The Ruler

Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I feel like this is one of, if not the best episode. I'd have to rewatch it again to give more specifics, it may be triggering to some but more cathartic than anything imo. It's the kind of episode i've been waiting literally years for-- Miraculous has always thrived on potential and I really thought they'd never tap into this. Finally!

In a show whose target audience is kids, this is an incredibly important episode. I have watched miraculous since it released, ten years ago now, when I was just six years old. I continued watching through all of the seasons that followed, and a new season seemed to dawn on me at pivotal moments in my life. This show meant a lot to me during Covid-19 times, and if you'd have shown 11-12 year old me, a small girl just trying to understand herself and her lack of ability to be attracted to men in a world surrounded of your friends gaining their first boyfriend, I would be a totally different girl right now.

All of the references and subliminal messages to homophobia, and self-acceptance, they're executed wonderfully. Kids need self acceptance, and they need to see that it isn't just them struggling. And sometimes all that takes is a singular episode of their favourite tv show to let them know that everything will be okay.

About the episode, now. I adore the relationship between Nathaniel and Marc. I see myself in both of them. Maybe that's why I'm so connected to this episode and them. The creative gay kids can often be a cliche but in this situation, I don't think it is. Their relationship is perfectly crafted and re-introduced after quite a drought of them being just background characters who meant nothing to the story. I'm glad we can finally meet them properly, and I can't wait for Marc's supposed focus episode (let them kiss!!)

Yes, the episode also has its corny moments, in this episode being Marinette's case of having a cold, and disgustingly green snot constantly dripping from her nose. But most strange and annoying, a sneeze so loud characters conspire about it being a jet plane??? I guess we can't complain about that though. It's fun for the target audience, and can bring attention in between some rather deep themes.

I highly recommend you watch this episode, even if you don't regularly watch Miraculous! Representation will always be crucial!!!

Loved this episode so much that it brought me back to miraculous ladybug fully, binge watched the rest after this one <3 I've been watching this show since the DAY it came out, and by far, this was the most impactful one for me. The whole allegory regarding coming out to parents who are not accepting of you hit very close to home. I could resonate with the characters, their emotions, their fears, and root for what they fight for. Of course, the main couple were very cute in this one, too. It was great to see a side character that was introduced second episode of seasone 1 to gain so much screen time where his character was fully fleshed out. Very tender moments that leave the heart soft. Wonderful episode, best even.

I can't pinpoint when exactly I stopped following MLB, but I know it's been a while. The Ruler was a fantastic episode that brought me back to the series after a long time of being disinterested. This by far is the best episode in the series (imo), and I absolutely adore it

It's a clear queer allegory about coming out after having to hide who you are, and acceptance. It was realistic and the way the characters were fully fleshed out in this episode made me fall in love with them even more.

Marc and Nathaniel were two characters that I initially liked from previous seasons, but didn't have strong attachment to due to the lack of screentime. This episode being fully focused on them (apart from brief Marinette scenes) made it so fans of these characters had more to cling onto, and I appreciate that.

I really love Marc and Nath now, and I hope to see more of them in the future. Beautiful episode that touched my heart.

This episode has such a complete feeling that a lot of episodes lack. Alongside this, the episode can be relatable for teen audiences, especially queer audiences, with the topic being tackled in a tactful way, that doesn't come off as distasteful or too forced. Alongside that message, it's also a testament to the societal view on hobbies, such as art (as seen in the episode). Really lovely.

The episode does have downsides, though. This is definitely present with the lack of screen time the heroes get, with the fight only lasting 3 or 4 minutes, a big issue in modern episodes. The scenes with Marinette and Adrien, whilst boring, don't actually drag on too long. All in all very good.