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hey Georgia by any chance can you react to fran bow it's from a game but lots of people made videos about her and i will like to hear from an expert what's really going on with her and i bet it will blow up in views thank you!
Stolas should've started the conversation with the crystal and said he loves him. He kept talking about giving Blitzo control but Stolas whether he's aware or not is still in control of the conversation. Blitzo might have trouble with believing anyone could love him but Stolas has also been giving him nothing but want for sex all throughout season 1, and when Stolas sheilded his face at Ozzie's that just confirmed Blitzo's beliefs that it's all just for sex.
I'm surprised you didn't point out the parallels of Blitz storming after Stolas shouting to how Stella abused him, or that Stolas still had bandages from being kidnapped and tortured by Striker, who he recognized as a friend of Blitz's, a fellow imp, who hated him for being a royal. Playing into two very fresh traumas at the same time.
I thought Blitzø's shopping trip was oddly sweet because it showed that he's been attentive to what Stolas likes and that he genuinely cares about having a fun time together. The problem is that he mistakenly thinks Stolas is all about sex stuff so that's all he focuses on.
Yea, and if you look at his body language thorough the episode before it gets bad, Blitz seems genuinely happy to please Stolas, which even seems so different than his rough exterior most of the time.
@@cinnastagexactly, stolas being disappointed that all blitz was talking about was sex was confusing to me cuz he’s the one that made the deal based around sex. Up till ozzie’s all we the audience saw was stolas just horny for blitz with a tad protective. After Ozzie’s we saw it was deeper. Blitz doesn’t see that. He thinks they’re still in the ‘strictly sex ‘ space and stolas is upset that blitz isn’t in the same mind set. But blitz didn’t have any reason to think their relationship was anything more. So I understand blitz’s confusion when stolas told him he can go, after he thinks he got rejected. In that moment they both felt rejected. But blitz is seen as the bad guy cuz he was yelling. we know he yells when he’s angry, he was confused, hurt, rejected, so of course he’s pissed. Stolas doesn’t see why blitz yells like this, he’s only hurt by what blitz said, not why blitz would say that. Both are hurt, both suck at talking, but neither is the bad guy
At the end when he brought the stuff to Stolas, he sounded excited to please him, he was using an affectionate tone almost similar to what he uses for Loona(obviously in a different way of course), and the way his smile faded when he sees he's not into it, just ahhhhh, and the way he says he can do better broke me, he didn't even care about the crystal
When Blitzø was desperately grasping at the book, saying that he needs it, it wasn't just because he needs the book for his work. I think its even more so that he needs it as an excuse, even if he himself doesn't realize it
I agree, but I also think some part of Blitz was also thinking about the business as a whole and especially his employees. Him saying he'll do anything read to me as desperation because, even if he's unhealthily obsessed with them, he does genuinely care for Moxie and Millie and couldn't bare the thought of having to go back to IMP and tell them they're out of a job because of him. But that could be me reading too much into it. It's not in the text, but I do think it aligns with what we've seen from Blitz so far.
And Loona might actually enjoy learning spells. I highly suspect she learned her human disguise from the grimoire. Especially seeing how she transform in perfect sync with Stolas his transformation. So who knows what other spells she learned.
@@MeloraCarabasI mean she might have learned it from somewhere else. Verosika’s whole crew, and even Vortex, had human disguises, and both Loona and Verosika seemingly expected Blitzo, Moxxie, and Millie to have figured it out.
@@pamala77 Also he still thinks his relationships need to be transactional so he probably thinks that if he didn't have jobs to offer Millie and Moxie then they wouldn't be his friends anymore.
I agree. The book was the only thing connecting him to stolas, you can see the panic on his face even after stolas gives him the asmodean crystal. And all through Blitzø's rant, all Stolas could hear was another version of Stella. Poor bird has PTSD. While it broke me to watch it, I also didn't blame him from protecting himself by sending Blitzø away. For him, enough was enough. Even though, if he'd hesitated for just a second, he would've heard the "I'm sorry" that was coming and the conversation could have changed course.
That final scene was honestly SO painful because it showed their biggest problems. Stolas while genuine in his feelings, unintentionally controls the conversation and automatically assumes what Blitz is thinking while not actually ASKING what he wants, and Blitz doing everything that he can to completely ignore any real conversation about their issues to avoid getting hurt, and completely lashing out when he can't. This results in Stolas thinking that his first friend and love only saw him as a privileged prince despite all his efforts to show him that he always saw them as equals, and Blitz once again adding another person to the list of people who he genuinely loves but pushed away because he was too afraid to show it, right as he was finally allowing himself to be vulnerable. You know they're eventually going to make up, but it's definitely going to take them both jumping through A LOT of hurdles before their relationship can even remotely become a healthy one.
@@shadenox8164to be fair id get cagey too if i acknowledged my faults & poured my heart out only to get hit with sarcastic mocking role-play. Then only to follow up with essentially the same abuse your ex wife hurled at you. I totally get the power dynamic issue here but stolas isnt some stone cold guy that can handle that verbal abuse
Someone pointed this out on twitter. But notice when Blitzø was screaming at Stolas, Stolas was flinching and hugging himself tighter every time. They pointed out that its likely Stolas was having flashbacks to when Stella would scream at him. Blitzø is literally triggering Stolas's PTSD from his abuse from her, and thats why Stolas kept trying to get away from him.
I noticed that too! As a person who is sensitive to loud noises I was schrinking and curling into a ball while listening to Blitz's screaming. And then I paid attention to Stolas whom I was unintentionally mimicing. I feel so so bad for him. Especially since we have similar personalities.
OH MY GOSH, I DIDN'T EVEN PUT THAT TOGETHER!! I obviously noticed him getting uncomfortable but I assumed it was just because a loved one was yelling at him...
I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD GET THIS! Stolas is 100% trapped in trauma response mode from the moment Blitz (intentionally or unintentionally) mocked his confession and his feelings. Stella did that all the time, mocking him. So it's no wonder he cuts Blitz off and leaves. But then Blitz *chases* him through the palace, yelling escalating into shouting escalating into SCREAMING. It's when he finally loses all control and starts screaming insults that Stolas finally stops, but we don't see it until the shot pans wider; he doesn't stop to actually listen-- he's pulled up short, frozen, unresponsive. While Blitz unknowingly re-enacts the trauma he's lived daily with Stella. I'm actually very proud of Stolas for portaling him away and putting his own wellbeing first. Was Blitz going to apologize? Sure, but then what. And Stolas wasn't in any mental state to deal with it at that point. To all my fellow trauma survivors, take care of yourself.
That is exactly why both Blitzø and Stolas need to sit down and talk to each other about their trauma/issues.Opening up to one another will only help them in the long run. And I hope that, just like Angel Dust and Husker, Blitzø and Stolas will start understanding and supporting each other more.
Nice observation. And the opposite is how Stolas triggers traumas in Blitz by being an impatient listener, controlling the discussion, jumping to conclusions and impulsively dismissing Blitz. Just like how his dad dismissed him and all those pompous pricks Blitz dealt with in his life. He's experiencing that Stolas is no different to them. Their trauma's look like opposite in audio volume, but in the basic lines they have so much in common.
Stolas stuffing himself in the fridge after his meds run out has to be my favorite part: it's hilarious and it encapsulates a lot of things. That and his butler's expression implies that he's done this before.
Honestly the most relatable thing Stolas has ever done. I often have the urge to stuff myself into a fridge, either because of anxiety or just the weather being too hot
I love Stolas and think he was pretty mature, but the power dynamic is still there in almost the entire confession. Watching the scene again made me realize that he handled the beginning of the conversation very poorly, making Blitz feel insecure, i mean "I want my book back... permanently" wasn't the best way to start it and it's an example of (unconscious) control over the situation.
Rel. Maybe it would went a little bit better if he start witch "I have something for you Blitz" and take a book after explaining how crystal work. But it's probably just my wishful thinking 😅
if I have to justify that dialogue other than for plot drama, is that there is a bit of job oriented mind Stolas has that's similar to Blitz. It hasn't been brought back to attention, but it is implied that Stolas lending Blitz the Ars Goetia breaches something that would even put Stolas in trouble. While maybe there is a part of wanting Blitz to be free so he can love him as he is, there's also his own job of keeping that book in his own safekeeping.
@imageez I doubt that was the reason Blitzø nearly cried over it, though. While yes, Blitzø does need the grimoire for his job (before the crystal was brought up), that wasn't the source of his distress. Do you know Nux? He just released his reaction and I think he said it best along with Georgia.
@@imageezYes, unfortunately there is still a power dynamic even without the transactional nature of their relationship. Stolas will always be the rich family prince who has more power than all them imps combined could dream to muster up, meanwhile Blitz...he has no power, his only power is his small business, he is at the bottom of the hierarchy while Stolas sits at the top and Stolas fails to realise this, he fails to realise that Blitz prides himself in doing things bound in agreements, pushing the Crystal onto him removes what he is comfortable with, there was no prior agreement and so Blitz still thinks it's a transactional thing.
Yeah what if he started with the real subject of the matter. Addressing his remorse over making the arrangement and confess his real feelings towards Blitz starting with how he always had that genoune crush on him. But, no, he had to go all businessy and even controlling the whole dialogue even pushing the crystal on Blitz not giving him any agency. Stolas sucked as a listener since the very first episode. (Srsly, who thinks it's a good time for dirty talk when there's shooting and screaming (not the fun kind) in the background?)
I love this because I remembered that Dow panned on doing a Stolitz episode, and I thought to myself "Bro, that girl is eating right now. She's taking so many notes."
@GeorgiaDow I thought the same thing I was like "Georgia Dow is gonna have a field day with this" Speaking of HB episodes you'll have a field day with, are you gonna cover the Truth Seekers episode at some point?
@@0XBlondie96X0 It'd be a good one to explore after this one, considering it's where we got the clearest examination of Blitzø's insecurities and anxieties -- and it's also where Blitzø likely got the idea that a shouting match, like he _tried_ to have with Stolas, could be cathartic and healing when used in tense, complicated situations. (Think about it: he shouted it out with Moxxie, traded some hurt feelings at high volume, but managed to reach a really profound understanding with him by the end -- they ended up being better colleagues and friends than they would've been if they _hadn't_ had it out like that.)
The worst part of this for me is how CLOSE they were to an actual breakthrough. When Stolas said "I didn't realize you thought so low of me" Blitz almost immediately understood the impact of what he'd said - he was reaching out to apologize in the very moment he was teleported away. For Blitz to go from such a state of aggression to instantly wanting reconciliation actually says a lot about his willingness to open up to others, given time. I understand why Stolas sent him away, and honestly, having space to reflect and come to terms with the possibility of a new dynamic might be healthy for Blitz. Its unfortunate that it came to light the way it did, though, because it may incentivize him to double down on his avoidant behavior. BUT if Blitz were truly unreachable, or unwilling to learn to see things differently.....he wouldnt have reached out like that. He would have been too blinded by his own narrative to really see the damage his words had done. Instead, he seemed to understand (however briefly) that he was projecting his insecurities onto Stolas and that it was an unfair thing for him to do. That moment of regret gives me a lot of hope for Blitz and the possibility that he is ready to do the work to heal himself.
While I agree with most of what you said I think Blitz being sent away just as he was about to open up and be vulnerable will make him even more hesitant to try again in the future. From his perspective it just confirms all his fears. He does only hurt and push away the people he cares about.
Also, I saw this from the top comment, but Blitz' "mockery" (as Stolas saw it) and his yelling must've given Stolas PTSD from Stella's @bu5e; you can see Stolas being unresponsive, hugging himself tighter and flinching. That's why he sent Blitz away. So basically, they both triggered the trauma responses within one another.
first therapist ive seen that understands the "voice in my head" or "my head wont shut up" thing. when ive said that before therapists have often asked me "you can hear voices?", as if I were talking about hallucinations. maybe that says more about me than them lmao.
You're not alone. I have so much internalizes trauma voices. I know its the hurt part of me but that question would throw me. I can have full arguments and conversations with myself. I know that I am talking to myself though. That is the conversation I sometimes dread when I switch therapist because of insurance or moving.
This got me on a thought train: When Blitzo and Stolas were kids, their dads presented friendship as a transaction. It makes more sense now how they both found a comfort zone in a transactional relationship, especially with each other. Both grew up feeling like they were only worth what they could give; Stolas his wealth/status and Blitzo his body.
I think Blitzo had a safe place in that transaction where it tied him to Stolas but kept feelings behind a curtain where he wouldn't have to confront them. He had the crystal in his hands but the first thing he did was promise to do better, trying to retreat back to a place where he felt safe. A place that felt safe but was ultimately unhealthy.
As soon as it became clear the safe place was gone Blitzo lashed out in anger because he felt exposed. He only had one moment of panic at end where he realized he could and had hurt Stolas deeply.
Yeah I think that too, because I kind of have the same issue. The transaction let Blitz be close to Stolas and be intimate with him without showing emotions and having a love-based relationships. He didn't have to show he loved Stolas, and make himself vulnerable and attached. When that was gone, his reaction was to push Stolas away as violently as he could, because he didn't feel safe. Still toxic af and I am glad Stolas didn't put up with it.
i didn't see many people point this out, but when yelling at Stolas Blitz triggered his ptsd from Stella's abuse. he was flinching and hugged himself tight
I'm not sure it's about anyone in particular. He's an imp, bottom of the hierarchy along with hellhounds, it's not about his experience, it's the collective experience of him, his fellow imps, and the hellhounds. We see this happen with Fizz and Mammon too, it's so normalised to treat imps as lesser beings that imps develop these feelings. It's rare that imps don't develop them (Literally only Millie has shown disregard of what royalty and higher beings think) You actually do see the same feelings among minority groups who are oppressed.
I don’t think it’s about a relationship but more the anger he has always felt towards the higher ups. He’s just a simple imp like anyone else that they usually don’t care about. Blitz isn’t worth anything in this system and Stolas is a part of this oppressive system and (from an outside view) is living an easy life of power because of it. Blitz is just letting out all his anger and frustration about the whole order of hell which Stolas is a big part of.
Both Blitz and Stolas right now seem to hate themselves and want to be loved, but struggle on how to ask for it (at this time Stolas and Blitz cover their faces on photos but allow those who they love to show) Stolas took the first step in trying to communicate his needs and wants, but Blitz truly can't believe anyone can love him as he truly believes he is unlovable and that he hurts everyone he cares for.
Exactly. Yes, it’s sad blitz’s yelling possibly triggered stolas but we know this is how blitz reacts when he’s angry even for minor things, it’s not right but we know that’s how he is. Blitz shouldn’t be seen as the villain because he doesn’t believe stolas could love him. The second stolas felt he got his answer, he didn’t want to hear anything else he had to say. But blitz didn’t reject him, he got the crystal but still wanted to confront stolas, that shows he wasn’t just with Stolas for the book, he got what he needed for his business with the crystal but didn’t leave he wanted to stay, but Stolas didn’t see that. Even though both had been confirmed to have made mistakes, I can see blitz seen as the one in the wrong, because Stolas cried, but that’s not right. They both need to communicate better
A big part of me thinks that Blitz tried to be okay with Stolas the same way he did with Fizz, which is each one says their point of view (with insults to the other) and then they would find common ground. But this time, it didn't work unfortunately.
I think that's because of what the other party was doing. Fizz stayed and asked questions, but Stolas got up and walked away while Blitz was still talking. Taking Stolas hiding behind a menu back in S1E7, I can see how Blitz sees Stolas as dismissive.
@@0EnterTheDarkside0 yeah, truth being told there's a huge factor to consider, Fizz is like Blitz's little brother so they each other like the back of their hands, meanwhile Stolas and Blitz really don't know each other, they never tried to for the time being
In order for that to happen, you have to actually HAVE common ground, sadly. What this entire thing has exposed is how very little these two actually know about what makes each other tick outside of bed.
