22:13 I feel so sad for Tao here, he says it like it happened so long ago but really it would have only been 3 years I lost my brother when I was 16 and it took more than 3 years to feel “normal” again so losing your dad at 12 would be rough
Oh, I saw the poster behind you a couple of episodes ago but didn't realise it was for your own book. Adding it to my TBR list. I wonder if Isaac has read it yet.
Credit to *someone else* who pointed this out - Nick is stabilizing the ladder for Charlie while he gathers together the balloons, symbolizing him being Charlie’s support. His support allows Charlie to stretch and grow in directions he couldn’t before. It’s just a lovely bit of imagery.
Even if Darcy hadn’t been self-conscious and ashamed of letting Tara know what her home life was like and that she got kicked out of the house, I still don’t think she would have thought of going to Tara’s house because her mother had explicitly said, “no sleepovers tonight” because her grandmother was coming. I think Darcy was under the impression that Tara’s mom wouldn’t have let her stay, not realizing that Tara’s mom could have made an exception because of the extreme circumstance.
I just found your channel and I have to say I absolutely LOVE your thoughts on the show as a whole, so sorry this comment is coming almost a year after this video was posted lol. Regarding the scene with Nick and Charlie while Nick is holding the ladder and asks him if he wants to eat something, Nick had been with Charlie basically that whole morning. With him saying that he has a late breakfast, Nick knows that's a lie because he was with Charlie the whole time. Nick's face, at least to me, seems like he's almost shocked that Charlie would use that excuse knowing he's been with Nick for possibly hours by that point. It's also just really sad that Charlie has all of these excuses lined up almost perfectly and can lie to Nick with complete ease because he's so used to having to lie all the time about what's going on. Even earlier in season 2, Charlie doesn't even break eye contact with Nick as he lies about having his school work done or in Paris when he tells Nick that he's full from breakfast. He only every looks away when he knows that Nick has caught on either by the look on his face or by what he says to Charlie afterward. Anyway, sorry for the rambling, I just absolutely love your channel and I love Heartstopper.
My favorite "perfect" comment is when Charlie is setting up for the sleepover with the gang. Charlie tells Tori everything has to be perfect. Tori then says my favorite line: "Why? Are you going to be graded?" Love it!
Honestly, in his mind, he is. Basically, he's thinking that if the coming out to Imogen doesn't go well, he'd be at least partly responsible for not creating a suitable environment to facilitate it. Poor thing - he's so wrapped up in these unrealistic expectations that it's a wonder he can function at all!
14:52 the continuity when they are setting up for the prom drives me crazy! At one point the balloons are done but the next part nick and Charlie are putting up the balloons Also you’re telling me that Tao and Elle painted those beautiful clouds in just one afternoon?! No way and what even is the budget here
Yay! Thanks for the insight yet again Thom. One thing that really strikes me about Tao is his Dad died within the first year of his friendship with Charlie, at the point that he and Nick are talking is only 3 years later - we can see how in some ways Tao feels its a lifetime ago but actually its still a fairly recent loss. We know that Charlie is someone who tries to stay strong for his friends and I suspect one of the reasons he doesn't confide in Tao is he feels he needs to protect Tao during a really difficult time. I think everything Tao has been through is possibly one of the reasons why Charlie takes Tao's confession of outing him so well (that and I think he always kind of knew that was probably what happened). It makes me so sad that Charlie is so empathetic and kind to everyone but himself. Safe and fun travels in Alabama, wishing you some tasty vegan fresh food as well as your suitcase supplies!
What a great take on the Charlie and Tao dynamic! I had similar thoughts about the timing of his dad's death and its impact on their friendship, but you developed it and articulated it so insightfully. Thanks for sharing!
I was checking my phone and I saw you posted a new reaction and my face lit up and I had a smile the whole way home and the entire time I was watching this. Thank you so much. Have a very safe trip and a very fun time. Can’t wait to see the next one.
