*Warning: Contains Spoilers*
Judy Blume's reimagined Forever on Netflix, created by Mara Brock Akil and newly renewed for Season 2, depicts young love in the heart of Los Angeles but doesn't hesitate to pepper in the roller coaster of emotions that comes with high school romance. As fans watch Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.) navigate adolescence, raging hormones and high school drama, it's refreshing to watch their dating life play out on-screen despite hearing the controversial takes saying "you can't find real love in LA."
I'll admit it was hard watching episode after episode and not imagining myself walking those same blocks on Fairfax Ave. as Keisha. This is coming from someone who lived in LA for three years and 10 minutes away from the dimly lit restaurant featured in Episode 7, the one with an ambience fit for a date night and even a girls night out. I've surely had many of the latter. Now, as we all patiently await Keisha and Justin's next chapter, here are a few of the moments I connected with in Forever — moments that give me hope for LA's dating scene.
First date vibes
Shortly after Keisha and Justin reunite in Episode 1, their first date takes place in the Fairfax District of LA. Yes, it's initially awkward with the two getting visibly more comfortable with each other as the day goes on, but nothing immediately about Justin gives off "F-boy" vibes. He kinda, sorta, takes Keisha shopping before their typical teenage movie outing. These lovebirds also give everyone the feels when they subtly hold hands while walking down the street. Justin and Keisha even make their own "dinner and a movie," complete with ramen and more treats. Who doesn't love a full-day date with the person of their dreams!
Keisha's night in with Justin's fam
This whirlwind relationship keeps everyone on their toes — surely Justin's parents, Eric and Dawn, too — but it's certainly enjoyable to watch Keisha fit in so well with the Edwards family in Episode 4. From puzzles with Justin's mom, video games with his younger brother, Jaden, to chef Eric teaching Keisha how to expertly cook salmon. With all of that, it's safe to say, Keisha's mom and dad approved.
LA overlook date night
After Keisha had a tough conversation with her mom about what really went down with her and her ex, Christian, Justin hoped to do what any good boyfriend would: console her. Once he finally got permission to meet up with Keisha that night in Episode 6, he took her to an overlook to talk things out before making sure she got home safely. This scene instantly made me think of my own date night in Los Angeles, checking out the view of the city of Hollywood from the Griffith Observatory at night.
Dinner date on Sunset
In Episode 7, Justin brings Keisha back to that same overlook, which is likely now their favorite spot. After things get steamy, the couple is hungry (understandably so), and they head to Justin's dad's restaurant right on Sunset, Linden, to celebrate Keisha's college acceptance. They also end up having a conversation about what their future looks like together after high school. Sure, things have been rocky for these two, but to be able to have a mature conversation like this shows how much they've grown.
Keisha's grand gesture
Last but not least, Keisha's grand gesture in Episode 5 to track down Justin in Martha's Vineyard after she realized what she lost. Of course, not everyone would take the same approach, but after Keisha's big prom fail with her ex, she knew it would take more than a "sorry" to fix things. I mean, what's the harm in traveling over 2,000 miles for the sake of love? Thankfully, it all proved to be worth it and it showed during that emotional scene when they finally reunited on their bikes, Keisha crying uncontrollably.
Justin and Keisha went through a lot together as a young couple. Not everyone can relate to the trauma Keisha had to deal with as a young teen, but what shines through is the love and support these two had for each other no matter what. For any friend or acquaintance that has ever asked me "how's dating going?" before venting about how "bad" dating in LA is, my wish is that Forever's portrayal of romance gives you a glimmer of hope in what's possible.
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