Something that I feel is missed pretty often about this interaction, is Stolas' failure to actually communicate how he feels and what he thinks about their relationship, although he *appears* to spell it out very clearly. But he's essentially just monologuing, not really talking *with* Blitzø, instead of *to* him. He probably replayed this particular "conversation", how it may go and how Blitzø may react, in his mind over and over again - but it's all just in his mind, and he just *assumes* Blitzø would've had the same thoughts about their relationship and would be on the same page as him, when nothing could be farther from the truth. Basically, he thinks he's sending the right messages, but what Blitzø receives is something completely different. It already started when he sent him those messages of "you don't have to come if you don't want to": For Stolas, they said "I want to see you, but to not feel obligated" (aka "I want more from our relationship than what it is right now"), but what Blitzø took from it was "I don't want to see you" or "I don't really care if you come" (aka "I want less of our relationship").
That was the FIRST THING I said to my roommate when we watched this episode (besides "IT ENDS LIKE THAT?!?"). Stolas didn't go into the whole switcheroo with a _conversation_ as part of his plan, and with this being such a monumental change in their relationship dynamic, that's not fair. Stolas was SO laser-focused on saying precisely what he thought he needed to say to expedite the swap from book to crystal, he didn't account for the possibility... let's be honest, the _inevitability_ that Blitzø would be thrown into full-blown _crisis mode_ the moment he thought his livelihood AND his "safe" connection to Stolas were being taken away. Stolas also didn't put his script on pause and turn around when Blitzø, out of confusion and fear and desperation, was literally _begging and crying_ to keep the book. I'm not sure Stolas even *noticed* the state Blitzø was in, and that's just... yikes. I think Georgia had a lot of really accurate insight here, and I do mean A LOT, but I think she overestimates Stolas' level of emotional intelligence. He's certainly more emotionally AVAILABLE than Blitzø, but that's something different. If Stolas had a higher level of emotional intelligence, he wouldn't've asked for the book without preamble, he wouldn't've been oblivious to Blitzø's reactions, and he _would_ have wanted Blitzø to actively participate throughout the book/crystal exchange, or at least have the opportunity to participate.
the thing i find the most painful is how Stolas makes up a plan, his script of actions. A "If he said this i will say that" kind of progress plan. And works it down, but isn't prepared to throw that script away if the situation derails. He is so focused on getting Bitz the crystal and confessing his love, he didn't see the confusion of Bitz, or if he plows through it. This collision of order and chaos makes it so hard to watch for me. I hope these flaws of both of them will be addressed in future episodes.
Yeah Stolas seems to do a really by the book approach of problem solving in general. He loves bookss and books are predictable! He really sucked in being flexible and dealing with unexpected input already especially in the Loo Loo Land episode. It took until Octavia walked off that Stolas understood she was telling him she didn't like anything of what he was doing. So I'm sure it will be addressed somewhere in the coming...ehm years.
I definitely agree. I can tell Blitzo is going to be forced to face his flaws just from the season 2 trailer, and I hope Stolas is as well, since I feel like the biggest problem Stolas has is he doesn't notice the feelings and reactions with others. You see it when he interacts with Octavia in the Loo Loo Land episode and she outright says 'I'd rather kill myself' in response to the suggestion, and he doesn't even notice and just continues with his planned responses. In the 'Seeing Stars' episode, he again is completely oblivious to Octavia being upset until she runs away. You also see it with how Blitz clearly doesn't like being called 'Blitzy' and 'my itty, bitty imp', but it takes Blitz's reaction at the end of the Ozzie episode for Stolas to finally stop with that, and now in this episode he completely fails to respond to any emotion from Blitz until Blitz gets angry.
Something about Stolas I've been thinking on for awhile... He's been abused by Stella for a long time. She talks horribly about him in front of his face, she hits him, she screams at him. So when Blitz is doing the same... God. Sure, Blitz has call him nasty things in bed, but that was just play. Here, Blitz calls him bitch and Stolas *flinches*. He's used to taking abuse but he never expected that to come from Blitz. No wonder Stolas teleported him away.
It isn't just Blitz's fault. Stolas is also to blame. They both triggered each others' trauma responses and fucked each other over (yes, sexy pun intended).
And the thing is, Blitz doesn't know this. We've never seen Stolas talk to Blitz about how Stella treated him. Just like Blitz has obviously never talked to Stolas about his fear of abandonment or deep self-loathing. They're both triggering each other, and they didn’t know it.
@@cruellasdogbut it does and it's actually not that bad, because it's possible to heal people with the help of it (of course only in a safe environment).
Iirc the pills Stolas are trying to take are actually antidepressants(?) We see him taking more of more of them throughout the course of S2E1 with them being labelled as "happy pills" if my memory is correct. Each time he took them in that episode, he had more and more with at the end of the ep he just took a whole on handful, so it makes sense why he was so freaked out in Full Moon when he realized the pill bottle is now empty.
I was looking though the comments hoping someone would point this out. I've seen some people joke about "lol happy pills"-- my siblings in Christ, those are full on anti depressants. It's pretty obvious why he needs them tbh, and given the show's habit of paying attention to small details, I feel like a big detail like showing Stolas running out of the pills while going through a really stressful time in his life (The Divorce™, especially it being an abusive relationship) and then on top of that, having a really messy blowout with the man he's had a crush on / loved since childhood without pills he needs to *get through the day* is going to come back to bite him and us all in the ass, and not in a fun way. :c
I appreciate how thoroughly you discussed both perspectives and why they're on such different wavelengths. This was so heartbreaking, I hope they get a chance to actually talk things out in the future.
Blitz and his inability to trust he isn’t being abandoned or taken advantage of seems very much like the way someone with borderline personality disorder thinks (coming from someone who has it themself). The idea of being loved is so distant and impossible to him that he refused it completely and that poisoned all the meaningful relationships he had. His outburst at the end could be a split if you choose to read into it enough. I doubt this is all intentional, but I’ve noticed it as someone struggling with BPD myself
@@Darth_Niki4 One of the biggest signs of BPD is a huge irrational fear of abandonment that often comes with heavy enough cognitive distortion to fully convince the person that they are being abandoned, even if they’re not. I feel like Blitz reading Stolas’ gift of choice as an attempt to get rid of him and having an intense response does read a lot like a split. Going from valuing to devaluing and saying he doesn’t need him in moments is such a big reaction that it definitely resonated with me as someone who has had similar outbursts for similar reasons in the past
@@Monkicos A split is an episode where someone goes from one emotional extreme to another very quickly. From valuing to devaluing or vice versa. It’s typically very explosive and sudden and almost never an appropriate reaction to the trigger, but that doesn’t always occur to the person in the moment
I've not seen anyone mention this, but I'm actually really happy about the way stolas reacted at the end, he sent blitz away not out of spite, like most people think for some reason, but because he couldn't take anymore. He was fighting tears and he probably felt like if he continued, he would breakdown in front of blitz and he may even say things that he would regret
First off, that Blitzø cosplay and the new horns are great. Secondly, While crying my eyes out at this, I knew you'd eat this episode up and take some great notes.
I love the "Wait, Stolas can be hurt ?!" moment of Blitz. You understand that, for him all along, Stolas was someone on a pedestal, unreachable, something god-like. And why someone that high would want to be with someone that low. The true kill of stolitz seems to be Blitz extremely low self-esteem. Wanting to be loved, persuaded that it don't deserve it.
Blitz realizing that Stolas can not only be hurt physically- he can get hurt emotionally, which is often much more painful. Now, though… I think Stolas needs to realize that he has to get on Blitz’s emotional level. Like, learn to question him a little more directly but gently when he gets sarcastic, spend some time teaching Via (I hc she’s mostly home-schooled and he teaches her magic??) more about magic, world skills, diplomacy and all that, open up about himself a little to her, get to better know his daughter while she’s still a teen and not when she was an owlet. Look around, hold in your thoughts and words for a bit, and pay attention, TLDR.
at this point i honestly consider your reactions a borderline required companion piece for Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel, because half the time I feel like i'm not emotionally intelligent enough to catch the subtle details the writers put into these episodes. Your analysis of Blitzo's perspective was especially important since I think the vast majority of people would've intuitively sided with Stolas's perspective instead of realising that both of them are flawed but still sympathetic in this exchange
I've suggested to other people before to show channels like this one to children who watched HB or HH while being way too young to be the appropriate demographic. I strongly believe that when the cat is already out of the bag then getting information to put all that adult stuff into the right context can function as at least partial damage control. And it really helps when that information is easy and fun to follow.
@MeloraCarabas nevermind children, a lot of the nuances of this show would fly over adult's heads. Society in general are woefully ignorant of psychology, which is why I view channels like this so highly. On this platform where misinformation spreads like wildfire, it's good to see an expert dissecting this complex topic in a sober and easy to digest way
Stolas was already trying to get a Crystal for Blitz. That crystal is the reason he went to Asmodeus. If anything, Asmodeus only reinforced the conclusion Stolas was realizing on his own.
YES, thank you for pointing that out. Stolas was 100% _already_ looking for a way to make the relationship non-transactional by the time he met with Ozzie to ask for a crystal. That's the only reason he arranged a meeting in the first place. Ozzie didn't plant the idea in Stolas' head, but he certainly _reinforced_ what Stolas had started considering back in season one, that true intimacy should never be about force... or obligation.
You mentioned Blitz should’ve asked for a moment prior to his explosion, but I feel like Stolas should’ve put the option out there during his confession, instead of a “now or never” situation. It’s a lot for many people to take in, especially those who don’t grasp emotions as easily as Stolas. He knows how indecisive Blitz is, and how he easily misinterprets feelings (as he did in this episode). Stolas being the one to give Blitz time is what made sense from a character standpoint. To me, at least.
Yeah, I can't lie. I was incredibly frustrated with Stolas refusing to hear Blitz out once Blitz actually asked if he was being serious. The initial confusion was cleared up, but Stolas went on to say, "you needn't say anything," and, "that's enough to know what this is," and all that without giving Blitz a chance to say anything. He'd already decided he knew how Blitz felt, and Blitz ended up feeling like he was being dismissed and that Prince Stolas didn't even care enough about his feelings to have a conversation with him and hear him out.
I mean we as the audience know those things about Blitz but did Stolas actually know those things? And would he be able to process that in the moment where he was likely a ball of anxiety and depression? What he saw in that moment wasn't someone not quite understanding what was happening, what he saw was someone he idealized seeing him bare himself to them and instantly mocking his feelings. Also keep in mind that Blitz hadn't asked for time, he treated Stolas' confession as another meaningless game and it's only mid yelling did he even give an open indication that he needed time to process.
When I heard the last line of Stolas for the first time, I realised something Imagine you love someone so much you think about that person with so much affection, you admire that person, just for them to tell you that they see you just like the people you hate The people that made you suffer Thats so heartbroken and I never stopped to think about that before
Blitzø trying so hard to not let the arrangement end, all his body language when he was saying he could do better. So much of his self worth is wrapped up in how he performs. This fight hit on all the traumas for both of them.
One of the saddest parts for me in this episode was how the pictures/paintings in both houses showed their deep shared selfhatred. Blitzø scribbled over his face in all the photos in his flat (but leaving Loona's and his sister's faces) while Stolas put veils over all the paintings only showing Octavia. They are so alike in many ways.
I feel like there's a big class disconnect here- Its normal in upper class social circles to just... give someone some huge, significant gift, and the other person is just supposed to take it, no strings attached. Because everyone's just rich AF. Worst case scenario, the gift giver is on the hook to one-up you later with a better gift to save face socially. But that's not how it works when you're poor, or if you're of a low caste receiving something from your "master." Everything has strings attached, and its even worse when Stolas led Blitzø along for a second there, reducing him to literally begging for the book. (Again, not a big deal in ultrarich rich gift culture- you're often kinda supposed to lead someone on with an inconvenience, like saying that their car is gone, before surpring them with a new one) Stolas's language was unfortunate, too- while he was 100% right in trying to make it about consent, his phrasing could wind up feeling more like a master gifting freedom to a servant, when someone like Blitzø is so incredibly primed to hear things that way. (and literally just begged for the grimoire- their means to their livelihood) I think Stolas did everything right, at least as best as he could having run out of his meds, with what understanding he had. Up until he started reacting so poorly to Blitzø... reacting not perfectly. Its so sad, but he was just primed for rejection- you can just see it from how he was sitting there, before Blitzø arrived, the mental illness had already won, and he didn't have the means to communicate his needs to Blitzø. Stolas shouldn't have confessed his love tonight. They should have just had the night and rescheduled, probably with Ozzy and Fizz in the wings to play support. And I don't mean to just blame him, this IS a two way street, but he was the one with the agency to decide when this conversation happened, and the timing is the only way this thing had a chance of going off well.
I noticed after watching this video that Blitz yelling at stolas and calling him names, marching after him through the house while he is trying to walk away. Thats probably how a lot of stolas' fights with Stella went. So no wonder he couldn't handle any more and sent Blitz away.
For possibly the first time, Blitz was on the receiving end of the treatment he typically deals others: sabotaging and blowing up the relationship without actually giving the other person a choice. I think this is going to lead into apology tour nicely since this might help him to understand how Verosika felt when he bailed on her: blindsided, confused, and heartbroken.
I’m not sure how you got that out of this situation. Stolas had been trying to fix things for months. And when he did talk to Blitz, he spoke calmly, clearly, and directly with great care for Blitz’ feelings while providing his own boundaried vulnerability. Stolas choosing to only engage in an emotionally healthy scenario is not sabotaging a relationship. Blitz blew this situation up the same he does others, but Stolas 100% did not. Stolas showed a ton of growth and emotional health here.
@@vnleaosorry I responded so aggressively, you are right I don't think Stolas self-sabotaged at all, he's just very sheltered and wounded by thinking Blitz was mocking him 😅
Stolas had time to think about this change over the last few months. Blitz was not expecting any of this and was absolutely blindsided. My husband and I had some hard times in our early relationship because I need time and space to absorb things and he has abandonment issues that see space as leaving. It took a long time to understand each other, and now we're better at speaking each other's languages.
This episode BROKE me (at least the part with Blitzø and Stolas). The choice to have no background music as Blitzø is rummaging through all the stuff he brought have me chills. Ans Stolas shutting Blitzø out at the end literally forcing him out of his house… I yelled out “THAT’S HOW IT ENDS???” And my jaw dropped.
That was pretty fast! Yeah, we saw the label on that pill bottle in previous episodes and it literally says "happy pills" so they're probably antidepressants. One has to wonder how this conversation would have gone if Stolas hadn't happened to run out of pills on that day of all days, if maybe he wouldn't have been so quick to interpret Blitz's disbelief as rejection, if maybe he could have given Blitz enough time to get his thoughts in order... Another thing is that Stolas literally just got out of an abusive relationship with his wife, where she would constantly insult him, scream at him, throw things at him, hit him... so Blitz reacting with anger, starting to fling insults, and trying to get into a fight... that was probably an even worse reaction than usual in this situation.
when it goes from blitz yelling in anger to when he passes the pillar and he's yelling in pain and crying....that was so subtle but sad this episode broke me
This episode destroyed me in the best way, I knew it was going to end like this, but I didn't expect it to be SO REALISTIC! These two are a clear example of "they could work and there is love there but they have to get their shit together first, someone please give them a therapist and better communication methods". It was obvious that Blitz was going to think that Stolas's confession was not true, he can't believe that someone could love him for him, who would? self-esteem issues, and it was obvious that Stolas would shut down and not listen after what Blitz said, after all why would Blitz have feelings for him? He always ruins everything, he expects rejection but not the mockery. They were both raised in toxic environments and react very differently to conflict. Blitz in a discussion is aggressive, defensive, fighting, shouting, insulting, it's the type of "discussions" that he is accustomed to, always being belittled, he will not allow himself to be insulted without fighting. Stolas on the other hand closes himself out, remains silent, in control of his movement, he was always humiliated/insulted, he learned to take the pain and "run away" to not be hurt anymore and the situation doesn't escalate. But they don't know this about each other, if they knew what topics/words "hurt them" they wouldn't do it, here they did it because they don't know each other, they don't know about each other's pains, pasts, likes, fears, etc. .. because they only had a physical relationship that later feelings began to blossom beyond sex. They started like this, they hurt each other unintentionally, and they don't KNOW how to communicate because of their own shit How can you not think that the other was not sincere if you never expected more from each other? In this scene it was unfortunately an expected bomb that was ready to explode in their faces, time apart is better to think with a cool head, heal, and maybe try again after a while, clarify what they want and talk, just talk with an open heart, no walls, no evasion, no assumptions, no closing doors, no anger, just conversation. This is going to be a painful road for these two... Sorry if it sounds weird, english is not my first language.
