You know what I can’t ever get enough of? The High Opera that is the Jinlintai Love Declaration scene in episode 42 of The Untamed. This scene truly highlights the creative team’s commitment to both high drama and gay romance at its finest. Truly, chef’s kiss!
Those of you who know me probably know that I’m a big fan of Opera, especially Italian Opera, and this is by far the most operatic thing that happens in The Untamed. Indulge me. You see, in Italian Opera, there’s always that moment either at the end of Act III or end of the Opera when all the soloists and the entire chorus run out onto the stage to sing the big ensemble scene, often with a resounding crescendo. It doesn’t matter what they were doing prior to this or where they were, they all just SHOW UP for the grand finale. And that’s what happens in JGY’s Chamber of Secrets when everyone including Su She and his 50 soldiers suddenly show up to confront the Yiling Laozu with his utter EFFRONTERY to still exist.
I’d like to first of all linger lovingly on this scene where WangXian become surrounded by the aforementioned 50 goons with their swords drawn. The first thing Wei Wuxian does is push Lan Wangji away, and the look of utter heartbreak on Hanguang-Jun’s face is so devastating, that I’m going to need a minute before I resume. Cry with me now.
My poor heart is given a moment of comedic respite when JGY asks Wei Wuxian to unmask himself. Everyone makes THIS FACE (which is hilarious because we, the Audience, know that all of them except Jin Ling already knew that the man behind the mask was Wei Wuxian) and then it’s off to the races.
(Pour one out for Lan Xichen especially)
It’s heartbreaking that Wei Wuxian is so quick to accept that he will be alone in this, abandoned by everyone, and left to die. He’s very matter of fact about it. There is no judgement or blame here, he just accepts that this is his lot in life, no questions asked. He is the Yiling Laozu and any association with him will besmirch the other party. Of course, the party in question in Lan Wangji, the Most Devoted Man in the World, Wei Ying - you dumbass! How many times does a man have to give you chickens to get it through that dumb, beautiful head of yours that his heart and all the other sexy parts belong only to you???
Before I even have the time to fully process my heartbreak, Lan Wangji draws his sword, and it’s so sexy, I’m gonna need another moment, bear with me please.
Now as soon as Lan Wangji makes it clear that he’s a) hot for trouble and b) standing by his man, Wei Wuxian grabs a hold of his wrist. It’s very tender. It also lasts for the next 1 minute and 13 seconds. That’s right, these Disgustoids hold hands in front of all of polite society and Su She for a full minute plus, while men with swords continue to point said swords at them. Iconic! Epic! The Gay Agenda has never looked this good!
While they do tender wrist holding, Peak Romance unfolds in the form of Lan Wangji confessing his love to Wei Wuxian by quoting his own words back at him. In The Untamed, we don’t say “I love you,” or even “I whatever you” (the Romantic Standard), we say “The feeling of sticking to the single-log bridge until it’s dark is indeed not bad.” This Gross Man has carried these words in his Gross Heart for all these years, through physical and emotional trauma and against the weight of societal scorn, and he finally has the chance to say them to his bae 16 years and a death later. Can I get an OOF???
Also he makes THIS FACE while talking? I mean…??? Can Wang Yibo please fuck off and let me live? I guess not, that’s been made abundantly clear!
(Please ignore Netfilx’s idiotic subtitles when Wei Wuxian responds by saying “Lan Zhan ah Lan Zhan” but they translate it as something daft.)
What happens next is what I like to call Disgustoid Banter at its finest. Having told his man he loves him to infinity and back, Lan Wangji also tells Wei Wuxian he talks too much, and I honestly love that for them.
THEY’RE HERE, THEY’RE QUEER, THEY’RE IN LOVE FROM EAR TO EAR!
I will only leave you with this gif of Lan Wangji kicking Su She in the face because I think he enjoyed that very much and I don’t usually see this portrayed in gifs, so special thanks to Mel @significanceofmoths for always humoring me.
(All gifs made by Mel ❤️)
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