Hello, and welcome to Big Gay Energy. I'm Bree. I'm Theora. And I'm Caitlin. Come along with us while we dive into the fun and nuances of queer media. Representation matters, and we're here to talk about it. Cheers queers. Welcome back to Big Gay Energy. What's on the big gay agenda today, Caitlyn? Oh, we are once again talking about her stopper. Yes, we're a do wrapping up season one by finishing off episode 6 through 8. Yes. So let's get into it. Episode 6 is Girls, Girls.
Oh my God girls. Girls, girls, girls. It's such a good episode. Is that just home? Yeah, it's a hilly cute that's is that the song is. Is that that that song or is that a? Different song. OK, no, different song. But I mean, it's Haley Kyoga, so it's all girls and you send her names and I have to hydrate for her. Haley Kyoko, I'm. For like, we talk to you.
Yep. Alright, so but before we jump into the girls themselves, this episode opens in the best way possible with Nick trying to watch a movie with his mom. And they end up watching Pirates of the Caribbean. And his mom was like, you still make me watch this movie all the time, so much that I had it memorized. And then Nick realizes why when he's sitting on the couch with his mom and he's like, oh shit, it's cuz I have crushes on both Keira Knightley and Early. Is that what it was?
Yeah. Cuz you know how like kids like get obsessed with stuff and it's not like you're obsessed with this movie And then he's like looking at the both of them, he's like, oh shit, they're both attractive and he's like, fuck. So that's why. Bisexual ass was like hindsight. Everybody's hot in this movie. All the things that I was obsessed with growing up, I was like, oh. That's why I watched Stick it 5,000,000 times.
This all makes sense. Mine was obsessed with Selena Gomez so much that like I treasured a movie she was in and I kept the box it was in and I would always put it back in the Amazon box. But Nick's crush on Keira Knightley? That shit's real. I can't relate to Orlando Bloom, but he's a pretty looking man. So go Nick. But that was a funny fucking moment that I feel like is super relatable for people because it's like, it's like the thing that's turning on TikTok, the
switch. People are like, switch sides, Switch sides every time. Like like a hot guy comes on screen, a hot girl comes on screen. Like the bisexual things keep doing that. I feel like that was Nick in that moment. He's like switch sides, switch sides. He's like Kiera Orlando. I love it. If somebody hasn't made that TikTok, maybe they should. Maybe we should. Ideas. Anyway, maybe coming soon. We'll see if we remember. OK, so the girls. So in this episode Nick actually
bonds with the girls a lot. And in this episode, Tara. So in the last was like Tara explained to Nick she's like, yeah, we kind of want to be more like out in public so they kiss to the party under the guise of darkness and people not paying attention to them. But in this episode? Just like puts them on Instagram, like a picture of the two of them. I think it was a little like halfway through the episode. That was their plot line, though, In this episode, though. Yeah.
And so they're more out. But like, their conflict is that, like, things changed and people are looking at them differently. Darcy does not care. Darcy doesn't care. And Darcy's out, so she also doesn't care. Yeah. And has been through this before and is like, whatever. And this is new for Tara, who's like.
Wow. People are really treating me differently because she got a bunch of she's like scrolling through the comments at one point and people are like, hey, Congrats. And then other people like you don't look like a lesbian. That's weird. And so she's like getting like and she's getting both positive and like negative slash confused feedback. And they talk about it with Nick later. I forgot why they're there. It was I forget why they were at the school together. But he like.
He explains to them that he's dating Charlie and like, this is the first group of people he ever tells, which is really cute. So, like, all the gays are like supporting each other in this show, which is one thing I really love about this show. Yeah, it's super cute.
And he tells them. And then they kind of, well, like they kind of explain that they're, I guess Tara's out more now and she kind of like can relate to him in the sense that she's like, well, now people are like treating me differently. And looking at me differently and it's it's hard. She's like, I understand that. And it's really sad because in the background, like Darcy's watching her and she looks really worried and it's really sad because like, she's like
crap. Oh no, Does she regret this? Does she not want to be with me? Is she going to, like, dump me? Like you can, like feel her, like, gay panic that she's having in the background about all of this. But like, I think that's kind of what Nick's afraid of a little bit too, because they both have like they seem to have similar
friends circles, whereas like. You know, the fact that they knew each other when they were thirteen, I would assume they were both like popularish kids and so under had similar, like expectations that other people just put on them. And so now that they're like, no, I'm not conforming to this. Tara's getting like other types of feedback that she wasn't. She says it too. I wasn't like prepared for this, you know? It's really sad, Yeah.
I was really worried that was going to, like, Nick wasn't going to come out at all this season because, yeah, of what she went through. Yeah, exactly. But some people suck. People suck, but it's really, it's really nice to like. Now he has, like, another group of friends that he can talk to this about that isn't Charlie. Because, you know, because, like, it can be awkward to, like, express your fear to the person that you're dating.
Which is why poor Darcy's in this position where she's hearing Tara expressed her fears and she's like, fuck, like she's just panicking, but like Tara and Nick can like. Be like, hey, like, you know this this is scary and it is and it's OK to feel that and express that to other people. Like you shouldn't be like scared to like confide in your friends about it, you know? Yeah. So I think that's really cute and important thing that they
kind of go through. But fun stuff that happens with them as they bond and Darcy's like, well, if you would Nick or and you and Charlie are dating, we should go on a double date. Which then turns into a triple date because they create this like meddling gaze group chat between the four of them, which is the fucking cutest thing ever.
And Darcy's like, well, Elle earlier in the episode told us that she's into Tau, so we should get them together because those who are moving at the speed of glaciers. So let's get them together so they can cock this triple date. To go to this really cool milkshake stand. Yeah, wherever the hell that is. It's the coolest thing I've ever seen and they're meeting there before the oh, that's why
they're band. The band is happening The worst we'll get into the band but like, they have to meet before the big band rehearsal or recital or whatever. Yeah, well the the Milkshakes is before the concert. The Milk, The concert. Thank You. The Milkshakes is before the concert like 15 minutes before the like. They didn't time this very well On this date they got. A second milkshake and then realized the concert starts. Starts they. Should start in 15 minutes. You know how much happens in
those 15 minutes? Oh, I know I need to recap. This real quick. Oh yes, let's do it. OK, let's do it. So do it. They get the milkshakes, yes. Milkshakes #1, one of them said. I think might be towel like the concept starts in 15 minutes. They're like, oh shit, we better go all the the four gay. Yeah, the gays, the Yeah, yeah. Nick's not in it though, but he's just like very concerned for them, for the people in. It yeah, it's Charlie, Tara and Darcy are all in the band, yes.