@@PEAK__Thank you! I speak spanish, I'm chilean, so I try really hard to write what I want to express, there are words/sentences in my language that are complicated to translate, because they don't make sense and don't sound as good as they do in spanish 😅
Losing my mind no matter how many times I watch the episode, but what broke me most is them fighting right under the chandelier from the flashback. The joy from childhood bathed in soft light becoming anger and misery and red darkness.
Another good moment that I felt really honed in on Blitz's way of looking at the relationship was the candle buying scene. The fact that when asked what mood he wanted to convey, he couldn't think of anything other than horny was very sad.
The final conversation is a masterclass in showing how people can *explain* themselves as clearly as possible, but still fail to communicate, because at least one party (if not both) make so many assumptions that what they hear is different from what they believe. There are only a few reasons Stolas would say he has feelings for Blitzø: either it's a joke, it's a roleplay, it's a noble's power play, or it's genuine. Stolas tries to communicate that it's genuine, but Blitzø has already ruled out that possibility a long time ago: no one can love him, so that can't be the real reason, no matter what Stolas says. So he goes through the other options in order: "oh, you're fucking with me?" "You're not? Oh, okay, this is a new roleplay?" "Wait, you *don't* want to roleplay? So then, what, you're just doing this to mess with 'the little imp' because you think you're better than me?" Meanwhile, Stolas doesn't understand how Blitzø is interpreting things. "I explained myself very clearly, so *surely* Blitzø must have understood. If he still thinks it's all about sex, and is going to mock me for it like this, then that must be all he cares about." He doesn't realize Blitzø is just echoing the only possibilities he can think of, rather than saying what he feels for himself. So two people, being very clear with each other, still miscommunicate, because they each can't understand the others' viewpoints. "He said [X], but surely he must mean [Y] because I can't understand [X] at all."
2:00 I don't think it was Ozzie's words that changed Stolas' mind tho because he was already going to ask him for the crystal then, I think it was Blitzø's words at the end of S1E7 that did it
An easter egg in the Circus episode revealed that Stolas was reading about Asmodean crystals in one of his books. It was hard to see and read but lucky for us there are quite a lot of fanatics looking for easter eggs and spreading the screen captures so we don't have to pause, capture and enlarge every few seconds. ;)
The fact that Blitz was willing to address the problem in that moment is such a HUGE step for him. I just wish Stolas realised that this wasn't an all out rejection... Blitz has been secretly coping with so many insecurities, along with a relationship with someone that he truly cares for but also sees as somebody who holds his entire livelihood in his hands... If you've wronged a loved one, you cannot just expect them to immedietly forgive you once you've apologized... but instead he kicked him out... I understand that got overwhelmed, but he did Blitz wrong in this scenario too
I mean the opening didn't help, it really set the whole thing in a different context than Stolas intended. He should have probably opened with the crystal before taking away the book.
Sometimes you have to put your own mental wellbeing first though. You can't always try to take care of another person, especially if you're in a really bad place mentally and/or emotionally. Stolas clearly doesn't have the emotional energy to continue with the discussion, even if Blitz was getting ready to apologize.
Something I don't see a lot of people noticing is how when Blizo tried to go on with the arrangement and at the part of him saying you know I don't disappoint, stolas has a moment of weakness showing he wanted it how it was before pushing away.
This episode was so good but also so heartbreaking. That "I dind realize you think so lowly of me" that had me sobbing. I really hope they can find eachother eventually
When this episode came out It helped me realize that I engage in similar defense mechanism as blitz, it does hurt to understand that you try and gain people over through sexual intimacy because deep inside you can't believe that they could love you by who you are on the inside
I was just thinking of you analyzing Stolas and Blitzø. I personally like Blitzø and Stolas’s relationship because I relate too hard with them as I have been in many transactional relationships to where I think the other person actually liked me.
I was really impressed with the back and forth writing here. It really felt true to both characters and heartbreaking, and they didn't rely on sitcommy miscommunications (like I was worried for a little bit when Stolas was asking for the book before explaining why). There was still miscommunication, absolutely, but it was realistic. I didn't expect Blitz's "Let's go..." That was growth for him. He got the thing he needed; he could have avoided everything by leaving after being dismissed. He was willing to argue, to fight, and to change things. He was even going to say sorry, and this is where Stolas makes his biggest error in an otherwise very strong EQ moment; he does exactly what Blitz was just complaining about, and dismisses him again. It's extremely unfair, but understandable, and conversations like this need to be consensual too. Really well done by the Helluva Boss team, and the kind of characterization that we need to see in Hazbin Hotel.
I think a big part of their problems has been in written communication. Blitzø grew up in the circus and is borderline illiterate. Stolas was raised with the finest education. When they text each other, Stolas sends long loving messages that Blitzø can't fully read or understand, so he just responds with "k," which hurts Stolas. And Blitzø gets defensive about his ignorance.
I think my brain did a thunk. In S2 E1 we see before the night with Blitz0, Stolas takes 2 pills when he wakes up. Then after the night at Ozzie's he took 3. He was upping his dose which might be why he ran out in E8
Stolas didn't "move on", he was so deeply hurt that his response was to put an immediate stop to the situation and go lick his wounds alone...he shut Blitz out to regain some control of the situation (and of himself) after having been so vulnerable and feeling so deeply rejected...
despite everything Blitz was doing wrong, just before Stolas teleported him away he genuinely seemed about to say "im sorry", words he clearly never had the strength to tell anyone else before, which goes to show just how intensely he cares for Stolas, that he'd be ready to not only realize he fucked up, but APOLOGIZE for fucking up, once his anger passed and he realized he actually HURT Stolas, it looked almost like it genuinely woke him up from his delusions, but sadly Stolas clearly couldn't handle seeing him any longer in that moment, i can only hope this event will have triggered in Blitz enough determination to keep chasing after Stolas to apologize to him, i hope he wont dig his hole even deeper after this or lose hope.
This made me realize how similar Blitz and Angel Dust are. They hate who they are, so they use explicit jokes to deal with the uncomfort. They also put on a fake version of themselves, so if anyone doesn't like them they can blame it on the facade.
This episode’s ending was so heartbreakingly tragic, especially because we can see that they both made mistakes during their interaction, but do want each other. Ugh, my heart.😭😭😭 Even though Stolas’s speech was a lot to unload onto Blitz at once and he shouldn’t have shut down so quickly after being brushed off, him not having his depression meds contributed to that I’m sure, but I thought he still articulated his feelings really well during it.❤️❤️❤️ It was also so sad to see Blitz beg Stolas to let him keep the book, that he’d do anything for it and him saying that he could do better.🥺 I do like the detail that Stolas then tried to reassure him that he was giving the crystal to him as a gift so he could be free.🥺 I also love your outfit Georgia!😊❤❤❤
To be fair, if someone starts flirting with me, and maybe they have, my first thought is “this person is lying. They must want something” My money says there is self esteem issues in their
I would argue that he certainly see people as in different rank than himself. Look at how he threats the no name imps that serve him. He does not hesitate to abuse them (like the poor guy getting squeezed hard while holding the phone) and this certainly has fed the fear of blitz that stolas sees him as someone below (in adition with for example how he talked with him about the fact thats illegal to give him the book in the harvest moon ep)
I remember seeing a comment also talking about how Stolas had a lot of time to realize his emotions compared to Blitzo, who only got a few seconds before Stolas came to the conclusion of Blitzo's true feelings. We can understand why, because confessing is scary, but dang, if only Blitzo also had time.
Blitz was invited to the end of a relationship he was never part of. Stolas had a fully parasocial relationship with Blitz while never giving Blitz any hint, and even rebuffing the idea that it was anything other than a transaction. Blitz did what he felt was right, and took Stolas firmness on who had the power to never pursue anything. Blitz had seconds to work through the idea that Stolas did like him and also that Stolas was now completely over him as well. How in the hell would you react to a person in power doing that to you? You'd absolutely snap.
@@DembaiVT never giving hint ?" are you asking me on a date" "maybe we could talk or cuddles" have you watched the episode on ozzie ?my boy made it pretty clear what he felt even fizz pointed it out at him and blitz said that he would always ask him how he feel and how was his day
Honestly, THANK YOU, OH MY GOD! I have seen WAY too many people online complaining, saying “StOlAs Is So MaNiPuLaTiVe!?!?!?!??” or “bLiTz Is An AsShOlE!?!??1” Seeing a professional brain person discuss both sides and what they’ve done wrong or right, and recognizing where both parties are coming from feels so fucking nice. Thank you pretty therapist lady
I just realized. You never mentioned how Blitzø was suddenly so excited and happy to visit Stolas after getting the freedom to choose whether or not he honors the monthly contract. It was an important change in their power dynamic, and I think it speaks deeply to Blitzø’s natural affection for Stolas that this is all it takes for him to be completely satisfied in their relationship.
Thank you so much for presenting both sides of this situation, and also not for just focusing on what each did wrong but also on what they did right. I have seen so many reactions that are mad at Blitzø in a knee-jerk kind of way without really digging into the wider dynamic. I think it's because a lot of us relate more to the over-emotional personality of Stolas and the instinct is to be protective of him. But Blitzø is not being deliberately hurtful; he just doesn't know how to process in a healthy way. It doesn't make it right, the way he reacted or the things he said, but he's not a villain either. I also really felt it when you talked about people processing things differently or on different timeframes. Every time I've tried to explain that to others they seem to only get mad because I don't react the way that they think I should. Sorry, not sorry, but I have ADHD (late in life, recent diagnosis), and I now know that I was being judged by a neurotypical who just didn’t understand.
I've noticed since the response of this episode that a lot of people are split on who's in the wrong, Blitz or Stolas, and 1. I feel like that was intentional on the writing's part because things are complicated so good job there team, lol and 2. I feel like this is a grey situation due to a lot of factors Some fans may feel this as well, just sadly I haven't seen much of said response. I remember hearing someone say that Stolas is a hypocrite for saying "this has always been about sex" when he started the deal to have more sex, and while true, Season 2 Episode 1 shows that when they met up again after so many years, Stolas did flirt with him but as a joke somewhat and wanted to have small talk, to catch up. But because he had the book, Blitz made it about sex despite Stolas's initial discomfort to the idea. It feels like from that, Stolas took it as "Oh Bltiz also wants sex so let's arrange something where we can both benefit." in Season 1 E1 and even if that wasn't the case, Stolas did change. I don't think changing as a person, not agreeing with prior actions that you did makes you a hypocrite. Also I feel like if someone can call Stolas a hypocrite, not acknowledging that or other context, Blitz can also be called one. Because let's for a moment exclude Dramatic Irony. Stolas clearly showed signs to Blitz that he does care but due to Bltiz's issues with self loathing and such, he couldn't fathom such a idea from commenting on his photos to laughing at his jokes to even telling him "Hey, if you don't wanna come to my place this Full Moon, you don't have to." *which Blitz himself even states at such, not even realizing Stolas is trying to give him more freedom to choose*, and then has the nerve to lump Stolas completely with the rich assholes who do treat people as lesser. But I will say, I'll cut Blitz a bit of slack because someone telling you they LOVE you is a lot, it can take time to process it which Blitz wasn't exactly given a lot to form an actual answer to. I'll also give Blitz credit for sooner realizing he fucked up by trauma dumping and tried to fix it by saying the sentence that he's sorry. I feel from what we know about his break up with his last ex, Verosika, he never apologized but here, he sooner realized the error and admit he was wrong but sadly did the damage to where it was too late to apologize. And while I'm talking about one side, let's do so for the other. Whether or not Stolas realizes this but he's in control due to his status. Even if he tries not to see class, not seeing class isn't addressing the full problem but also, Stolas wouldn't likely know it's a problem unless someone brings it up to his face like prior examples for him to get it. So for his play talk "itty bitty imp" in S1 E5 sooner comes off as demeaning than a harmless tease to Blitz. But despite that, I do think Stolas should be given at least a bit of some slack because he was stuck in a classist environment and didn't come out like a total asshole but can do better. Hell, he went out to save I.M.P. as a whole, not just Blitz to show that he does have a heart and cares (even if he used "impish little plaything" and "If I get in trouble, YOU get in trouble and WE, don't want that!" but the latter at least has tones of "Anger Born of Worry" if you take in the context of what he said before and how he reacted). But yeah, Stolas while booksmart, lacks a lot of social experience and did try his best to make things straight and to the point in this episode after learning how Bltiz felt from S1 E7 (and speaking of that episode, Stolas did mess up by not standing for Blitz even if the excuse or explanation is, he probably isn't used to being put on the spot like that) but, besides not being on his medication, he didn't give Blitz time to think it over and, I understand he wants an answer asap for his sake and Blitz's but sometimes rushing to get an answer can make things worse. And some may give Stolas shit for not letting Blitz apologize but Blitz hurt Stolas so verbally there, Stolas, chances are was reminded of Stella and combine that with how hearing insults from those who you love, platonic or romantic, tends to cut REAL deep. It can also be taken as his own defense mechanism also removing Blitz from his house before he can be like Stella and FESTER in Stolas' life for years once again. Not saying Blitz would or completely but, pointing out the whys behind that behavior for another reason. I'll stress again that I feel like both character's actions aren't in the complete right or wrong here, this situation feels very grey but I can understand why both reacted this way because what WAS 100% wrong about this was the relationship being transactional, with both parties using one another. Even if at the beginning Stolas didn't know and Blitz didn't know that, they fell into it again whether realizing it or not. I do also feel like they needed this to happen in order to sooner have a fresher, healthier start to a relationship, where it be friends or lovers. Both still have issues to resolve, even if both have been going through Character Development to be better people. But yeah uh, long sort of semi rant over, I felt like I wanted that off my chest XD Especially because when a relationship hits a bump or so like this, things can be very complicatedly grey, not black and white as we think as kids growing up. [Also if there's typos or points not made clear enough, working on low sleep, may fix later :'D]
"I used to think the worst thing that could happen was ending up alone. Now I know its much worse to be with people who make you feel... alone" -Robin Williams in Worlds greatest Dad.
One thing I’d like to point out that when Blitz uses his sexuality to gain control even when that’s not the reason he’s being sexual he’s still the one in control when it’s about sex. Like when he plays hard to get he can make Stolas kind of run after him (which does end up making him a bit uncomfortable but he can still handle it and is probably used to it from other demons) and when he first met Stolas he thought he was in danger cause of the whole *low class imp snuck into rich goetia’s room* but as soon as Stolas jokes about sex he’s immediately calm and when he sees the book he starts acting sexual to get in control and get what he wants as it’s clear that Stolas wants Blitz sexually at that moment and even Blitz can’t deny that. And on another note, I think the reason he swears so much is because that’s the only thing that could get him attention as a kid. (I relate to how Blitz acts sometimes and I just kinda think that’s why he swear so much given why I swear in different situations. Most of the time it’s so people stop ignoring me or because I’m in an uncomfortable situation and if I just seem like I don’t care then whoever is treating me in a way I don’t want them to eventually stops.)
honestly the sex as an avoidant technique reminds me of spiderman how he uses humor to diffuse his anxieties sure one is explicit and the other isnt but it still feels very similar its avoiding feelings
During a rewatch I noticed that Verosika swears just as bad as Blitz. Also that a teenage Blitz (in the Mammon episode) didn't seem to swear all that much. I wonder if he learned it from Verosika.
“I think so very highly of you. I didn’t realize you think so low of me.” This line breaks me every single time. Bryce absolutely killed the delivery. The whole scene was also drawn and animated beautifully. Bryce and Brandon did so incredibly well with conveying Stolas and Blitz’s emotions. God I love Helluva Boss.
A detail I liked is that Stolas essentially forces the crystal on to Blitz. Putting it on his glove, not letting him even make that choice of accepting it. Even when trying to give him control he does it on his own terms.
@owltree_s It's not about legal and illegal. It's about controlling the dialogue, instead of letting Blitz process it himself he makes the decision for him. That is his biggets problem.
