Heartstopper S2E7 "Sorry" Recap and Discussion

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. What's on the big gay agenda today, Theora? Today we are talking about Heart Stopper Season 2 Episode 7. Sorry. It just. It made me think of the game. The way you said that. But anyway, is that how you say the game name? I have no idea.

I don't know. You're supposed to be like when you, like, pick up a sorry. Like sorry. I don't know actually how to play the game. I guess it's not relevant. I think it depends on how you play the game because I'm more competitive, so I'd be like sorry bitch. So we haven't played a competitive game together. That would be very interesting. No, we've played friendship Co-op games. Friendships might be broken if we both played an actual competitive game together. Precisely.

So sorry. All right. We're going to start. Early in the morning. It's not actually early. It's midday and Tara and Darcy are doing what they do best. They're kissing in Tara's bed. Yes. They're very good. At it. And Tara's mom respects her privacy, so she actually knocks on the door, which I love. And. Darcy rolls off the bed to pretend that they weren't in bed together. OK, but like roll is such a? Kind word.

She doesn't roll though. Like if you watch Tara, like panic pushes Darcy and so she kind of like with that momentum falls off the bed because yeah, mom's at the door stop being gay. And also yeah, mom is also like girls. It's like the afternoon. What are you gonna are you alive and like good for them because they're just being gay until noon. So. They're getting hit up all day long. Hydrate for them.

And I also love that Mom definitely pretends to not hear Darcy loudly land on the floor, 'cause it's not like she's subtly ninja, like, rolls onto the floor and everything's cool. She's like, it's like boom. Darcy's on the floor. You know, maybe she didn't. Hear it? You don't know what she heard. Well. Ma, I think Mom is aware of their relationship because she knocks to be like, please stop doing whatever you're doing.

She's like, I do not need to know as much as I will probably if I open this door right now right? And she's like, there's a loud bang. I don't need to know about that. Let's just move on and they start talking for a bit and we get confirmation in the scene that. Tara is out to her parents cause Mom comments on it, but she's not out to her granny because Granny would have a heart attack if she knew.

See now if you ever have an issue with Granny, that is definitely the way to get back at her. Just tell her and give her a heart attack. Well, I don't even know if it's just that Tara's out. I think it's that Tara's having sleepovers with her girlfriend. So like, mom knows what's going on is the point here. But Granny? Granny would tisk tisk at this? All the way to the hospital. So let's not tell Granny other things we get. This is the first time I think we see Tara's room. On screen.

And it's adorable and like so colorful and bright and it just fits her personality so well. There's like a there's like stuffed unicorns all over the place, little like ballet dancer stuff. And like with Nick, Tara does have pictures of her and Darcy all over the walls, which is so freaking cute. And it's next to a stuffed Unicorn, which. Basically, if Darcy was a stuffed animal like she would, she would be a pink Unicorn stuffed animal. Let's keep it with a rainbow

tail. Yes, and a rainbow. It has a rainbow horn too. So like, it's. Oh, it does. Yes, it is Darcy the stuffed animal. So I love it. Darcy in stuffed animal form. Darcy the stuffed animal. And the last thing in Tara's room. That is important and foreshadowing and amazing. Most important, right? The most important is the Taylor Swift folklore poster. So we'll circle back to that in the next episode cause foreshadowing.

Other thing I want to point out in this scene is so this this episode allegedly like picks up very shortly after they get like the Paris trip concludes. So it seems that like Darcy went straight to Tara's house after the Paris trip, based on their conversation. So I wonder if the text she got from her mom while they're in the Louvre was basically like, don't come back or or something nasty, cause like, we didn't see it. We just saw Tara be like, hey,

is that your mom? And Darcy's like, yeah, fuck that, whatever. So I'm just, I'm curious if that was, like the catalyst for Darcy to be like, yeah, I'm not ready to go home quite yet. You think? She said don't come back? I I don't know, something along the lines to make Darcy not want to come home, you know what I mean? I don't know the exact text 'cause we never see it. I think it's probably just something that she was, like really mad at her about

something. Like maybe she didn't clean or something. Or like maybe she did something before she left and she was just really mad and she's like, I don't feel like dealing with this right now. Maybe I'll just tell her that it the trip was extended. I'm sure her mom doesn't care or know the length of the trip, to be honest. That's fair. But unfortunately, Darcy has to go home tonight, 'cause Tara's mom's, like, enough with the sleepovers. Like, you need to go home. Like, I'm a cool.

I'm a cool mom, but I'm not that cool. Darcy, you gotta go home. Like it's been 84 years. You gotta go home. I mean, Tara's mom should just foster her at that point. I mean, yeah, I mean, but again, they don't know the extent of Darcy's home life. But. It is nice that Tara's mom's being cool and letting them have sleepovers because like, I don't think my mom would be that cool when I was their age. So there's that. So yeah, well, that's nice.

While the girls are being gay, Nick is at home not having a sleepover with his boyfriend, but instead he is reminiscing about the Paris trip by scrolling through all of his photos and he's like, got a huge smile on his face. Because, Nick. Loves photos as memories, like he's the one always taking them and here he is looking through them. But his smile falters when he come, when it comes across a particular photo.

And it's a photo of them at that dinner where Imogen basically broke up with Ben in the most epic way possible. And it's like Nick took a selfie and it's like of the whole table and it's from the context clues, it's like the end of the meal cause like everybody's plates are basically empty. Except Charlie's. Charlie's plate looks like it just arrived, cause Nick zooms in and he's like, oh, all of

Charlie's food is still there. So he realizes that Charlie's eating disorder is still ongoing, even if Charlie isn't talking about it. Well damn Fiora, so he gets worried. What do you mean damn? I didn't realize that. Yeah, he he zooms in on it in the. Apparently I didn't pay attention to that. There's that. So yeah, Nick, it's Nick is still worried about Charlie, cause Charlie's not talking to him about this.

But Nick, the ever observant protective boyfriend, is just like, picking up on all the signs. I love that Imogen is living her best life. Yeah, I mean, she this is post Ben. So she's thrilled to screw the misery. Yep, she don't need that misery. And then Charlie is also alone in his bed scrolling through Instagram when he gets a notification from Ben. Because of course he doesn't, and it says Saw Nick's post. Can we talk? Wait. So he saw Nick's post.

Yeah 'cause Nick Nick's post Nick at the end of the last episode posted about them. Oh. Yeah. OK. Got it. Yeah, so. You don't deserve his time. Well, no. Charlie swipes that notification away so fast and just sinks back into his dark thoughts. So yeah, I mean, what Nick doesn't seem to know, really is just how bad of a trigger Ben is for Charlie's mental health, not just because of the stuff that, like, went down with the two of them that Nick witnessed.

But everything proceeding to that with his outing and bullying and stuff, and I feel like Ben is just a trigger for all of that. And so, you know, he's looking at all these happy memories he's having with Nick as he's trying to, like, move on and try and get better. Or at least like pretend like everything's better because he hasn't fully processed everything. He's just been stuck with it internally. And so Ben is just that constant reminder of like the past and

like and like. He's not worthy and like all this kind of stuff. So he just goes back into his his, his bad thoughts, which is sad. Poor little Charlie. I know. I just. I want the best for him, I know. Then, while all this is going on, Elle receives the news that she got into Lambert and they chose her piece for their exhibit and the exhibit's called Here and Queer. Yeah, it's really great. Like like, what are the odds, first of all, in a queer show? But it's super cute that, like,

you know this particular. So Ella's really trying to find her place and she already kind of feels at home at Lambert just by having gone through the like, sixth form welcome. Like check this place out kind of thing. But then to be invited, to be exhibited in this very like, welcoming type of exhibit for specifically they put to celebrate young queer and trans artists, it it must just be like, OK, this is beyond a sign that this is where I need to go,

that this is where I belong. Like, I mean, I feel like there's nothing more welcoming than that. Exactly, Exactly. So it's just beyond perfect. So I'm happy for Elle. So these are all pretty quick scenes. And we head to Tao dancing. Oh my God, it's the cutest fucking thing ever. Tao is just so happy dancing. And then his mom walks in and says that he looks so happy, which he does. He is he. Is Tal lets her know that he and Elle are together and his mom is so excited it's ridiculous.

I mean, she's their ship captain. She has been for a while. And I love. Exactly what she says to him, which is the perfect girl from my perfect boy. It's just so fucking cute. I want to hug Tal's mom and hurray for good parents. Yes, hurray for good parents. Which positive Rep in this show? For the most part by disliked Charlie's family, I think. And. Darcy's. And Darcy's and David. Fuck that guy and Nick's dad, I

guess. There's a lot of supportive pairs that there's some fucking shitty ones do, but whatever. But that's life. That's life. Exactly. So And just like life. Tao's mom is so excited that she's like, I have to, I have to go call our entire family now, 'cause she's like, I've been waiting for this cause. Like, OK, I think Tao's a lot like his mom, 'cause like, in the sense that like, he, when his feels are so big, he has to, like do something with them.

Hence why he was like physically dancing. Tao's mom's like, my feels are so big right now. I have to tell. Everyone. It's the cutest fucking thing on the planet and I love it so much, OK? So at this point, Elle texts the group chat that her piece got into the art show, and Tao immediately asks if she got into the school and got a place. And I think I believe, she starts to say. I got in. But she just decides to lie and

say not yet, she doesn't know. Yeah, they both go through that thing where they're like, you see through text their they type their first thought and they're like, I don't know. And they backpedal. So like everybody else is like, yeah, yay go L we have to shop and like get outfits to your exhibit. We're so excited. But Tao's first thought is, does that mean you're leaving? Like, that's his first thought to like the exhibit, but then he changes it and he's like. Did you get in?

Which means the same thing, but it's a nicer way of saying that. And then L basically her first reaction is to be honest and tell Tao, because they've been friends for I don't know how long, but they're very close and they tell each other everything. But to tell Tao that she understands that, like that would make him upset. And she's like, well, I haven't. I don't know, Maybe I won't go. Maybe I won't.

So she decides to just, like, keep it to herself while she figures out what she really wants and like what's best for her. So she's kind of like, no, not yet. So basically, like they're in this limbo of like, being fully honest with each other because they're afraid of how the other one's gonna react, basically, and what that would mean for whatever their relationship is at this point. But also they just got happy. No, exactly. And then, like, that's the

thing. It's like, oh, I just finally got this thing I've wanted cause like, L has been pining forever and Tao has been pining but didn't realize it forever. So, like, to finally have that and then be like, oh man, it's gonna go away in a few weeks or so. Like that's scary, you know? Yeah. So it's hard. It's a hard. Let's just pretend it's not happening. We'll pretend it's not happening and go to Nick's house. Yeah, that's exactly where I was going with that.

Thank you. And the first thing I noticed, apparently, is that Nellie is back. That's what you always notice. Oh. Nellie. Nellie was not in the season enough. Just saying you should read the books because Nick gets another dog. But Nellie? Nellie's still there, but he gets a puppy. OK. Nellie's back. Nellie's back. Happy Nellie. Thoughts. Whoa. I love Nellie. Nellie's such a good dog. She is. But seriously, the books. Nick. Nick gets another puppy. You should check that out.

