Season 4 episodes’ supportive commentary about the reveal

I’m probably going to add more to this and this definitely isn’t exhaustive, but it really feels like every episode this season is preparing us and the characters for why a reveal is a good thing.

Truth - In a situation where knowledge of their identities could hurt them (even knowing their own, the information can be forcibly taken from them), their teamwork works to protect each other (the quick thinking of Chat Noir’s plan to keep each other talking about other things)

Gang of Secrets - Marinette’s relationship with Alya is the only reason she was able to get Alya to resist her akumatization, even after it happened. Their civillian relationship is what saved Alya. Also, the way revealing herself to Alya gives Marinette support and makes their relationship closer. 

Mr Pigeon 72- Plagg knowing Marinette was Ladybug was essential to their communication and the plan that defeated Mr Pigeon 72. Alya discovering Marinette was Ladybug is the only reason that Marinette became able to create those charms, saving so many people and probably leading to defeating Hawkmoth, and most importantly giving Marinette the knowledge that she is in more control of her power than she thinks. 

Furious Fu- This might be the most important one. The conclusion of this episode is literally, “it’s okay for Marinette to make her own rules now.” They’re already breaking so many, starting with Master Fu.

1. Fu did away with the intensive guardian training, and even tells Marinette directly he is not following the traditional methods.

2. Fu wore a miraculous- this is the episode we learn he was never supposed to, if he was also a guardian.

3. Fu gave miraculouses to kids

The only rules so far that we don’t see Fu break are letting the kwamis out of the box, which we see Marinette immediately does, and… revealing identities. That’s the only rule we know of left.

And the episode ends with Su-Han admitting that Marinette is trustworthy and an excellent guardian. Even though she does all the things Fu did (that Su-Han thinks is ridiculous, at first), even though she breaks the rules. There’s just one rule left to break: and she already broke it with Alya, and we as well as her have already seen how beneficial it’s been. And now…

Optigami- Ladybug straight-up admits she would have called upon Chat Noir if she knew his identity. And now, we actually see the danger of them not knowing their identities: they would have been stuck in that elevator, allowing Shadowmoth, Mayura, and Style Queen to break loose. Except they wouldn’t have, because even they recognize the danger: both of them were ready to reveal themselves to each other. Even Marinette would have done it. The only thing that saved them was the fact that Alya knew, again showcasing the benefits. But the thing is, it is safer to rely on both Adrien and Chat Noir because Shadowmoth doesn’t know about them, like he does about Alya. And Marinette saw Alya’s mistake in giving sentimonster-Nino his miraculous, something that wouldn’t have happened if Marinette and Adrien knew about each other, because they wouldn’t have had to call in so much risky back up. Still, Marinette allows Alya to be the permanent fox miraculous holder, even knowing her identity is compromised. That could show she’s slowly accepting that might not be as terrible as she thought, or as she was taught. At the end, Chat Noir even reminds her he has no problems with a reveal. I suspect that very soon she will realize that she doesn’t either. Well, probably after the events of Chat Blanc are addressed. Which could be the culmination of all this Chat Noir/Adrien sidelining we’re seeing. Maybe after that’s addressed, they’ll be ready.

Optigami also showcases what they could have as civilians. The way they show Alya and Nino doing their little handshake gesture, Marinette watches them, and then turns to Adrien. From Truth, we know she feels she can’t be with anyone because of her secret, but it’s showing the kind of companionship she could have (the kind Alya and Nino have) if they knew the truth as well. 

Also, I’m sure there’s more to say about Lies, Sole Crusher, and Queen Banana- this is just what I have at the top of my head.