You are one of the only reactors that goes so in depth with the story, to the point I'm crying (because I realize it's what I needed to hear at that moment) --- so sincere thanks for that! As someone who generally doesn't like being around crowds of people either, I wish you good luck and peaceful vibes in your Southern trek!
Yay!!! I can't explain how happy you just made me when I clicked on RUclips and saw this! 🥰 One thing I love in Nick and Tau's conversation is that even through everything, Nick still doesn't out Ben. He says "everything that's happened to him in the past" instead of specifying that he was assaulted and mistreated by Ben. Can Nick be a better person?? I relate to you so much regarding the death of a parent. My mom died in a car accident when I was 14 and it took me so many years to cry and properly grieve for her. It's been over 40 years now but that loss still affects me.
I love the paper flowers-in-pots that someone has made. As someone who engages in a bit of papercraft myself, I can tell those took serious time and effort.
i love this scene between nick and tao talking about char because they care and love him so much and everything about this they both came along way from S1 to S2 cameing together and talking about how there feelings towards char is its so beautiful to watch and the very last scene of nick and char share is so emotional and and painful and also powerful i had tears running down my face so i hope u have tissuess ready for this i have and i cant waite to see your reaction on this
Welllll ... Darcy's breath smoking as she leaves her house: Don't overthink it. Because of the time it takes to make this kind of media, it's very common for the shooting schedule to be displaced a good six months from the time of year the story is happening. We know that the Snow Day scene in Season 1 was shot with fake snow on one of the hottest days of the year. Kit and Joe must have been really suffering under all that winter clothing.
I just came back from my impromptu weekend trip and this made me super happy! Also, as someone who hates crowds and also works just at home office for that reason I feel your pain and wish you safe travels. I'm really glad Nick got the opportunity to come out (more or less) on his own terms and I love that they chose this song to do that, especially the spin-hug at "I'm covered in the colours of you" was super sweet 💙. Although it does made me also feel a new wave of anger towards people who pressured Kit to out himself (just days after shooting the scene "I want you to come out when and how you want to" in E3). Btw regarding Darcy's comment - she did say she was embarrased to contact Tara, so maybe she didn't reply to her on purpose and well, I feel like prom was the last thing on her mind in that moment. Btw "queer Avengers assemblance" is and epic shot, I mean, I'm pretty sure this team could solve any problem 🙂 and Nick/Tao is also one of my favorite scenes, I love how they got from Tao plotting a DM murder through Nick opening his eyes and telling him everything he appreciates about him to this moment (also, I wonder which shareable potato snacks they'll be eating in S3). But the shock and growing panic in Nick's eyes and the fact that he's the only person who knows about the assault... Although I agree that maybe Charlie doesn't talk about it because he's just not used to that because I can very much relate to that.
In season two,episode one, Charlie talks about his wanting everything to be perfect for Nick and to save him from all bad things. As a little experiment, go play that speech to Tori, and then watch the end of episode eight. It’s almost as if Nick could be giving the same speech. He wants to do everything now to protect Charlie and…. (Spoilers) Much like Charlie, Nick won’t be able to make everything perfect for Charlie either.😢
The first time I watched the opening scene of this episode, my heart swelled with so much emotion. I’m just in awe of the way the acting, direction, music, editing, etc. all come together so beautifully ❤❤❤
Thom! This was such a tease! Just kidding, because I know you have a lot on your plate, but I really enjoy your in-depth reactions, and I am so looking forward to your reaction to the final scenes of Season 2. I guess I will just have to wait! I know the wait will be worth it! Thanks so much for all the thought and effort you put into these reactions, and thanks always for sharing!
We start the season with Charlie waking up in bed and now we ending the season with nick waking up in bed and before when nick open his eyes and he see Charlie the light is next to Charlie on because for Nick is Charlie his light ❤
I'm guessing Darcy just commented on Nick's post before her phone died.. and actually that comment was pretty generic and subdued for her, which makes sense in context. :/ Also clocked that one of the supportive comments is from Aleena who we later meet in the comics as part of Sahar's (and Charlie's) band! I don't think you have to be into fashion, if someone painted my clothes like Tao did I'd be FURIOUS lol. Safe travels Thom!