What kind of? Puppy. The pug they're. Not my favorite, but you know, dogs are dogs. It's cute. And sadly, sadly, Natalie's back. But David never left. Gross. I can, can we like. I know. Ship him away. Can we turn him into the Pug? That'd be great. With a better personality. Yeah, anything's better than David. Let's keep it real. But we have to have some tension here. So, like, let's resolve this nonsense. Fine. So Nick asks if he can invite Charlie over when his dad comes

for dinner. Because if he has to be stuck with his dad at dinner, you may as well have the first thing you love with you. Yep, just saying. And Olivia Coleman just goes all out and says they should. Just invite his whole. Family and make it a dinner party. They both really do not want to be alone with his wife. No, Clearly or David. They're like more people as buffers please, and we hate them. What could possibly go wrong with this entire family meeting together?

It's either be worried about what those two will say and embarrassed to have anybody over, or just need the people there so you don't have to listen to them. No, exactly. The biggest burn is when David bitches that Nick gets to invite someone and he doesn't. He's like, Nick gets to bring somebody and Olivia Coleman's like, do you have someone to invite David Crickets asked. Invited If you asked. Yeah, probably. You could bring anyone you wanted.

Well, I like Nick's smug face. Says it all, though, 'cause, like the the point of this is is that David keeps ragging on Nick for having a boyfriend. But Olivia Coleman's like, are you dating anybody? Yeah, I didn't think so. So why are you? Mad at Nick for being happy when you're unhappy. That's really what this is. It's like a jealous, envious thing from David. That Nick is happy and he is not and he's alone and Nick has a boyfriend. So that's what Olivia Coleman's

like. Bitch in your place. Shut the fuck up. I thought was really funny. Even his mom is like. David, you're so transparent. I swear this is Olivia Coleman's episode. Oh yeah, no, it's super is. Give her an Emmy for this episode. 'Cause it's Olivia Coleman and. If you are not for super familiar with Olivia Coleman, just go listen to one of her like Oscar or Emmy acceptance

speeches. She doesn't notoriously does not prepare for them as a way to like jinx herself for not winning so that every time she gets on stage she just rambles 'cause there is no speech. So just go watch them. They're hilarious. And endearing. It's one place I love her. Yeah, I love Olivia. Pullman She's the best. Hold. On I'm sorry, just this side note, my favorite one is when she didn't remember what movie she was promoting. Yeah, Norton Show or something. She's the.

Best just. The movie in my. Hair. She's like, why am I here? I was just like on calendar B at this interview. I don't know what the interview is about. Like I just love her so much. Like she's I just do so much work she does, but also like she's a such a hot mess in real life and I just. Love it. She's the actual best. She's great.

She's great. Speaking of what's great, Speaking of great, we go back to the Spring Spring House and Tori and Charlie are playing Mario Kart because of course they are. It's like the it's like the spring family game is like to play Mario Kart and as they're doing this. Charlie is talking about how fun the Paris trip was and then he's like Tori. You should have come too. And Tori is my spirit animal because her response is summers are for sleeping, not visiting old museums.

And like, girl, yes, that's such a Tori line. I fucking love it. She's like, bitch. No, I got to get my beauty rest. Fuck that shit. I mean, I agree with the museum part. I agree with sleeping. Summers for sleeping like Tori gets it. I really hate sleeping anyway. So Charlie gets the invite through text from Nick. Oh my God, to invite. Oh my gosh. OK, so Charlie gets the invite for his family to come over, and Tori reminds him that Mom isn't Nick's biggest fan.

Like, come on, Mom. Well, to be fair, Charlie is still not. He hasn't completed his school homework. That's been lingering for like months now. So and Charlie since. From her point of view, like since Charlie has met Nick, her perception 'cause she doesn't know Charlie really is that Nick came into his life. Nick's now. Charlie's not doing well in school now Charlie's not listening to her and sneaking out and breaking rules.

So like, she's associating those two things together without getting to the underlying cause of like. What is actually going on with Charlie really doesn't have anything to do with Nick at all. If anything, Nick helps Charlie feel better and like that's why he's doing all these things where his parents like are very surface level with with their children and they don't really get to the crux of like what is

bothering them. Their communication is just terrible in the spring household, with the exception of Tori and Charlie. They're much better at communicating with each other, but everybody else is really bad at it, so. I get where she's coming from, from like the limited information she has, but like her, his parents don't really put a lot of effort into, like, really understanding him. So here we are.

But Charlie is really hopeful that if mom comes to the dinner party and actually spends times with Nick, which she has not done, she's only heard about Nick in passing, then maybe that will change her mind because Nick is a freaking golden retriever. Who wouldn't love Nick after like being in his presence for like 3 minutes? Like he's the best, you know? And so we're very hopeful about

this. And then the moment is completely ruined because Charlie's getting more instant messages from Ben where he's like, hey, I saw you read the message like, I need to talk to you. Stop ignoring me. And Tori notices Charlie's shifted mood immediately because Tori is very in tune with Charlie. However, in classic Tori fashion, she doesn't do anything.

She just sits there, but she notices that this is going on with Charlie but doesn't act to like help or talk to him about it, which is part of their dynamic a little bit. I know I bring this up every single time, but why are we texting on Instagram? Instagram is for sending reels that remind you of someone else, right? No, I don't understand why that is where we're texting

everybody. And like they have group chats and like, like this Para Squad is a group chat, which like as far as I'm aware is not an Instagram function. So like, does Instagram does meta sponsor Hard Chopper? Yeah, that is a valid question. No, I think there's Insta mentioning in the book, but like, yeah, are they sponsoring this show? Valid question because it's a lot of Insta. And like, it's actually Instagram. It's not like a fake social

media site that they're using. So after the spring, Spring sibling stuff happens. That's when L posts on Instagram about her Lambert exhibit that's coming up, and that's when the Paris Squad group chat actually blows up. Oh, we actually talked about this already, so we'll skip past it. Everybody's first instinct with texting and all that stuff. We actually just jumped ahead our bad. How did that even happen? I don't know, 'cause we couldn't remember.

OK, wait, also, but there is something from the scene that I want to talk about that I forgot to talk about. So everybody is in this Paris squad includes Sahar, and we get a picture of Sahar in her room, which her room is also super cool. And can we talk about what a bi queenless woman is? Because like, look at her, she's got a guitar and like, the rainbow flag on it. And like, everything is just bi flag colors in her room. Oh my gosh. I didn't even notice the rainbow

flag. Yeah, she's the freaking room's awesome. I know her room is awesome. And so the rooms are really reflective of their personalities. And so, like, I want more Sahar based on just this image. Like, she just looks so chaotic and fun and I want more of her. That's all I'm saying. I really want more of her. She's she's a really fun character so far. Love it. Love it. Love it. And unfortunately we make our way to do our Darcy's house after that. I mean, we need to because we

need to get into this. So Darcy stares at her house before finally going in. Because if I didn't want to go home to that shit, I would also just stare. Get Me Out of here. Anyway, there are ominous clouds foreshadowing Terrible things are ahead. I yeah, I love the cloud detail because if you look at it, her house is like in the middle of these other houses that look a

identical. So it's just like, on the surface it looks like a very ordinary, unassuming house, but inside the home it does not match the exterior. And I think that's a really great metaphor for Darcy at this point because on the surface and on the outside, she looks like a normal, happy, confident girl, but inside, like she's not. OK. So I do love this. I think it very much mirrors her journey and how, like, easy it is to just like miss when somebody's going through

something. Because on the surface they look perfectly fine. And like, you would never know by looking at this house that, like, how toxic it is inside. You know, unless you saw the ominous clouds, which we can't. Unless you had some mushrooms that allowed you to see these. Yeah, unless you're on drugs and you're like, what's that purple cloud there? That house is weird. Which, I mean, if you're doing that, do you and call 911 or something? I'm just picturing this person

in an ambulance. Going to the hospital like there's a purple cloud, there's a pink Unicorn. You would get more drugs to make you stop hallucinating so it wouldn't be effective, but I'm saying try and be a Good Samaritan, you know? Yeah, well, let's leave the house. And the ominous clouds. And let's go. All those shopping? Yeah. So the Paris squad is really excited for Elle and they want to get art show and prom

outfits. They have a lot going on where they need clothes, so they go like thrifting basically, and nothing they already have will work. Obviously not well. Do you have a prom outfit just laying around? If you've never been to a prom before, like now, so this is an excuse to get out. And then for the art show, yeah, this is an excuse to get out and do something. It's classic classic teenager stuff. So they're all kind of like

going together. And immediately, Isaac announces that he's going to break off from the group to meet up with James, because they left things very weirdly. In the last episode with their kiss. So Isaac needs to go talk to James to clear that up. Totally understandable. Nobody else seems to know the context of what's going on with Isaac. I don't think he told anybody because Darcy very excitedly squeals. Oh my God, they're gonna kiss.

And Isaac is like, that's why I need to go talk to him because and fuck you guys. And he sulks away basically. So I feel bad. His friends are not very observant in that aspect because they don't understand that people don't want to be with other people. Like they all need to be coupled up at all. Times, yeah. And also I nobody has noticed what is going on with him, period. And asked him about it and he hasn't.

And I don't think he's close enough to any of them when it comes to this topic to talk to him, which is why he seeks out James. But it's sad, 'cause like, they're his close friends and he doesn't feel comfortable enough talking to them about it. And it's very clear in the scene that that's what's going on. He definitely cares about other people more than just himself. So maybe he's just, like, never shared problems with them before. Maybe they're just not used to it.

Which, I mean, someone needs to realize that he's not. OK. Well, also like Isaac, you know, the bookworm is very much a character that's in his head. So, you know, I would assume he's trying to work it out himself first before he talks to other people, if he's planning on talking to other people. So he's also could just not be ready for that. And like, this reaction from his friends is really not helping him and his current, like,

mindset, you know? Yeah, Yeah. But Darcy finds a suit for prom during shopping, and Tara says she has to try it on because she needs to see Darcy in it. Like, let's be real. Yeah, I mean, correction, Tara finds the suit for Darcy, not the other way around. And then she's like, you need to try this on, Darcy protests a little bit. But Tara talks her into it because Tara likes women in suits, which is relatable. Tara is a woman who knows what she wants.

And she's like, you're my woman and I want you to wear this, Please wear this right now. She's like, it matches my dress. So like, it's meant to be Put this on right now. Also she's like, I could see you in it already.

Yes. And also notably like I'm currently I'm making my way through all of Alice Alice's books and I'm reading the Heartstopper yearbook, which is basically like Alice basically published this thing and it's like an evolution of how she evolution of Heartstopper from where it started to where it ended and her drawings along the way. And it's really interesting. And she has little character BIOS and drawings. And notably, a character trait of Darcy is that she does hate

dresses. So, like, there was no way in hell she was going to wear a dress. She was going to wear a suit anyway. So this could also just be like Tara, like pumping her up to be like, yeah, no, it's OK do it. I know you want to do this. Do it. But also Tara's like do it for me. I mean, we also see later why she's like a little hesitant to wear a suit as well. Yeah, totally. But it is notably a character trait of Darcy's from the author.