@owltree_s Yes he does. But the is robbing Blitz of any agency. How are you not getting this? Stolas is doing the right thing in the wrong way, he never listened to Blitz, he never asked him how he felt about it. Stolas blew it hard and so did Blitz.
@owltree_s he dismissed it because he didnt know there was the option of the crystal. he was distressed because his only option was taken away and then only a different option without his request (he wanted to keep the relationship the same, but because of the power dynamic, he has no say in it - stolas decides how this relationship goes). in no way did he make any choices - he cant keep the book, stolas is to powerful he will take it back. he cant refuse the crystal - cause he'll lose his job. AND he cant even voice what he thinks of all of this, because stolas is rushing it and then ultimately even when he asks for a minute to think - Stolas decides the conversation is over and kicks him out. He had no say in this. Stolas didn't communicate with him, he communicated AT him. he wanted a yes or no and no other grey area of "can i think about it?".
@owltree_s Stolas has the right to not want to continue the relationship, but Blitz also has the right to *not take the crystal.* I think that's what you're missing here. Realistically, would he choose to lose his business like that? Probably not. But the important part is being given the CHOICE. Also, even if he does still accept it, he should've been able to choose how- rather than literally having it put on his arm, maybe he just wanted to carry it, put it in his pocket, etc
23:01 tbf, he’s not wrong. Stolas gave him all of two seconds to come up with an answer, and when Blitzo comes to the conclusion that this is about sex (which btw, was Stolas’ idea. He’s the one who made this about sex to start with), Stolas cuts him off and dismisses him. Stolas is the one who started having sex with him in exchange for the book, Stolas is the one changing his mind and saying this is about love. Even if he’s trying to give Blitzo some independence, he’s still the one saying when, where, how and why, and still not *listening* to Blitzo or really treating him as an equal. Until he learns to really respect him and take his hands off the reigns, he’s never going to be able to fix this.
The part about this episode that hurt _most,_ at least for _me,_ is that it felt like the outcome was _unavoidable_ because of the personality flaws and lingering traumas of both Blitzø and Stolas rearing their heads. Blitzø, as was noted in the analysis, impulsively avoids any questions or situations that he doesn't immediately know (or at least _thinks_ he knows) how to deal with -- powerlessness and helplessness are traumatic feelings for him because of his past, so he seems to want to maintain his feeling of control and confidence. He doesn't want to think about the possibility of his deal with Stolas falling through, because losing _that_ means losing his ability to run his business, to help Moxxie and Millie, to support his daughter Loona... he'd lose _everything, _*_again,_* if things changed between the two of them, and that's more than he wants to dwell on if he can help it. That fear of a loss of control came into play when Stolas opened the conversation with an emotional rug-pull. Stolas shares an avoidant tendency when it comes to emotional confrontation, something that's been used against him in the past to manipulate him or steamroll over his feelings, and he's only recently started advocating for his own needs and desires thanks to Blitzø's influence on him -- as such, even though he had _months_ to lay the groundwork for this conversation, he avoided pushing Blitzø to have those discussions because he didn't want to risk hurting them both. By stalling so much, and starting the conversation by completely upending the arrangement upon which Blitzø's entire world is built on now, he all but _guaranteed_ that Blitzø was going to go on the defensive, which set the tone for everything that followed. When Stolas opened up and confessed that he wanted Blitzø in his life, no strings attached, I feel like Blitzø _wanted_ to believe it was true. Every relationship he's been in (as far as we've seen) has been either transactional or manipulative, with very little _unconditional_ affection on display -- the last person to show him that kind of love was his mother, so that feeling of being unconditionally loved is deeply emotional for Blitzø in multiple ways, good _and_ bad... but he's also been hurt enough by people telling him what he wants to hear that, when Stolas does so, his instinctive reaction is to assume it's not _real._ After all, Stolas hasn't been _that_ open with him in 25 years -- why would he just start _now?_ When Blitzø jumped to the conclusion that Stolas's confession was an act, it no doubt triggered some of Stolas's old traumas. We haven't seen a _ton_ of his childhood, but what's been shown of Stolas's life prior to this paints a picture of someone who learned to mask his feelings and put up a facade to avoid being mocked and criticized by those around him, and who only really wears his heart on his sleeve when he feels truly safe from judgment and scorn; he took a _chance_ letting down his defenses, and to see Blitzø apparently making a joke out of his feelings likely dredged up enough unpleasant memories that he felt like he needed to flee. As we've seen, when he feels hurt or threatened, Stolas's instinct is to disengage and hide until the worst of it blows over -- when it's Fight or Flight, he prefers Flight. Blitzø, though, is very much a Fight type of personality. When Stolas just ran out, not giving him a chance to even _begin_ to process his feelings after _ambushing_ him with a confession, it triggered Blitzø's traumas related to his powerlessness and the people who've abused their power over him -- just about every person with any level of authority above Blitzø has either strong-armed him into doing what they wanted (Cash, for instance) or treated him like he was inferior (pretty much every non-Imp, Stolas included). Being told (not even _asked,_ but *_told)_* what he was feeling by someone he actually _does_ care about overstepped a major boundary for Blitzø, which set off two responses: it caused him to start masking his pain behind anger, as we've seen him do before; and it kicked off the start of the most effective means he knows about to clear unpleasant feelings -- a cathartic shouting match, having it out with someone else to get everything off your chest and really get to the core of the issue. (While it hasn't been analyzed yet, that's basically what happened between Blitzø and Moxxie last season -- while under the effects of a Truth Bomb, they both got worked up and blasted each other over their flaws, which gave way to them having a healing heart-to-heart after they'd calmed down.) Unfortunately, while having it out might've worked for Blitzø, it was too close to the tone Stella used to take with him for Stolas to handle. We can see how much the escalating tension was breaking him down, until he couldn't take it anymore and forced Blitzø out -- but in the same moment, if you listen closely, there's a whisper in the wind of the warping effect that sounds like Stolas's voice saying, "...I'm so sorry..." Even at the end, he was still blaming himself for letting things end up like this, even while he was shutting out his only social contact to stave off a complete breakdown. TL;DR: it's easy to heap blame on one side or the other, but I feel like they _both_ screwed up in their own ways, both before and during this episode. What's vital from here is what happens _after:_ will Blitzø run from his feelings again, or will he actually take this chance to introspect about how he feels about Stolas? Will Stolas stonewall Blitzø, or will he actually give him a chance to try and explain his emotions once they've both calmed down and Stolas has refilled his prescription? Will they just focus on what the other did wrong, or will they admit to their own mistakes as well? There's still ways to heal these wounds, to redefine and rebuild their relationship into something supportive and equitable (like what Fizz and Ozzie have!), but they've both gotta put in the effort to better themselves in order for it to work.
I think the antidepressants/ anti-anxiety meds play a huge part with Stolas' reaction here as well. His fidgeting before Blitz walks in and overt panic as he's getting ready prime us that he may be experience adverse affects to ending his medication. We're also aware that, at least in the past, Stolas has abused his meds quite heavily and possibly still has been. This could indicate an intense shift in the way his body is able to respond and react, most likely affecting his self-image in a poor manner. As much as I believe Stolas cares deeply for Blitz, enough for his perceived rejection to feel incredibly painful, I think Stolas' extreme physical reaction (that chin-quivering, uncontrollable crying) could also be painted by his own body chemistry in this moment. Coming off of antidepressants suddenly is inadvisable at best, and can lead to incredibly low swings in which self-perception tanks and many people tend to seek isolation to feed that belief that they are unworthy of others' time and attention. His snap decision to create space between him and Blitz and be left in this house we know is empty of not only people, but of Stolas' own belongings, will likely feed into what I feel may be a heavy bout of depression. These two care so deeply for each other, but are consistently influenced by external problems/toxicity that create these self-fulfilling prophecies. When the people who are meant to love you don't, your own body can actively harm you as it tries to provide you with emotional protection. Their parents, past partners, and coping mechanisms (medication, avoidance, alcohol, etc) will always be the biggest mental hurdles between them and the intimacy they crave.
1:22 “the image that is distorted becomes the image that we see no matter what, and that colors everything around us and all of the choices that we make; because of that.” Commenting to have this quote on grabs.
I like how Stolas proposal, despite being well intentioned, inadvertently shows everything that Blitz dislikes about the goetia. It’s a scenario where Stolas has complete control, and he flexes his wealth and power (without meaning to with the asmodeus crystal), reminding him of the difference between them
Good point. I also found that, despite Stolas not seeming to genuinely want to play with Blitz feelings before (and it more so being a mass of misunderstandings) he actually DID play with his feelings the way he first asks for his book back permanently only to then take out the crystal.
@owltree_s He could tell him about the crystal and what it does first, and explain that he'll be giving that to Blitz instead of using the book from now on, and letting him know that he still would like a relationship if Blitzo is open to it before asking for the book back. By asking for the book first without explaining why, he gave Blitz time to panic thinking Stolas was ending the relationship and his business because Blitz wasn't good enough. After a scare like that, it takes people some time to recover.
@@PixieoftheWood Exactly, but at the same time he probably just didn't think of how that would sound, or could have been thrown off by Blitzo and fumbled what he was trying to do. There's definitely a lot of fumbling on both sides.
A lot of comments are talking about how Blitz yelling is triggering Stolas' trauma from Stella, but I just don't see it. We've seen her scream at him in both Lulu Land, Harvest Moon and over the phone in Seeing Stars, but he's never had this trauma response before. Instead I think it's Blitz accusing Stolas of being just like the people that have hurt him all his life when he's wants to be better.
Honestly, from what I've interpreted from the trailer that Blitz and Stolas are going to get a dose of "get over yourself" and I hope from that, they will be able to talk to each other without their baggage getting in the way.
16:10 I’d have to disagree. Blitz is VERY aware of how he feels, but he’s absolutely terrified of the power that revealing those feelings would give Stolas. From his perspective he doesn’t know about all the hardships Stolas has gone through. He doesn’t know how vulnerable and dorky he actually is. All he sees is the uber powerful demon prince who has everything under control. Stolas has given him no prior indication that any of his attraction has gone further than skin and he has heavily fetishised Blitz for his species, which he is also insecure about. Blitz doesn’t take it seriously because he believes that Stolas can simply toss him aside and go for a newer model without any consequences. But that’s until he sees those tears and he realises that AGAIN he’s hurt someone else through his self-loathing.
You know, for someone so eager to finally give his childhood crush a choice, Stolas seemed awfully set on not allowing Blitz to talk after he thought he had his answer.
Notice also that Stolas has been planning this for forever. Blotz says they haven't seen each other for months, and suring that time Blitz has probably done his best to not think about it, convincing himself that this is not some break-up-thing. After their last real talk being at Ozzies, then the panic-rescue of Octavia from the human world, and then... nothing. For ages. Stolas had all the time between that last meeting and until now to think things through, plan possibilites, have all his lines prepared. Blitz is so taken aback that he just reacts without thinking, and Stolas doesn't give him any time to recover, running away from what he interprets as rejection. Not fair. Understandable, but not fair
I could feel my own trauma response of abandonment trigger when Blitz is telling Stolas that he can do better after being given the crystal. I really love your analysis of that part.
My favorite part of the episode had to be when Stolas stopped making their relationship transactional, it was so beautiful to me. I hated what it felt like they were just ticking off a checklist narratively, revisiting all the open plot-threads and haphazardly jamming them into one episode. It felt like someone had JUST remembered they all existed: the angels, the guys hunting the imps, Stolas x Blitz...
So weird to see two differently damaged facets of oneself represented in characters that so badly want the same thing but have no idea how to relate properly. We struggle so hard to be understood. Sometimes it's hard to see around our own issues enough to take in someone else's pov.
I keep thinking about Blitzo’s resentment of the royalty & where that comes. And how much of that is because Paimon literally viewed him as something to be bought & his Dad did too. His entire relationship with Stolas has been transactional from childhood. And how much easier was it to be angry at Paimon & the class inequities than his own father in that moment. “I’m only valuable in exchange for something,” was really baked in at the same time.
This was an incredible analysis, you got everything spot on. I've been seeing folks throwing blame around, and I think that neither of them are at fault for what happened. It's just two damaged people whose reactions to fear and potential rejection got in the way of actually communicating
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Can’t wait to see your Loona analysis also are you going to do Chaggie soon just asking
hey Georgia by any chance can you react to fran bow it's from a game but lots of people made videos about her and i will like to hear from an expert what's really going on with her and i bet it will blow up in views thank you!
Stolas should've started the conversation with the crystal and said he loves him. He kept talking about giving Blitzo control but Stolas whether he's aware or not is still in control of the conversation. Blitzo might have trouble with believing anyone could love him but Stolas has also been giving him nothing but want for sex all throughout season 1, and when Stolas sheilded his face at Ozzie's that just confirmed Blitzo's beliefs that it's all just for sex.
4:31 those were his antidepressants you could see him take them after the night at Ozzie's was so awful he took 3 instead of his usual 2
I'm surprised you didn't point out the parallels of Blitz storming after Stolas shouting to how Stella abused him, or that Stolas still had bandages from being kidnapped and tortured by Striker, who he recognized as a friend of Blitz's, a fellow imp, who hated him for being a royal. Playing into two very fresh traumas at the same time.
The way the background is completely silent during Blitz's rant except for an echo...chills
The fact that they use just a soft piano with minor chords at the end also adds to it. Wow. Mix all that with Bryce's voice acting and you WILL CRY
The lighting and sound design is just ✨(chef's kiss)✨Even the credits are music-free to let the audience just _sit_ in the tragedy
Literally the sound design for this episode was peak
They really did so great with this episode
That was like in breaking bad when an important dialogue,the last scene in this episode was really perfect in every point
I thought Blitzø's shopping trip was oddly sweet because it showed that he's been attentive to what Stolas likes and that he genuinely cares about having a fun time together. The problem is that he mistakenly thinks Stolas is all about sex stuff so that's all he focuses on.
Yea, and if you look at his body language thorough the episode before it gets bad, Blitz seems genuinely happy to please Stolas, which even seems so different than his rough exterior most of the time.
Stolas is partly to blame for that, as he never made it clear that he didn't just want sex. They need some fucking communication training or something
@@cinnastagexactly, stolas being disappointed that all blitz was talking about was sex was confusing to me cuz he’s the one that made the deal based around sex. Up till ozzie’s all we the audience saw was stolas just horny for blitz with a tad protective. After Ozzie’s we saw it was deeper. Blitz doesn’t see that. He thinks they’re still in the ‘strictly sex ‘ space and stolas is upset that blitz isn’t in the same mind set. But blitz didn’t have any reason to think their relationship was anything more. So I understand blitz’s confusion when stolas told him he can go, after he thinks he got rejected. In that moment they both felt rejected. But blitz is seen as the bad guy cuz he was yelling. we know he yells when he’s angry, he was confused, hurt, rejected, so of course he’s pissed. Stolas doesn’t see why blitz yells like this, he’s only hurt by what blitz said, not why blitz would say that. Both are hurt, both suck at talking, but neither is the bad guy
At the end when he brought the stuff to Stolas, he sounded excited to please him, he was using an affectionate tone almost similar to what he uses for Loona(obviously in a different way of course), and the way his smile faded when he sees he's not into it, just ahhhhh, and the way he says he can do better broke me, he didn't even care about the crystal
It’s almost wholesome. A good partner of any kind is one who is attentive and notices the little things.
when blitz yells at him stolas just hears his angry wife.
very good point !!
that makes sense......sadly
probably also a bit of what Stryker said while torturing him, but yeah mostly his wife, most likely
@@GeorgiaDow Stolas likely had an instinctive reaction, he banished Blitz because he wasn't sure how else to respond
My heart...
When Blitzø was desperately grasping at the book, saying that he needs it, it wasn't just because he needs the book for his work.
I think its even more so that he needs it as an excuse, even if he himself doesn't realize it
I agree, but I also think some part of Blitz was also thinking about the business as a whole and especially his employees. Him saying he'll do anything read to me as desperation because, even if he's unhealthily obsessed with them, he does genuinely care for Moxie and Millie and couldn't bare the thought of having to go back to IMP and tell them they're out of a job because of him.