Good job on setting up your drum kit! How very Charlie Spring of you! Episode 8 is my favourite episode. It's also the episode I've watched to least amount of times, because it's just too painful at times. A masterpiece, but definitely not a comfort episode. It already made me cry in the first few seconds when I heard the beginning of Colours of You. The fact that the song was in the first teaser for S1, and that it was written about Nick and his journey... It was a perfect choice to bring it back for this moment. Heartstopper really said "there will be no bisexual erasure in this show." And I love it. FINALLY. The SE "everything is going to be perfect" and the E8 "everything's perfect" parallel is everything, but ouch, my soul hurts. I haven't even seen Avengers, but my first instinct when I saw the gang walk in was also to say "Avengers, assemble!" I don't undertsand how that mess of a room turned into the perfectly decorated prom setting in just a couple of hours. How?? Must be the power of friendship. 🥲 Thank you for the video! I hope you have a good work trip. Stay safe. ❤️🩹
Ack!!! I missed the notification for this one and only just saw it. I hope everything went okay in Alabama. I traveled there with my sisters back in February to visit our dad, and I was honestly pretty scared of going into any and all public restrooms between where I live in Florida and where our dad lives in Alabama, including the places we stopped along the way in Georgia and Tennessee (we had to go through part of Tennessee to get to my dad's house in Alabama). I've never felt so unsafe traveling before, and I've done a lot of traveling over the years. I hope all went well and look forward to seeing the next part of this reaction!
It wouldn't be that cold in summer I'm sure. But they filmed it sometime between Oct and Dec so.... Guess it was a little nippy that night. The walk of the squad into the gym is cool. But does reinforce my thought that sometimes they go overboard with the books. Like, I know it's his gag, but does he really have to be holding a book there? lol, the fish 🤣 And the book on stage, come on. I love Isaac but it just looks kinda ridiculous sometimes. Wow, that bullying video was great. Yeah, things look pretty bad over there. Nick and Tao coming together as friends is great. Tao got so much development in Paris. ======== Oh man. Um, good luck in Alabama.
I agree Tao getting paint on Elles clothes is taking it too far, but it’s probably water based paint and comes off easily. Have a nice trip to Alabama! 👋🏻
Does anyone else think that Nick’s comments are REALLY tame? I mean, there’s definitely bi-erasure, but I didn’t see anyone being genuinely homophobic. Do we think that Nick avoided the comments about his relationship with Charlie being disgusting and reprehensible because a) he’s Nick, and he’s got a lot more clout at the school and so elicits the grudging tolerance (or silence) of the homophobes, b) He’s aggressively blocking those comments so Charlie doesn’t see them, or c) Alice doesn’t want to go there because Episode 8 is already heavy enough? Any other theories?
That's a good question :o I hadn't really thought about it, it's a fairy tale fantasy, after all. But you're right, I forgot the bullying Charlie went through at the same fairy tale school. I think both a and c sound very plausible. What about d) the students have learned a better behaviour? (See my first sentence...) ? And/or e) there's strength in numbers, there are now more openly queer students at the school than there were when Charlie was outed (I think?)
Good luck in the Deep South! Plan something nice for yourself for when you get back and don't hesitate to take another hiatus to recover from that trip. (Yes, I still have nothing on this part of the episode, dammit. 😅)
Thank you for acknowledging the fact that Nick had a better coming out than then the actor because that really hurt me that people did that to himself thank you. I know it happened a while ago, but just my heart goes out to him so just thank you for saying that I know that he is a good person and he didn’t deserve this.🩷
I love this episode so freaking much🩷 this is the first part of it I stumbled upon the the third part of it, but I found the first part so I’m just gonna go in order
Good luck and well wishes on your mandatory travels to the Deep South. At least it’s not Florida, but I will be sending good vibes your way regardless. 🩵🩷🤍
22:13 I feel so sad for Tao here, he says it like it happened so long ago but really it would have only been 3 years
I lost my brother when I was 16 and it took more than 3 years to feel “normal” again so losing your dad at 12 would be rough
Oh, I saw the poster behind you a couple of episodes ago but didn't realise it was for your own book. Adding it to my TBR list. I wonder if Isaac has read it yet.