So and while all that is happening, Charlie is still being bombarded with messages from Missouri. Yes, Ben just won't leave him alone. Well, it's again, none of this is like I want to clear the air and this and that. It's just I have things to say to you, Charlie, let me say them to you. That's basically his messages. It's Ben centering himself at the expense of Charlie's mental health, who is not responding. So like you would take the hit, but Ben is all about Ben.

I don't think Ben has ever thought it was necessary or even tried to think of someone else. Yeah, exactly. That is his and I'm still I'm. I'm kind of convinced that's because his parents don't really care about him. So I'm so convinced that that is his parents dynamic. It's dad. It's dad above everybody else. And so I think he's that's what he has learned at home and he's going to stick to that and not like stray away from it. That is my assumption. And that is a fair assumption.

Yeah, that's why the patriarchy is toxic and a problem. Freaking patriarchy. Patriarchal bullshit. That's my favorite saying anyway. It's a motto. Down with the patriarchal bullshit that is now a sticker. Not actually, but we should make that sticker. Yeah, there is just Google. So to get rid of this misery, Nick. Nick doesn't know about it, but this is. We're getting rid of the misery by seeing this. Nick asked Charlie to prom. Finally.

Oh my God, it's so freaking cute the way he does it. And Charlie's super happy about it. And which is notable because we don't get a lot of super happy Charlie moments in this season. But one of the first things Charlie brings up after the initial happiness is, well, we might draw a lot of attention. So Charlie is just like ratting on himself basically that he, you know, is worried about the attention that them being out together will bring.

Even though, like, he's initially happy that, yeah, I get to be out in public at prom with my boyfriend, which is what Charlie does want. But he's like attention equals bullying, I think. So he's still very much aware that that's a possibility and I think is afraid of it for himself and also for Nick, you know, But Nick's like, that'll be fine, Let's just do it. And Charlie's like, OK, fine, but we are not wearing matching suits. We are not twinning as gays. Absolutely not.

We are not those gays. We are not those gays. And Nick's. Like, yeah, obviously. And like, OK, I have as a gay, I have to say that, like, my wife does not care about that. And so, like, she will wear clothes where we look similar, and then I will go change, 'cause I'm like, is that what you're wearing? We're not doing this. So I will go change my clothes. So we are not twinning 'cause it's weird. Is it weird? Yes, because then you get the

are you guys siblings? Which you're gonna get that anyway, No. Well, it's more likely you'll get it if you look similar. So I'm like, we're not wearing the same color, we're not wearing the same clothes. Let's change so we look different. We got to draw the line somewhere, Caitlin, so I understand where Charlie is coming from in this scene. That's funny. I can see that happening now.

It happens all the time. So while that is happening, Ella is trying to find a dress for the art exhibit, and while Darcy is trying on the suit, Tara finds out that Elle did get into the school. Yep, So she gets Elle to admit that she hasn't told anyone because she doesn't know how Tao will take the news, which is, Which is fair because, you know, he's been pretty unpredictable. I feel like this season like she's been like, where the hell did you go? And he's just, he's in love. He is.

And also, like we as the audience saw his first reaction, his first reaction to just her being an exhibit is are you leaving? So it's very much on both of their minds when it comes to this school. So she's not wrong. I love the dress she picks out, 'cause to me it's super foreshadowing, 'cause if you look at it, the dress she picks out has butterflies on it of. Course it does, yes, because butterflies is Tao and L's love

cartoon, I guess an art stopper. And so to me, the wardrobe is very indicative of, like, her state of mind, because she's again stuck between choosing art college and potentially staying at Higgs to stay closer to Tao, which don't stay anywhere for anybody. Yes, but I love the thing that she says to Tara when they're talking about the dress. Cause Tara's like, Oh my God, you look amazing. Which, yes, but Ella's like, I like this dress, but I don't

think this is the one. So I think by saying that in that dress, Elle is admitting that she's gonna pick art school over Tao. So I think this is a very foreshadowing scene. Oh, that's interesting. Yeah, you're really good with the butterflies. I like symbolism and foreshadowing and things like that and picking it out. So 'cause like, if you think about it like these, the clothing, the sets, the colors,

it's all very deliberate. There are people who are paid to literally just think about these things in the context of the show, and they have the full script. So I think this is very intentional about Elle's headspace, what she's going to choose when she's being honest because she's being honest about the dress. Like it's just how I feel about it, but I think it's a has a deeper meaning, like I said so after that.

Because remember, as Caitlin pointed out, Darcy has been getting her suit on this whole time. So she exits the dressing room after this conversation and Tara is impressed with a capital I and like according to Sapphic law, when your girlfriend approves of an outfit, you're legally obligated to buy it. Darcy. Those are the rules, girl. Did you not read the Sappho Bible? Because you have to buy the suit. Now that's just. Does that exist in? Real life.

Tara's face, jaw on the floor. She is so excited. She's like, yes, wear that every single. Day. I can just see them hanging out like watching movies in pajamas and then Darcy just puts on the suit randomly blazer on. But like, I'm gonna hydrate for lesbian Jesus cause. OK, Tara got it bad. But no matter how much he wants to buy it, Darcy doesn't have enough money for the suit. Yeah. And this is, I love that if everybody's like, you need the

suit, so everybody's face money. To help her buy it. Everyone else has read the Bible, according to Sappho, so they get it. They're like, well, but legally you have to buy this dress. So we will help you so you don't go to queer jail. Yeah, it looks like they're trying to buy her out of like a ticket or something. It's super cute. They'll be like, OK, the look on Darcy's face when they cause 'cause like immediately she's like, oh fuck, because she can't be like, hey mom, I wanna buy

this suit for obvious reasons. One, I don't think her mom's gonna give her money for a prom outfit no matter what it is. And two, like this what we see later. Mom would never give her money for this because she burned the Sappo Bible. She's like, fuck this blasphemy. So that was never going to happen. So Darcy I think is like, fuck, I'm going to be let down. I want the suit for me, but also I'm letting down Tara and like, this is about Tara and this kind of stuff.

So to have her friends immediately jump in and fulfill the role that a parent should, I think is overwhelming. She just looks overwhelmed when they start like handing money and pulling it together. And and I feel like this type of hat, this type of support and kindness is really rare in Darcy's life, which is upsetting to me. It's just sad. But it's good that she has again a found family that is going to support her versus her blood relatives that do not. I like that she's getting to

experience it exactly. And just leave the look on her face as just so like, I can't believe this is happening. And she's so overwhelmed. Like she's just like, wow, she's a puppy. She's a very hyperactive puppy and she can't kick the puppy I don't want. People stop kicking the puppy though. She's this little starving puppy like, feed her. But Speaking of sad puppies, we go over to Isaac, who's visiting James at the bookstore, and the first shot of Isaac is just him

sitting. Like the first of all, this bookstore is really cool looking. I wish I could go here. It's cute and adorable and Isaac is sitting in like kind of in the middle of the store or towards the front on this little couch by himself or a love seat. Sorry. And in the first shot as Isaac by himself, really lost in thought and like, rubbing his

hands together. And I imagine, like, Isaac's been thinking about how to have this conversation with James since the kiss happened, because like I mentioned earlier, Isaac is just a very internal character. He's very quiet. He speaks very rarely, but when he says it, when he talks, it's very poignant and like to the point and stuff. So I think that he's just been internalizing this the whole time and still is not doesn't feel super comfortable having this conversation because it's

hard for him. And before they get into the big talk, when James finally comes over, it's very cute. They have like a cute bonding moment before they get to like the the heavy stuff and they bond over this customer that James was busy with who's buying a bunch of Penguin classics and Isaac is just like Oh my God, life goals. And I love that they have this cute little light hearted moment

together. To me it demonstrates that their friendship was deeper than the crush because they they have this like you know, very important hobby in common. The two of them that they can talk about that Isaac does not have with his with the Paris squad. So to me. It gives me hope that they're going to remain really good friends after the crush thing kind of fades. So I do like that this little moment is in here with them. I think this is my favorite movement between them. Oh my.

Gosh, it's so cute. It's so cute and beautiful, and we don't get a lot of James, but this scene really, like, speaks to how good of a friend he is and how good of a person he is. So I do love, I love this scene and it's in like, there's like a safe space for Isaac, right? Like the bookstore. That's his like, happy place, you know? So it's a beautiful, I love the scene, period.

And then after they make this, the little small talk that is, you know, their whole world, James says that he guesses that Isaac doesn't like him the way that he does, which is unfortunately true for James. Yes. And because Isaac explains that he doesn't understand how he feels. Yeah, I love the full line that he says. He says, I don't understand how I'm supposed to feel when I have a crush on someone.

You know, I read all these books about people who fall in love, and I still have absolutely no idea. Like, I feel like that's really relatable. Yeah. Like I love that line because it highlights like how romance and like sex really is just in the modern times. It's just really a plot Pope plot. A focused plot. Sorry words in so much of media. So like if you are arrow Ace like it's not relatable really where you're like, I don't I

don't feel that. I would imagine it's not relatable and probably really confusing because you're like, I keep reading this and the message is always like find love, find true love. But it's like this doesn't fit how I feel so I don't, I don't understand this. Yeah, it must be more confusing for Isaac, I would think. Yeah definitely more confusing. But like even like every like piece of media makes, it's like knowing how you feel.

Seem easy. Dating, kissing everything is like everyone knows how to do these things. Totally. But. And then when you, if you have trouble with any of it, you're like, what is wrong with me? Yeah, exactly. And I like that that's depicted a little bit with like the Tao L relationship when they remember their first kiss and they're just like, I don't know what I'm doing. I love that that's in here because it's that's more realistic than just being like, yes, I'm in a Tao not knowing

how to date. Yeah, their first date, not knowing what to do. Like that's more relatable than like what you would read in most books, which is just like, I know how to do this. You know, I'm, I'm a player. Like, I'm really good at all this. I've never been on a date. Yeah, it's like you're 14. Like, get out of here. Yeah, these teenagers are really advanced, especially if you watch the propaganda that is American TV shows about teenagers where they're all

millionaires. And yeah, it's like sex feeds and it's like you're 15. Like, what is this that I what am I watching? This is ridiculous. I hate it so much. Yeah, it's, you know what? The most relatable, like teenage high school show is where it's like, yes, these are fucking dumb ass teenagers. It's the Dairy girls. That's exactly what teenagers are like. Like go watch the Dairy Girls, OK, First of all, there's queerness in it, and second of all, it's very little, very little queerness.

Oh, it's there, It's there, it's there. But yeah, like that. That is. That is what teenagers are not whatever like Riverdale or whatever the fucking US equivalent is. It's just I forget what the annoying who the character's name is. That is queer Claire. Who's Claire? I love Claire. I want Claire. She's a spoiler. Sorry, sorry. I love all of them. They're adorable. But yeah, that's what teenagers

are really like. And I think that this show has a good is more realistic about what teenagers are actually like anyhow. Also, teenagers are never played by teenagers. That's. I find that extremely fucking annoying. They're always. Played by I mean, I understand from like legal and school and all that. Like there's a lot of behind the scenes stuff to explain with that, but I get that too. But I also hate it. But like get as young as possible.