But that could be me reading too much into it. It's not in the text, but I do think it aligns with what we've seen from Blitz so far.
And Loona might actually enjoy learning spells. I highly suspect she learned her human disguise from the grimoire. Especially seeing how she transform in perfect sync with Stolas his transformation.
So who knows what other spells she learned.
@@MeloraCarabasI mean she might have learned it from somewhere else. Verosika’s whole crew, and even Vortex, had human disguises, and both Loona and Verosika seemingly expected Blitzo, Moxxie, and Millie to have figured it out.
@@pamala77 Also he still thinks his relationships need to be transactional so he probably thinks that if he didn't have jobs to offer Millie and Moxie then they wouldn't be his friends anymore.
I agree. The book was the only thing connecting him to stolas, you can see the panic on his face even after stolas gives him the asmodean crystal.
And all through Blitzø's rant, all Stolas could hear was another version of Stella. Poor bird has PTSD. While it broke me to watch it, I also didn't blame him from protecting himself by sending Blitzø away. For him, enough was enough. Even though, if he'd hesitated for just a second, he would've heard the "I'm sorry" that was coming and the conversation could have changed course.
That final scene was honestly SO painful because it showed their biggest problems.
Stolas while genuine in his feelings, unintentionally controls the conversation and automatically assumes what Blitz is thinking while not actually ASKING what he wants, and Blitz doing everything that he can to completely ignore any real conversation about their issues to avoid getting hurt, and completely lashing out when he can't.
This results in Stolas thinking that his first friend and love only saw him as a privileged prince despite all his efforts to show him that he always saw them as equals, and Blitz once again adding another person to the list of people who he genuinely loves but pushed away because he was too afraid to show it, right as he was finally allowing himself to be vulnerable.
You know they're eventually going to make up, but it's definitely going to take them both jumping through A LOT of hurdles before their relationship can even remotely become a healthy one.
So Stolas is unintentionally gaslighting Blitz? I got major gaslighting vibes but with different intentions
@@jat9926 No, he's misunderstanding the situation by assuming things. That's not gaslighting. That's a specific thing.
@@shadenox8164to be fair id get cagey too if i acknowledged my faults & poured my heart out only to get hit with sarcastic mocking role-play. Then only to follow up with essentially the same abuse your ex wife hurled at you. I totally get the power dynamic issue here but stolas isnt some stone cold guy that can handle that verbal abuse
@@shadenox8164that and the threat of violence just like his ex wife did to him probably cemented it all for stolas
Istg I’ve seen this exact comment on a different Helluva Boss video
Someone pointed this out on twitter. But notice when Blitzø was screaming at Stolas, Stolas was flinching and hugging himself tighter every time. They pointed out that its likely Stolas was having flashbacks to when Stella would scream at him. Blitzø is literally triggering Stolas's PTSD from his abuse from her, and thats why Stolas kept trying to get away from him.
I noticed that too! As a person who is sensitive to loud noises I was schrinking and curling into a ball while listening to Blitz's screaming. And then I paid attention to Stolas whom I was unintentionally mimicing.
I feel so so bad for him. Especially since we have similar personalities.
OH MY GOSH, I DIDN'T EVEN PUT THAT TOGETHER!! I obviously noticed him getting uncomfortable but I assumed it was just because a loved one was yelling at him...
I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD GET THIS! Stolas is 100% trapped in trauma response mode from the moment Blitz (intentionally or unintentionally) mocked his confession and his feelings. Stella did that all the time, mocking him. So it's no wonder he cuts Blitz off and leaves. But then Blitz *chases* him through the palace, yelling escalating into shouting escalating into SCREAMING. It's when he finally loses all control and starts screaming insults that Stolas finally stops, but we don't see it until the shot pans wider; he doesn't stop to actually listen-- he's pulled up short, frozen, unresponsive. While Blitz unknowingly re-enacts the trauma he's lived daily with Stella. I'm actually very proud of Stolas for portaling him away and putting his own wellbeing first. Was Blitz going to apologize? Sure, but then what. And Stolas wasn't in any mental state to deal with it at that point. To all my fellow trauma survivors, take care of yourself.
That is exactly why both Blitzø and Stolas need to sit down and talk to each other about their trauma/issues.Opening up to one another will only help them in the long run.
And I hope that, just like Angel Dust and Husker, Blitzø and Stolas will start understanding and supporting each other more.
Nice observation. And the opposite is how Stolas triggers traumas in Blitz by being an impatient listener, controlling the discussion, jumping to conclusions and impulsively dismissing Blitz. Just like how his dad dismissed him and all those pompous pricks Blitz dealt with in his life. He's experiencing that Stolas is no different to them. Their trauma's look like opposite in audio volume, but in the basic lines they have so much in common.
Stolas stuffing himself in the fridge after his meds run out has to be my favorite part: it's hilarious and it encapsulates a lot of things. That and his butler's expression implies that he's done this before.
Honestly the most relatable thing Stolas has ever done. I often have the urge to stuff myself into a fridge, either because of anxiety or just the weather being too hot
@@kitsunekun2345 same haha.. so fsr floor has to do the trick
@@Daesma999 I sometimes crawl under my bed
it also points out how stolas is too focused on himself, in a way. because you know he's not the one to clean that up.
I love Stolas and think he was pretty mature, but the power dynamic is still there in almost the entire confession. Watching the scene again made me realize that he handled the beginning of the conversation very poorly, making Blitz feel insecure, i mean "I want my book back... permanently" wasn't the best way to start it and it's an example of (unconscious) control over the situation.
Rel. Maybe it would went a little bit better if he start witch "I have something for you Blitz" and take a book after explaining how crystal work. But it's probably just my wishful thinking 😅
if I have to justify that dialogue other than for plot drama, is that there is a bit of job oriented mind Stolas has that's similar to Blitz. It hasn't been brought back to attention, but it is implied that Stolas lending Blitz the Ars Goetia breaches something that would even put Stolas in trouble. While maybe there is a part of wanting Blitz to be free so he can love him as he is, there's also his own job of keeping that book in his own safekeeping.
@imageez I doubt that was the reason Blitzø nearly cried over it, though. While yes, Blitzø does need the grimoire for his job (before the crystal was brought up), that wasn't the source of his distress. Do you know Nux? He just released his reaction and I think he said it best along with Georgia.
@@imageezYes, unfortunately there is still a power dynamic even without the transactional nature of their relationship. Stolas will always be the rich family prince who has more power than all them imps combined could dream to muster up, meanwhile Blitz...he has no power, his only power is his small business, he is at the bottom of the hierarchy while Stolas sits at the top and Stolas fails to realise this, he fails to realise that Blitz prides himself in doing things bound in agreements, pushing the Crystal onto him removes what he is comfortable with, there was no prior agreement and so Blitz still thinks it's a transactional thing.
Yeah what if he started with the real subject of the matter. Addressing his remorse over making the arrangement and confess his real feelings towards Blitz starting with how he always had that genoune crush on him. But, no, he had to go all businessy and even controlling the whole dialogue even pushing the crystal on Blitz not giving him any agency. Stolas sucked as a listener since the very first episode.
(Srsly, who thinks it's a good time for dirty talk when there's shooting and screaming (not the fun kind) in the background?)
I like how when Stolas is giving Blitz the crystal, Blitz's animation returns more to how he looked as a child.
OH DANG great catch
I also like how he started examining it to make sure it wasn't rigged or anything. Like he wanted to make sure it was safe for him to hold it.
I noticed that, too. It was honestly so cute
He seemed like he genuinely appreciated it, but he was thrown off by Stolas adding the "You don't have to see me anymore or touch me."
I love this because I remembered that Dow panned on doing a Stolitz episode, and I thought to myself "Bro, that girl is eating right now. She's taking so many notes."
completely accurate !
@GeorgiaDow I thought the same thing I was like "Georgia Dow is gonna have a field day with this"
Speaking of HB episodes you'll have a field day with, are you gonna cover the Truth Seekers episode at some point?
@@0XBlondie96X0 It'd be a good one to explore after this one, considering it's where we got the clearest examination of Blitzø's insecurities and anxieties -- and it's also where Blitzø likely got the idea that a shouting match, like he _tried_ to have with Stolas, could be cathartic and healing when used in tense, complicated situations. (Think about it: he shouted it out with Moxxie, traded some hurt feelings at high volume, but managed to reach a really profound understanding with him by the end -- they ended up being better colleagues and friends than they would've been if they _hadn't_ had it out like that.)
ı was hurt when i watch the ep and im here to be hurt again. feed me with pain, lady
dish served cold
Oh, goddesses. Yeah NGL thats Pretty true. This Episode really did hurt me.
The worst part of this for me is how CLOSE they were to an actual breakthrough.
When Stolas said "I didn't realize you thought so low of me" Blitz almost immediately understood the impact of what he'd said - he was reaching out to apologize in the very moment he was teleported away.
For Blitz to go from such a state of aggression to instantly wanting reconciliation actually says a lot about his willingness to open up to others, given time.
I understand why Stolas sent him away, and honestly, having space to reflect and come to terms with the possibility of a new dynamic might be healthy for Blitz. Its unfortunate that it came to light the way it did, though, because it may incentivize him to double down on his avoidant behavior.
BUT if Blitz were truly unreachable, or unwilling to learn to see things differently.....he wouldnt have reached out like that. He would have been too blinded by his own narrative to really see the damage his words had done.
Instead, he seemed to understand (however briefly) that he was projecting his insecurities onto Stolas and that it was an unfair thing for him to do.
That moment of regret gives me a lot of hope for Blitz and the possibility that he is ready to do the work to heal himself.
While I agree with most of what you said I think Blitz being sent away just as he was about to open up and be vulnerable will make him even more hesitant to try again in the future. From his perspective it just confirms all his fears. He does only hurt and push away the people he cares about.
Also, I saw this from the top comment, but Blitz' "mockery" (as Stolas saw it) and his yelling must've given Stolas PTSD from Stella's @bu5e; you can see Stolas being unresponsive, hugging himself tighter and flinching. That's why he sent Blitz away. So basically, they both triggered the trauma responses within one another.
@@TamWam_ yeah
I am REALLY hoping that Ozzie and Fizz will talk some sense into them and they'll fix things.
@@TailsFan those two CAUSED this or added to it
I hope they apologize
first therapist ive seen that understands the "voice in my head" or "my head wont shut up" thing.
when ive said that before therapists have often asked me "you can hear voices?", as if I were talking about hallucinations.
maybe that says more about me than them lmao.
I am so sorry people didnt understand that and I hope any others you go to do understand you and what you mean by that
You're not alone. I have so much internalizes trauma voices. I know its the hurt part of me but that question would throw me. I can have full arguments and conversations with myself. I know that I am talking to myself though.
That is the conversation I sometimes dread when I switch therapist because of insurance or moving.
"Inner monologue" is a safer way to refer to it. Boring, but safe. :)
We all need therapy after this episode!
Isn't seeing Fizz now more happy, comfortable and himself kind of therapy?
There is a fizzybot for that! They're on sale right now.
@toni2309 someone giving us the trauma AND therapy at the same time just is the greatest 😂
And we need to send viv our therapy bill as well lol
I ended up listening to Look My Way on repeat for like an hour after watching so I could cry it out properly
This got me on a thought train: When Blitzo and Stolas were kids, their dads presented friendship as a transaction. It makes more sense now how they both found a comfort zone in a transactional relationship, especially with each other. Both grew up feeling like they were only worth what they could give; Stolas his wealth/status and Blitzo his body.
17:01 “Both of them were so scared of the answer that neither of them asked” Wow! Strong way to put things
I think Blitzo had a safe place in that transaction where it tied him to Stolas but kept feelings behind a curtain where he wouldn't have to confront them. He had the crystal in his hands but the first thing he did was promise to do better, trying to retreat back to a place where he felt safe. A place that felt safe but was ultimately unhealthy.
As soon as it became clear the safe place was gone Blitzo lashed out in anger because he felt exposed. He only had one moment of panic at end where he realized he could and had hurt Stolas deeply.
Yeah I think that too, because I kind of have the same issue. The transaction let Blitz be close to Stolas and be intimate with him without showing emotions and having a love-based relationships. He didn't have to show he loved Stolas, and make himself vulnerable and attached. When that was gone, his reaction was to push Stolas away as violently as he could, because he didn't feel safe. Still toxic af and I am glad Stolas didn't put up with it.
i didn't see many people point this out, but when yelling at Stolas Blitz triggered his ptsd from Stella's abuse. he was flinching and hugged himself tight
omg yesssss
I noticed that too! I can see myself in Blitz and in Stolas and Stolas' response to all that yelling hits home too close
to me it seemed like Blitzø's "rant" at Stolas was coming from a past experience in a relationship which is why he was tearing up about it
I'm not sure it's about anyone in particular. He's an imp, bottom of the hierarchy along with hellhounds, it's not about his experience, it's the collective experience of him, his fellow imps, and the hellhounds.
We see this happen with Fizz and Mammon too, it's so normalised to treat imps as lesser beings that imps develop these feelings. It's rare that imps don't develop them (Literally only Millie has shown disregard of what royalty and higher beings think)
You actually do see the same feelings among minority groups who are oppressed.
I don’t think it’s about a relationship but more the anger he has always felt towards the higher ups. He’s just a simple imp like anyone else that they usually don’t care about. Blitz isn’t worth anything in this system and Stolas is a part of this oppressive system and (from an outside view) is living an easy life of power because of it. Blitz is just letting out all his anger and frustration about the whole order of hell which Stolas is a big part of.
Probably Verosika if I had to guess she’s the only one we know with a similar power dynamic (wealthy pop star)
Both Blitz and Stolas right now seem to hate themselves and want to be loved, but struggle on how to ask for it (at this time Stolas and Blitz cover their faces on photos but allow those who they love to show) Stolas took the first step in trying to communicate his needs and wants, but Blitz truly can't believe anyone can love him as he truly believes he is unlovable and that he hurts everyone he cares for.
Exactly. Yes, it’s sad blitz’s yelling possibly triggered stolas but we know this is how blitz reacts when he’s angry even for minor things, it’s not right but we know that’s how he is. Blitz shouldn’t be seen as the villain because he doesn’t believe stolas could love him. The second stolas felt he got his answer, he didn’t want to hear anything else he had to say. But blitz didn’t reject him, he got the crystal but still wanted to confront stolas, that shows he wasn’t just with Stolas for the book, he got what he needed for his business with the crystal but didn’t leave he wanted to stay, but Stolas didn’t see that. Even though both had been confirmed to have made mistakes, I can see blitz seen as the one in the wrong, because Stolas cried, but that’s not right. They both need to communicate better
A big part of me thinks that Blitz tried to be okay with Stolas the same way he did with Fizz, which is each one says their point of view (with insults to the other) and then they would find common ground.
But this time, it didn't work unfortunately.
Georgia was somewhat hinting at that
I think that's because of what the other party was doing. Fizz stayed and asked questions, but Stolas got up and walked away while Blitz was still talking. Taking Stolas hiding behind a menu back in S1E7, I can see how Blitz sees Stolas as dismissive.
@0EnterTheDarkside0 but also Fizz and Stolas don't have the same triggers and personality. So the same approach isn't really a good idea.
@@0EnterTheDarkside0 yeah, truth being told there's a huge factor to consider, Fizz is like Blitz's little brother so they each other like the back of their hands, meanwhile Stolas and Blitz really don't know each other, they never tried to for the time being
In order for that to happen, you have to actually HAVE common ground, sadly. What this entire thing has exposed is how very little these two actually know about what makes each other tick outside of bed.
Something that I feel is missed pretty often about this interaction, is Stolas' failure to actually communicate how he feels and what he thinks about their relationship, although he *appears* to spell it out very clearly.
But he's essentially just monologuing, not really talking *with* Blitzø, instead of *to* him. He probably replayed this particular "conversation", how it may go and how Blitzø may react, in his mind over and over again - but it's all just in his mind, and he just *assumes* Blitzø would've had the same thoughts about their relationship and would be on the same page as him, when nothing could be farther from the truth.