So they're on their way there. Meanwhile, Towel and Elle are just like moseying. Along because they're in the audience. Yeah, they don't care. They don't care. But then they get there. There's no audience members. The band is not set up. The teacher is only yelling at Darcy at Tara, even though there's still other people entering the room. The band seats are empty. Yeah, she's only yelling at them and then I love. It meanwhile, Tara runs out of
the room. Then Darcy runs out of the room to get Tara. They get locked in a room and then yes. And then they have a whole conversation. And then the other queers come running after trying to find them and then they find them and they come back. And then Darcy and Target yelled that again and then Nick helps one of them. Tara. Tara get her clarinet together. Yeah, OK. Again, they were not even in the building 15 minutes before the concert started.
I know. I feel like the teacher lied to them about when the concert actually started because I love that she's yelling at the girls to get ready because Charlie had to set up a whole ass drum set and she's yelling at them like what? It's just they're the obviously. And we heard them practice multiple times during this episode because the girls were on campus so they could practice with this thing. Their band is terrible. That's all I got to say. And we didn't listen to a lick
of them actually performing. It's probably for the best. They they sound like they're a hot mess and I don't want to even hear them and that's why they didn't. Nobody cared. But so they're like 50 minutes. I can down this entire milkshake and be there in time, no problem. Do England schools not tend to have theaters or something? Or I It might just be the school, but I'm really surprised that they did it in the gym.
I don't know if I was just very lucky to have a theater in my school, because that could be it. I don't. It seems like a really nice school, so I don't see why there wouldn't at least one of those campuses between the boys and girls have a like, a theater full on theater for them to perform in? Yeah, that's a really good point. I don't know. And they tend to always go to the boys school. So, you know, what does that mean? The girls get sucky stuff? You. Know, right.
The girls like, I don't know because we've been in their classrooms. At the girls school. And the girls school looks cool. I don't know. That's a valid question. I don't know. Maybe because they're the worst band ever and they're like, you don't deserve the theater. You gotta earn the theater. And the conductor's always like, well, yeah, we will. And then like can never get them perform, right? They're like, fuck it, whatever. I feel like it's for a pep rally
though, or something. So maybe that's why they're in there. I don't fucking know. That is weird. No, it was. Nice to say it was just a concert. You're right. Yeah, I don't know. Getting this confused with no because. I feel another show. No, because I feel like they were. Only because like, they took time out of school to prepare like the girls and the guys. That's why they were like together at lunch. It just seems really weird to take away school time to have
them practice. It doesn't matter anyway how much work they needed. They're they're they're not ready for this concert, is all we're saying. See, they just needed bodies. They're like, we need a music program. They need to get funding for something. There's some donor in that audience who's like, I'm taking my checks back, this is not worth it. This is why you're never getting the theater anyway. So the triple milkshake day, basically like the gays were, knew they were on a date.
The straights did it during the day. Charlie tells Elle this is important. Well kind of figures out that they're dating because Nick says something. He's like, oh, it's a triple date. And then I was like, wait a minute, so you guys are dating? So she figures figures it out and then she's like, when the hell are we getting to tell Tao? Cuz Tao was away getting milkshakes when this happens and Charlie straight up freezes because he's super afraid.
Cuz like Nick has been a sore subject with Tao since the beginning and so like Charlie really doesn't know how to tell him and so he doesn't. And so Tao is like stupid mistake. Well yeah, it is a stupid mistake. But like again, Tao, like this is a self fulfilling prophecy from Tao. He was afraid of being alone and like left out of his friend group. And like because he was so hostile towards Nick, Charlie ended up leaving him out because
Isaac already figured it out. And then Elle now knows. So like Tao is literally the only friend that doesn't know. Which is really sad for Tao, but like he was being so I can't. He can't really blame Charlie. He doesn't know how to tell him. And then the meddling gaze are trying to push Tao and El together, and it doesn't work. And El gets mad because she's pissed because she's like, listen, I told you this and I not so that you can meddle, but because I needed somebody to
talk to who would understand. And she's afraid of what kind of Tao is afraid of, which is like their friendship dynamics all changing. So Elle's really afraid, understands that Tao is afraid of this and doesn't want to, like, be honest about the way she feels. Because she's like, that'll freak him out because he's already worried about Charlie leaving and changing, and this would definitely change the friend dynamics. So it's a shitty position for her to be in too, you know?
She gets the she gets the pining after my best friend storyline and she does it well. And how's the oblivious idiot in love? And doesn't realize he's the idiot in love. He's very, very, very oblivious. He's very dense. He's always like, what do you mean? But what? What are you gonna tell me? But what I do relate to that you need to tell. Caleb stuff, straight up. Yeah. She's not gonna read into anything. No, I noticed how subtext. No. You know who's probably great at
subtext? I think, Yeah, he's the king of subtext. He's great. So yeah, he figured out he's also about there. So anyway, that all happens. And then what else happens in this? Yeah. Tara and Darcy get locked in the make out room and they have their this was their make out room originally and they got locked in there and this is the scene is really heartbreaking and sad. But also like all the couples in this show have amazing communication skills, even when
Tao is being dumb. Tal and L still have really good communication skills, but these guys do it well too, because Tara keeps expressing, like how it's hard for her that now that she they're out, well, she's out, that like people are treating her differently and like she they actually talk to
each other. And she's honest about this and says the first thing that Darcy says to her which is so sad, is she's like, do you regret it is what she asks her because she keeps watching this in the background. I was like fuck, like she she's like you're having second hand. You're like you were she feels like that she's like crap you regret this and like this is my fault. Kind of like what Charlie feels felt with Nick. He's like I'm sorry this is my fault.