Yes. Anyway, Isaac feels like something is wrong with him because he didn't feel anything when he and James kissed. Because in the books, they're supposed to be freaking fireworks, right? And James follows this with there's nothing wrong with you. You probably just haven't found the right person yet. And I feel like James is saying this because, you know, that's the sexual propaganda, like where romance is above all kind

of thing. And it So to me it feels like he said this in a supportive way and it applies to most people. But in this case, it's dismissive of asexuality and it's probably way more confusing to Isaac than it is helpful for him to hear this where it's just like there's nothing wrong with you but like, try again. And Isaac is like, I keep trying and I don't. It does doesn't seem like this is something the math isn't math in here.

I think the biggest cause of this is that there's no representation, which is why heart stopper's so important because like obviously we're there's not a lot of non binary representation, asexuality representation. So this is not how we think and we need to see more of it. So good job heart Stopper. To be fair, heart stopper was created by an asexual author. So, like, yeah, Alice is

asexual. So, like, that's why I think, well, OK, so it actually is pretty funny with Alice because when she first published Solitaire, which is the first book in the The Generated Heart Stopper, because it's Tori's story, she was 14. So first of all, she's a genius. Yeah, she's 14. Yeah, she's ridiculous. First of all, there's that. That was her first novel and. And got published at 14. Yeah, yeah, like she's ridiculous. She's ridiculous. Yeah. She's like really young.

She's in her like early 20s right now with, yeah, she's like a literal genius. So she published her the Solitaire super young. And when she wrote it, like she, she published it in the UK and then it got really big. And then she like, republished it in the US And at that point, I think she made changes a little bit to some of the

characters. Like one of the characters, she's like, oh, I define them as pansexual later on because she says I didn't have the language to really understand how to describe this character. And I didn't have the exposure basically to other types of sexuality. And so, like, in hindsight, when she was looking at that book, she's like, it's so obvious to me that, like, this character was coded pansexual and this other character was coded

asexual. And I'm like, I should have see in the writing on the wall because I didn't know what I was at the time I was writing this. But like, I was clearly writing how I felt, you know? And I was going to bring this up later, but I'll just kind of bring it up now for when in Isaac's like coming out moment later. My first read on Isaac coming out, and even in this moment is that he doesn't have the language to describe how he

feels like. He doesn't have the language for asexuality, so he doesn't understand it. To put the label on cause like labels can be problematic, but I feel like language can be powerful for some people. So if you can have a word or words to describe how you feel, that is very empowering. And so for Isaac, he's like, I have these feelings or lack of feelings and I don't know if something's wrong with me or there's some way to describe me.

So I think to me that's my first read, that's what's going on with him. But if you think about with Isaac, whom Alice wrote into this book or into the show based on a different character, but a lot of it wasn't really focused on on the on Allred, the other character, she's doing a lot more about focusing on the asexuality journey with Isaac. So this is after Alice has kind of figured out who she is after she has a better insight into that.

And I think Isaac is more of a stand in character for her compared to the ones she's written in the past. I should know this. Does she write on the show? Yeah. OK yeah. She she was very heavy in writing. Like she has written it in interviews. She's like, I'm writing heart stopper, like she's heavy-handed in the show. So yeah, this is everything with Isaac is very deliberate from an asexual person who has gone

through that experience. And what I find sad about Isaac, and I think this is a link to Alice, because if you think about Isaac not having the language for asexuality, that is really sad because he is an avid reader of queer books. OK, so if you have somebody who's constantly consuming queer media and doesn't know what asexuality is, that really speaks to the bigger problem of their not being good or enough representation for this type of sexuality.

Cause Isaac has never come across it and he reads like thousands of books. You know, but I swear we see him reading a book about being ace. Was it or was it the bisexual book? I swear it was the ace. I will have to go back and look, But I swear like, 'cause I saw the cover again during the when they were doing the book display. And I'm like, that's the book that he was reading. So I swear he read it before. I find that so weird cuz like that's how his dirty reads.

But I mean is it how many Ace characters can you think of in queer media? I think we got like 3 on Earth on our thing that we were doing. Yeah, we were trying to do an episode about Ace rap, but it kind of fell through. Well, that's not even the one I was talking about. Yeah, yeah, we're still working on. If anybody's got ideas, feel free to put them in chat. And if you can represent them as well, let us know.

Yeah 'cause we were gonna talk to Bree's sister who is ace, and that did not work out, so we'll keep trying. But yes, because it's important. It is important, but yeah, basically not many, which is the unfortunate thing. But I love that Alice is like, fuck that because in this scene. If you look behind Isaac and James, there is a book on display that's got like a purple pinkish cover. And I'm pretty sure the book is Loveless by Alice, which again, kudos girl plug for your own book.

But it's really appropriate for the scene because it's basically the book about an asexual or like a romantic relationship. So it's like perfect in a in a conversation where it's almost like, I don't know what I am, I don't understand me. And there's this book to be like, hey, this representation exists, 'cause I'm trying to put it out there, like, love it, I haven't. Have you read this one? Oh, you haven't you? Cool, you just answered my

question. No, I haven't. I haven't read that and I haven't read Radio Silence. Oh, for our friend on YouTube who pointed out. First of all, thank you for all of the comments you keep leaving us. They make our day and I'm. Glad we have a few people doing in depth comments. Yes. Oh my. It's really nice. It's so nice because I love hearing everybody's thoughts and plus you guys actually have experience with the UK schooling system.

So thank you. We're trying we're trying so hard you want to slap in the face. So Bree, our other Co host, which if you've only watched Heartstopper, you've never seen Bree because Bree's not into Heartstopper so she's not here. Bree was like, oh I I understand this UK schooling system and we're like girl, where the fuck were you in the episodes? So you could explain this shit to us if you understand this. So Bree left us. We need to just interview her about the school. Jesus. Christ.

So that was fun to learn in high set after we there's a reason there's three of us for this stuff anyway. Yeah, usually there's three of us, but not for this. But I did read this winter. It's adorable. It's it's fucking adorable. Like it's basically like, like you pointed out, it it's really good for highlighting the sibling relationships and there's PO VS from all the spring siblings. So it's adorable. Oh, yeah. In the book, they have a younger brother. Oh, that's right.

That's right. Yeah. So. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I started solitaire. So yeah. So it's really, it's really, really cute. And if you guys are interested, Caitlyn and I were toying with the idea of like, during the hiatus covering more of Alice's books until we get until season three comes about because they're honestly so good. She's a freaking genius. So if you're interested in that, let. Us know Theoras been getting to them very quick.

They're easy to read. They're like 200 pages, like they're super easy books to read and I love them. She's a really good, great, great writer and everything is super queer, so it's really, really fun. But yeah, Loveless I will add to this list. And the other one is Radio Silence, which is the one I think about Allred, who's like the Isaac character in the books. But I haven't gotten there. I just don't have time anyhow. That's that's now that we went

off on that rant. It was all important. It was. I was going to talk about it. Everything. We say is important the art. No, I was not every single word, but here all the words Beelzebub. Oh shit. You don't have a selling challenge, do you? Wonderful. I forgot about it. Thank you. OK, so that's something else for me to think about while we finish this. They do. Anyway, anyway, Isaac finishes up his conversation and heads back to the gang.

And of course it's. I feel like at this point Isaac's dreading going back to them because the gang is bombarding Isaac with questions. And James Isaac is frustrated. I cannot keep characters names straight and knows apparently. Oh, I don't know what's wrong with me. Anyway, Isaac is so frustrated that he just yells at them to shut up and leave him alone. And you know what? Good for him. For standing up for himself.

Yeah, no, for real. But also it's like sad that we just watched a scene where he received a bunch of support for from James and like is not receiving that kind of same support from his friend group. Cause like he shows up and he's clearly like not happy, like he's just kind of like down a little bit. I don't know. To me, this scene kind of like again reinforces that like, he can't really confide in them when it comes to this 'cause

they just don't understand also. Like, I know that James is into Isaac, but even before that, like when they were just friends friends, he's always been the only one who's seen him. Yeah. Totally. It just it really makes me sad. That the others aren't like, they're too wrapped up in themselves. Yes, they're wrapped up in their own couple drama that they exclude him. And I think that's part of his frustration here, 'cause he's just like, I understand, like

part of his. What he says here too is like, just because I don't have couple, I don't need couple drama to make me interesting to you guys. Like, I know that's what you guys care about. It's basically what the crux of what he says. And he just storms always like, fuck this shit. You know what? I I wouldn't understand most things, but I would talk to you all day about books. For real. I want to. You definitely would love to talk to Isaac about books.

Like dream, I want to be James. I can be friends with Isaac. I get that side note though in the scene. So it's like raining and everybody has umbrellas. Darcy and Tara, for some reason have the a pansexual umbrella. Which I find really funny. Not funny, but like. Like, hey, we're not talking about pansexuality because that character doesn't show up in these this, this show. But yeah, Rep yeah, maybe. Maybe in the. Character's pan do you know, do I you know in the show?

So I wouldn't know. It's only in solitaire like if if so if I finish reading the book I'll know yeah you'll know. Well if you start the book it's like towards the beginning. Yeah I probably know and I just don't remember an off handed line but it's what a Tori's friends. So I don't know how much of Tori they're really going to include in Heart Stopper cause Alice has basically said like Tori's story is done, she's more like a side Comic Relief.

At least tell us it's diet Lemonade Uh huh At least mention that it's diet Lemonade. I know it's never mentioned, but yeah Tori is more she said in the show is in Heart stopper in particular. She's more like a side character in there for like supporting Charlie, not her own thing. So I don't know. I just want more like shots of her, like just randomly in the background, just like, hide her, like, where's Waldo in the background on things? Yep, there's there's one coming up in soon.

So I love the Tori spotting spottings. They're hilarious. So from here, Yep, we go to the art exhibition. Yeah. So after that, it's like, finally art, art exhibition time. And it's called Here and Queer. And I love the gangs, mutual looks of wonder when they walk in. It's almost like entering this magical place filled with color and life. And it's it's almost like a safe space for all of them. It's like, oh, surrounded by people just like me.

And everybody's just like, so happy when they walk in this room. Which I get. It's like coming out for the first time, like it's like under, like accepting yourself and just. The whole world, it's just, I mean if you don't pay attention to the the, you know, those people, the whole world is amazing. So I think there's something interesting, like I think it's interesting you said coming out. So there's this other way to frame it that I've heard.

Instead of like coming out, it's more like coming in, like coming into your queerness versus like, yeah, that's interesting, projecting outward and that feels more like this scene you're coming in. And just like, I can exist in this safe space just as me. I don't have to, like, be like, yes, I'm bisexual. Actually. Like, yes, I'm bisexual, actually. Like, it's not that, like explaining it to straight people think it's just like, I can just be me here.

And like, I don't have to explain anything. Everybody just kind of gets it and I can just relax. So it's more like coming in versus coming out and just it's just, it's a magical, cute little moment of just like home, you know? But isn't this the place where Imogen finds out that it's a horror is by or look at there. Look at there. No, I was just saying because you're like, I don't have to you, you don't have to say it. But then I just thought it was ironic.

