is a completely personal choice - it doesn’t do anything to the narrative and it’s not something that was in need of being ‘fixed’. Greg and Brandon simply perceived Bart to be gay in their personal depiction of the character in their specific world that they have spent years building. That’s it. With Young Justice not being a romance focused show, Bart’s sexuality wouldn’t have much of an impact on the plot. The only way it would have is if they wanted to make him more of a focus for a future season, then you might see more of how his relationships impact his judgment (like we see with SuperMartian, or Spitfire, or whatever Dick and Barbara’s ship name is.) The characters are not defined by their relationships - they are motivated by them. The show uses relationships as a means of developing the characters - not just because it would be cute or because fans demand it (I have definitely seen shows do that and I really don’t like it.) Who a character thinks about in a situation says a lot about who they are as a person/hero. In S2 Arsenal makes decisions solely based on himself - he blows up Lex’s….

(Y’know what, I’m gonna go off point if I continue this line of thought and this is already SO long - I apologise - so I’ll talk about the relationship stuff in another post.)

The idea that a decision was made that said a certain character could not be portrayed as LGBTQ+ is ridiculous because the character is just that - a character. It doesn’t matter who they are or how well known they are. They are essentially a piece of code that forms an image and personality when fed certain bits of information. Changes may alter how they perceive certain things but ultimately they’re still going to be recognisable as that character. The only time they don’t is if the people doing the changes don’t have enough of an understanding of what makes the character that character. But Greg and Brandon do! They put a hell of a lot of time and effort into making sure the story they want to tell is as tight as they can possibly make it. They’re not just throwing ideas into a blender and seeing what comes out. They are conscious creates who know exactly what they are doing and why they’re doing it. I have enough faith in the creative team of YJ to believe that they are not going to butcher the whole entire concept of one beloved character with the changing of one minor detail that has nothing to do with his abilities as a superhero.

All that comes from restricting the change is highlighting the insecurities of those who made the decision. Its like, saying Bart is gay here is going to mean he has always been gay since his creations in 1994. Sexuality doesn’t change who you are - it just says that there is a certain type of person you feel a stronger connection to than others. Bart being gay doesn’t stop him from being a speedster. It doesn’t stop him from wanting to help others. It merely aligns him in a certain community that he previously hasn’t been. A community that is still underrepresented in media.

I’m gonna be honest right now - a couple years ago I never connected LGBTQ+ content or understood why people made such a big deal out of its lack of presence. I was naive and ignorant and have grown a lot since then. My mind was closed. I didn't think beyond my own perceptions. But you wanna know the line that flipped the switch…?

“Seventh wheel”

Yep. I remember finishing the episode after 16 and thinking - wait a minute, who was Bart coupled with? Follow very quickly by - wait are Bart and Ed a couple?! Yes even me, the person who never connected with any kind of relationship stuff, totally and almost immediately picked up on the Ed and Bart thing. Why… because every choice made in that episode was crafted to make you see without being told. Of course, it was never confirmed and still hasn't been - but I’m seeing the information Greg’s putting out and I seriously believe he is trying to say yes without saying yes - because he’s not allowed.

ILLUSION OF CONTROL opened my mind. It’s what got me onto exploring Tumblr, got me checking out fan creations and hearing other perspectives I hadn’t before. Made me question my own perceptions and actually learn the importance of representation. Now I’m so aware of all the decades of heteronormative content in the world. I get so annoyed when I see companies like Disney promote their films as having LGBTQ+ content which turns out to be a single shot that can easily be cut out for the places that don’t support it. I hate how creators think just saying a character is LGBTQ+ without actually showing it onscreen is acceptable representation. It’s all so infuriating and it needs to change!

Greg and Brandon are actually trying to do that (it hasn’t always been perfect) but they are trying - which is more than I can say for a lot of others. They understand that they have fans that still aren't being represented efficiently enough but are actually working to fix that. The fact that they aren’t being allowed to commit 100% to their desired story, characters and fans is utterly ridiculous and need to change.

People want to feel seen in the characters they love.

People need to feel seen in the characters they see audiences love.

Representation does matter because everyone deserves to be seen.

I mean just look at that face - he just wants to be free to be who he is.

#letbartoutofthecloset

——————————————

And with that I’m definitely gonna call it quits — I’m so sorry for how long this got — kudos if you actually read it. Of course there’s always the chance I’m mistaken about it actually being Bart — but my point still stands — the restrictions need to stop because it isn’t fair and is absolutely ridiculous.

I’m just hoping they found a way around it/got the ban lifted for S4 - it’s honestly my only want now.

Anyway… thanks for reading. I’d love to hear anyone else’s thoughts on the subject — also do correct me on any details I may be mistaken on (I’m sure there’s plenty). The gifs/images are not mine - I just thought they’d break the text up a bit - credit goes to the makers.

(If you haven’t, go check out AskGreg. The stuff on there is fascinating!)

Just wanna preface this by saying - I am very aware that this sort of thing has been happening for years and I’ve seen the conversations about it for other shows. It sucks and is steadily changing. I totally sympathies with those who have been through those other times - this is my first experience of it and I hate it! I’m totally understanding and feeling the frustrations right now… It sucks.

