WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for Netflix's Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, now streaming on Netflix.
A major issue fans had with Voltron: Legendary Defender and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power was that they felt both series participated in queerbaiting. Voltron suggested Shiro was gay, but rather than give fans insight into the past, his love interest, Adam, was killed off-screen. Then, Curtis was tacked on at the end of the series in a wedding that felt like it was just to please people who wanted a bigger payoff for Shiro's LGBT arc.
As for Catra and Adora, apart from heavy flirting, their big kiss and overall romantic embrace came at the end of the show, which left those who clamored for more diversity, inclusivity and relatability on-screen wondering why they couldn't see these relationships fleshed out. Fortunately, one show that doesn't make this mistake is Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts as Netflix finally gets it right with Troy and Benson.
The duo professed their feelings for each other last season, and Season 3 focuses on their cute dynamic of how to spend time together. They get little moments, but Benson's so caught up trying to stop Emilia's war, he's left desperately trying to make time for the right date. He wants it to be perfect, which happens when Kipo organizes a prom for humans and mutes to unite, putting differences aside so they can build trust and create a society.
This speaks to the progressive future the series touts up, as seen when Benson has a big teen rom-com moment where he asks out Troy. What makes it special is that Troy's dad, Roberto, is there with flowers in a sentimental yet funny moment. It continues a warm interplay where Roberto is supportive of his gay son, while everyone around them, from humans to mutes, root for the couple as they see their love as normal.
It's a powerful message that's craftily done, speaking to parents and kids alike. It's the culmination of an entire season where fans saw Benson stealing kisses and Troy supporting his partner emotionally, and when Emilia's goons come, physically. It's a stark contrast to Voltron and She-Ra, where it felt like the queer angle was relegated to the back-burner so as to not rile ignorant fans. It's not that these big moments of love can't be appreciated, but again, there's no emotional attachment if they haven't been explored. Voltron's moment didn't feel fit for Curtis because he's a minor character in the show, while in She-Ra, despite Catra and Adora ending up together, there was no insight into how they would work in a relationship.
Fortunately, the same can't be said for Troy and Benson as their courting and the aftereffects are on full display. They close the series out by opening a restaurant together, which is an organic extension of their bond. And most of all, while queerness doesn't define their identities, watching two gay teens celebrating and enjoying each other as soulmates without falling into stereotypes is a welcomed sight.
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts Season 3 is currently streaming on Netflix on Oct. 12 and features The Boys' Karen Fukuhara as Kipo, School of Rock's Sydney Mikayla as Wolf and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Coy Stewart as Benson.