Imogen is think she's. Imogen is an ally, right. An ally. Anyway, so like, yeah, the game walks into their safe space, which is the here and queer exhibit which is exactly what Elle has named her piece. So I think those two things go together. Oh yeah. Also, OK, OK. Anyway, so right away someone let it slip that Elle will be going there in September. Isn't that like, the principle?

And somebody who already goes to Lambert is just like, we're so excited you're here to exhibit your artwork and we can't wait to see what you're going to produce in September. So like somebody who knew that they were, she would tell them before she brought them somewhere that she was going to go to. I mean, to be fair, I don't think she was expecting anyone to say, oh, can't wait to see you in the fall, but it is a possibility, right?

Totally. Yes. So yeah, but like bottom line, by told people, she should have told Tao, 'cause he looks completely shell shocked when he finds out that that is indeed what happened. You don't want someone like that you're with to find out that you're leaving them. No, he looks, even if it's not like, literally so sad. He's a sad little puppy here. And like, the immediate shot after that is Elle's face and it's like clear that she fucked up. She's like, oh, I done fucked up.

But before she can like, console a very clearly distraught Tao, Naomi and Felix swoop in and they're just like, yeah, girl, Congrats, can't wait to go to school together and stuff. So yeah, that is left unresolved and I can't wait to see more of the three of them. Agreed. Hopefully we do. I would like to know more about Felix because I feel like we don't know a goddamn thing about Felix. So season three, please.

So before any of that can get resolved, we cut over, we follow Isaac. So everybody kind of, like, splits up and Isaac wanders off on his own in true Isaac fashion because that's what he does and he is immediately drawn to one of the art installations. And it's basically like this, like hanging installation with a bunch of like, cards with like hearts on them and they're upside down and all this kind of stuff. And it's like love flipped on its head is basically what it looks like to me.

And he's immediately drawn to this. And the beautiful thing is that Isaac doesn't know why. He just knows that he loves it. And to me, that's a call back to what Nick said to Elle in the last episode. When they're in the Louvre and and when he said you don't have to like when they're looking at the art. And he's like, well, you don't have to understand your feelings completely to know that you like something. And to me, that's exactly what's happening with Isaac.

He knows that he likes his art, but he doesn't understand and he's having feelings towards it, but he doesn't understand why. And that's exactly what's happening. Theor is so smart. That's a really good like. Parallels Yeah, we'll go with that word 'cause I couldn't figure out what word I was trying to say. You quoting something? No, I'm just saying parallels. So after a beat of Isaac just kind of standing there, the artist himself or artist themselves actually don't know

their pronouns. Mosey's on up to Isaac and explains what the installation is all about. And it's about their experience being aromantic and asexual. And I adore the artist's interpretation of their work.

And so I'm going to quote what they said, being in a world where romance and sex are prized above everything else, but you don't feel those forms of attraction growing up, feeling something about you is different, but not having the words to describe what it is. So I kind of talked about this earlier, but basically sentiments like this for me I think is why labels are valid for some people. And like language is just so important because like having

the word words are powerful. So if you can have a word to describe your feelings, it does help you process, understand them and kind of like come to a form of acceptance if that fits you. Because to me, Isaac's dirty reads like somebody who, like, has these feelings but doesn't understand what they mean. And then when he gets the language for what they mean, everything kind of makes sense.

And so and we see this with Isaac, he just looks once the artist is kind of explaining this to him. He's like, oh, asexuality, a romantic. That's what I'm feeling. That's like, it's like a Eureka moment. And he just looks so relieved. And we get, like, the leaves floating, which Caitlin has pointed out means, like, they're being their authentic selves. They're freed by something and just being themselves.

And like, to me, once Isaac has the language, he is free, you know, that's why we have so many labels. Yeah, exactly. Stop getting pissed off because you found yours. But some people are just like, well, labels can be confining and like, problematic. And yeah, like, I think that's valid too. But to some people, having language is very powerful for them, and that's liberating. So I I see both, both sides of that. But for Isaac's particular, I think having language is empowering for him.

Yes, yeah. And shout out to the creators in this scene because in this, in this entire exhibit, it's just, it's very colorful and there's like light installations playing with color the whole time. And I liked it as the artist is explaining this and like Isaac is having the epiphany like the arrow ace colors start like playing on him as the scene is happening. So poetic cinema and I love it. Thank you creators. They love colors in the show.

Oh yes, Oh yes we do. Which we love colors too. But once again, as I explained earlier, the sad part of this all is that like Isaac didn't understand Arrow Ace, but yet he reads all these career books which. Highlights. The problem of we don't have enough representation. For this type of sexuality, So more of that, please. OK, so Isaac realizes has his epiphany, and we then cut to Darcy with who got a text from Mom saying I didn't give you a petition permit A petition I.

Didn't petition you. I didn't give you permission to go get home and now is in all caps. Yikes. I wouldn't want to go home to that either. Well, no. So Darcy's mom is pissed off because she didn't give her, but she didn't petition her to go to the. Exhibit She didn't. She has FOMO, 'cause she didn't get an invite. That's really bad, Darcy says. She probably should go home because she doesn't want her mom to be even more mad at her. Yeah, and Darcy like, huffs to

tar. Tara's like, really? You got to go. And Darcy basically just says literally nothing I ever do is good enough. And to me, that line right there speaks volumes about her home life. To her, she's like, I can't win, you know, Which is sad. It's it's really rough to live like that, because then you just feel like nothing. What's the point? Yeah, I really shouldn't be there. Totally. It's very clearly bad for Darcy's mental health and well-being. I I need to get Darcy out of

that house for my sanity. We'll petition to say in Darcy. They gave petitions. Yeah. They gave petitions. OK, so we go from Darcy basically getting anxiety because of this text. I'm leaving. She leaves. Yes. Yes she is. She's. Gone. No, she needs to stay there and be yourself. I know Be here and queer, but again, that's the struggle Darcy's facing. Is being queer and then being in the closet at home, basically. So fortunately it makes sense.

So after that happens, Imogen and Sahar have a really weird conversation about how Sahar is there because like, images like, why are you here? Like, she's not allowed to be friends with her friends. And Sahar's like Imel's friend, too. And then so Imogen makes this comment that she isn't the token ally anymore. It's hard. It's like appalled at this. And it's like, what? I'm bisexual. I love this Imogen. We'll figure it out soon.

I mean, all Imogen has to do in this scene is look over her shoulder at the art that's literally behind them because it's just two female presenting people that looks like they're about to kiss. So I love the placement of that between emoji and Sahar, foreshadowing, I hope. Also emoji. Just look to the right girl, like just just look. Just look and explain, you know

what? Look in front of you that's that's what she is. But it's still not clicking like get inspired like Isaac was, and then the artist needs to come by and be like. So lesbianism. And then maybe she'll be like, oh, OK. But yeah, I I love that after they have that conversation, Sahara's like, how dare you call me an ally. I'm in the mafia. I'll be, you know, the alphabet mafia. She walks away and emoji is

like, what? And like chases after Sahar and I want their off screen conversation that they're having about this because Emoji looks really pressed and about the fact that Sahara is like mad at her. And I want to know what's going on here. And as they walk away, we get a shot of Tara being, like, interesting after watching that whole conversation. Does she say it or yes, is it? She says it. She's like, interesting. Damn, I missed that.

So I think that Tara's Gaydar is setting her A5 alarm fire at this point. And she's like, that was really gay. Just what? Just happened here. Interesting. And yeah, Tara, maybe you should, like, push their heads together so they can figure it out. Be the ship captain. Be the ship captain. I have no power in this. Oh shit. And I forgot. Darcy also witnessed this. And I think Darcy's face is kind of like Tara, so she's like,

that was pretty gay. So after that, Darcy bounces so that Mummy dearest is not angry at her anymore because she didn't petition this. And so Tara I. But fortunately Tara's like, hey, hey, prom is tomorrow, don't forget pot point. And Darcy expresses that she's looking forward to it. She's not going to forget about prom. She's ready. And they have a really cute moment where they basically like talking about their outfits and they're going to slow dance.

And so the fact that queer women are talking about something happy means that something tragic is going to happen. So I got anxiety at the best moment because of like, what, you know, queer media has done to me. This is way too cute. Something bad's going to happen. The lesbians can't be happy? No, obviously not. So basically after hearing all the cuteness, I was as sad as Tara looked after Darcy left, Like she just looks so sad, but she does. But after my PTSD subsided, my

brain started working. I realized that they have to be dancing to a Taylor Swift song and now I have hope to keep watching cuz folklore was in the room and they're talking about dancing. So it has to be do a Taylor Swift song. So I'm. I was calling it in my brain at that moment. I'm just saying I just need everyone.

If you haven't seen our reaction videos, oh wait, this is only on Patreon SO. Become a Patreon member who are Patreon for 5 bucks and watch them, because the auras the whole time is just trying to figure out when Taylor Swift. Is gonna be coming. I mean, can you blame me? I knew there's a Taylor Swift song you just had and it was with them because of course it is Taylor, so I was waiting for it. So anyway.

Also they kiss before they leave and they're illuminated with the colors of the lesbian flag as they do that. So once again, shout out to the, you know, offset people for making this as queer as humanly possible. I love it. So after the lesbians are done lesbian, we transitioned to a scene where one of the art college professors slash event coordinators.

I don't know who any of these people at Lambert actually are, but somebody representing the art college is making a speech about all the great student artists and introduces Elle as this prodigy that we'll be starting next year. And then we get the big unveiling of Safe Space Elle's work. So Elle makes a speech. How her artwork is of what has always made her feel safe and it it's a painting of her with the boys in The Art Room because it was the safe space for all of them.

And I think my interpretation on this is that because Elle came out as trans when they were at Truham, which that's the arts room in Truham. So I think that that means for Elle that like her safe space during that time period was being in The Art Room. Art is like her version of a bookstore for Isaac with her best friends. So I think that during that difficult time that was her safe

space. Slash and her and her found family, which are her friends and art, which is her like creative outlet during that difficult time. Because if you think about the exhibit, it's about it's celebrating, you know, queer trans artists. And I think that was on her mind and that potentially is what this means. We also get like a scenes of like her friends like taking all of this in while she's kind of

like unveiling the work. And there's a pic, there's a scene of Tao and in the background behind Tao there is a light installation with butterflies. So that means some Tao and L stuff is about to go down. So that's what someone count how many butterflies there are in this whole show. I'm sure somebody has that somewhere on like Tuppler or something. I need a leave leaves versus butterfly comparison. Oh, it's definitely more leaves. Yeah. But I want to know the ratio. Yeah.

OK. OK, so Tao and her and Elle. Thank you. I just thought that I write these sentences very weirdly. Apparently. You really do. I try to fix them for you. I'm sorry. Oh, my gosh. All right. I am not the writer. That's OK. Tell and Elle Talk about Elle getting into the school and tell tells her not to base her decisions on him like a good guy should. And he just wants her to be happy because she deserves to be

happy. And he can clearly see how happy art makes her like he loves watching her do art. Like he he knows how much this means to her and he follows us up by saying wherever you are, I'll still want to be with you. So he's basically being like we're not going to break up because of this. So like, do what makes you happy, which I appreciate, and it's kind of a call back to something they go through during one of the books. I think it's called Nick and Charlie is the name of the book.

