ICYMI: Prime Video’s I’m a Virgo Wrote Its Sweet Central Relationship in the Stars

Editor’s Note: Welcome to ICYMI! With so much TV constantly premiering, we’re highlighting some of the best shows you may have missed in the deluge of content from throughout the year. Join the Paste writers as we celebrate our underrated faves, the blink-and-you-missed-it series, and the perfect binges you need to make sure you see.

Last year’s strikes from both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA dampened the releases of many television shows that came out from May to October, with little to no promotion to garner the attention of audiences. With both writers and actors unable to raise awareness for their projects, these shows might not have found the audiences they would have been able to otherwise. One such series was Boots Riley’s incredible I’m a Virgo, a Prime Video limited series that deserved the eyes of every viewer who has access to the streamer. 

Riley’s series follows Cootie (Emmy Winner Jharrel Jerome), a 19 year-old, 13-foot tall Black man whose attempts to venture into the world are usually thwarted by his parents for fear of ostracization. Cootie’s life has been mostly devoted to staying inside and entertaining himself away from the world, dreaming of eating a Bing-Bang Burger while his overprotective parents do everything in their power to keep the world away from him. It’s Jharrel Jerome’s empathetic lead performance (along with Riley’s creative direction) that anchors this limited series into one that prevails at exploring the inner mental workings of growing up and experiencing the world for the first time. Cootie’s journey into the world is one of natural curiosity and profound grace, a young man finding a new meaning to life by breaking free from the isolation imposed on him. He sees the world as a young child might, eyes open to any possibility around him. He doesn’t know much about the world outside his bedroom, but knows enough about himself that, when asked to leave his house with his new friends for the first time, he responds with, “I’m a Virgo, and Virgos love adventure.”

The series is great until Flora (Olivia Washington) is introduced, and then it becomes almost euphoric to watch. Cootie finally gets to go in and order a Bing-Bang Burger for the first time, meeting Flora in the process. In contrast to the way the other workers and patrons gawk at Cootie, she looks up to him with gentleness and kindness. Even after getting sick from eating there, Cootie returns to Bing-Bang Burger to see her, resulting in one of the most beautiful television scenes of 2023. When she walks up to take his order, an immediate connection is evident, two soft people finding one another in a world that cherishes toughness above all. He fumbles with his money (and words) while the “Cootie and Flora” theme plays, attempting seduction with bass in his voice and by pushing his hair out of his face. The scene is so charming, but ultimately ends in disappointment: Cootie fumbles his chance, and tells Flora he doesn’t need anything else when she asks. However, he tries once again, going to order more food and unsuccessfully attempting conversation. He’s awkward, but Flora doesn’t care. She’s enamored by his presence, and as we’ll later learn, cosmically connected to Cootie—her sign, Pisces, is the sister sign to Virgo. 

But Cootie and Flora are connected in more ways than just the stars. While they have an astrological compatibility, it’s their similar life experiences that solidify their relationship. Flora’s too quick for the world, often outpacing those around her. Though, being imperceivable to others isn’t necessarily a problem to her, as she admits to Cootie that she’s actually content being alone, a stark contrast to Cootie’s desperate search for connection displayed throughout the series. The two’s journey throughout the season is a natural progression of a relationship: seeing the love created between two people, the boredom that can come with being around them too much, the shared glances in between it all. I’m a Virgo is a series about much more than Cootie and Flora’s relationship, but watching Cootie grow because of it is the clear highlight. There’s an earnestness to every interaction between the two as Cootie learns how to navigate a relationship with someone outside of his immediate family. He’s met new friends, sure, but he wasn’t expecting to meet Flora on his burger quest. With so much happening in the short series, their relationship anchors it. 

And in addition to her clear chemistry with Jerome, there’s a magnetism to Washington within I’m a Virgo that will surely kick off a full and successful career after this series. There is a universe where the actress playing Flora isn’t as empathetic and full of love, where this relationship and unique storyline might not have worked, but fortunately, it became the beating heart and soul of this off-beat series. 

Whether or not you believe in astrology, you’ll believe in this show. There was so much television missed last year due to the sheer volume coupled with the lack of promotion from creators and performers during the active strikes, but I’m a Virgo is a series that will hopefully find a second wind with audiences. While the entire story provides context to growing up and experiencing new things, it’s the weight put on human connections that make for an unforgettable viewing experience. It’s a series for those that look to the stars for understanding (and for Virgos who love adventure). 

Watch on Amazon Prime

Tyler Doster is an entertainment writer and TV Editor of AwardsWatch based in Alabama, eternally searching for the best quote from Lisa Barlow. For all his thoughts on television and film, you can follow him on Twitter @tylermdoster.

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