Your analyses are so rich, deep, spot on. The only review that helps us see the layers that Alice and the director build into the story.
Credit to *someone else* who pointed this out - Nick is stabilizing the ladder for Charlie while he gathers together the balloons, symbolizing him being Charlie’s support. His support allows Charlie to stretch and grow in directions he couldn’t before. It’s just a lovely bit of imagery.
Even if Darcy hadn’t been self-conscious and ashamed of letting Tara know what her home life was like and that she got kicked out of the house, I still don’t think she would have thought of going to Tara’s house because her mother had explicitly said, “no sleepovers tonight” because her grandmother was coming. I think Darcy was under the impression that Tara’s mom wouldn’t have let her stay, not realizing that Tara’s mom could have made an exception because of the extreme circumstance.
I just found your channel and I have to say I absolutely LOVE your thoughts on the show as a whole, so sorry this comment is coming almost a year after this video was posted lol.
Regarding the scene with Nick and Charlie while Nick is holding the ladder and asks him if he wants to eat something, Nick had been with Charlie basically that whole morning. With him saying that he has a late breakfast, Nick knows that's a lie because he was with Charlie the whole time. Nick's face, at least to me, seems like he's almost shocked that Charlie would use that excuse knowing he's been with Nick for possibly hours by that point.
It's also just really sad that Charlie has all of these excuses lined up almost perfectly and can lie to Nick with complete ease because he's so used to having to lie all the time about what's going on. Even earlier in season 2, Charlie doesn't even break eye contact with Nick as he lies about having his school work done or in Paris when he tells Nick that he's full from breakfast. He only every looks away when he knows that Nick has caught on either by the look on his face or by what he says to Charlie afterward.
Anyway, sorry for the rambling, I just absolutely love your channel and I love Heartstopper.
5:38 I CRIED AS ‘THE COLOURS OF YOU’ PLAYED like this story is coming full circle from the first teaser 😭
Same
Colours of You playing broke my heart open
Fr I was absolutely rendered speechless
My favorite "perfect" comment is when Charlie is setting up for the sleepover with the gang. Charlie tells Tori everything has to be perfect. Tori then says my favorite line: "Why? Are you going to be graded?" Love it!
Honestly, in his mind, he is. Basically, he's thinking that if the coming out to Imogen doesn't go well, he'd be at least partly responsible for not creating a suitable environment to facilitate it. Poor thing - he's so wrapped up in these unrealistic expectations that it's a wonder he can function at all!
14:52 the continuity when they are setting up for the prom drives me crazy! At one point the balloons are done but the next part nick and Charlie are putting up the balloons
Also you’re telling me that Tao and Elle painted those beautiful clouds in just one afternoon?! No way and what even is the budget here
And the actor who's playing mr. Ajayi is getting married his man today the actor who plays james posted on insta and the whole gang was their
Yay! Thanks for the insight yet again Thom.
One thing that really strikes me about Tao is his Dad died within the first year of his friendship with Charlie, at the point that he and Nick are talking is only 3 years later - we can see how in some ways Tao feels its a lifetime ago but actually its still a fairly recent loss. We know that Charlie is someone who tries to stay strong for his friends and I suspect one of the reasons he doesn't confide in Tao is he feels he needs to protect Tao during a really difficult time. I think everything Tao has been through is possibly one of the reasons why Charlie takes Tao's confession of outing him so well (that and I think he always kind of knew that was probably what happened). It makes me so sad that Charlie is so empathetic and kind to everyone but himself.
Safe and fun travels in Alabama, wishing you some tasty vegan fresh food as well as your suitcase supplies!