It's not a graphic novel. It's actually a book where it's like later after Elle's already gone to Lambert. So I wonder if that's hinting to that and what happens with Tao and Elle. But regardless, at this point, Elle is still pretending to be conflicted and like, oh, I might go to Higgs and it's like, girl, we all know you're going to art school, like, including Tao. Like he he knows, like, yeah, he always, he always does. He's like if she gets in, she's

going like she has to go, right. Because he he is her number one fan when it comes to art. Like, he is her. He is her biggest fan of her work. I don't think he would let her not go. I mean, I think he respects her, like making her own decisions. But, you know, he knows that she deserves to be here because she's a freaking talented artist and she deserves to shine. He's just, you know, he's got feelings about gonna, you know, missing her and losing her. And that's totally

understandable. Can't blame him for that, you know? So I love that scene. But then we get to like, actually probably one of my favorite scenes in this this, this next scene I have titled, oh, look, here Comes Missouri. Yeah. And yeah, this is when Ben traps Charlie and forces him to hear him out. Because nothing says a good conversation like forcing someone to listen to you. I mean, he's basically been trying to force Charlie into this. If you just read those Instagram

messages. And the first thing he says when Nick and Charlie come out of the exhibit is I need to talk to you. Not we need to talk. It's I need to talk to you, Charlie. And Nick, to his credit, is having none of this. Nick immediately transitions into protective boyfriend mode and he tries to take Charlie's way. He's like, fuck this shit Charlie. You have nothing to say to Charlie. You fucking assaulted him. Get out of here.

But then Ben says I want to apologize, and that changes everything, because that's more of a like, a mutual conversation versus like I need to like, get dump my feelings onto you, which is really what this conversation is. Mm hmm. Yeah, sorry. All right, so Ben mentions to them that he won't be coming back to Jerome next year. So it's the last time that we'll see him at least. So that that's a positive.

And Ben tells him that he really likes him, but that he is so messed up that Ben is messed up. And his parents would never accept him if he was out. Yeah. And that's really, that's really the heart of all of the stuff with Ben, He says to them, the exact line he says is, I want to be like the two of you, but my parents will never accept who I really am. So Ben is like a conflicted character between, like, what he feels and what he's been

indoctrinated to project. And that's why I think, like, this all really, really ties back to, like, his home life. And we got it. We did get a glimpse of Ben's dad and whoever the mom is, whether it's bio mom, stepmom, I don't know, at the parents day thing. And just like Ben's dad gives me like alpha male sleazeball vibes. And so I think that Ben has been raised in an environment where like he's expected to also be that and so and he's not on the inside and so like it is really

shitty. Like Ben's situation is really shitty, but how he handles it is also shitty. The one thing that I really, really, really hate about this scene is that it makes me feel a very, very tiny little bit for Ben. But luckily it doesn't make Charlie feel anything because Charlie tells it makes Charlie feel some confidence. I think, yeah. It's like, you know what? This bullshit. Charlie tells him that he never cared how, How sorry pronouns.

Charlie tells Ben that Ben never cared how Charlie felt and that Ben always forced himself on Charlie. Which is absolutely true, yes. But. And also terrible, yes. Now that he is with Nick, he can finally see, like, what a healthy relationship is. And that involves more communication, you know, in both parts. And like, talking to each other. Not at each other. Yeah, exactly. At one person and not letting the other person talk at all.

Or trying to, like, manipulate the other person into doing what you want, 'cause like, Ben would always manipulate Charlie into, like, again, hooking up with him when it was convenient for Ben, you know, versus like, Nick and Charlie hang out with each other, 'cause they want to. So yeah, very, very different. And what Charlie says to Ben in this context is so fucking sad. But I think this is really all the mental health stuff Charlie is going through and how he really feels.

So I think it's good that Nick hears this, but Charlie says I went along with it because I had a crush and I didn't know any better. This, I felt like this must be what I deserve, someone taking what he wants from me when he wants it. Now when anything good happens to me, there's a little voice in the back of my mind telling me I'm worthless and I don't deserve it. Like this confession is explains the PTSD Charlie has from this relationship and like the bullying and why Ben is such a

big trigger. I think that Charlie, the little voice starts talking in the back of Charlie's head and he sees Ben and that's why he like shrinks in on himself being like you're worthless, you don't deserve Nick, like you don't deserve to be happy. And maybe that's why he tries so hard to make everything perfect with Nick or appear perfect because he's really afraid of, like, losing Nick or Nick realizing like, oh, Charlie's not worth it.

Or he's an annoyance and it's just, it's really sad. And it it kind of shows you like how you can just get trapped in these like, bad thought cycles when you've been, like beaten down enough by someone or you know, something, You know, Yeah, I'm really glad that Nick was there to see all this too, because he can see that Charlie is. I mean, there is a lot going on with Charlie, but at least this he's learning to stand up for himself.

And I don't think Charlie would have like told him everything that happened, 'cause I don't think he knows how to really communicate it. So he's getting, Nick is getting to see what's inside Charlie's head without Charlie having to actually tell him. Correct. Yeah. And I mean, Charlie basically tells Ben good riddance and yes, go you. Yeah, exactly. I I what his line is so good. So you don't hurt anyone else. But I don't want to be there to

see that happen. So yeah, this this moment of Charlie standing up to Ben is so, so huge. And I hope that by getting this kind of closure of basically because Charlie's a good person, he's like, yeah, go you for wanting to improve yourself. But like, you don't get to use me in that process. Basically, like I don't want anything to do with you anymore. You go on your own and I hope that. Yeah. Yeah, sorry. In this in media a lot of times the victims become like friends with.

The people who abuse them and like help them become better people and so. Like now they're the a nice character. So when Charlie is saying like, I don't want to be there to to see it happen because like, I'm not helping you through this, I don't care. I don't want to. I hope you become a better person, but I don't want to be a part of it, I feel like.

That's just giving people permission to let go of the negative people in their life, where a lot of times I feel like the media is just saying keep everybody in your life. You can't let anybody go. Oh, I think that goes back to, at least in America, Christian traditional values.

Not to. Yeah, not calling out Christians. I'm just saying a. Part of that religion and the culture of that religion that has been baked into the country we live in is that women in particular are vessels of forgiveness. And like, you're supposed to forgive people even when they abuse you. That's what you're especially in marriages, like, no divorce. And if your husband abuses you, that's your fault, right? You're supposed to forgive him of his and make and help him be a better person.

So yeah, it's putting all the responsibility onto the victim. And that has been portrayed in media because that's the cult that was culturally acceptable for a very long period of time where it's like, yeah, you'd have mainly female characters or like female coded, which you can argue is kind of like in the relationship of Ben and Charlie. How that dynamic is set up with like abuser, victim that Charlie is that female figure in the context of like that social structure.

So yeah, it would be expected for Charlie to be like, I forgive you, Ben. Yes, be a better person. I will help you be a better person. Because that's what like traditional values tell that type of person to be like, you're the vessel of forgiveness. It's your responsibility. But Charlie's like, fuck that. It is not my responsibility to fix you, Ben. You fix your fucking self. I don't have to. I don't need to be a part of

that at all. And like, Ben is almost again, because he comes from traditional family values. He's expecting Charlie to be like, yeah, I'll help you. I will help you be a better person. I'll forgive you, Ben. Like, he comes into this conversation with that expectation. And Charlie is like, no, I'm my own person. I'm not responsible for you. You're responsible for you, Ben. What you choose to do, you need to live with the consequences of that. And that's basically this

conversation. And it's so good and so important because, yeah, stop with the fucking victim blaming. Shit. Like victims are not responsible for their abuser's behavior during, after, or before. It is all on that abuser to like, figure their fucking shit out and be a better person on their own because they want to, not because the victim is responsible for fixing them. So I do like this scene. I I think it puts a lot of things that have been hella problematic culturally.

For a very long time into the light and this is a much healthier way for the victim to carry on with that So and I hope that through this that Charlie gets some autonomy and like his mental health spiraling lessons because it seems a lot to be triggered by Ben. And by basically being like, fuck that, get out of my life, I never want to see you again, that that trigger can at least be like, eased a bit. From him because it's just been so huge this season. I'm really hoping. I know.

We see more of Charlie's mental health in the next season because that's what you told me, not that I know. Anything of what's happening? I'm lucky I know what happened already. You can see you. Can see the signs are there. Like even at the beginning of this episode where like Nick's like oh he's not eating again like the mental health stuff is there. They purposely have sprinkled many many signs of Charlie's mental health decline throughout the whole show.

It's just like you have to pick up on them and Nick is getting better. At picking up on them. So we, the audience are getting better at picking up on them because he won't talk about that. He doesn't talk. You just you have to watch Charlie to see, to see the signs. Hopefully without Ben there, he'll be able to. Yeah, I mean, I think Ben is actually. I don't think we're going to see Ben again. No, he's out. The character like the actor's

gone. Yeah, there is not really a lot of Ben. Actually, Ben's in Ben, Ben's in Solitaire. Ben is all all over the place. So I find it really odd that they're just, they're cutting him out of the show. But that's totally, I don't. I think it might be the actor's choice and that's fine. I like the scene, I like his exiting, like, I don't think we need to focus on him really in the show, but he's in the books

for sure. I mean, yeah, he had his use in the show, but I'm kind of glad he's not there anymore. So towards I I believe. It's the end of the scene. We get this rainbow wave and like, it's actually like a wave like that. You see, Yeah, you hear, you hear ocean sounds like it literally is a wave. So we see the rainbow wave and it comes close to Ben and it's like very close to him, but it never touches him. And it's signifying that he will never be able to come out.

He'll never get to have what Charlie has. Yeah, well, the wave. Comes up to Ben and Ben kind of like, hesitates. And then he steps away like he could step into it, but he chooses to step away. So I think that, yeah, Ben is choosing not to be like Nick and Charlie. He's gonna choose the comp head life. He accepted that very quickly. So I don't think he'll ever allow himself to even think that it's a possibility. No, never. And I'm not gonna lie, this is probably one of my favorite

scenes in the show. And like, you know, I've probably said this before, like Ben, this doesn't happen in the show. We don't get the back story on Ben. So I like the way they expanded this because to me, Ben is fascinating in a very morbid way. He is the epitome of a tragic character. And an unfortunate reality for so many people who are stuck in homophobic situations like this and Ben and and I think that again, it ties.

Back to Ben's line about the homophobic parents, and I think that if you look at it, there's a direct. Parallel being set up or foiling happening with Darcy and Ben because what they have in common is they both have homophobic families that are unwilling to accept them for who they are in their home life and that leaves both of them with degrees of internalized self hatred because unfortunately that's what happens. So like. Stop being so fucking homophobic.

It psychologically damages people, but they have that self hatred because of their home wives. But the major contrast between them lies with how that trauma manifests in their behavior outside of that environment. Darcy goes polar opposite. She's just as gay as the day is long and has a whole last girlfriend with whom she's proudly affectionate with in public and just embraces very fully who she is and is free when she's free of her oppressive family. So Darcy embraces who she is.