This is having you because you like me and. Basically, Torres says no, but she she just wasn't prepared for things to change, is what she said. And she tells Darcy, she's like, you, on the other hand, are so confident about your sexuality. She's like, and I feel like I don't know anything. So it's it's like the girl version of what's going on with Nick, but with a super confident partner. Because Darcy, like anytime anybody throws the lesbian stuff at Darcy, she's like, I'm going
to throw cheese at them. Like she doesn't give a single fuck. I love her so. Much. She's like, I was an extra homophobia cheese for throwing. That's one of my favorite moments from her. But yeah, so she, you know, and she's basically like, I don't know what I'm doing either. I'm just being me like, you know, And so they have a very cute moment together where it's kind of like, OK, you don't regret this, but it's it's hard for everybody.
Not everybody processes this stuff like the, you know, the internal stuff and the external stuff the same way. And I really like the way this show depicts that I've said this all the time, but it depicts it from multiple angles and and not everybody's journey this is the same. And so I really appreciate the fact that Allison wrote all these characters very differently and they go through different journeys and have different support systems that help or hinder them on their journeys.
And so I I really like this perspective because it's it's very true like some shows make it seem like it's very easy, some shows make it seem like it's impossible. This shows finds middle of the road. Like, it is different. Like things do change. Like, you know, like from other people's, you know, the way other people view you. So at first the transition, that transition can be bumpy. But like, you know, I think over time, like Tara kind of like gets comfortable in her own
skin. It's hard when you're young and you don't even know who the fuck you are. And then you deal with something like this too. That shifts, you know, other people's perception of you. It's really, really challenging, you know. And so I like that they got to like actually talk that through and not have this be this weird wedge between them. So I really enjoyed that and I wanted to bring up my last point. I wanted to bring up about this
episode. I think a big theme in this episode is the fact that visibility is a double edged sword. So and from and I'm going to compare Nick and Tara in this this topic because Tara you know kind of struggles with. Coming out and in the fact that she's being seen now by others as a lesbian and his experience is that happy, confused kind of reactions from people. So she's the one out and like is visible to others.
Where is Nick is experiencing something peripherally while he's figuring stuff out where he sees how Charlie has been affected, kind of like by being visible. He, you know, Nick knows that he was bullied by like his friend group basically because they had that one scene where Charlie had the Instagram photo. He's like, I hate this place. And it was like the locker room hallway and Nick had this
vision. He's like, Oh yeah, all the jocks, locker room talk, they make fun of him, you know, So he saw bad stuff through Charlie. And then he's also seeing good stuff in because he sees Tara, Darcy's relationship and like how happy they are together. So he's he's experiencing both
sides of the coin. But the other thing is that like visibility and represent why representation matters so much is because the thing that really helps Nick along in his journey is when he finds that bisexual male YouTuber who talks about his personal experience. And Nick is just like finally somebody who who is saying what I'm feeling.
Yeah, and that's the thing that really helps him be like, I think this is me because this person that I can relate to is saying the things that I'm feeling and. Now, I understand that this is an option for me, whereas before I'm just seeing lesbians, gay guys, straight people. And then here's this other person, he's like, that's me, there it is like, now I I understand more about me because I I saw somebody. That's why representation is so important. And I like the fact that this
show has multiple lenses. Straight people, queer people, a trans person, like we get the A stuff with. Isaac, like, it's so important to see different lenses because, you know, not everything is, you know, so black and white are this and that. And so I like that they're depicting that with Nick. Like the representation of visibility matters, both good, bad, and everything in between. It says a lot. Yeah, I like it. Sorry. I yeah, it's good.
Yeah. So let's hydrate for representation because I would, I would appreciate. It it matters. And like, go that YouTuber, all right. Anything else I want to say about the girls before we move into our I love them. Our least favorite episode. It's important, but least favorite? Yeah, the tone is very monocrobitic. I would just like to say that my first note for this whole episode was I love Darcy.
Her fucking love, Darcy. I was so worried for her cuz just cuz like the way Tariq, I'm talking. I was like poor Darcy gonna get her little heartbreak. I can't just let the lesbians be happy in the show. Yeah. It's not. It's not about their. It's not about them. You just want to be happy, OK? I just want lesbians be happy. For once, we're never happy. Speaking of not being happy, we get to episode 7 called Bully, which I called the Struggle Bus
episode. So this is like the this is like the the rock bottom before we get to the good stuff in the finale. So here's a quick summary of what happens here. So Nick and Charlie go to the movies with the rugby lads because Nick's like, hey, I hung out with your friends. Come hang out with mine and it does not go well because it brings up all of Charlie's insecurities and because they're so not out. And so Charlie has to play the role of friend that Nick
brought. And so, of course, like, Harry makes fun of Charlie, and Ben is there. And that's never good. Freaking Ben. I know. I know, but the good thing that comes out of this, which OK before we get there. Charlie ends up leaving after, like, Harry kind of starts like he's like, hey, you're gay, Which I can't tell if Harry is trying to, like, actually bond with him, but he doesn't know how to because, like, he's just a meathead. And so he's like, hey, you're gay.
Do you think this guy's hot? Like, he's, like talking, but he's, like talking like a dude, bro. And like, Charlie runs away. And so I can't tell if Harry's, like, actually trying to bond with him or just trying to bully him because he's like, he's kind of an idiot and a meathead. And that's how meatheads talk to each other. So I can't really tell because I think Harry does actually care about the way Nick perceives him. And he's always confused by the fact that Nick doesn't act like
the other guy. Like Nick? Doesn't Hive think like the other guys? Nick's always challenging him, and Harry's always like what? Like it's like it's like does not compute. This is not how guys behave. So I can't. I can't tell. But either way, Charlie's like, fuck this shit, I'm out and he leaves and calls his dad and Nick tries to get him. He's like, no, no, no, this is these are your friends. I can't. I'm living and then Ben follows. I can't understand Ben.
