u/Minute-Necessary2393

I wasn't excited for it at first, but after seeing the BTS photos and videos of Gorilla Grodd (and him being a dude in a practical suit i may add....though, i am aware it could just be a stand-in for a CGI model), doing a bunch of crazy stuff like graduating from college, singing with an acapella group, and doing news interviews and such, yeah, it has grown on me.

This feels like something out of the Silver Age in every single since of the word and I love it. I absolutely love it. Cannot wait. Though, i do hope we still get a Flash movie with Grodd as the villain at some point, in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this leads into that.

Every fandom of a IP always has that one pairing that simply works. Not because it's flashy. Not because the characters constantly flirt. Not because the writers shove it into your face, and sometimes not even because its officially canon (yet, anyways). But because every interaction of both characters feels genuine.

For me, that pairing is none other then Zestmilla, AKA, Zestial x Carmilla.

Out of every potential relationship in Hazbin Hotel, Zestmilla has the strongest foundation for an actual healthy romance. Their dynamic is built on trust, respect, emotional maturity, loyalty, patience, and mutual understanding. All qualities that are surprisingly rare in Hell and even rarer among the Overlords.

Now, could VivziePop keep them as close friends? Yes, absolutely. But if Season 3 turns their relationship into a romance, it wouldn't feel forced at all. In fact, it would feel like the natural next step. Why? Well, lets discuss:

They Respect Each Other More Than Anyone Else

One of the first things that stands out about Zestial and Carmilla is how much respect they have for one another. During the Overlord meeting, Velvette openly mocks and insults Zestial. Before anyone else can react, Carmilla immediately defends him. She doesn't hesitate. Nor does she laugh or stay neutral in the conflict.

She immediately shuts Velvette down (leading into one of the more underrated songs of S1), all because, in her words and actions, no one speaks to Zestial that way. Their interaction establishes that Carmilla values his dignity enough to confront another powerful Overlord in public. That level of loyalty says a lot.

Likewise, Zestial never treats Carmilla like someone beneath him or someone to be talked down too. Despite being one of Hell's oldest and most feared Overlords (and likely did something really bad to end up in hell if what Viv says about him in S3 is anything to go by), he consistently treats her as an equal whose judgment deserves respect. Because at the end of the day, their relationship isn't based on power, but partnership.

They Actually Trust One Another

Trust is probably the rarest commodity in Hell. Most Overlords manipulate, lie, threaten, betray, etc.

Zestial and Carmilla do none of those things with each other. After the meeting, Zestial notices Carmilla is hiding something. He doesn't accuse her. Neither does he try to pressure or manipulate her. But instead, he simply and gently offers to listen. Eventually, she reveals one of the biggest secrets in Hell. Dhe killed an Exorcist to protect her daugthers.

That is information powerful enough to start a war or to use as leverage and yet she entrusts it to Zestial because she knows he will protect that confidence instead of exploiting it. That's probably one of the strongest demonstrations of trust between any two Overlords in the series.

Zestial Understands Carmilla Better Than Almost Anyone

One thing I love is that Zestial doesn't just hear Carmilla. He understands her. The very moment something feels "off," he notices. He recognizes her emotions almost immediately. He realizes when she's acting differently. He pieces together the truth not because she's careless, but because he knows her that well.

That's emotional intelligence. Instead of pushing her, he gives her space while remaining available whenever she's ready to talk. Healthy communication isn't always about having the perfect answer. Sometimes it can be as simple being present, and Zestial excels at that.

Carmilla Feels Safe Around Him

This is probably the biggest reason I ship them.

Carmilla is someone burdened with constantly carrying multiple responsibilities. Think about it, she's responsible for her business, responsible for protecting Hell's most valuable weapons, but most importantly, she's responsible for her daughters.

She's always on guard, except for when Zestial is around. Whenever they're alone together, she visibly relaxes, there scenes in S1 and 2 show that she is willing to open up emotionally when he is around and they are alone, willing to admit fear, willing to be vulnerable and considering how guarded Carmilla normally is, that's incredibly significant. Safety is one of the healthiest foundations any romance or relationship of any kind can and needs to have.

Zestial Never Tries to Control Her

One detail people often overlook is how Zestial handles disagreements. For example, when Carmilla is basically gaslit into siding with Vox in S2, Zestial strongly disagrees. However, notice what he doesn't do. He doesn't threaten, insult, or manipulate her. He simply explains why he believes she's making a mistake and tells her he'll return when she comes to her senses. Even while disagreeing, he respects that the decision is ultimately hers.

That's remarkably mature and shows how healthy relationships don't require two people to agree about everything, they instead require two people who can disagree respectfully.

They Balance Each Other Perfectly

Every great relationship benefits from complementary personalities.

Carmilla for example is decisive, protective, pragmatic, always moving and always planning and carrying burdens.

Zestial on the other hand is calm, patient, wise, reflective, and tries to slow situations down before anyone makes irreversible mistakes. Neither personality is better then the other, but instead, they are simply different. Together, they create balance.

One pushes forward, while the other ensures they're heading in the right direction.

Their Relationship Already Feels Deeper Than Friendship

Now let's address the elephant in the room:

No.Carmilla and Zestial are not canonically a couple. As of now, they are officially close friends and longtime allies. However, that can easily change as the show repeatedly frames them with emotional intimacy that's unusual even among friends. From Carmilla's willingness to protect Zestial, to Zestial's concern for Carmilla's wellbeing. Their private conversations and mutual understanding and lingering looks.