To summarize that. Ben, on the other hand, is the type of person that hates that part of himself that just cannot please his parents, so much so that he hides it at all cost. He runs from who he is and he makes sad his sad feelings about that hatred everybody else's problem, which is why he outwardly treats Charlie like trash. He's projecting his hurt and hatred onto Charlie and cause Charlie is out and out. And no, when he was outed, he didn't deny it and be like, no, I'm not gay.

He was just like, yeah, gay. He like he owned it, which is something Ben can never do and Ben hates that Charlie can so easily do that when he can't. So he like, takes those feelings out on Charlie. And in the conversation, Ben, you know, expressed that like he really did like. Charlie and I think that's true to a degree.

He's torn between his desire for somebody like Charlie, somebody good like him, and to use his words and his hatred at Charlie for just shoving being out in his face because Ben is too scared to do that. So the part where Ben basically like. Honestly admits why he like Charlie. Like I wanted something good. You were something good. Like that part kills me because I think not only did Charlie need to hear that, he needed to

hear that he is good, right? Because Ben did not make him feel that way, but like Charlie is good and I think he needed to hear that. But the way Ben lights up when he says it, almost like being honest about this part of himself does bring him joy. But like you pointed out earlier, this was a very one sided toxic relationship and Charlie really didn't really did need to reject Ben here for his own well-being. And so when we get to the wave scene, the rainbow. Wave scene.

The symbolism of him walking away from that approaching rainbow is so heartbreaking because he so easily could make the choice to be himself. Walk into the rainbow and walk into that exhibit. Cause the Rainbow's coming from that exhibit, but he actively chooses not to because. He's afraid and it's just. Very tragic and I think the fact. That the creators chose to make this a wave is also intentional because again, you hear the seagulls and this like speech sounds.

And remember the beach was the location where Charlie and Nick found their happiness at the end of season one by proclaiming they were boyfriends and like they were going to tell people that mattered. And to have that happened here with Ben and to him like choose to walk away from it is is is demonstrating. Like you said, Ben will never have that. Never. He's never going to have the happy beach moment with a boy like Nick and Charlie did, so I love that too.

It's just sucks for him. It's sad, but like that is. The reality for some people you know this is this is real and it just it sucks that. You know. People are beaten down by like. Homophobia from other people to the point where they hate themselves so much that they harm other people. Like it sucks that this is a reality. It really. Does, yeah. So bye bye. Ben, I thought you were fascinating, but I'm thought you're about to say bye, bitch. Bye, bitch.

Yeah. Let's take a bite of him and go to A. Scene where that we've both been dying to talk about for a while now. The awkward and this is. Yes, the awkward dinner party. I don't like the. Beginning like we have to wait for the solo Olivia Coleman scene. Then he was great anyway. So when we first get to Charlie. 'S house? Nope. Nick's house via Charlie, who is arriving at Nick's. Yes, Nick's dad is over and he's hanging out with David, watching rugby and like, that's the pit of me.

Like, of course they are. That's all I can think of. They got beers. They're doing mad. Stuff, unsurprisingly, but annoyingly. Nick 's dad does not remember Charlie's name. When he comes in he's like and you are you literally met. Like if you if you would have just. Talked to you about him maybe, but you met him. It's been less than a week. It's just it goes to, it goes to show you. How? Little Nick's dad pays attention to anything that isn't himself,

so there's that. Olivia Coleman is amazing as always, and she tells Nick that he doesn't have to tell his dad about Charlie being his boyfriend because. He doesn't deserve to know if Nick doesn't want him to. And you know what? At this point, I don't think his dad deserves anything. No, maybe David. He deserves to have to live with David. Although his dad's not gonna remember. He can't even remember Charlie's name. So even if you tell him, what's the point?

But Nick says I'm not doing it for. Him. I'm doing it for me, which good on you, Nick, like get on you that. That's the that's the good attitude to have about those. And then luckily. Not too much can happen in between this and. Charlie 's family arrives, and it's important to note that Tori is seated next to David.

Poor Tori. Yes, Another important note is that Tori does not have a drink with a straw during any of these scenes, so that will explain her behavior later because no straw equals murderous Tori. So there's that. Charlie did not give them the note like that they needed to have diet lemonade with a straw. No, it's Harley gets stressed out by big dinners. So the other thing to take note,

so he wasn't thinking straight. So the other thing to take note of is that all throughout dinner Charlie is playing with his food, but he doesn't actually eat any of it. He's just like cutting it to smaller pieces and like, pushing it around his plate. Oh man, poor kid. Anyway, so David starts being David and he tries to out Nick

like just. Kept prompting him and egging him on to tell his dad and Tori he's like getting so pissed off with him already and she speaks up asking what his problem is. Yeah, 'cause she doesn't ever Jingle the straw. She's like, I will cut you without hesitation. Cut you like a bitch, but like despite all the. Murder energy. That's happening at this table. It all goes over. Nick's dad 's head because the magic word of rugby is spoken at some point during the conversation. Cause like.

Nick's like. Oh, well, or or Well, actually, David was like, Oh yeah, yeah. Nick was, like, really adamant about Charlie joining rugby and I don't know why. And Nick's dad's like rugby because According to him, oh, you play rugby. I'll learn your name now. Rugby. Rugby. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Because it's a very attractive sport to women. That's why he cares about it, because, like, he has no personality or thought process at all. And Olivia Coleman's face is just priceless.

When he says that shit because she's like. What? OK, so like how did? I be with this asshole. Yes. Like, OK, there's that. And while the compet sentiment here is gross, I will admit rugby isn't a practice sport to me when women are playing it. So he's not wrong. But clearly Nick's dad is more concerned about appearing attractive to women than he is about his own offspring, which is disgusting. That is how I feel about soccer now, by the way. I mean, yes, it's like all I had

to do was. Watch it, women. Play it. It just it made a thought. It makes more sense when women are doing it, it just does. So naturally. This conversation of being attractive to women then devolves into Do you boys have girlfriends yet? Because that's something that you always ask. And I don't know if this is true around the world, but at least in America, it's common to ask kindergarteners if they have a girlfriend. It's disgusting. My God, my grandma would ask me.

That since like middle school on Do you have a boyfriend yet? And I'm like, God, yeah, like IA. Part of me. Died every time I got asked that question because I thought something was wrong with me, that I didn't like anyone. Yep, and I don't want to tell my ultra conservative grandmother. But then eventually it was satisfying to be like I'm marrying a woman. Get over it. No boyfriends, however. So it was that this is my. Wife bug that shit. If you're into. Boys, go for it.

Just I it's. Annoying when it's assumed the compact stuff is really annoying. Like are you seeing anyone? Better question also. Stop asking that. To literal children, compact people. Because yeah, I don't understand it's so because they do. I think it's even. Preschool. Like if.

If the child can talk, yeah. They're like, look, boyfriend and girlfriend and they're like eating mud together in their diapers and you're going to tell me that they can't see a same sex couple on TV when you're asking? Them if they. Have a girlfriend? Yeah, because yeah, it's the gay people indoctrinating people into sexuality. Meanwhile, the streets are like trying to push straightness onto their literal babies. It's fucking creepy. Stop sexualizing children.

It's just weird. They do it all the time. It's gross. So. When David keeps. Pushing this topic because of course he does. Of course, Tori grabs. David's arm. I wish she. Broke it to. Stop him from saying. Anything. Else and Nick gets so fed up with it and says screw it and. He comes out to his dad and. Does an amazing speech about how his dad is. Never there. And he only sees him twice a year anyway, So what does it matter? Yeah, because poor Nick has been, like, really stressing out

about coming out to his dad. But he's just like, this is ridiculous. I don't even care anymore. He's just done trying to win the affection of a father who doesn't take an interest in him, and he's over David's bullying. So I love that he just stands up to both of them at once. And he's like, I like my life and I like who I am. So your bullying won't work on me. And I'm not afraid of you, Dad. So Charlie and Nick are both

standing up for. Themselves in this episode, yes to their bullies, respective bullies and absent father who's kind of like a bully in a way. Because. Like Nick's always like. I want your affection and dad's like now. The key of this all is that learning to love yourself is the key to happiness. And Nick has that now. And it's a very beautiful moment and I love it. What else is beautiful? Is that Olivia Coleman? Also tells David to knock it off

and. Even. His dad is disappointed in him, but Olivia Coleman does not like that. Like, even though his dad is sticking, kind of sticking up for Nick in this moment. Olivia Coleman's like, bitch. Yeah, you have no right to say. Anything about. Your children? I don't. I don't even know if, she says. You're his children or anything. Because he's never around. Oh my God. Like I'm raising these assholes. No, only Dave is the asshole. You know what I mean?

This exchange was fucking priceless because the dad the dad starts it by. Looking at David. After he's being a homophobic prick and the dad's like you have not grown up to the bed, I hope you'd be. And Olivia Coleman just puts this this bitch in his place and it was just glorious where she's like, you have no right to speak on this topic Mr. ICU twice a year. So fuck you. And while this is fight is happening. Like Nick and Charlie leave to

go out little big. Leaves 'cause he's like enough, and then Charlie follows him. The fight is keeps going and so you could hear it when they're outside. And it's just so fucking funny, 'cause you just hear Olivia Coleman, just like putting this man into his place. And it's so fucking funny. But I also love that. But Charlie's? Family's just. Sitting there, Yeah. They're like, what do we do? They're like, fuck, can we go outside too and like, leave? Yeah. So Charlie does leave to.

Check out. Check on Nick, who basically starved outside and Nick admits that it really felt good to say it. Like it felt good to be honest and come out and. Even though that you know it blew up like that, but it felt good and and cute boyfriend fashion Charlie rewards him with a hug. He earned a hug. Yeah. And then? Olivia Coleman. Comes out. Because she is the best mom and wants to make sure that he's OK. She really is like one of the best TV moms of all time is Olivia Coleman.

The bar is not that high. No. She just comes out to check on him. And stands up for him. Why is this bar not higher? I wouldn't say. Olivia Coleman makes the bar pretty high, to be honest. For like, mom's period. Because she's like on screen, I mean. Olivia Coleman. Is great. First of all, it's Olivia Coleman. So there's that and. Second of all, it's like. Very consistently. She's very attuned to Nick and like gives him space and like she honestly is a really great

mother to him. Like it's very this is. Like top of the line supportive parent is Levi Coleman and this is scene really encapsulates it too. Great energy as well. Yeah, and the conversation she has here with them. Is really remarkable because she's it's this has to be a really hard conversation to have from her point of view because they're talking about the fact that Nick's dad is an absent father and. Nick is like, why doesn't he care?

Because it's really frustrating to be the child of this, I'd imagine, whose parents just like does not fucking care about them. And parents are supposed to care about their kids. And Olivia Coleman very easily could lie to him and be like, oh he cares but in his old way and like make excuses, which is like the polite thing to do in like polite society. But instead again A+ mom moment. She's honest and she says I wish I understood, but I don't. Olivia Coleman doesn't like bullshit.

That's why she's not married to the student. Anymore. Yeah. And but I love this where she's like I. Wish I understood, but I don't. I think it's a very sad way to exist, you know. I love that honesty from her. It's she doesn't make excuses for him. She doesn't try to coddleneck. She's just very honest. She's like, I don't know, I don't know why he's like this, but it must be sad. It's just it's such a beautiful

relationship that they have. Like I I haven't really come across a. Parental kind of relationship. Quite. Like theirs? I mean, like, because, like, there's like, I don't know from, like, Gilmore Girls. Is like a good one, but it's. Like the mother, daughter relationship is very like it's more friend. Like this one is very much like Parent child, but it's she doesn't treat Nick like he's a. Child, she doesn't lie to him or coddle him. She's very honest with him in a healthy way.