Ben can't leave shit alone. He's like, what? You're dating Nick now? So Ben is like, jealous out of nowhere after gaslighting Charlie, and then he gaslights up again in this scene. I don't understand why Ben's still here. I don't understand why he's here in this because they replace Ben with Harry basically with like the bullying. Yeah, well, I think that I think Ben is the closeted, internalized homophobia guy. I think it's important to have in there versus.
I think Harry's just not smart. He's just the dumb jock that has a lot that is popular. We forgot about Ben for so long. But then he just shows up here. So it's very like, why is Ben here? Like, it's like kicking Charlie when he's at his lowest. And so of course Ben shows up, right? Because who could kick Charlie his lowest? And he's kind of he's always like, you're dating Nick. And then Charlie's like, Nope, we're not because they're not out.
And then Ben immediately turns on the gas light. He's like, of course not. Who would like you? Like Dan, you need to learn how to flirt with people. Like, what is this? What was the end goal here for Ben? What was the end goal here? To gas like Charlie into liking him again. I think that's what he was trying to do because he was trying to make Charlie feel worthless and that's usually when he preys on Charlie. I feel like that's what he was doing. Just figure out something.
Yeah, and then, But anyway, Charlie's dad shows up and that ends that. But whatever. So the big moral of this story is that Nick confronts his friends, mainly Harry, because, and Nick's really has like an identity crisis. He's like, who the fuck am I? Like when I'm around you guys, I don't like who I am and I don't like how you guys are behaving. And nobody is pointing out the fact that what Harry's doing is not OK. He's like you're making Charlie and so uncomfortably left.
And then they end up getting into a fistfight because Harry starts like going after Charlie, and Nick can't stand that because he's a gentleman. And they get into a fight. Yep. And this again triggers stuff for Charlie and Charlie's, like, see, when he sees the black eye, he's like, fuck, I'm now Nick's getting into fights because of me. He's not friends with his friends. I'm ruining his life. And Charlie just starts spiraling, spiraling, spiraling.
To the point where he's like, I need to break up with Nick because I'm going to ruin his life. But Tao mentions this, I think in the next episode. But that Charlie feels like his very existence is a burden to me. Burden to everybody around him, yeah. And it's like, from his perspective, like he can never seem to have a good thing. It just seems to always get ruined, you know? At least in the romantic round, friendship wise not so much. And then sibling wise, not so much.
We didn't mention Charlie's sister. Oh, I love her. I. Love her. I forget her name. I don't know. I love her. She always has a drink in a straw. She reminds me of the vampire. She does. She's got those Goth vibes with. The like the long black hair. She doesn't go out. But oh, we've seen her on a bus. Yeah, yeah, she goes to school. So she gets on the bus with Charlie and then she goes to the girls school. So anyway, Charlie is like, I'm worthless and I'm I don't want
Nick to be worthless. Let me break up with him. And so he tries to break up with Nick and as he's doing that, Tao gets into a massive fight with Harry. And then, of course, he does. One of the funniest scenes I've ever seen in Sue's in Which. How gangly Tao, who can't run, tries to fight Harry and he goes all feral on him by whacking him with his beanie. And it's one of the funniest moments in the show, because it just is. Go watch it. I just.
I fucking love it. He throws apple juice on the. He throws the apple juice and if you look at the bloopers it gets in the actors eyes and you can't see. And he's just like, I can't. I can't open my. Eyes. Oh my God, that that fight was hilarious. But yeah, so Charlie doesn't get to bring up with Nick, Tao gets into the fight and that's kind of the end of that episode. Her noticed how going feral with the beanie. It's so fucking funny alright?
Anything about bully before we get to the affinity? No, I don't like that one is. Beefy is alright, let's move on. So we get to last episode. We're just called boyfriend. And I just want to shout out whoever wrote this episode, because this is how you end a season one. Don't clap in the mic. Safic writers, please take note. This is how you end a season one on a hopeful note, not a devastating note. OK, both are cliffhangers, but for different reasons. I'm.
Right. Just this is how you end a season one okay? That's all I'm saying, especially when you haven't been picked up for another one. Watch the Season 2 just gonna end on such a bad cliffhanger, I. Mean. It doesn't matter. They get the season three, but cuz they can. Also, they're books, so you can just go see the books and know what happened. Yeah, I don't wanna do that. You know, I might do it on you. We'll find out, OK. But it's you would do that.
It's sports day, whatever the fuck that is. So it's field day. It's field day. It's basically field day. And for both schools. And we have to go to the boys school because that's sexism. I guess. We're always going to the boys school. What is that about writers? Is that how it works in England? I don't know. We don't have because they're like we. Separated schools by can't have a second location. We can make the school. Look like a different school. I think that's really what it is.
Like, this is the field. We only have the budget for one field. This is the field. So we're all going to the boys school to true him. First sports day, which is field day. And all day Charlie is just like avoiding his friends, everybody. He avoids his friends and Nick to the point where like, Nick is super worried enough to go talk to Tao because he goes to find Charlie and he goes and finds Tao by himself. Isaac was just like, fuck all this and he was just gone.
I'm not dealing any of this. He's not even there. And it's like, but Charlie was gonna be here, but I guess I'll eat with you. And they kind of cleared the air a little bit about Charlie, which is really good. And because at this point, Tao was still mad because Charlie didn't tell him about him and Nick, and so he's like icing Charlie out, basically. I like, doesn't want to get involved. So he just like left and Isaac's
being himself. Yeah, and Nick is being iced out by Charlie and he doesn't know that and or know why. So Tao basically tells him Charlie will never say this, but he often feels like he ruins of, you know, his existence is an inconvenience for other people and it ruins other people's lives. And so you know, he's trying to avoid you, basically. Let's see. Which, funnily enough, later in the episode.
Charlie ends up talking to his sister and kind of, like, expresses this to her, like literally everything Tal just says. And his sister's like, he's almost like, I wish I wasn't here. It's almost like, it's almost like creeping on to, like, suicide ideation kind of talk. I don't think that's where he's going with it. And I think his sister freaks out and she's like, you're gonna make my life worse. I've been here with you the whole time.
