Verbontene Liebe

So in my spare time (which there's a fair amount of in between checking for jobs and going on walks) I've become obsessed with following gay plot lines on soap operas.

I kept up with Luke and Noah on As The World Turns for a bit over a year ago because it they were the first gay couple on daytime tv in the US. They're a cute couple but as American soap opera's do, their relationship has an abundance of drama, plus because of what "Americans want" there's a minimal amount of PDA between the two, actual on-screen kisses are months between. And now that One Life to Live has the start of Kyle and Oliver (Fish) I keep an eye on them too, but that plot is just starting to unfold and us poor viewers have to wait for the writers to pick up the storyline from time to time to get more out of it. And Oliver's internalized homophobia is really a drag, he's dating a woman now, threatening Kyle to stay out of his life...everyone knows they're going to end up together but its just a big headache.

But through the glory of youtube and some kind soul across the Atlantic, I am madly obsessed with Christian and Oliver of Verbontene Liebe (Forbidden Love, a German soap opera), perhaps the most adorable couple ever to strike the earth. Their storyline started way back in 2007 perhaps around the same time Luke and Noah did. It began the same as most gay fictional plot lines go. Oliver is a mostly gay man who has known about his sexual preference since age 13, and Christian is dating a woman and is fine with homosexuality as long as it doesn't get too close to him. Of course with heartwrenching honesty and interesting dramatic twists they eventually end up together and their plot line turns to what its like to be the most awesome couple ever. Here's why its easy to love them:

Of course they have spats, they have some big ones, but all of them come from logical and expected places. When they get angry at each other its easy to understand why. The fights are natural and expected fights, most couples need to go through some sort of struggle to figure out the balance of work life and home life, jealousy, pursing dreams, etc. Its HOW they make up that is so wonderful; usually the guy who originally felt wronged is the one who makes the first move and apologizes, making a huge gesture of support.

The message is always that when things start to look rough the answer is to love each other more. Christian and Oliver know that no matter what, their relationship is the most important thing to both of them and they'll do whatever is necessary to make that happen. Does that mean that they both give up on their own dreams? No, they support each other through the changes that need to happen in their lives to make that happen.

Its also flippin adorable how much PDA they get in. Its obvious that they characters really care for each other. As they live in an apartment with other characters in the story, they're often involved in plots other than their own, usually as the ones giving helpful advice on someones love life. This also gives the viewers a chance to see how their relationship is from day to day, what its like when there isn't a crisis. They'll kiss each other whenever they want, give a playful swat, tease each other...constant reminders that they really do love each other and its obvious to everyone who sees them.

Its also nice because as the lowly youtube viewers we get know a little more about a fun group of people they interact with regularly. Christian's brother, Gregor (often a douche, but somehow you still route for him), lives across the hallway and becomes Olli's (Oliver) partner. Christian and Gregor's cousin Stella has moved in with Gregor in recent months. We get to know Olli's aunt, Charlie, and cousin Olivia (a really not so kind individual for the most part, but has some surprisingly human moments). And the roommates Judith and Lydia. Judith has far too many boy troubles over her own, often where she's got two guys she's interested in and can't choose. Somehow it doesn't get old, and the guys are usually there to help her out, like two awesome older brothers. Lydia is in a relationship with Sebastian which has plenty of ups and downs, but the four of them are a great group, and have great comedic timing. Plus they offer great advice to each other.

Its really just a great show (at least what I see of it) and I'm a little sad to be almost caught up with real time now, as I've been pretty spoiled catching up on the last two years. At any rate, they're adorable and I adore watching them. Many thanks to the Germans for putting together a couple gays could be proud of.


Christian is on the left.
Oliver is on the right.