The first time we are introduced to the lights in That Summer they are broken and flickering and Lava implies the reason they are still broken is probably because Pheng (Lava’s Uncle) has someone over so he hasn’t fixed them yet. Ironically the person over was Doc Wut, his boyfriend.

The second time we are introduced to the lights they are fixed/ working. It’s is after Pheng and Wut had an argument about keeping their relationship secret and during the time Lava and Wave when in bed together. During the NC between Wave and Lava there is a cut off to the scene, where for a few seconds, we see Pheng glancing at the room/ the fixed lights.

Now my question is what is the significance of the lights and this scene?

I have a couple ideas, but I do not think they are right 

1. The lights are a metaphor . In the first scene the lights are flickering showing their relationship is very on and off. In the second scene the lights are staying on which could mean Pheng is going to be forced to reveal their relationship soon.

2. In the first scene, Pheng was with his lover but didn’t fix the lights however in the second scene, Lava was with his lover but he did fix the lights? I don’t know what that could mean though 

3. The flickering lights when Pheng and Wut were together could signify their unstable relationship. But the fixed lights when Lava and Wave were together could signify their healthier/ more stable relationship.

Do you have any idea what its significance is or even if there is a significance? If so I would love to hear what you think because I am really (unhealthy) obsessed with this show and this has really peaked my interest !


What is the significance of the lights in That Summer?