Like like telling Charlie, like, like, it can be really easy sometimes when you're like, really sad about one thing. Falling apart to not see the other good stuff in your life, you know what I mean? It's definitely relatable. And so I'm glad his sister was there to be like, you have me, you have your friends. Like, it's not so hopeless. And she kind of, like, pulls him out of it a little bit. I really like that scene between the two of them.
It was really sweet. It was very sweet and like she put down her glass. She put down her glass. Actually, I think it was still in her hand, but. She always has a drink and a straw. Always it's just she. She was always like slightly picking on him as like a sibling. And judgmentally drinking, She's like, who's that? Is that Nick? She's like, I'll make us pizza. Yeah, she was gonna cook. Or order food? Well, I don't know, said Make. So maybe just eat a burger.
For US pizza, it's my assumption. Yeah, she was trying to, like, take care of him. And he was just like, not right now. But I like that scene between the two of them. I want more for the sister. I think she gets more based on panels I've seen from the book, like out there on the Internet. I hope so, yeah. So I really like that scene between the two of them. And so that's kind of all in Charlie's head, going into actual sports, the sports day
stuff, which is the next day. I've jumped the gun there. So before we wrap stuff up with, we'll just wrap it all up with Nick and Charlie and just get through all the other characters really quickly. So Tal finally realizes he has a crush on Elle. Because they go in the, they go through all of, like, they go to The Art Room and Elle has like one of her paintings up there, which hot damn, she is talented. And they're kind of like they're together and there's like
staring and there's butterflies. And Tau gets the butterflies. Also there's butterflies in the room. There's like artwork on. All the artwork and there's really cute. I'm not surprised. But yeah, so finally so slowest heterosexual slow burn I've ever seen is them. Because like Elle figured it out in episode 5. Now finally Tau at the end, love it. So he didn't know. I know because he didn't he remember his. It makes sense for him, though, because he's so.
Obsessed about protecting their friendship. He was never going to read anything into anything. So then finally they had a moment together where there was a loan and she was going to, she was going to tell him she was like, I have something I want to tell you. And then like chickened out at the last moment, she's like, fuck yeah, I can't. I don't want to ruin our dynamics and just said something and laughed. And then he was like, wait and like kind of put it together and
we got the butterflies. So, butterflies. I'm excited to see them finally figure their shit out. They're so cute and so kudos to you, hard stopper. We don't normally root for the heterosexual couples, no. So here we are of rooting for them. Damn, I know I'm saying damn. You made me like the heterosexuals in this show. They're so cute though, I. Love them and I want Marf Tao's mom with Li Think they're they're normal. I love them together.
Even the mom is like, I think the mom even figured it out because when Elle came over in one of the other episodes with the cookies, she's like, keep the door open. Oh, she did, Yeah, she said that and tells like, sure, whatever, like he didn't get it. She's like, maybe keep the door open like mom figured it out. Like damn it Tao, I want to sing with all the. Parents together? Yeah, because you get them very much sprinkled in a little bit.
Like Charlie's mom. Charlie's dad had been sprinkled in there. Tao's mom? Nick's Has Charlie's mom been there? The one up when Nick came over when he was wet in the rain. Charlie's mom. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. And that's the. Only time you've seen her. My God, I know you see the cast for that one scene. Not literally. That one scene the dad was in two scenes. You see the sister more than you see, like he's more sibling based than parents. It was only two scenes. Yeah, the dad picked.
Well, maybe not two. Maybe there's like 3 scenes. He's in the car always. He's just the one that picks up Charlie and drops off. He's the chauffeur. He's the chauffeur is what I'm saying. Yeah, exactly. And then we haven't seen Elle's parents or Isaac's, so maybe we'll get them. I want to see Darcy's. Oh God. You know, her mom is like a hippie. I feel like she might be a foster child. You think I don't know she's too? She hasn't been. I feel like she has to be strong
though. Yeah, maybe. Maybe, And that she's just like. Watch her parents both be lawyers like the straightest edged people of all time and they have this just wild. Watch the actual book. Tell us. Yeah, we're just. We have no idea. If you haven't, if you were avid graphic novel readers of Hard Stopper, we're sorry. Don't judge us. Nope, We'll get there. Someday I'll read them all right. Anyway, so. Yeah, the slow burn with the straights. I'm here for them.
Also, the lesbians were there and they were super fucking cute with their like matching face P and then they skipped with L. They skipped with L and they're holding hands and they're just cute. So they were happy. So no lesbians were harmed in the finale. I love them, but go to the next point. Alright, so I like that. One so and then we get Isaac's javelin throw a little bit. If you want to explain this one,
it's great. He goes throw it and he's like just working it up and he throws it and it's so close. It's not. It's pretty far, but it's you see all the other ones and they're so much further, but everyone's just cheering. He's thrilled, and I love that he put his book down long enough to do that. Charlie's holding, Charlie's holding it. But yeah, Isaac is so proud of himself with the javelin throw, and it did not go anywhere. And I just.
I love it. Well, I feel like he was probably reading books on javelin throw, and that's his experience. That's it. Didn't even throw one. No, but he's like, alright, the trajectory, alright. You pulled it like this and yeah, it went somewhere. Hydrate for Isaac, OK? She only does this when she's thirsty. No, that's a that's a big moment. I love it. He was just so thrilled and Charlie was thrown before him, and it's just the cutest thing
ever. I love Isaac. But field day or whatever comes to a conclusion with the rugby match because patriarchy and so we gotta watch the rugby match. And so earlier that day Charlie quit the rugby team because he was like fuck the shit amount. I can't, I need to be away from Nick. So he cuz he's trying to just like isolate himself and he's like fuck the shit, so. Nick gets on the field and starts doing his rugby thing and then scores a point, I don't know rugby.
And he goes, he gets a touch. I guess they're called touchdowns, that's what's called American football. Maybe that's what he does. And then he goes scores, he's well, he gets a touchdown and then he has to do the kick for extra points. So he's about to do that and then he finds Charlie in the crowd and then is like fuck rugby and he they just, they just kick the ball, OK?
