'Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special' Ending Explained: What is the future of Harley and Ivy?

The special showed Harley going above and beyond to give her beloved 'the best Valentine's Day ever' even when Ivy requested a simple day
Kaley Cuoco as Harley Quinn and Lake Bell as Poison Ivy in 'Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special' (HBO Max)
Kaley Cuoco as Harley Quinn and Lake Bell as Poison Ivy in 'Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special' (HBO Max)

Spoilers for 'Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The first-ever holiday special of the animated 'Harley Quinn' series, 'Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special', a fast-paced, invigorating series, adds a deeper meaning to the chemistry of the anti-hero couple Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. The special also gave an insight into the lives of every other superhero and supervillain of Gotham by showing their celebration of the holiday. The main story focuses on Harley and Ivy celebrating their first anniversary together.

The most romantic day of the year goes smoothly until an unintended accident leaks Ivy's pheromones into the atmosphere, resulting in chaos throughout the city. The result of this chaos led to destruction and a rampage throughout the city in the third act of the special, which is shown as somewhat neutralized in the end. The ceaseless hints and nods were seen throughout the HBO Max's 44-minute special, 'Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special', and though the episode ended with a conclusion, there are some loose ends leaving some questions unanswered, including ''what is the future of Harley and Ivy?' and ''will the ending of the special have consequences in 'Harley Quinn' Season 4?"

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What is the future of Harley and Ivy?

The special showed Harley going above and beyond to give her beloved "the best Valentine's Day ever" even when Ivy requested a simple day consisting of binge-watching and lovemaking. In the process of giving Ivy the best V-day ever, Harley stages the live and deadlier combination of an action movie and romantic comedy, which impresses Ivy. But Harley soon senses that Ivy is not completely impressed with it and goes to an extent of buying an enchanted spell to impress Ivy in bed. This, however, backfires unexpectedly, by releasing Ivy's pheromones into the sky. Ivy finally reveals to Harley that this is the best relationship that she has ever been in and further adds that the top on her list of the best Valentine's Day is the one she had in Arkham.

She recalls how she was alone and in a bad place emotionally when Dr Harleen Quinzel came in with stolen chocolate milk from the commissary and recited the plot of the movie 'Shrek 2' to her. This is a significant moment in the series, giving a closer insight into the relationship of 'Harlivy'. There is no doubt that the relationship between Harley and Ivy is stronger than ever and the revelation has only aided their closeness. No matter how the show progresses, their relationship will stand concrete amid the plotline. This is a relationship that is yet to have several newer chapters to be explored. 

Kaley Cuoco as Harley Quinn and Lake Bell as Poison Ivy in 'Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special' (HBO Max)
Kaley Cuoco as Harley Quinn and Lake Bell as Poison Ivy in 'Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special' (HBO Max)

Will the ending of the special have consequences in 'Harley Quinn' Season 4?

As the title of the special suggested, this is not a usual romantic episode of the series where the couples will be seen spending their Valentine's Day, shown in a carefully curated montage that showcases the bonding and experience on the v-day. Instead, we were shown a big final act that had the enlarged Bane, wandering hornily and thrusting himself onto the buildings throughout the city, resulting in demolition. The picture of Gotham city as shown in the first act, with a lingering love tone spread throughout with the presence of firecrackers and sparkles, is completely torn down with the sparks we were left with and were the sparks of the flames burning in the ruins.

However, the question arises, as to how this will affect the future of the city and the narrative that comes with it. This is probably the most burning question of all. Is the special one-off or is it canon with Gotham city in 'Harley Quinn'. Either way, this is not the first time Gotham has been hit. The season 1 finale has seen Gotham almost being sent to the brink of extinction and the destruction of a few buildings that can be easily reconstructed. So it is safe to assume that the city would be mended before the events of season 4 if the special were to be canon. This would also be the case in the air contamination and Bane's side effects of the potion.

James Adomian as Bane in 'Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special' (HBO Max)
James Adomian as Bane in 'Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special' (HBO Max)

There are endless possibilities as to what would the future hold for Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy and Gotham city in general. But one thing is for sure that the relationship between 'Harlivy' is stronger than ever, considering their newfound layer of love for each other. It'll be interesting to see how they move to their next chapter in the upcoming fourth season of the series. The official details regarding season 4 are yet to be announced.

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