This article containsI Saw the TV Glowspoilers.
Jane SchoenbrunsI Saw the TV Glowis a unique, neon-colored, melancholic analysis.
Its a complex work determined to show you might find yourself through art and the joys of escapism.
The setup seems at first straightforward.
They instantly bond to the extent they have a sleepover and watch the series as it airs.
Their shared love for the series spiritually connects them more than their relationship with either of their families.
His only solace isThe Pink Opaque, which Maddy leaves weekly VHS taped episodes of in various classrooms.
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Eventually, Maddy and Owen talk again, leading them to have one morePink Opaquesleepover.
Soon after Maddy disappears without a trace.
In her absence, the lines between fiction and reality begin to blur for Owen.
He tells the audience about his upbringing and fixation onThe Pink Opaque.
Yet Owen omits all the gender-related conversations bridged between Owens attachment to Isabel as he recounts his memories.
Owen selectively recalls the time they shared watching the show.
During their hangouts in adolescence, Owen experiments with his gender identity.
We see him donning a pink dress and walking similarly to Isabel, all to Maddys accepting approval.
The fact that it is his source of escape is kept in secrecyan act of self-denial.
He instantly nods but also shakes his head, fearing being judged, let alone seen.
Yet his influence instills his memories, forcing any truth about his inner trans thoughts to disband.
Opening Up Your Innards
Whenever Owen expresses his genuine emotions, they are always directed toward Maddy.
Maddy shares with him that shes gay, and Owen claims doesnt know what he likes.
His non-defined ace, trans self, responds, I think I like TV shows.
She informs Owen that they are really Tara and Isabel from the show.
The fiend also buried them alive and cast their souls to the realm they live in now.
In aMatrix-like Red Pill, Blue Pill scenario, also a hella trans allegory, Owen rebukes Maddys hypothesis.
He lives out the cursed life permeated by his dads projection of masculinity.
However, his lack of embracement and trust in Maddys reach at every opportunity failed him.
Owen eventually lives out the greatest fear experienced by queer offspring of estranged parents: they become their father.
Owens repression finally found its breaking point.
Sadly, its in his final years.
The climax reminded me ofIm Thinking of Ending Thingswith the reveal that everything seemed to be Jesse Plemons memory.
All that you need is a TV show.