And then the coach is like, This is why we can't play real games because the players just keep leaving and just she's like, Nick get back here. It's like you're supposed to and he just like knows he leaves. He goes because he's so like afraid of losing Charlie and he's so distracted by it that he's just like leaves the rugby game, takes Charlie's hand and runs away and they go like inside the school and.
They pass imaging while their hands are linked and she smiles because good ally and Nick immediately starts like word, vomiting all of his feelings at Charlie because he's he's really worried. He's like, I don't want to break up. I don't want to lose you. And he's like, but like if you want to break up. I respect you all this stuff. But he's like you have to know that like you're the best person I ever met and he's like telling him he's like, you matter. My life is better because I met
you. And Charlie's like, I believe you is like, well, I'm going to keep telling you until you actually believe me because you don't seem to believe people when they tell you this. Because that's what Tao told him. And he's like, I I need you to feel it and actually believe what I'm telling you because I'm telling you the truth and it's very cute. And then my life is better because you're in. It was like the line I broke rode down because it was very,
very cute. He just full on gay panics and Charlie's like, I believe you. And then they kiss in the middle of the corridor of the corridor and Nick's like, oh, are we? Whatever, Let's go on a date. And then they go on a super cute. They go to the beach. Let's go to the beach. That's romantic. Yeah. So you tell us about the birds in the beach car. No, no. OK. So they go to the beach. Really. I don't. I don't know what we're talking about.
When they go, OK, so when they go to the beach state, they get on the train. Oh, and what's in the train? Caitlin. Birds. The lovebirds. Yes. I actually have another fact about this. Yes. No. Jump in. OK, so Theore and I, I kept arguing about the birds. I wanted to talk about the other birds. Theore wouldn't talk about the birds flying away. Really, the focus wasn't either of them. It was only other person in the train cuz that was the writer of heart stopper.
Oh shit, for real. I also was in the show. Yeah, damn it, we suck. And she was drawing a picture of the two of them. Stop it. OK, I have to go back and watch this immediately. We're done. Recording. That's cute. That's cute. Cuz she was sitting under the birds. The lovebirds together? Yeah, this cute. Oh my God. I love the show. Sorry, I didn't. Know what you mean by the birds? No, I need to know more Behind the scenes? No, because like, it's the exact same birds that we saw as the
cartoon. With the imaging scene, it's the same birds. They're just painted on the on the train and both together and flying away. It's like, oh, you see them flying away, but in the scene with imaging they're in the background on the tree. Yeah, yeah. Which I didn't realize. Yeah. And it just. Yeah, yeah, exactly. Yeah. It's they full on go through the entire frame, basically. The birds, yeah. We're obsessed with the birds
and we're so sorry. I know you're not here for bird talk, but I found this little detail weird and then exciting when it was on the train. Yeah, I have so many notes, I have to cross them off as I go. Sorry, do you? Have more about this. The beach. The beach part. We're just gonna go into the beach stuff. Yeah, well, the beach includes the merry go round, right? Yeah. Go okay. Yeah. So the set decorator. Maxwell. Fine. Maxwell, fine. Yeah, I know. It's just I got distracted
because of the nanny. Have you ever seen that show? Yeah, yeah, man. And then Frank. Oh. Shit, you're right. So that's that's that's why we bring this. What's there? OK, But he said the merry Go round was filled with crew members and then they they were stuck on it until they got enough footage because oh, they couldn't. Once they committed to being on there, they couldn't leave because of continuity. That's true. So they're just going around and. That's really funny.
So for those 3 seconds of cuteness, thank you. Thank the crew members for making it possible. That's so funny. Yeah, that 3 seconds. That probably took at least an hour. Saying like they sacrificed hours of their days and like maybe they're nausea being on a merry go round, that's really funny. This whole date sequence is really cute. Because they like they're they they're in a town that, you know, nobody knows them, so they can be themselves. And it's just sweet and very
cute. Do you have anything until we get to the actual beach where we get the title of the episode? OK, so then it culminates where they're at the beach. Which, by the way, this looks like a stupidly uncomfortable beach because it's just rocks. It's awful. It's awful. I'm so sorry. Thought to lay. There is that what all the beaches are like. Maybe there's just the beach look and so beaches can look different.
As somebody who just went to Hawaii where it was like lava beaches and it's like straight up lava that you're you need to wear shoes. So like this looked more comfortable than a lava beach but like damn, it's just like straight up rocks. So they're just laying a towel together and talking and Nick, I think, finally says. I think tells him I'm bisexual and he's like, I think I'm ready
to come out and all this stuff. And so he is just so happy that he gets they get there just being themselves and having this like beautiful day that he just screams to Poseidon. I like Charlie and Charlie likes me back. Poseidon's like, yeah, be get the oceans game, man. I don't give a fuck like, whatever. Damn. Oh my gosh. You know, that was such a weird and cute scene at the same time that. Was super cute.
And then it like the part where he picks up Charlie and like, carries him and he's like, you're my boyfriend. It's just so fucking stupidly cute. It's like finally Charlie gets like the thing that he wants, which is like a boy who's not afraid to like be his boyfriend and say it, you know, so he finally, So he's like, I just love that this episode really like it contrasts the first one. Like perfectly. Like Charlie totally gets all the things. He was like, I'll never get
this. And he finally gets it. And Nick is like, comfortable enough to be like, yeah, like I'm ready. Like, let's do it. And so it ends with them basically be like, oh, are we going to tell people now? And it's like, yeah, so they're going to tell people it's Season 2. I'm really, I'm, I'm very excited to see it.
I'm excited to see so many things in Season 2, but before we get to Season 2, we have to get to somebody else who matters that Nick tells OK. Basically, this is the only person that matters to Theora. So we got to go back to Olivia Coleman. I just they love that she's in the show. She's such a beautiful actor. I just love her to death. And when they're talking together, Nick basically expresses what.
Tara wanted where he's like, I don't really want to make a big announcement about it, but I want to, I want us to be able to tell the people that mattered because before that they were like hiding around their friends. Well, like Charlie's friends by their friends. And so the next step is like parents because, like, at this point, the friends all know. So Nick tells his mom and I absolutely love this conversation that they have.