So I’m taking this as offical confirmation that our beloved speedster still won’t be getting his official in show confirmation - well, at least not in this season anyway... No, he’s still sealed in that closet of his - just waiting to be freed… #letbartoutofthecloset because it’s 2021 for crying out loud and this should not be as much of an issue as it still is anymore…

Ok…

And breathe…

I am trying very hard to not just rage throughout this - because what would that achieve… anyway, I think it’s out of my system now. On to what I actually wanna say…

Firstly, am I bummed about this? Yes, definitely - it’s a little bit of impactful representation that isn’t allowed to exist on screen because someone(s) are uncomfortable with the idea of changing something so major about a character so beloved by all - all of which I’ve commented on before (here & kinda here). Short version - the whole thing is ridiculous and I honestly can’t think of a genuinely valid reason for the restrictions that don’t highlight the decision maker’s biases and ignorance. Stories and characters need to evolve beyond their heteronormative ways of the past to inspire and connect with those who are perceiving the world with a different perspective. Everyone deserves to feel the validation of seeing themselves in the characters they watch and love. EVERYONE. Not just the same ones that have been represented for decades and more.

That all being said, am I glad I know not to expect anything now? Yes, begrudgingly yes. At least I can be disappointed now instead of waiting in expectation for something that wasn’t going to come this season. Since the AskGreg posts part of me did expect there would still be the restriction - part of me hoped (and still does) - but yeah this isn’t really a surprise… it’s just a really big disappointment.

I really feel for Greg and Brandon who are clearly just as frustrated as we are - you can hear it in every reference Greg makes on the unspeakable subject. This whole thing is messing with the story they’re trying to tell - which is infuriating. It doesn’t just affect Bart - it affects those connected to him too. I’ve already said how it’s the reason Ed’s storyline got majorly stifled in s3 and lost out on being as powerful as it should have been with no onscreen reveal and a really late confirmation from Greg. He was likely supposed to get said reveal with Bart at the Harvest Festival in Illusions - but if you can’t show Bart then you can’t show Ed - and then you’ve lost your perfect moment to relay the new information for the audience in a way that feels natural for the viewer but still makes sense in the world the characters inhabit. It’s when things don’t do that which makes them feel jarring or forced — like the Harper/Violet kiss in Early Warnings. It doesn’t feel right because there was no set up for it which showed their chemistry or even a hint that they might like each other. I still don’t see any chemistry between the pair of them and I feel like I’m supposed to - Harper seemed to show something in 4.01 but I’ve never got anything from Violet. Whereas showing Bart with his arm around Ed or mirroring them with the other couples or having Ed immediately teleport to Bart’s side when he’s hurt - that shows their connection without even having to explicitly say anything - which is so much more impactful. Show don’t tell… or at least show before you tell…

(SLIGHT COMPARISON TO ETERNALS)…

It’s why Druig and Makkari’s relationship feels so much stronger than Ikarus and Sersi’s - because we see their chemistry instead of being told they had/have it - like with Ikarus and Sersi… and I am going way off subject again - I apologise.

I guess I’m just so attached to this relationship because it’s the thing that introduced me to the YJ fandom here on tumblr. Before, I was just by myself, loving a show that no one else watched or cared about. Then I found people noticing the same thing I noticed and it felt great - after every episode I’d check back on here and see what others had to say or create - and I loved it. Now, I have made my own space where I can vent my weird and random thoughts which others can see and interact with - and I cherish it so much. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as validated as I have on this blog - and I appreciate everyone that has contributed to that feeling by reading my thoughts. This place opened my mind to thinking beyond my own perceptions and understanding those I was very much ignorant to.

That is how impactful characters and stories and relationships can be… one little line about being a 7th wheel caused all that… an entire change of perception which changed me for the better… but that’s just me - one person in an entire world of people with their own perceptions and journeys.

I kinda promised myself I wouldn’t let this get too long - but we’re again past long and I really want to tell this story that clicked in my head whilst writing this. My cousin, the one I introduced to YJ a while back, sent me a picture of a comic they’d just bought… As a bit of context - they are not massively versed in the in-depth world of superheroes, they knew of characters but not much and they didn’t usually read or buy comics… until this one — Batman: Urban Legends #6. My non-comic book reading cousin spent money on purchasing a physical copy of that comic because of the LGBTQ+ representation it contained - something which they are craving to see more of in the world they are growing up in. It gave them, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a feeling of validation and pride - as they deserve.

While there’s always going to be those who hate and fight change (some people are just too scared to open their eyes to another’s view). There are always going to be positives to be found - if you would just give them the chance to be see. So whilst I obviously ship Bart and Ed a lot - it’s not just because of that that I care so much about Barts being an LGBTQ+ character. It’s because it shouldn’t even be a problem anymore at all. Everyone deserves to feel the validation of seeing themselves in the characters they watch and love. YJs Bart Allen could be that for someone… but he not allowed.

What a world we live in.

Well that’s how I felt when I heard Greg say the words ‘we’ve had a song in every season’ during his 2nd Whelmed interview. And I’m like OMG yes there is! It’s a sentence you just wouldn’t expect in this non kidsy animated show and yet there it is and I love it! Bring on the S4 song. Also all I can think about now is a Young Justice musical episode - because you know they would make that work and it would be epic… done right though - not just singing for singings sake - but actually following the rules of musical storytelling where the songs are used for emotional expression and plot development - not just a gimmick.

Honestly, if YJ did a musical episode I think I’d lose my absolute sh*t - it would be two worlds I love colliding to make something I honestly cannot imagine but would be curious to see. I now want this almost as much as I want Bart to be allowed to be gay on screen - just not as much - because Bart should be allowed to be gay on screen - but I’ve made my thoughts very clear on that subject so I’ll just leave it there.

Anyway, fun fact, I meant to do this post in the summer when I first heard the interview but kept forgetting and never got round to it — like usual. But I’ve been seeing Greg making Twitter comments on a young justice musical this week and so I thought I’d actually get this posted before that inevitably materialises. His and some of the casts reactions are very promising…