Major plot points from all five episodes ofVampire in the Gardenare discussed in this article.Netflix presents a unique take on classic fantasy loreinVampire in the Garden,in a world where supernatural entities run rampant and the humans are left to hide in plain sight behind a curtain of demon-destroying light. War has left each side bitter and untrusting of the other, so human and vampire relations are prohibited as each species is encouraged to keep to their own.
However, when a Vampire Queen named Lady Fine stumbles across an inquisitive human by chance, the idea of a peaceful Eden is re-awakened in her soul, and Momo and Fine defy all odds in their attempts to be together. Sounds quite romantic, right?
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Lady Fine and Aria
Viewers are not gifted with Lady Fine’s full backstory and are left to fill in many blanks, with only a handful of flashbacks and the occasional conversation to work with. What is made apparent is that Aria was a human in search of an Eden where she could live in peace alongside Fine, but sadly, she died before she could fulfill her dream. It is undeniable that Fine and Aria loved each other dearly, but thetrue nature of their relationship is never stipulated. Their affections, however, seemed to reach further than friendship.
What is disturbing about the implication is not the vampire-human connection, but rather the fact that both Allegro and Fine herself liken Momo to the late Aria, not only in personality but also regarding her relationship with the Vampire Queen. As strong, independent, and self-assured as Momo is, do not be fooled, for the girl is only fourteen years old, and to insinuate that theirs is a romantic relationship is beyond inappropriate. But the ambiguous nature of their potential love affair is so distinctthat numerous fans and publicationshave alignedVampire in the Gardenwith the romance genre.
The Lovers Quarrel?
In episode 3 ofVampire in the Garden, the two hide out at a hotel while they plan their next move. While Momo is sitting on the bed, Fine jokingly jumps on top of her, and a jarring sexual energy fills the scene. This moment is generally disregarded because Fine’s vampiric side suddenly gets the spotlight, but it is a strange interaction that again insinuates thattheir relationship may have romantic undertones. Lady Fine and Momo had been in close proximity just a few moments before without triggering any cravings, so choosing to depict this ‘intimate’ moment on the bed is particularly suggestive of possible ulterior motives.
If Lady Fine regards herself only as a mother figure, then the hotel scene in episode 3 does not make complete sense. The Vampire Queen is overwhelmed with bloodlust, and Momo offers to help, but because Fine doesn’t seem to trust her self-control, the young girl is thrown out into the streets.
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If this gesture isn’t bad enough, remember their location; in the middle of a starving Vampire town. Regardless of whatever internal struggles Fine is dealing with, being cast out to the wolves is in no way any safer for Momo.
Their disagreement is tense and could easily be confused for a lover’s quarrel, where both parties feel they need to make sacrifices in order to save the other. Fine is angered by Momo’s insistence to assist, but instead of leaving the scene herself and locking Momo safely within the hotel room (like a decent mother would have), the argument ends in much the same way as a falling-out between romantic partners would; with one party storming off into the night.
Lady Fine’s Jealousy
Before Lady Fine had been alerted tothe fact that vampireswere being kept hostage in the false Eden in episode 4, she already shows signs of jealousy when regarding Momo and Alicia’s relationship as the two young girls quickly became friends. It is understandable that Fine has her doubts about the town; one does not live that long without learning a few things about people, but considering the fact that she had spent many years looking for an Eden, viewers would think Fine would show more excitement at their discovery.
There was also no way of telling that Alicia is in any position of authority, so even if Fine is apprehensive, why does she direct her animosity towards the vampire child? The idea of sharing Momo apparently does not sit well with Fine, which again, is not a normal trait for a mother-daughter relationship.
Fierce Friendly Loyalty
As disturbing as the thought of a fourteen-year-old child paramour is, there are many instances where Fine shows her maternal side,emphasizing the platonic aspect of their relationship. From the moment they first met, Fine has consistently put herself in the line of fire to protect Momo, literally jumping headfirst into battle and using her body as a shield on multiple occasions. The Vampire Queen essentially commits suicide when she injects herself with the all-powerful drug in the finale, but even in her feral state, Fine ensures to protect Momo first and foremost.
Another familial aspect of Fine’s interactions with the young girl is her constant encouragement with regard to music, as she goes out of her way to immerse Momo in the creative culture that has been taboo her whole life. The Vampire Queen teaches Momothe fundamentals of art and musicwhenever the opportunity arises, insisting that the child has singing potential and praising her for her efforts. Regardless of how this relationship may be labeled, it is evident that Fine cared deeply for Momo when assessing these sweet and innocent moments, but overall, the question is still up for debate.
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