Because like, first of all, if you had to come out to somebody, she's the person you'd want to come out to. Because everybody should be able to come out to and Olivia Coleman is what I'm saying, and I know you said to. Olivia Coleman, You should come out to Olivia Coleman. She's great, but I love that he he tells his mom. He explains. Like, I'm bisexual. Like Charlie is my boyfriend, and he says that more than once, and his mom is genuinely really happy.
And she says to him, I'm sorry if I ever feel you made you feel like you couldn't tell me that. Because they had many conversations where she's like, you'll find the right girl and like all this stuff And like he never said anything because he tells her in this conversation, oh, I've we've been together for a while and like I've liked him way before that and like she gets understands that he didn't tell me. And so she's like, I'm sorry you felt like you couldn't tell me
before. I'm glad you did. And she also says something else I think is really important where she's like, you don't have to. Say you like girls. If you don't like them, you know, cuz like, that's that's a comment. I feel like that that's what's expected of men in particular. And so she's like, you don't have to say that to make me happy or like to perform, Like if you're gay, that's fine.
And he's like, no, no, I do. I I like girls and guys like I, you know what bisexuality is. And she's like, I wasn't. I'm not from the 18th century, is what she says so fucking funny. But she just handles it beautifully and hugs him. And I just. I just love all those things that she says from like a parent's perspective, you know? Yeah, like, I'm sorry you couldn't maybe felt like you can tell me sooner. And like, you don't have to, like, perform for me.
Basically like it's OK to just be you. It's a good guideline for parents watching. Yeah, exactly. And and for for parents and or people that have people in their life that come out to them as bisexual. Because that is a thing. Yes. Right. So I don't. I don't get it. I don't get it. We don't get it that people don't. Think that bisexuals. Yes. Yeah. That people don't understand bisexuality. Yeah. Not that we understand bisexuality exists. That's not mysterious.
People's reaction to it is. I don't get it. But I like her dialogue. I thought it was really important for having a son come out to you as bisexual because, like, I feel like that is something we don't get a lot of exposure with. And again, representation
matters. There have to be bisexual men out there and give them a good role model like Nick and give those parents of bisexual men a good role model like Olivia Coleman in this show like this is I found the storylines so, so important because it's often so missed. I mean, we are definitely biased in the type of media we consume, but I feel like we much more often are likely to encounter a bisexual female presenting character versus a male.
Presenting characters. So having this storyline to me is so stupidly important and to have it be so positive is so important. Like I don't know. I just this this, this show meant a lot to me because I thought it was just so needed, you know? Yeah, because I feel like as society that we live in is more accepting of like female presenting people that are bisexual or fluid versus. Men are still like put back in
those. Like, no, you have to be this one thing because like, again, we live in a patriarchy that's much more solidified for men. So I I loved Nick's storyline a lot and how it was handled and his mom and all of that stuff. I thought it was so frigging important. It was a great scene, such a beautiful scene. And like you told me, Olivia Coleman messed up her lines because she got. She got so emotional from Kit. Kit is such a beautiful actor first of all.
Holy shit. He blew away OO winner Olivia Coleman and made her fuck up her lines because he was so good in that scene, she told him. I got overwhelmed with your little face. Yeah, it's in the blooper reel, so when you see it, you'll get to see. It yeah, he nailed that scene like it. Just all of his scenes. The scene with C2 in the corridor where he's like, freaking out. They're really good. They're he's such a good actor.
Holy shit. They're both fantastic, but like, he just the emotions that waft off this Raptor are just phenomenal. Yes. I can't believe it. Anything else? That's that is the finale you got, I think, Caitlin, I do have some stuff. We got some stuff from Caitlin. I'll just see what I haven't. OK, so my first thing is about your love. I'll be home in Yep.
So Theora's big thing was that she can't believe they got Olivia Coleman and that their budget must have gone all to Olivia Coleman. Olivia Coleman filmed her all her scenes. In two days, I'm not surprised It's Olivia Coleman Imaging and Isaac are original for the show. They're not in the books. No way. Oh, that's fucking awesome. Isaac replaced somebody because they didn't feel like they could give that character enough
stuff, I guess. OK, so he like transformed from 1 character in the books into a brand new character. Basically got it. I love Isaac. That's crazy. I love that. And I love imaging, yeah. Oh man, I love that. Oh OK, so I wasn't. I'm not in the book fandom, but I remember when the season 2 announced Season 2 + 3 announcement happened, I also got on social media. Basically it was saying that like. Hinting that she was going to do more like ace arrow type stuff.
And I guess talking about Isaac is what she meant. I did. I thought he was in the book. So that's really interesting that she's like, Yep, that's where this character is going. We're going to explore that. That's so great. Oh man, I love that. Go Allison. Nick's house has stained glass on the outside. Nick's house? Yep. How interesting. So. Or Charlie's house, because Charlie's house has a bunch of stained glass in it. I don't know, I thought it, said Nick.
OK, I don't know. I don't remember seeing Nick's house. We're just like inside of it. I don't know. I think it's Charlie's. Charlie's had straight up, I thought, they said. That's fine. I don't know. Somebody's OK. So whatever room they had to figure out how to, they had to. Because when you're inside. So maybe it was Nick's house. Sorry they had to put gels on the light to make it tinted a different color. Ohh do you know what I mean by gels? No, but I understand why they're did that.
Yeah to like make it more one color versus like multiple colors of the lights. Is that what you mean? Instead of like a light like this, they'll put a blue gel on it to make it look blue? Yeah, yeah. So blue gel is basically it's not paper but this like plastic looking thing that won't burn with the light because these lights are really freaking hot, I believe it. And so they can just like I forget how they put it on there. But yeah, you can just put it on there and then it makes it a
color. Oh, that's interesting. Yeah, I didn't think about that. If you're on locations with stained glass, a lot of directors and cinematographers stay away from a lot of colors because they're worried that it will distract the audience. Yeah, sure, but this one loved the colors and wanted to play with it as much as possible. I said there's a lot of like playing in this. This is freaking show for the coloring. They use the Luts for the footage.