What a great take on the Charlie and Tao dynamic! I had similar thoughts about the timing of his dad's death and its impact on their friendship, but you developed it and articulated it so insightfully. Thanks for sharing!
I was checking my phone and I saw you posted a new reaction and my face lit up and I had a smile the whole way home and the entire time I was watching this. Thank you so much. Have a very safe trip and a very fun time. Can’t wait to see the next one.
You are one of the only reactors that goes so in depth with the story, to the point I'm crying (because I realize it's what I needed to hear at that moment) --- so sincere thanks for that!
As someone who generally doesn't like being around crowds of people either, I wish you good luck and peaceful vibes in your Southern trek!
My soul was not prepared.
Yay!!! I can't explain how happy you just made me when I clicked on RUclips and saw this! 🥰
One thing I love in Nick and Tau's conversation is that even through everything, Nick still doesn't out Ben. He says "everything that's happened to him in the past" instead of specifying that he was assaulted and mistreated by Ben. Can Nick be a better person??
I relate to you so much regarding the death of a parent. My mom died in a car accident when I was 14 and it took me so many years to cry and properly grieve for her. It's been over 40 years now but that loss still affects me.
I love the paper flowers-in-pots that someone has made. As someone who engages in a bit of papercraft myself, I can tell those took serious time and effort.
i love this scene between nick and tao talking about char because they care and love him so much and everything about this they both came along way from S1 to S2 cameing together and talking about how there feelings towards char is its so beautiful to watch and the very last scene of nick and char share is so emotional and and painful and also powerful i had tears running down my face so i hope u have tissuess ready for this i have and i cant waite to see your reaction on this
Welllll ... Darcy's breath smoking as she leaves her house: Don't overthink it. Because of the time it takes to make this kind of media, it's very common for the shooting schedule to be displaced a good six months from the time of year the story is happening. We know that the Snow Day scene in Season 1 was shot with fake snow on one of the hottest days of the year. Kit and Joe must have been really suffering under all that winter clothing.
I just came back from my impromptu weekend trip and this made me super happy! Also, as someone who hates crowds and also works just at home office for that reason I feel your pain and wish you safe travels.
I'm really glad Nick got the opportunity to come out (more or less) on his own terms and I love that they chose this song to do that, especially the spin-hug at "I'm covered in the colours of you" was super sweet 💙. Although it does made me also feel a new wave of anger towards people who pressured Kit to out himself (just days after shooting the scene "I want you to come out when and how you want to" in E3). Btw regarding Darcy's comment - she did say she was embarrased to contact Tara, so maybe she didn't reply to her on purpose and well, I feel like prom was the last thing on her mind in that moment.
Btw "queer Avengers assemblance" is and epic shot, I mean, I'm pretty sure this team could solve any problem 🙂 and Nick/Tao is also one of my favorite scenes, I love how they got from Tao plotting a DM murder through Nick opening his eyes and telling him everything he appreciates about him to this moment (also, I wonder which shareable potato snacks they'll be eating in S3). But the shock and growing panic in Nick's eyes and the fact that he's the only person who knows about the assault... Although I agree that maybe Charlie doesn't talk about it because he's just not used to that because I can very much relate to that.
Hooray for the book ad at the start, glad you overcame your doubts about doing that 💜
Olivia Colman narrated the ad that played before this video!
In season two,episode one, Charlie talks about his wanting everything to be perfect for Nick and to save him from all bad things.
As a little experiment, go play that speech to Tori, and then watch the end of episode eight. It’s almost as if Nick could be giving the same speech. He wants to do everything now to protect Charlie and….
(Spoilers)
Much like Charlie, Nick won’t be able to make everything perfect for Charlie either.😢
Again, your work responsibilities hit like travel to some deep level of hell. As a southern expatriate, I feel your pain. Be safe!