Basically, he thinks he's sending the right messages, but what Blitzø receives is something completely different. It already started when he sent him those messages of "you don't have to come if you don't want to": For Stolas, they said "I want to see you, but to not feel obligated" (aka "I want more from our relationship than what it is right now"), but what Blitzø took from it was "I don't want to see you" or "I don't really care if you come" (aka "I want less of our relationship").
That was the FIRST THING I said to my roommate when we watched this episode (besides "IT ENDS LIKE THAT?!?"). Stolas didn't go into the whole switcheroo with a _conversation_ as part of his plan, and with this being such a monumental change in their relationship dynamic, that's not fair.
Stolas was SO laser-focused on saying precisely what he thought he needed to say to expedite the swap from book to crystal, he didn't account for the possibility... let's be honest, the _inevitability_ that Blitzø would be thrown into full-blown _crisis mode_ the moment he thought his livelihood AND his "safe" connection to Stolas were being taken away.
Stolas also didn't put his script on pause and turn around when Blitzø, out of confusion and fear and desperation, was literally _begging and crying_ to keep the book. I'm not sure Stolas even *noticed* the state Blitzø was in, and that's just... yikes.
I think Georgia had a lot of really accurate insight here, and I do mean A LOT, but I think she overestimates Stolas' level of emotional intelligence. He's certainly more emotionally AVAILABLE than Blitzø, but that's something different. If Stolas had a higher level of emotional intelligence, he wouldn't've asked for the book without preamble, he wouldn't've been oblivious to Blitzø's reactions, and he _would_ have wanted Blitzø to actively participate throughout the book/crystal exchange, or at least have the opportunity to participate.
YES YES YES IT'S SO TRUE THANK YOU FOR SAYING THIS
the thing i find the most painful is how Stolas makes up a plan, his script of actions. A "If he said this i will say that" kind of progress plan. And works it down, but isn't prepared to throw that script away if the situation derails. He is so focused on getting Bitz the crystal and confessing his love, he didn't see the confusion of Bitz, or if he plows through it. This collision of order and chaos makes it so hard to watch for me. I hope these flaws of both of them will be addressed in future episodes.
Yeah Stolas seems to do a really by the book approach of problem solving in general. He loves bookss and books are predictable!
He really sucked in being flexible and dealing with unexpected input already especially in the Loo Loo Land episode. It took until Octavia walked off that Stolas understood she was telling him she didn't like anything of what he was doing. So I'm sure it will be addressed somewhere in the coming...ehm years.
I definitely agree. I can tell Blitzo is going to be forced to face his flaws just from the season 2 trailer, and I hope Stolas is as well, since I feel like the biggest problem Stolas has is he doesn't notice the feelings and reactions with others. You see it when he interacts with Octavia in the Loo Loo Land episode and she outright says 'I'd rather kill myself' in response to the suggestion, and he doesn't even notice and just continues with his planned responses. In the 'Seeing Stars' episode, he again is completely oblivious to Octavia being upset until she runs away.
You also see it with how Blitz clearly doesn't like being called 'Blitzy' and 'my itty, bitty imp', but it takes Blitz's reaction at the end of the Ozzie episode for Stolas to finally stop with that, and now in this episode he completely fails to respond to any emotion from Blitz until Blitz gets angry.
Something about Stolas I've been thinking on for awhile... He's been abused by Stella for a long time. She talks horribly about him in front of his face, she hits him, she screams at him. So when Blitz is doing the same... God.
Sure, Blitz has call him nasty things in bed, but that was just play. Here, Blitz calls him bitch and Stolas *flinches*. He's used to taking abuse but he never expected that to come from Blitz.
No wonder Stolas teleported him away.
Poor Stolaaaaas 😢
It isn't just Blitz's fault. Stolas is also to blame. They both triggered each others' trauma responses and fucked each other over (yes, sexy pun intended).
And the thing is, Blitz doesn't know this. We've never seen Stolas talk to Blitz about how Stella treated him. Just like Blitz has obviously never talked to Stolas about his fear of abandonment or deep self-loathing. They're both triggering each other, and they didn’t know it.
Abusive "play" shouldn't exist.
@@cruellasdogbut it does and it's actually not that bad, because it's possible to heal people with the help of it (of course only in a safe environment).
4:33
Not actually an anxiety thing, Sloth Ring Joy Pills.
More anti-depressants, I think?
He was slugging them when Stella was around.
Iirc the pills Stolas are trying to take are actually antidepressants(?) We see him taking more of more of them throughout the course of S2E1 with them being labelled as "happy pills" if my memory is correct. Each time he took them in that episode, he had more and more with at the end of the ep he just took a whole on handful, so it makes sense why he was so freaked out in Full Moon when he realized the pill bottle is now empty.
I was looking though the comments hoping someone would point this out. I've seen some people joke about "lol happy pills"-- my siblings in Christ, those are full on anti depressants. It's pretty obvious why he needs them tbh, and given the show's habit of paying attention to small details, I feel like a big detail like showing Stolas running out of the pills while going through a really stressful time in his life (The Divorce™, especially it being an abusive relationship) and then on top of that, having a really messy blowout with the man he's had a crush on / loved since childhood without pills he needs to *get through the day* is going to come back to bite him and us all in the ass, and not in a fun way. :c
Probably actual anti-anxiety medication rather than an SSRI which while helpful doesn't have as an immediate of effect.
I appreciate how thoroughly you discussed both perspectives and why they're on such different wavelengths. This was so heartbreaking, I hope they get a chance to actually talk things out in the future.
Such a tragic lack of communication.
It really was I felt this episode and their pain
Blitz and his inability to trust he isn’t being abandoned or taken advantage of seems very much like the way someone with borderline personality disorder thinks (coming from someone who has it themself). The idea of being loved is so distant and impossible to him that he refused it completely and that poisoned all the meaningful relationships he had. His outburst at the end could be a split if you choose to read into it enough. I doubt this is all intentional, but I’ve noticed it as someone struggling with BPD myself
My friend with BPD also had a similar experience, so now that you mention that, it seems pretty believable.
@@Darth_Niki4 One of the biggest signs of BPD is a huge irrational fear of abandonment that often comes with heavy enough cognitive distortion to fully convince the person that they are being abandoned, even if they’re not. I feel like Blitz reading Stolas’ gift of choice as an attempt to get rid of him and having an intense response does read a lot like a split. Going from valuing to devaluing and saying he doesn’t need him in moments is such a big reaction that it definitely resonated with me as someone who has had similar outbursts for similar reasons in the past
Doesn't help that Luna put the thought into his head.
Could you explain 'split'? I found out pretty recently that I've got bpd as well and am therefore pretty new to it all
@@Monkicos A split is an episode where someone goes from one emotional extreme to another very quickly. From valuing to devaluing or vice versa. It’s typically very explosive and sudden and almost never an appropriate reaction to the trigger, but that doesn’t always occur to the person in the moment
I've not seen anyone mention this, but I'm actually really happy about the way stolas reacted at the end, he sent blitz away not out of spite, like most people think for some reason, but because he couldn't take anymore. He was fighting tears and he probably felt like if he continued, he would breakdown in front of blitz and he may even say things that he would regret
Wait people thought that was out of spite? We've seen glimpses of how Stolas does spite and its not removing the person from the situation.
@shadenox8164 I've seen a few people, yet ever since I posted this, it's been getting better.♡
First off, that Blitzø cosplay and the new horns are great. Secondly, While crying my eyes out at this, I knew you'd eat this episode up and take some great notes.
Yep, this must've been a field day for her.
Yep, this episode has a lot.
I love the new horns. Keeping it fresh.
oh i made these horns specifically for Blitzø and so heartbreaking
I love the "Wait, Stolas can be hurt ?!" moment of Blitz.
You understand that, for him all along, Stolas was someone on a pedestal, unreachable, something god-like.
And why someone that high would want to be with someone that low.
The true kill of stolitz seems to be Blitz extremely low self-esteem. Wanting to be loved, persuaded that it don't deserve it.
Blitz realizing that Stolas can not only be hurt physically- he can get hurt emotionally, which is often much more painful.
Now, though… I think Stolas needs to realize that he has to get on Blitz’s emotional level. Like, learn to question him a little more directly but gently when he gets sarcastic, spend some time teaching Via (I hc she’s mostly home-schooled and he teaches her magic??) more about magic, world skills, diplomacy and all that, open up about himself a little to her, get to better know his daughter while she’s still a teen and not when she was an owlet.
Look around, hold in your thoughts and words for a bit, and pay attention, TLDR.
at this point i honestly consider your reactions a borderline required companion piece for Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel, because half the time I feel like i'm not emotionally intelligent enough to catch the subtle details the writers put into these episodes. Your analysis of Blitzo's perspective was especially important since I think the vast majority of people would've intuitively sided with Stolas's perspective instead of realising that both of them are flawed but still sympathetic in this exchange
aww that means so much to me thanks = )))
I've suggested to other people before to show channels like this one to children who watched HB or HH while being way too young to be the appropriate demographic. I strongly believe that when the cat is already out of the bag then getting information to put all that adult stuff into the right context can function as at least partial damage control. And it really helps when that information is easy and fun to follow.
@MeloraCarabas nevermind children, a lot of the nuances of this show would fly over adult's heads. Society in general are woefully ignorant of psychology, which is why I view channels like this so highly. On this platform where misinformation spreads like wildfire, it's good to see an expert dissecting this complex topic in a sober and easy to digest way
The devil works hard but Georgia Dow works HARDER
Like DAMN THAT WAS FAST
hahaha love this comment
Stolas was already trying to get a Crystal for Blitz. That crystal is the reason he went to Asmodeus. If anything, Asmodeus only reinforced the conclusion Stolas was realizing on his own.
They were only helping Stolas out
YES, thank you for pointing that out. Stolas was 100% _already_ looking for a way to make the relationship non-transactional by the time he met with Ozzie to ask for a crystal. That's the only reason he arranged a meeting in the first place.
Ozzie didn't plant the idea in Stolas' head, but he certainly _reinforced_ what Stolas had started considering back in season one, that true intimacy should never be about force... or obligation.
You mentioned Blitz should’ve asked for a moment prior to his explosion, but I feel like Stolas should’ve put the option out there during his confession, instead of a “now or never” situation. It’s a lot for many people to take in, especially those who don’t grasp emotions as easily as Stolas. He knows how indecisive Blitz is, and how he easily misinterprets feelings (as he did in this episode). Stolas being the one to give Blitz time is what made sense from a character standpoint. To me, at least.
Yeah, I can't lie. I was incredibly frustrated with Stolas refusing to hear Blitz out once Blitz actually asked if he was being serious. The initial confusion was cleared up, but Stolas went on to say, "you needn't say anything," and, "that's enough to know what this is," and all that without giving Blitz a chance to say anything. He'd already decided he knew how Blitz felt, and Blitz ended up feeling like he was being dismissed and that Prince Stolas didn't even care enough about his feelings to have a conversation with him and hear him out.
@owltree_s This this this this SO MUCH THIS. ALL OF THIS.
I mean we as the audience know those things about Blitz but did Stolas actually know those things? And would he be able to process that in the moment where he was likely a ball of anxiety and depression? What he saw in that moment wasn't someone not quite understanding what was happening, what he saw was someone he idealized seeing him bare himself to them and instantly mocking his feelings.
Also keep in mind that Blitz hadn't asked for time, he treated Stolas' confession as another meaningless game and it's only mid yelling did he even give an open indication that he needed time to process.
When I heard the last line of Stolas for the first time, I realised something
Imagine you love someone so much you think about that person with so much affection, you admire that person, just for them to tell you that they see you just like the people you hate
The people that made you suffer
Thats so heartbroken and I never stopped to think about that before
Blitzø trying so hard to not let the arrangement end, all his body language when he was saying he could do better. So much of his self worth is wrapped up in how he performs. This fight hit on all the traumas for both of them.
One of the saddest parts for me in this episode was how the pictures/paintings in both houses showed their deep shared selfhatred. Blitzø scribbled over his face in all the photos in his flat (but leaving Loona's and his sister's faces) while Stolas put veils over all the paintings only showing Octavia. They are so alike in many ways.
oh interesting I thought that loona may have done it. Interesting as I had not thought how it may be Blizø himself
I feel like there's a big class disconnect here-
Its normal in upper class social circles to just... give someone some huge, significant gift, and the other person is just supposed to take it, no strings attached. Because everyone's just rich AF.
Worst case scenario, the gift giver is on the hook to one-up you later with a better gift to save face socially.
But that's not how it works when you're poor, or if you're of a low caste receiving something from your "master."
Everything has strings attached, and its even worse when Stolas led Blitzø along for a second there, reducing him to literally begging for the book.
(Again, not a big deal in ultrarich rich gift culture- you're often kinda supposed to lead someone on with an inconvenience, like saying that their car is gone, before surpring them with a new one)
Stolas's language was unfortunate, too- while he was 100% right in trying to make it about consent, his phrasing could wind up feeling more like a master gifting freedom to a servant, when someone like Blitzø is so incredibly primed to hear things that way. (and literally just begged for the grimoire- their means to their livelihood)
I think Stolas did everything right, at least as best as he could having run out of his meds, with what understanding he had. Up until he started reacting so poorly to Blitzø... reacting not perfectly.
Its so sad, but he was just primed for rejection- you can just see it from how he was sitting there, before Blitzø arrived, the mental illness had already won, and he didn't have the means to communicate his needs to Blitzø.
Stolas shouldn't have confessed his love tonight. They should have just had the night and rescheduled, probably with Ozzy and Fizz in the wings to play support.
And I don't mean to just blame him, this IS a two way street, but he was the one with the agency to decide when this conversation happened, and the timing is the only way this thing had a chance of going off well.
I don't think Stolas intended to cause him distress or lead him on by asking for the book back, I just don't think he thought it through.
@@shadenox8164 yes and even more so, he doesnt see his rich status, blitz sees it VERY CLEARLY
I noticed after watching this video that Blitz yelling at stolas and calling him names, marching after him through the house while he is trying to walk away. Thats probably how a lot of stolas' fights with Stella went. So no wonder he couldn't handle any more and sent Blitz away.
For possibly the first time, Blitz was on the receiving end of the treatment he typically deals others: sabotaging and blowing up the relationship without actually giving the other person a choice. I think this is going to lead into apology tour nicely since this might help him to understand how Verosika felt when he bailed on her: blindsided, confused, and heartbroken.
I’m not sure how you got that out of this situation. Stolas had been trying to fix things for months. And when he did talk to Blitz, he spoke calmly, clearly, and directly with great care for Blitz’ feelings while providing his own boundaried vulnerability. Stolas choosing to only engage in an emotionally healthy scenario is not sabotaging a relationship. Blitz blew this situation up the same he does others, but Stolas 100% did not. Stolas showed a ton of growth and emotional health here.
@@vnleaosorry I responded so aggressively, you are right I don't think Stolas self-sabotaged at all, he's just very sheltered and wounded by thinking Blitz was mocking him 😅
@@vnleao Someone finally remembers how much Stolas has been trying to fix this for months!
Seeing Blitzø and Fizz interact made my day.
I was so happy about 3 fizzy appearances in a row
Stolas had time to think about this change over the last few months. Blitz was not expecting any of this and was absolutely blindsided. My husband and I had some hard times in our early relationship because I need time and space to absorb things and he has abandonment issues that see space as leaving. It took a long time to understand each other, and now we're better at speaking each other's languages.
This episode BROKE me (at least the part with Blitzø and Stolas). The choice to have no background music as Blitzø is rummaging through all the stuff he brought have me chills. Ans Stolas shutting Blitzø out at the end literally forcing him out of his house… I yelled out “THAT’S HOW IT ENDS???” And my jaw dropped.
ME TOO
I mean they did have music playing when blitz was unpacking his kink haul, but it was simple and highly tense 12:11
not having any music during Blitz's rant and the end credit.... dang
X2 man man this is fucking saaaaad i yalled WHAT THE F VIVANE!!!
@@asthejayflies I went back and rewatched and you’re right. The music just sound so soft I didn’t notice. that makes it better tbh
That was pretty fast!
