'Siren' season 2: Ryn, Ben and Maddie's relationship as a consensual throuple is beautiful to watch
The representation of queer relationships is increasing on TV and luckily so is the diversity of the LGBTQ people onscreen, but the one sphere of queer relationships that is not very often seen on screen is that of polyamory and all the phases that fall under that label. There have been a couple of shows that have spoken about and also showcased the polyamory relationship on screen, the most positive one so far would be the relationship which is highlighted in the series 'You, Me and Her' a show which is about a 30-year-old couple who both fall in love with a graduate student. Although, there is a more mutually stronger and positive vibe connected to the characters in Freeform's series 'Siren' where the polyamory relationship between the three lead characters is well balanced and beautiful to watch. The series is a drama based one which attempts to become a thriller, but the main focus of the series shifts to the mesmerizing relationship that is shared with two human beings and a mermaid, who comes to land seeking help for the survival of her fellow species in the water.
Eline Powell who plays the role of the mermaid Ryn gets help from the other two leads of the series, Maddie Bishop ( Fola Evans-Akingbola) and Ben Pownall ( Alex Roe) who are marine conservationists. Ben and Maddie at the beginning of the series are in a very serious and committed relationship with each other when they slowly began to feel drawn to Ryn in a way they can't quite comprehend themselves. Though their focus is making sure that Ryn is safe and they are able to help her and provide for her needs, there is no sense of jealousy from Maddie or Ben that is shown when they spend time with Ryn individually and together during their special moments.
In true honesty every time Ryn and Ben have a moment of intimacy, there will be something that happens right after between Ryn and Maddie and vice-versa. The relationship between the three is nothing that has been established but there is a confirmation of love when Ryn associated Ben and Maddie as 'love'. Whenever Ryn mimics Ben and Maddie's relationship and kisses Maddie, she does the same with Ben a few scenes later. There is like an unexplained mutual bond between the three which can only be deeply felt inside.
In the other shows such as 'You, Me and Her' there are moments where there is strife in the relationship between two of the people because of the third or otherwise just amongst the relationship dynamic there are issues concerned with jealousy, insecurity, and possessiveness. With Ben, Maddie and Ryn there is no room for strife or quarrel with their relationship dynamic, the only difference is that Ben has a deeper connection he feels with Ryn because of the obsessive effect her siren song has on his brain and emotions. Maddie here does not feel jealousy but only concern as Ben's addiction to her song causes him to go into phases of trance where he does not realize what is happening in reality. The relationship between the three is one of passion, trust and companionship and it's beautiful to watch how they all are so connected to one another without any conflict interfering.
'Siren's' depiction of polyamory is only of one form but not every relationship has to be so evenly balanced out between three people. Yet, the trio is refreshing to watch as they work so cordially and genuinely towards making their throuple a success story for all the fans and the viewers of the show. This relationship in particular appeals to its audience due to the non-panic factor attached to what the relationship could mean for the characters or how they would deal with it.
Ryn being a mermaid has a different viewpoint of relationships than what humans perceive in regards to a relationship. This contrast in opinion completely makes sense as to why would mermaids operate the same as humans do. The relationship is just on a serene phase of going with the flow, there are no discussions that happen between Ben and Maddie regarding their relationship with Ryn, neither does Ryn question it. She just tries to understand the ways of showing love and intimacy in a human way.
Fans have definitely fallen in love with this human duo and mermaid throuple. The way in which the director has personified the role of each character in the series and their role in each other's lives is a beautiful depiction of a polyamory relationship. The bond shared between this throuple will be one that will have a long-lasting impact on its viewers in terms of understanding relationships and understanding the true sense of love, passion, and intimacy.