originally written for the @miraculousfanworks December Newsletter
Oblivio is one of the most referenced, most discussed and most angsted over episodes in the third season of Miraculous, second only to the gut punch that is Chat Blanc.
On the surface the episode seems like a shipping treat with a Big No chaser due to the Miraculous reset button that ensures status quo is god, but there is a lot to dig out.
Oblivio is our first fusion akuma, something that will occur again in Heart Hunter. Contrast this with Felix, another instance where several people are akumatized by a single butterfly. In all three cases the principles are touching the same object and feeling congruent emotions:, embarrassment at being caught, frustration with their spouse, anger at Felix.
In Felix, Alya, Rose and Juleka resume their established akumasonas: Lady Wifi, Princes Fragrance and Reflekta. So either Hawk Moth can exert some control over how the process manifests or there must be something more than common objects and emotions needed for these fusions.
What's needed is a longstanding emotional bond, Positive (DJWifi) or Negative (the Bourgeois).
Bonds and partnerships are fundamental to Oblivio, which features several. This essay will focus on Adrinette. To keep track, the memory-wiped Adrien and Marinette will be AdrienO and MarinetteO.
Because of the reveal, the love square collapses. MarinetteO and AdrienO are relaxed, even playful, bowing and curtsying as they share their names.
MarinetteO is confident, just like Ladybug. She is sharp, shown by how fast she does the mental math when calling Sabine. Poster (we’re superheroes) + mom unaware = don’t reveal. The insulting cartoon she draws to distract Oblivio hints at her saucy playfulness as Lady Noire in Reflekdoll. In combat, she obviously enjoys her abilities and trades quips with AdrienO with no problem.
She makes plans and works through consequences without spiraling. She's a little clumsy, falling into AdrienO coming out of the air vent and tripping over her yo-yo while fighting Oblivio, something we haven't seen since Origins. It’s a visual cue to how integrated MarinetteO is and how badly anxiety affects Marinette outside the suit where she can trip on nothing.
AdrienO is still protective, thoroughly smitten and easy in his declarations of love. But he is not as over the top or reckless as Chat, and is much more confident and centered than Adrien. He is most like the Adrien who interacts with Plagg when they are alone.
Besides the secret, the biggest burden lifted from each of the heroes is fear. AdrienO does not fear being overlooked, making him less performative and more focused. He doesn’t simply follow orders: he plans with Ladybug. He thinks before leaping, his impulsiveness as Chat dialed way down.
AdrienO’s casual confessions and constant compliments don’t aggravate or overwhelm MarinetteO; just surprise her. She is unafraid of their relationship. Confident in her ability to handle it, her only panic is about being superheroes with zero knowledge of their powers.
While MarinetteO is still the strategist, we see them “trade“ leadership back and forth seamlessly over the course of the episode. AdrienO takes lead when they first run away, suggests the distraction plan MarinetteO implements, then leads them back to hide on the floor they had just escaped. Once disguised, he joins MarinetteO in facing Oblivio. Their partnership is much more balanced and equal than Ladybug and Chat Noir’s.
Their instant bond in Oblivio foreshadows the mature partnership that makes them the awesome leaders the future Bunnyx remembers.