Yeah, we saw the label on that pill bottle in previous episodes and it literally says "happy pills" so they're probably antidepressants. One has to wonder how this conversation would have gone if Stolas hadn't happened to run out of pills on that day of all days, if maybe he wouldn't have been so quick to interpret Blitz's disbelief as rejection, if maybe he could have given Blitz enough time to get his thoughts in order...
Another thing is that Stolas literally just got out of an abusive relationship with his wife, where she would constantly insult him, scream at him, throw things at him, hit him... so Blitz reacting with anger, starting to fling insults, and trying to get into a fight... that was probably an even worse reaction than usual in this situation.
when it goes from blitz yelling in anger to when he passes the pillar and he's yelling in pain and crying....that was so subtle but sad this episode broke me
This episode destroyed me in the best way, I knew it was going to end like this, but I didn't expect it to be SO REALISTIC!
These two are a clear example of "they could work and there is love there but they have to get their shit together first, someone please give them a therapist and better communication methods".
It was obvious that Blitz was going to think that Stolas's confession was not true, he can't believe that someone could love him for him, who would? self-esteem issues, and it was obvious that Stolas would shut down and not listen after what Blitz said, after all why would Blitz have feelings for him? He always ruins everything, he expects rejection but not the mockery.
They were both raised in toxic environments and react very differently to conflict. Blitz in a discussion is aggressive, defensive, fighting, shouting, insulting, it's the type of "discussions" that he is accustomed to, always being belittled, he will not allow himself to be insulted without fighting. Stolas on the other hand closes himself out, remains silent, in control of his movement, he was always humiliated/insulted, he learned to take the pain and "run away" to not be hurt anymore and the situation doesn't escalate.
But they don't know this about each other, if they knew what topics/words "hurt them" they wouldn't do it, here they did it because they don't know each other, they don't know about each other's pains, pasts, likes, fears, etc. .. because they only had a physical relationship that later feelings began to blossom beyond sex. They started like this, they hurt each other unintentionally, and they don't KNOW how to communicate because of their own shit How can you not think that the other was not sincere if you never expected more from each other?
In this scene it was unfortunately an expected bomb that was ready to explode in their faces, time apart is better to think with a cool head, heal, and maybe try again after a while, clarify what they want and talk, just talk with an open heart, no walls, no evasion, no assumptions, no closing doors, no anger, just conversation.
This is going to be a painful road for these two...
Sorry if it sounds weird, english is not my first language.
No, that was very well put together 👏 ❤️
Great analysis, also your english is amazing! don't worry (english isn't my first language either but no words/sentences bothered me)
No your English is great. Not only that your response have me a new perspective on this episode
@@Cirex2118 Really? Thank you 😊
@@PEAK__Thank you! I speak spanish, I'm chilean, so I try really hard to write what I want to express, there are words/sentences in my language that are complicated to translate, because they don't make sense and don't sound as good as they do in spanish 😅
Losing my mind no matter how many times I watch the episode, but what broke me most is them fighting right under the chandelier from the flashback. The joy from childhood bathed in soft light becoming anger and misery and red darkness.
I love that despite the objectively not relatable trauma these characters manage to be so realistic and relatable in their struggles
Blitz truly believes he’s unlovable he can’t fathom proper intimacy yet also craves it
got the reference ^^
Another good moment that I felt really honed in on Blitz's way of looking at the relationship was the candle buying scene. The fact that when asked what mood he wanted to convey, he couldn't think of anything other than horny was very sad.
The final conversation is a masterclass in showing how people can *explain* themselves as clearly as possible, but still fail to communicate, because at least one party (if not both) make so many assumptions that what they hear is different from what they believe. There are only a few reasons Stolas would say he has feelings for Blitzø: either it's a joke, it's a roleplay, it's a noble's power play, or it's genuine. Stolas tries to communicate that it's genuine, but Blitzø has already ruled out that possibility a long time ago: no one can love him, so that can't be the real reason, no matter what Stolas says. So he goes through the other options in order: "oh, you're fucking with me?" "You're not? Oh, okay, this is a new roleplay?" "Wait, you *don't* want to roleplay? So then, what, you're just doing this to mess with 'the little imp' because you think you're better than me?"
Meanwhile, Stolas doesn't understand how Blitzø is interpreting things. "I explained myself very clearly, so *surely* Blitzø must have understood. If he still thinks it's all about sex, and is going to mock me for it like this, then that must be all he cares about." He doesn't realize Blitzø is just echoing the only possibilities he can think of, rather than saying what he feels for himself.
So two people, being very clear with each other, still miscommunicate, because they each can't understand the others' viewpoints. "He said [X], but surely he must mean [Y] because I can't understand [X] at all."
2:00 I don't think it was Ozzie's words that changed Stolas' mind tho because he was already going to ask him for the crystal then, I think it was Blitzø's words at the end of S1E7 that did it
oh yes that is a good point also
An easter egg in the Circus episode revealed that Stolas was reading about Asmodean crystals in one of his books.
It was hard to see and read but lucky for us there are quite a lot of fanatics looking for easter eggs and spreading the screen captures so we don't have to pause, capture and enlarge every few seconds. ;)
The fact that Blitz was willing to address the problem in that moment is such a HUGE step for him. I just wish Stolas realised that this wasn't an all out rejection... Blitz has been secretly coping with so many insecurities, along with a relationship with someone that he truly cares for but also sees as somebody who holds his entire livelihood in his hands...
If you've wronged a loved one, you cannot just expect them to immedietly forgive you once you've apologized... but instead he kicked him out... I understand that got overwhelmed, but he did Blitz wrong in this scenario too
I mean the opening didn't help, it really set the whole thing in a different context than Stolas intended. He should have probably opened with the crystal before taking away the book.
Sometimes you have to put your own mental wellbeing first though. You can't always try to take care of another person, especially if you're in a really bad place mentally and/or emotionally. Stolas clearly doesn't have the emotional energy to continue with the discussion, even if Blitz was getting ready to apologize.
Something I don't see a lot of people noticing is how when Blizo tried to go on with the arrangement and at the part of him saying you know I don't disappoint, stolas has a moment of weakness showing he wanted it how it was before pushing away.
4:31 those were his antidepressants you could see him take them after the night at Ozzie's was so awful he took 3 instead of his usual 2
This episode was so good but also so heartbreaking. That "I dind realize you think so lowly of me" that had me sobbing. I really hope they can find eachother eventually
When this episode came out It helped me realize that I engage in similar defense mechanism as blitz, it does hurt to understand that you try and gain people over through sexual intimacy because deep inside you can't believe that they could love you by who you are on the inside
I was just thinking of you analyzing Stolas and Blitzø. I personally like Blitzø and Stolas’s relationship because I relate too hard with them as I have been in many transactional relationships to where I think the other person actually liked me.
When Dows voice breaks while talking about this episode.
It really goes to show how much that ending just shook us yall to the core.
The way I clicked so fast
lol same 😂
SAMEE
On this video or Full moon? Or both?
Can't watch both at once.
If I could I would. ;)
I was really impressed with the back and forth writing here. It really felt true to both characters and heartbreaking, and they didn't rely on sitcommy miscommunications (like I was worried for a little bit when Stolas was asking for the book before explaining why). There was still miscommunication, absolutely, but it was realistic. I didn't expect Blitz's "Let's go..." That was growth for him. He got the thing he needed; he could have avoided everything by leaving after being dismissed. He was willing to argue, to fight, and to change things. He was even going to say sorry, and this is where Stolas makes his biggest error in an otherwise very strong EQ moment; he does exactly what Blitz was just complaining about, and dismisses him again. It's extremely unfair, but understandable, and conversations like this need to be consensual too.
Really well done by the Helluva Boss team, and the kind of characterization that we need to see in Hazbin Hotel.
I think a big part of their problems has been in written communication. Blitzø grew up in the circus and is borderline illiterate. Stolas was raised with the finest education. When they text each other, Stolas sends long loving messages that Blitzø can't fully read or understand, so he just responds with "k," which hurts Stolas. And Blitzø gets defensive about his ignorance.
Screamed when I saw the episode come out! Screamed when I saw this pop up on my feed! ❤❤ this episode seemed so fast and then gut punched at the end
I think my brain did a thunk. In S2 E1 we see before the night with Blitz0, Stolas takes 2 pills when he wakes up. Then after the night at Ozzie's he took 3. He was upping his dose which might be why he ran out in E8
Stolas didn't "move on", he was so deeply hurt that his response was to put an immediate stop to the situation and go lick his wounds alone...he shut Blitz out to regain some control of the situation (and of himself) after having been so vulnerable and feeling so deeply rejected...
despite everything Blitz was doing wrong, just before Stolas teleported him away he genuinely seemed about to say "im sorry", words he clearly never had the strength to tell anyone else before, which goes to show just how intensely he cares for Stolas, that he'd be ready to not only realize he fucked up, but APOLOGIZE for fucking up, once his anger passed and he realized he actually HURT Stolas, it looked almost like it genuinely woke him up from his delusions, but sadly Stolas clearly couldn't handle seeing him any longer in that moment, i can only hope this event will have triggered in Blitz enough determination to keep chasing after Stolas to apologize to him, i hope he wont dig his hole even deeper after this or lose hope.
"You shouldn't miss dosages"
Me, who has to be on a lower dose because my medication is on back order: 👁️👄👁️
This made me realize how similar Blitz and Angel Dust are. They hate who they are, so they use explicit jokes to deal with the uncomfort. They also put on a fake version of themselves, so if anyone doesn't like them they can blame it on the facade.
This episode’s ending was so heartbreakingly tragic, especially because we can see that they both made mistakes during their interaction, but do want each other. Ugh, my heart.😭😭😭
Even though Stolas’s speech was a lot to unload onto Blitz at once and he shouldn’t have shut down so quickly after being brushed off, him not having his depression meds contributed to that I’m sure, but I thought he still articulated his feelings really well during it.❤️❤️❤️ It was also so sad to see Blitz beg Stolas to let him keep the book, that he’d do anything for it and him saying that he could do better.🥺 I do like the detail that Stolas then tried to reassure him that he was giving the crystal to him as a gift so he could be free.🥺
I also love your outfit Georgia!😊❤❤❤
To be fair, if someone starts flirting with me, and maybe they have, my first thought is “this person is lying. They must want something”
My money says there is self esteem issues in their
Same
I would argue that he certainly see people as in different rank than himself. Look at how he threats the no name imps that serve him. He does not hesitate to abuse them (like the poor guy getting squeezed hard while holding the phone) and this certainly has fed the fear of blitz that stolas sees him as someone below (in adition with for example how he talked with him about the fact thats illegal to give him the book in the harvest moon ep)
I remember seeing a comment also talking about how Stolas had a lot of time to realize his emotions compared to Blitzo, who only got a few seconds before Stolas came to the conclusion of Blitzo's true feelings. We can understand why, because confessing is scary, but dang, if only Blitzo also had time.
Blitz was invited to the end of a relationship he was never part of. Stolas had a fully parasocial relationship with Blitz while never giving Blitz any hint, and even rebuffing the idea that it was anything other than a transaction. Blitz did what he felt was right, and took Stolas firmness on who had the power to never pursue anything. Blitz had seconds to work through the idea that Stolas did like him and also that Stolas was now completely over him as well. How in the hell would you react to a person in power doing that to you? You'd absolutely snap.
@@DembaiVT never giving hint ?" are you asking me on a date" "maybe we could talk or cuddles" have you watched the episode on ozzie ?my boy made it pretty clear what he felt even fizz pointed it out at him and blitz said that he would always ask him how he feel and how was his day
Honestly, THANK YOU, OH MY GOD! I have seen WAY too many people online complaining, saying “StOlAs Is So MaNiPuLaTiVe!?!?!?!??” or “bLiTz Is An AsShOlE!?!??1” Seeing a professional brain person discuss both sides and what they’ve done wrong or right, and recognizing where both parties are coming from feels so fucking nice. Thank you pretty therapist lady
YES thank you same here ! I been seeing so many people saying that even more after ep 9 and its driving me crazy!
I just realized. You never mentioned how Blitzø was suddenly so excited and happy to visit Stolas after getting the freedom to choose whether or not he honors the monthly contract.
It was an important change in their power dynamic, and I think it speaks deeply to Blitzø’s natural affection for Stolas that this is all it takes for him to be completely satisfied in their relationship.
I actually never read the text messages before, it's making me realise just how important all these little details are to the story
24:55 also let's not forget blitzo lived in wrath...fighting people was their way to talk
Thank you so much for presenting both sides of this situation, and also not for just focusing on what each did wrong but also on what they did right. I have seen so many reactions that are mad at Blitzø in a knee-jerk kind of way without really digging into the wider dynamic. I think it's because a lot of us relate more to the over-emotional personality of Stolas and the instinct is to be protective of him. But Blitzø is not being deliberately hurtful; he just doesn't know how to process in a healthy way. It doesn't make it right, the way he reacted or the things he said, but he's not a villain either.
I also really felt it when you talked about people processing things differently or on different timeframes. Every time I've tried to explain that to others they seem to only get mad because I don't react the way that they think I should. Sorry, not sorry, but I have ADHD (late in life, recent diagnosis), and I now know that I was being judged by a neurotypical who just didn’t understand.
I've noticed since the response of this episode that a lot of people are split on who's in the wrong, Blitz or Stolas, and 1. I feel like that was intentional on the writing's part because things are complicated so good job there team, lol and 2. I feel like this is a grey situation due to a lot of factors Some fans may feel this as well, just sadly I haven't seen much of said response.
I remember hearing someone say that Stolas is a hypocrite for saying "this has always been about sex" when he started the deal to have more sex, and while true, Season 2 Episode 1 shows that when they met up again after so many years, Stolas did flirt with him but as a joke somewhat and wanted to have small talk, to catch up. But because he had the book, Blitz made it about sex despite Stolas's initial discomfort to the idea. It feels like from that, Stolas took it as "Oh Bltiz also wants sex so let's arrange something where we can both benefit." in Season 1 E1 and even if that wasn't the case, Stolas did change. I don't think changing as a person, not agreeing with prior actions that you did makes you a hypocrite. Also I feel like if someone can call Stolas a hypocrite, not acknowledging that or other context, Blitz can also be called one. Because let's for a moment exclude Dramatic Irony. Stolas clearly showed signs to Blitz that he does care but due to Bltiz's issues with self loathing and such, he couldn't fathom such a idea from commenting on his photos to laughing at his jokes to even telling him "Hey, if you don't wanna come to my place this Full Moon, you don't have to." *which Blitz himself even states at such, not even realizing Stolas is trying to give him more freedom to choose*, and then has the nerve to lump Stolas completely with the rich assholes who do treat people as lesser. But I will say, I'll cut Blitz a bit of slack because someone telling you they LOVE you is a lot, it can take time to process it which Blitz wasn't exactly given a lot to form an actual answer to. I'll also give Blitz credit for sooner realizing he fucked up by trauma dumping and tried to fix it by saying the sentence that he's sorry. I feel from what we know about his break up with his last ex, Verosika, he never apologized but here, he sooner realized the error and admit he was wrong but sadly did the damage to where it was too late to apologize.
And while I'm talking about one side, let's do so for the other. Whether or not Stolas realizes this but he's in control due to his status. Even if he tries not to see class, not seeing class isn't addressing the full problem but also, Stolas wouldn't likely know it's a problem unless someone brings it up to his face like prior examples for him to get it. So for his play talk "itty bitty imp" in S1 E5 sooner comes off as demeaning than a harmless tease to Blitz. But despite that, I do think Stolas should be given at least a bit of some slack because he was stuck in a classist environment and didn't come out like a total asshole but can do better. Hell, he went out to save I.M.P. as a whole, not just Blitz to show that he does have a heart and cares (even if he used "impish little plaything" and "If I get in trouble, YOU get in trouble and WE, don't want that!" but the latter at least has tones of "Anger Born of Worry" if you take in the context of what he said before and how he reacted). But yeah, Stolas while booksmart, lacks a lot of social experience and did try his best to make things straight and to the point in this episode after learning how Bltiz felt from S1 E7 (and speaking of that episode, Stolas did mess up by not standing for Blitz even if the excuse or explanation is, he probably isn't used to being put on the spot like that) but, besides not being on his medication, he didn't give Blitz time to think it over and, I understand he wants an answer asap for his sake and Blitz's but sometimes rushing to get an answer can make things worse. And some may give Stolas shit for not letting Blitz apologize but Blitz hurt Stolas so verbally there, Stolas, chances are was reminded of Stella and combine that with how hearing insults from those who you love, platonic or romantic, tends to cut REAL deep. It can also be taken as his own defense mechanism also removing Blitz from his house before he can be like Stella and FESTER in Stolas' life for years once again. Not saying Blitz would or completely but, pointing out the whys behind that behavior for another reason.