Even the staging during "Whatever It Takes" has been interpreted by many viewers as suggesting that Zestial is among the people Carmilla is determined to protect, though the show never explicitly confirms romantic intent.

Now yes, nothing from these moments prove romance. But its clear that together they create an incredibly believable foundation for one. Plus, Zestial even has his own tea cup which is clearly part of a set Carmilla owns, and Zestial's VA hinted that we would see why they care for one another so much, so there is that.

Even the Fandom Sees the Potential

One reason Zestmilla has become one of the fandom's most popular Overlord ships is because viewers consistently pick up on the same qualities.

Many fans describe them as having "old married couple" energy, while others praise how wholesome and emotionally mature their interactions feel compared with many other relationships in the series. Community discussions frequently describe them as close friends with strong mutual respect and potential romantic feelings, though opinions naturally vary.

Popularity alone doesn't make a ship good, yes. But when thousands of fans independently notice the same chemistry, it's worth paying attention.

Why Season 3 Should Make It Canon

Since season 3 is supposed to be the most romantic season, now is not only the opportunity to make this canon, but also to do something different.

Instead of another toxic relationship like the one Angel and Val clearly have, or one like Chaggi where, yes its alot healthier compared to other canon relationships, but is clearly not saying much as there is still alot of baggage between the two (and whatever Lilith and Lucifer will be), it could give us two adults whose bond is built on years of trust.

Imagine exploring:

- How they first met.

- How their friendship developed.

- Why they trust each other so completely.

- What Carmilla's daughters truly think about Zestial (assuming they plan on giving Carmilla's girls any character beyond just existing).

- Whether both have quietly developed feelings but never acted on them.

- Two ancient, battle-hardened Overlords slowly realizing they've already become each other's emotional home.

Or at least as much as they can or at least a handful of those examples as while we will get more Zestial next season with a little bit of his backstory shown, its still inclear how big of a role Carmilla will have next season (hopefully alittle bit bigger then theblast two seasons combined), but the point is that kind of slow-burn romance would fit their personalities perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Could Zestial and Carmilla remain lifelong friends? Absolutely, of course. Their friendship is already one of the healthiest relationships in Hazbin Hotel. But that's also exactly why I think romance would work.

The strongest romances don't begin with passion. They begin with respect. With trust and loyalty, and feelings safe enough to be vulnerable. Zestial and Carmilla already have all of that.

Whether they're discussing business, protecting one another, or simply sharing a quiet conversation after an Overlord meeting, they consistently bring out each other's best qualities. In a world filled with manipulation, violence, and betrayal, they represent something surprisingly rare and only very few relationships in the Hellaverse have:

A relationship built on mutual respect.

If Season 3 chooses to make Zestmilla canon, it wouldn't be fan service, but simply be the natural evolution of one of the healthiest and most compelling relationships the series has already established.

And personally, I think Hell could use at least one genuinely healthy love story......whether or not it last though is a different story, as i also do predict that Zestial will die in S3 by Alastor's hands as part of his motivation to gain more power. But even if it doesn't last to the end or they never get together romantically at all to begin with, what Carmilla and Zestial have is truly something special, and I hope/cannot wait to see more of it in future seasons.

Finally got back to sitting down and watchinf Helluva Boss. Originally, i was going to make a post about how sorry I felt for Stolas (and....yeah, i still feel sorry for him, dude can't catch a break, his wife hates him, he clearly didnt want the life he had, and Blitzo can't see how much he truly loves him, dude needed that Solo Number and that dance from that one guy), after watching Episode 10 of S2, im just going to say it...im genuinely shocked by how good the writing is. The drama and emotional moments especially.

Like, I thought this was just going to be the lighter sister show to Hazbin, but honestly, in some ways id dare say it gets more emotional then Hazbin Hotel sometimes, and thats not me hating Hazbin, I think if anything this shows how great the writing in both shows is. The emotional moments just hit so hard. Especially with Blitzo man, my dude went through the emotional ringer in "The Full Moon", "Apology Tour" and "Ghost F***ers". Looking forward to watching the last two episodes of the season and looking forward to Season 3.

Also, shocked hearing Charlie's voice in the End Credits of Ghost F***ers.

I ask this because while i know Lucifer loves Lilith, I don't think Lilith loves him back, nor do i think Lucifer and Lilith will re-patch what they had and get back together. Because honestly I think that would just be too boring and I don't think that is the direction Viv is going in at all.

Plus, i really don't think Lilith is going to turn out to be that great of a person either. That said, while a part of me really wants to see Lucifer move on and find himself a new queen (which is part of the reason I ship him with the likes of Rosie and (mainly) Carmilla), but at the same time....idk if that will ever happen. Because, well first of all, most fans would appearently for some reason REALLY hate it if he got with someone else other then Lilith or nobody at all, but also i feel like if Lucifer ever did fall out of love with Lilith, he'd likely focus on finding out who he is as a person first.

Heck, its likely he never ends up with anyone else and actively chooses to remain single for the rest of his days. But thats why I wanted to ask this question, if Lucifer and Lilith don't work out, is it possible that Lucifer could move on from Lilith and potentially find someone else or just remain single?

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