So basically they film in raw, so everything is very not dried out. What is it Washed? Yeah, washed out. OK. And like very flat. It's a flat. I was gonna. Say what is the opposite of contrast? Flat. So a LUT is a look up table and it's basically a template color grade. So you put it on it and then it's like what the camera sees. So there's Luts for specific cameras but heart stoppers LUT put torque turquoise in the shadows. Oh interesting. And it was also, one stop, darker.
So I don't know how to explain a stop. It just makes the image darker than what it actually is. OK, so And then once you have the base grade on it, because that's basically the base that they go with, then they'll play around with the colors and the contrast, so they'll up put more light in the shadows. Yeah. And the LUT also warms people's skin tones. So they're already playing with the colors before shooting it, basically. I don't know if they did it
before. You can put a LUT in the the the screen, the monitor. That's like you can view the footage on it, OK. But you won't see it in the camera. I see it'll be flat when you're cooking. I got you in the camera. That's interesting. And I think that's probably why the blue seem saturated. Yeah, I think they did really up that because I think the cinematographer was worried that
it was overboard. But she said it ended up looking alright and now this is just random, but Tow's blanket has leaves on it. Should have mentioned that when I said the stars and the hearts on the phone. No it's OK Here we are. Now we know where the leaves came from cuz the leaves show up like first. Yeah, it's like the first animation. We're like, what the fuck are where are the fucking leaves? This is so random. Tow's blanket. Tow's fault. The tree on the trum school
uniforms. Uh they bloom throughout the whole show on the like the you know, no way. Yeah, the trees like, oh, that's cool. And it's like to. Passage of time coming. Yeah. I I thought I saw that. The the change of seasons and the romance blossoms. That's so. I thought I was going crazy. I'm like, does that seem more like a tree than normal On the uniform? That's so cool, man. There's so many little fun. They really did put a lot of detail into the show, like go check out.
If you just look up behind the scenes and like BuzzFeed, they do have an article. I'm not saying all of it. I do cherry picking. Yeah, I recommend it because they do pick out like very obscure things. That's super cool. I love shows that do stuff like that. And then the article that I've been getting from the cinematographer, they gave me the camera and the lenses that they used. So they use an Alexa Mini LF which is an RE camera which is
one of them was like $98,000. Oh my God, it's actually not that bad. Oh man. That makes it worse. Feel like there's definitely way more expense. Well, it's see, it's not just the camera either, it's the lenses. Oh yeah, so they use Canon K-35 lenses, and those are cinema lenses. They're prime lenses. So which means you have prime and zoom. And prime means it's a fixed focal length. So say this length we can get closer and further, but the well the camera can get closer and further.
But you have to physically move, whereas zoom is you can just stay here and then move the lens. But the benefit of prime lenses is that you can have a lower aperture, which means you can film in lower light settings better without having to up the ISO, which the higher ISO it is, the more grainy the image is. Is it like when you try to take a picture of the moon with your camera? So if you ever see an image that has like a bunch of noise in the image like so like those like little floaty.
I can't really explain it little light. Yeah, it's like that. Yeah. And you're like, this is crap. Yes, that's why. Yeah, your phone cannot ISO that. See the moon? Yeah, your phone is, like, maxing out. Yeah. OK well, I won't get into too much of a lesson because then you have the whole triangle, exposure, triangle thing. But we'll get in. We don't have to do it. But the camera is on the Netflix approved list.
Yeah, Netflix, Interesting. You have to use an approved Netflix camera if you're want your show to be an original. Interesting. They must have contracts, I assume. I see, I don't. I think shows are produced before Netflix even it becomes original sometimes. Interesting. It don't. At one point, I don't think documentaries had to fight. I was in a distribution class, so we were looking into everybody's requirements and trying to see if we could get my film on there actually.
That's really cool. Thank you for sharing all that, Caitlyn. Yeah, there's there's just so much on the show. We've we've scratched the surface. I could go into more, but yeah. We won't. We won't. Let's run more technical stuff. Let's run Patreon. You'll see much more content. Yes, a lot more. All right. So before we hop on over to Patreon to watch, yeah, it's the Season 2 trailer soon, so let's oh, we still have to do the hydration.
We're gonna. Hydrate all right So Caitlin on the high by duration scale because these bitches say high and by so many times. How much would you hydrate? For heart stopper for all the G's Eye 8. I'm giving it A10. I know you do Will. Honestly, I love the show. It's the queerest show I've seen in a very long time that is not like it doesn't do stereotypes. Honestly, it feels very real. All the characters and their journeys, and I enjoy the way they tell it.
It's really good. It's high for you. I don't know why I give it an 8, but it's. Yeah. I mean, I'm a. Low. That's really high. Yeah, exactly. If this isn't like, my favorite thing ever, it's pretty low. Caitlyn I know why it's Cuz Nelly's not in every episode. I love Nelly. Yeah. You'd give it A10 if Nelly's in every episode. Oh my God, if Nelly had like a whole storyline. Actually, but yeah, sorry. Go go. I have it. Nelly did it for you. Okay.
I forgot to mention this. When they're doing, when they're on their beach date and they go to those cutouts to put their faces through and take pictures. The dog is Nelly from the graphic novel. Yeah. And then Nick puts his face in Nelly's body and Charlie, I think, was the cat. Yeah, that's Nelly from the graphic novels. I know. Do you get a nine now? I'm just kidding. No, no, 8 and a nine. All right, so check out Heart Stopper if you haven't already. There should have been a bird.
Cut it out there. Should have put her. They should have brought Nelly. Maybe you can bring her to the beach. But anyway, if you haven't watched it, please go watch it. We spoiled the shit. I have it for you. Season 2 was probably already out when you're watching this. We will be covering that next, and we're gonna hop on over to Patreon right now and watch the trailer and react to it. We haven't seen it yet, so if you're gonna watch that, head on over to Patreon.
If not, hydrate for lesbian Jesus. And gate up all over the place. Bye, bye. And with that, we've been big gay energy. If you like this episode, check out all our other episodes on whatever you're using to listen right now. If you're listening on Apple, we'd really appreciate it if you left us a review, no matter how brief. It helps us get into Apple's algorithm to reach a wider
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