I'll stress again that I feel like both character's actions aren't in the complete right or wrong here, this situation feels very grey but I can understand why both reacted this way because what WAS 100% wrong about this was the relationship being transactional, with both parties using one another. Even if at the beginning Stolas didn't know and Blitz didn't know that, they fell into it again whether realizing it or not. I do also feel like they needed this to happen in order to sooner have a fresher, healthier start to a relationship, where it be friends or lovers. Both still have issues to resolve, even if both have been going through Character Development to be better people.
But yeah uh, long sort of semi rant over, I felt like I wanted that off my chest XD
Especially because when a relationship hits a bump or so like this, things can be very complicatedly grey, not black and white as we think as kids growing up.
[Also if there's typos or points not made clear enough, working on low sleep, may fix later :'D]
Yess! I have been trying to articulate this for a long time! It’s so complicated, they are both wrong at times!
"I used to think the worst thing that could happen was ending up alone. Now I know its much worse to be with people who make you feel... alone" -Robin Williams in Worlds greatest Dad.
One thing I’d like to point out that when Blitz uses his sexuality to gain control even when that’s not the reason he’s being sexual he’s still the one in control when it’s about sex. Like when he plays hard to get he can make Stolas kind of run after him (which does end up making him a bit uncomfortable but he can still handle it and is probably used to it from other demons) and when he first met Stolas he thought he was in danger cause of the whole *low class imp snuck into rich goetia’s room* but as soon as Stolas jokes about sex he’s immediately calm and when he sees the book he starts acting sexual to get in control and get what he wants as it’s clear that Stolas wants Blitz sexually at that moment and even Blitz can’t deny that.
And on another note, I think the reason he swears so much is because that’s the only thing that could get him attention as a kid.
(I relate to how Blitz acts sometimes and I just kinda think that’s why he swear so much given why I swear in different situations. Most of the time it’s so people stop ignoring me or because I’m in an uncomfortable situation and if I just seem like I don’t care then whoever is treating me in a way I don’t want them to eventually stops.)
honestly the sex as an avoidant technique reminds me of spiderman how he uses humor to diffuse his anxieties sure one is explicit and the other isnt but it still feels very similar its avoiding feelings
During a rewatch I noticed that Verosika swears just as bad as Blitz. Also that a teenage Blitz (in the Mammon episode) didn't seem to swear all that much. I wonder if he learned it from Verosika.
“I think so very highly of you. I didn’t realize you think so low of me.”
This line breaks me every single time. Bryce absolutely killed the delivery. The whole scene was also drawn and animated beautifully. Bryce and Brandon did so incredibly well with conveying Stolas and Blitz’s emotions.
God I love Helluva Boss.
A detail I liked is that Stolas essentially forces the crystal on to Blitz. Putting it on his glove, not letting him even make that choice of accepting it. Even when trying to give him control he does it on his own terms.
@owltree_s It's not about legal and illegal. It's about controlling the dialogue, instead of letting Blitz process it himself he makes the decision for him. That is his biggets problem.
@owltree_s Yes he does. But the is robbing Blitz of any agency. How are you not getting this? Stolas is doing the right thing in the wrong way, he never listened to Blitz, he never asked him how he felt about it. Stolas blew it hard and so did Blitz.
@owltree_s He needed to give it to him, not make him accept it. Big difference.
@owltree_s he dismissed it because he didnt know there was the option of the crystal. he was distressed because his only option was taken away and then only a different option without his request (he wanted to keep the relationship the same, but because of the power dynamic, he has no say in it - stolas decides how this relationship goes). in no way did he make any choices - he cant keep the book, stolas is to powerful he will take it back. he cant refuse the crystal - cause he'll lose his job. AND he cant even voice what he thinks of all of this, because stolas is rushing it and then ultimately even when he asks for a minute to think - Stolas decides the conversation is over and kicks him out.
He had no say in this. Stolas didn't communicate with him, he communicated AT him. he wanted a yes or no and no other grey area of "can i think about it?".
@owltree_s Stolas has the right to not want to continue the relationship, but Blitz also has the right to *not take the crystal.* I think that's what you're missing here. Realistically, would he choose to lose his business like that? Probably not. But the important part is being given the CHOICE. Also, even if he does still accept it, he should've been able to choose how- rather than literally having it put on his arm, maybe he just wanted to carry it, put it in his pocket, etc
23:01 tbf, he’s not wrong. Stolas gave him all of two seconds to come up with an answer, and when Blitzo comes to the conclusion that this is about sex (which btw, was Stolas’ idea. He’s the one who made this about sex to start with), Stolas cuts him off and dismisses him.
Stolas is the one who started having sex with him in exchange for the book, Stolas is the one changing his mind and saying this is about love. Even if he’s trying to give Blitzo some independence, he’s still the one saying when, where, how and why, and still not *listening* to Blitzo or really treating him as an equal. Until he learns to really respect him and take his hands off the reigns, he’s never going to be able to fix this.
The part about this episode that hurt _most,_ at least for _me,_ is that it felt like the outcome was _unavoidable_ because of the personality flaws and lingering traumas of both Blitzø and Stolas rearing their heads.
Blitzø, as was noted in the analysis, impulsively avoids any questions or situations that he doesn't immediately know (or at least _thinks_ he knows) how to deal with -- powerlessness and helplessness are traumatic feelings for him because of his past, so he seems to want to maintain his feeling of control and confidence. He doesn't want to think about the possibility of his deal with Stolas falling through, because losing _that_ means losing his ability to run his business, to help Moxxie and Millie, to support his daughter Loona... he'd lose _everything, _*_again,_* if things changed between the two of them, and that's more than he wants to dwell on if he can help it.
That fear of a loss of control came into play when Stolas opened the conversation with an emotional rug-pull. Stolas shares an avoidant tendency when it comes to emotional confrontation, something that's been used against him in the past to manipulate him or steamroll over his feelings, and he's only recently started advocating for his own needs and desires thanks to Blitzø's influence on him -- as such, even though he had _months_ to lay the groundwork for this conversation, he avoided pushing Blitzø to have those discussions because he didn't want to risk hurting them both. By stalling so much, and starting the conversation by completely upending the arrangement upon which Blitzø's entire world is built on now, he all but _guaranteed_ that Blitzø was going to go on the defensive, which set the tone for everything that followed.
When Stolas opened up and confessed that he wanted Blitzø in his life, no strings attached, I feel like Blitzø _wanted_ to believe it was true. Every relationship he's been in (as far as we've seen) has been either transactional or manipulative, with very little _unconditional_ affection on display -- the last person to show him that kind of love was his mother, so that feeling of being unconditionally loved is deeply emotional for Blitzø in multiple ways, good _and_ bad... but he's also been hurt enough by people telling him what he wants to hear that, when Stolas does so, his instinctive reaction is to assume it's not _real._ After all, Stolas hasn't been _that_ open with him in 25 years -- why would he just start _now?_
When Blitzø jumped to the conclusion that Stolas's confession was an act, it no doubt triggered some of Stolas's old traumas. We haven't seen a _ton_ of his childhood, but what's been shown of Stolas's life prior to this paints a picture of someone who learned to mask his feelings and put up a facade to avoid being mocked and criticized by those around him, and who only really wears his heart on his sleeve when he feels truly safe from judgment and scorn; he took a _chance_ letting down his defenses, and to see Blitzø apparently making a joke out of his feelings likely dredged up enough unpleasant memories that he felt like he needed to flee. As we've seen, when he feels hurt or threatened, Stolas's instinct is to disengage and hide until the worst of it blows over -- when it's Fight or Flight, he prefers Flight.
Blitzø, though, is very much a Fight type of personality. When Stolas just ran out, not giving him a chance to even _begin_ to process his feelings after _ambushing_ him with a confession, it triggered Blitzø's traumas related to his powerlessness and the people who've abused their power over him -- just about every person with any level of authority above Blitzø has either strong-armed him into doing what they wanted (Cash, for instance) or treated him like he was inferior (pretty much every non-Imp, Stolas included). Being told (not even _asked,_ but *_told)_* what he was feeling by someone he actually _does_ care about overstepped a major boundary for Blitzø, which set off two responses: it caused him to start masking his pain behind anger, as we've seen him do before; and it kicked off the start of the most effective means he knows about to clear unpleasant feelings -- a cathartic shouting match, having it out with someone else to get everything off your chest and really get to the core of the issue. (While it hasn't been analyzed yet, that's basically what happened between Blitzø and Moxxie last season -- while under the effects of a Truth Bomb, they both got worked up and blasted each other over their flaws, which gave way to them having a healing heart-to-heart after they'd calmed down.)
Unfortunately, while having it out might've worked for Blitzø, it was too close to the tone Stella used to take with him for Stolas to handle. We can see how much the escalating tension was breaking him down, until he couldn't take it anymore and forced Blitzø out -- but in the same moment, if you listen closely, there's a whisper in the wind of the warping effect that sounds like Stolas's voice saying, "...I'm so sorry..." Even at the end, he was still blaming himself for letting things end up like this, even while he was shutting out his only social contact to stave off a complete breakdown.
TL;DR: it's easy to heap blame on one side or the other, but I feel like they _both_ screwed up in their own ways, both before and during this episode. What's vital from here is what happens _after:_ will Blitzø run from his feelings again, or will he actually take this chance to introspect about how he feels about Stolas? Will Stolas stonewall Blitzø, or will he actually give him a chance to try and explain his emotions once they've both calmed down and Stolas has refilled his prescription? Will they just focus on what the other did wrong, or will they admit to their own mistakes as well? There's still ways to heal these wounds, to redefine and rebuild their relationship into something supportive and equitable (like what Fizz and Ozzie have!), but they've both gotta put in the effort to better themselves in order for it to work.
I think the antidepressants/ anti-anxiety meds play a huge part with Stolas' reaction here as well. His fidgeting before Blitz walks in and overt panic as he's getting ready prime us that he may be experience adverse affects to ending his medication. We're also aware that, at least in the past, Stolas has abused his meds quite heavily and possibly still has been. This could indicate an intense shift in the way his body is able to respond and react, most likely affecting his self-image in a poor manner.
As much as I believe Stolas cares deeply for Blitz, enough for his perceived rejection to feel incredibly painful, I think Stolas' extreme physical reaction (that chin-quivering, uncontrollable crying) could also be painted by his own body chemistry in this moment. Coming off of antidepressants suddenly is inadvisable at best, and can lead to incredibly low swings in which self-perception tanks and many people tend to seek isolation to feed that belief that they are unworthy of others' time and attention. His snap decision to create space between him and Blitz and be left in this house we know is empty of not only people, but of Stolas' own belongings, will likely feed into what I feel may be a heavy bout of depression.
These two care so deeply for each other, but are consistently influenced by external problems/toxicity that create these self-fulfilling prophecies. When the people who are meant to love you don't, your own body can actively harm you as it tries to provide you with emotional protection. Their parents, past partners, and coping mechanisms (medication, avoidance, alcohol, etc) will always be the biggest mental hurdles between them and the intimacy they crave.
Yes!! I was hoping for your wisdom to guide us through and process that heartbreaking argument!
1:22 “the image that is distorted becomes the image that we see no matter what, and that colors everything around us and all of the choices that we make; because of that.” Commenting to have this quote on grabs.
I like how Stolas proposal, despite being well intentioned, inadvertently shows everything that Blitz dislikes about the goetia. It’s a scenario where Stolas has complete control, and he flexes his wealth and power (without meaning to with the asmodeus crystal), reminding him of the difference between them
Good point. I also found that, despite Stolas not seeming to genuinely want to play with Blitz feelings before (and it more so being a mass of misunderstandings) he actually DID play with his feelings the way he first asks for his book back permanently only to then take out the crystal.
@owltree_s Nothing? This isn't necessarily something that Stolas could have done anything about. It's just an unfortunate byproduct.
Giving him the crystal first would be a good start. @owltree_s
@owltree_s He could tell him about the crystal and what it does first, and explain that he'll be giving that to Blitz instead of using the book from now on, and letting him know that he still would like a relationship if Blitzo is open to it before asking for the book back. By asking for the book first without explaining why, he gave Blitz time to panic thinking Stolas was ending the relationship and his business because Blitz wasn't good enough. After a scare like that, it takes people some time to recover.
@@PixieoftheWood Exactly, but at the same time he probably just didn't think of how that would sound, or could have been thrown off by Blitzo and fumbled what he was trying to do. There's definitely a lot of fumbling on both sides.
A lot of comments are talking about how Blitz yelling is triggering Stolas' trauma from Stella, but I just don't see it. We've seen her scream at him in both Lulu Land, Harvest Moon and over the phone in Seeing Stars, but he's never had this trauma response before. Instead I think it's Blitz accusing Stolas of being just like the people that have hurt him all his life when he's wants to be better.
Honestly, from what I've interpreted from the trailer that Blitz and Stolas are going to get a dose of "get over yourself" and I hope from that, they will be able to talk to each other without their baggage getting in the way.
16:10 I’d have to disagree. Blitz is VERY aware of how he feels, but he’s absolutely terrified of the power that revealing those feelings would give Stolas. From his perspective he doesn’t know about all the hardships Stolas has gone through. He doesn’t know how vulnerable and dorky he actually is. All he sees is the uber powerful demon prince who has everything under control. Stolas has given him no prior indication that any of his attraction has gone further than skin and he has heavily fetishised Blitz for his species, which he is also insecure about.
Blitz doesn’t take it seriously because he believes that Stolas can simply toss him aside and go for a newer model without any consequences. But that’s until he sees those tears and he realises that AGAIN he’s hurt someone else through his self-loathing.
You know, for someone so eager to finally give his childhood crush a choice, Stolas seemed awfully set on not allowing Blitz to talk after he thought he had his answer.
Because he formed an image in his head over a long period of time, and now every word seems like it confirms it.
@@The_Midnight_Bear we love to hate confirmation bias
Notice also that Stolas has been planning this for forever. Blotz says they haven't seen each other for months, and suring that time Blitz has probably done his best to not think about it, convincing himself that this is not some break-up-thing. After their last real talk being at Ozzies, then the panic-rescue of Octavia from the human world, and then... nothing. For ages. Stolas had all the time between that last meeting and until now to think things through, plan possibilites, have all his lines prepared.
Blitz is so taken aback that he just reacts without thinking, and Stolas doesn't give him any time to recover, running away from what he interprets as rejection. Not fair. Understandable, but not fair
I could feel my own trauma response of abandonment trigger when Blitz is telling Stolas that he can do better after being given the crystal. I really love your analysis of that part.
My favorite part of the episode had to be when Stolas stopped making their relationship transactional, it was so beautiful to me.
I hated what it felt like they were just ticking off a checklist narratively, revisiting all the open plot-threads and haphazardly jamming them into one episode. It felt like someone had JUST remembered they all existed: the angels, the guys hunting the imps, Stolas x Blitz...
So weird to see two differently damaged facets of oneself represented in characters that so badly want the same thing but have no idea how to relate properly. We struggle so hard to be understood. Sometimes it's hard to see around our own issues enough to take in someone else's pov.
I keep thinking about Blitzo’s resentment of the royalty & where that comes.
And how much of that is because Paimon literally viewed him as something to be bought & his Dad did too. His entire relationship with Stolas has been transactional from childhood. And how much easier was it to be angry at Paimon & the class inequities than his own father in that moment. “I’m only valuable in exchange for something,” was really baked in at the same time.
This was an incredible analysis, you got everything spot on. I've been seeing folks throwing blame around, and I think that neither of them are at fault for what happened. It's just two damaged people whose reactions to fear and potential rejection got in the way of actually communicating