Like the. This is why Nick is such a good communicator, 'cause she is such a good communicator and he grew up in that household, so like that actually. Now the thing about makes so much sense, like their communication was next level and what you were saying about like. The. Relationship Usually if it's not like a strained relationship, it is like the friendship type relationship, so it is. It is nice to see, yeah. Totally this is a. This is a really good mother son

relationship. Like mother, child relationship. It's so good. Holy shit. So with all that said, the absent father goes to leave. Again, it's on brand. Who's surprised? Anybody. No. Well, David is actually surprised, so we'll get to that in a second. David, I don't, I don't think he knows what's life is OK No. Anyway, so. The dad says he wants to be better and Nick probably heard this many times before and he just says show it. Yeah, and basically like after. Nick's just.

Like, I'm not going to coddle you. All right? This is, we're done. David comes out of the stairs and he's like, oh, you're leaving, Dad, you're leaving. And then? There's a moment where it sinks. In for David that the dad doesn't care about him either because dad's like, hey, yeah, I'll see you later in London, you know where you go to school. And David's like Glasgow. I go to school in Glasgow.

So it's like David was riding his hide horse that like, yeah, Dad. Doesn't really know Nick and like me and dad were bonding over rugby, so like dad loves me more. And it's very evident in this moment. They're like, no, dad doesn't give a shit about either of you. This is your dad does not care about you either. And so. Reality check for David. That let's be real. He needed. He has Daddy. Issues. That's. Why he's such a little prick. The dad is very moment based

parenting. Like oh, I'm your dad now once I leave this house. Who are you? Right exactly. And before dad bounces for. Good. He he does say to Nick that he genuinely thinks Charlie is a very good person. So I'm glad that Nick at least got that approval of like. He's like, I don't understand these bisexual things, but like, Charlie seems like a good person, so I like it. Nick at least gets that. And he says his name, so he remembered Charlie's fucking name.

So that's good. He got one thing right, Character growth. So after the dad leaves. Do we ever know his name? It doesn't matter, OK? David sits on the stairs. He That's. He's being not in his room, his stairs, yeah, And he's on the phone with his friend, complaining. About Nick and. Charlie at Meanwhile, Tori is in

the bathroom. Yeah, so she overhears David blaming the evening, the evening drama on Nick's quote, Drama Queen, boyfriend's influence, and Sir, that is not what you say in front of. Tori, because those are fighting words in the spring household talking shit about Charlie. But this this screenshot that you pulled, it's when David is sitting on the stairs and. Tori is towering over him. And it's a very low angle. You just see, like the power she has right now, the murder is in her eyes.

The energy's wafting, and this dumbass does not feel the murder over his shoulder. He's just awkwardly holding his phone. Like who does this? Because he's talking through Earpods, so like he doesn't need to be doing this. He doesn't need to be baiting Tori like this. So what does Tori do? Caitlin. She comes out and kicks his phone out of his hand and calls him a pathetic little man. Oh God, I love that. Hey, great for. Tori. Love it? Yeah. I love. That well, she kicked him in the.

Head though I yeah. I thought she was going to fight him. But. That works too. Kick his phone because he's a pathetic little man. He definitely is. He has daddy issues. So at the end. So then we get to. The end of the evening where the spring family. Is leaving and Charlie admits that Nick is a nice boy and she's warming up to him. So Congrats Charlie. Your master plan worked then the boys do this like they do a goodbye goodbye thing instead of

hi hi outside the door. And during this the topic of prom comes up because it's tomorrow, as Tara told us earlier. And. Charlie. Asks Nick. So we don't forget, Yeah. So you don't forget that that is going to be the plot of the next episode. Charlie, it asks Nick if they're going to go. Together. Together. And Nick is a little confused. He's like, well, duh, like we're boyfriends. What? What do you mean? And so this line seems weird to me, but. At first, but I wonder if.

Charlie's really asking. What he's really asking here is, are they going to be out because, like, Prom makes? Him. Nervous. I wonder. If it's Charlie projecting his feelings versus like framing it as like, well, Nick like. Are you sure you want to be seen? That's a big step for you. But I think Charlie's actually really scared about it because they would be, they would be the only queer couple. And I think that that's really stressing out Charlie. And he's just like not ready to

admit that he's actually scared. So he's just like, you sure Nick and Nick's like, yeah, obviously. I think Charlie just doesn't trust that they can be out together. And have it go well, Yeah 'cause he's got that little. Voice in the back of his. Head that Ben kind of planted there, you know. Yeah, so. Yeah, so when? Nick goes back. Inside. Olivia Coleman is doing the dishes and he she mentions to Nick that she noticed Charlie. Didn't eat. Much. And this is when Nick starts to

look up eating disorders, yeah. Because it's been, you know, Nick noticed that that was going on in Paris. He had a full meal basically at the end of the meal in Paris. And then also here there's a shot of, like, the plate and it's a full plate. Like, Charlie did not eat anything. He just like sat there. So yeah, that that is definitely escalating. So after that, we cut over to Darcy trying on the suit in front of a mirror and she's like.

Taking a selfie to send to Tara and it's super cute and she's like, we're gonna look so cute and she looks genuinely really happy to be wearing this outfit and she does send. Hit Send. Before mommy dearest barges in. So. Tara does get this photo. That's like, Tara, we're gonna look so cute at prom. And she's in the suit. Yeah, yeah. So her mom comes in yelling. At her to. Take it off and that she can't wear it. And that is when the ominous purple.

Fog. Comes in and basically, like this scene is really sad for a number of reasons, but to kind of like hit home the dissociation that Darcy has going on, like the sound of the argument starts to muffle. And so to me that that's a way of, like, showing that Darcy's so tired of, like, this argument has happened, not. The words. But this kind of argument must have happened so many times that Darcy kind of, like, tunes it out in a way and is just yelling back.

So that's become so normalized to her that she kind of dissociates a little bit in these moments. Yeah. So Darcy is arguing with her because, I mean, she's not going to just sit there and take it because no matter what I That's not Darcy. No. So she's like fed up, but this way, this. Is like a. Breaking point. Like these arguments keep happening. This one ends differently because Darcy's at a breaking point. Yeah, so Darcy's arguing. That she.

Likes. It and her friends support her wearing it. Sure do, and her mom continues yelling because of course, like, they can't have a calm conversation. But she orders Darcy to get out of the house. And like, I can't imagine what. That. Feels like to be told to get out of the house that you're supposed to be safe in. You can't even live on your own. You're not old enough. He's a minor. Yeah, so Darcy grabs a few bags and. Runs out of the house. And the sad part is, she's still wearing her.

Prom. Outfit. And has no jacket and it's fucking cold outside. Like you see the breath. Like the cold breath coming out when she, like, huffs when she leaves that house. And that's like how much of a fucking hurry she was to get the hell out of there. Like, yeah, it's really heartbreaking. But Darcy. Does it without hesitating. Because she's just like this. It's a house, not a home, you know, It's a place, not a safe

space. And she's just like, fuck this and just leaves without thinking about it. Just grab some shit, gets out, no jacket, no nothing, nowhere to go and she just walks away. What? Did we finish? Caitlin, you have one more. Thank you. I'm so sorry. I thought we talked about the dark clouds. But the dark clouds are. Looming around the whole screen, Yeah, like as she's as she's leaving, which I think is important. Because. 'Cause Darcy. Doesn't feel safe at.

Home. And she feels suffocated whenever she is there. Yeah, suffocated is the great word for that. Like she can't breathe, can't thrive. Like 'cause like the the fog or clouds or whatever we're. Calling it is very. Dense. Yeah, exactly. Like, they're not spread out, like they're very lumped together. So and it's kind of like you know. Whenever they're in like. In cartoons when there's like a toxic gas or something kind of

looks like that, no, totally. And I think it's significant that it's worse here than the first in the first scene at the beginning episode where she comes to the house, it's a lot smaller cause like her mom's there. So like that ever present toxicity is there but the toxicity has gotten so bad like it's a bigger cloud now. So I think that's also demonstrating that as well. So it's really sad that that happened to to Darcy, but. You know now, now we all know what?

Is at what has been. Going on with her this whole time and why she's been having those like kind of like dark moments intermittently throughout this the series, so. I mean, I know this is like. Easy to tell. I really don't like her mom. Well, yes. Obviously her mom just. I wouldn't be response. I wouldn't be surprised if she's like got substance abuse issues or like. Something like that. She seems like the drunk parent you know? It doesn't care about their kids.

Yeah, I just get. That vibe, although it's not confirmed. So yeah, it's. Really shitty, but you know. This was the heavy, heavy penultimate episode necessary so that we can get to the next episode. I mean, the episode's called Sorry. Yes, it is called, Sorry. So it's the creator's being like. Sorry for the pain you're about to go through. We promise it's for a reason. Because.

Heartstopper is really good at having drama that is actually necessary for character arcs, and is not just like Grey's Anatomy, where they're like, everyone's getting on this plane, It's just going to crash because drama, it's like, no, there's actually a point to this and it's oh, you can't just have one plane crash. There has to be multiple, of course, because that show is insane.

But this one, actually, there's a reason we had to go through this, so we're sorry if. Reliving this with us has made you sad or down, but we promise the next episode is going to be perfect. It's perfect. So we'll talk about that next and we'll have our happy feels and rate the season and what we thought about it. So hope you guys continue with us. If you want to check out the reaction videos.

Like Caitlin said, for the whole season they are on our Patreon, so you can head on over to there if you want, If not. We'll be back next time to talk about this season finale. So, whoa. But before we leave, I do have a word. Now you do. What is it, Caitlin? It is curmudgeon. You gotta explain. Why you're saying? What's word, Caitlin? You asked me what the word was, so I told you. Well, tell. OK, so there's why I don't even. Know if we I. Don't know if we have an episode yet in this.

I think we do that we give the words. So just in case you don't know and this is your first episode with us, I'm going to give, I'm going to give you a word that I kind of already gave you anyway, but you're going to I I challenge you to spell it without looking it up in the comments. Put it in your comment. Bonus points if you like actually comment and then use it in your comment. Yeah, that'd be amazing.

And then if you, if you're not watching on YouTube and you are listening to this lovely podcast, leave a review and figure out how to put that word in there. I I'm still waiting for some hero to take up that challenge. It hasn't happened yet. Yes. Because our goal is to have reviews with like random words in there for like what and people are like. And it's really random. Yeah. So I. Try to pick ones that are

really. Random when you look at you would not really understand how to spell it. So today I'm picking curmudgeon which is a cuz I. Don't know how to, I don't know what it means. Or. How to use it So, oh, Caitlin, it's actually a good word for this episode. So yeah, maybe look it up after. So, all right, you have your challenge next. Time everything's gonna be perfect. And until next time, hydrate for lesbian Jesus. I'm gay it up all over the place. Bye, bye.

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