The first time I watched the opening scene of this episode, my heart swelled with so much emotion. I’m just in awe of the way the acting, direction, music, editing, etc. all come together so beautifully ❤❤❤
Thom! This was such a tease! Just kidding, because I know you have a lot on your plate, but I really enjoy your in-depth reactions, and I am so looking forward to your reaction to the final scenes of Season 2. I guess I will just have to wait! I know the wait will be worth it! Thanks so much for all the thought and effort you put into these reactions, and thanks always for sharing!
We start the season with Charlie waking up in bed and now we ending the season with nick waking up in bed and before when nick open his eyes and he see Charlie the light is next to Charlie on because for Nick is Charlie his light ❤
This is so cute
I'm guessing Darcy just commented on Nick's post before her phone died.. and actually that comment was pretty generic and subdued for her, which makes sense in context. :/ Also clocked that one of the supportive comments is from Aleena who we later meet in the comics as part of Sahar's (and Charlie's) band!
I don't think you have to be into fashion, if someone painted my clothes like Tao did I'd be FURIOUS lol.
Safe travels Thom!
Good job on setting up your drum kit! How very Charlie Spring of you!
Episode 8 is my favourite episode. It's also the episode I've watched to least amount of times, because it's just too painful at times. A masterpiece, but definitely not a comfort episode.
It already made me cry in the first few seconds when I heard the beginning of Colours of You. The fact that the song was in the first teaser for S1, and that it was written about Nick and his journey... It was a perfect choice to bring it back for this moment.
Heartstopper really said "there will be no bisexual erasure in this show." And I love it. FINALLY.
The SE "everything is going to be perfect" and the E8 "everything's perfect" parallel is everything, but ouch, my soul hurts.
I haven't even seen Avengers, but my first instinct when I saw the gang walk in was also to say "Avengers, assemble!" I don't undertsand how that mess of a room turned into the perfectly decorated prom setting in just a couple of hours. How?? Must be the power of friendship. 🥲
Thank you for the video! I hope you have a good work trip. Stay safe. ❤️🩹
Hello again! It’s so nice to see a new addition to the reaction! So excited! I can’t believe I’m still excited lol
Ack!!! I missed the notification for this one and only just saw it. I hope everything went okay in Alabama. I traveled there with my sisters back in February to visit our dad, and I was honestly pretty scared of going into any and all public restrooms between where I live in Florida and where our dad lives in Alabama, including the places we stopped along the way in Georgia and Tennessee (we had to go through part of Tennessee to get to my dad's house in Alabama). I've never felt so unsafe traveling before, and I've done a lot of traveling over the years. I hope all went well and look forward to seeing the next part of this reaction!
Traveling mercies!
It wouldn't be that cold in summer I'm sure. But they filmed it sometime between Oct and Dec so.... Guess it was a little nippy that night.
The walk of the squad into the gym is cool. But does reinforce my thought that sometimes they go overboard with the books. Like, I know it's his gag, but does he really have to be holding a book there?
lol, the fish 🤣
And the book on stage, come on. I love Isaac but it just looks kinda ridiculous sometimes.
Wow, that bullying video was great. Yeah, things look pretty bad over there.
Nick and Tao coming together as friends is great. Tao got so much development in Paris.
========
Oh man. Um, good luck in Alabama.
The actor who plays Mr Ajayi just got married to his partner
Brava, Chetna Pandya!
Be careful in Alabama! Can’t wait to see the rest of the episode. Well done!
Three parter! Just my vote, hehe. Great video as always, thanks!
I agree Tao getting paint on Elles clothes is taking it too far, but it’s probably water based paint and comes off easily.
Have a nice trip to Alabama! 👋🏻
Oh, I know that episode of Buffy! It was brutal and I don't think I'll ever watch that one again! Be careful on your trip!
15:40 ❤️❤️❤️
I’m covered in the colours of you
When are we going to get part 2? I loved your insight in part 1.
I love your videos and and analysis! Would you ever consider doing a in depth reaction/review to Solitaire? Would love to see that!❤
Does anyone else think that Nick’s comments are REALLY tame? I mean, there’s definitely bi-erasure, but I didn’t see anyone being genuinely homophobic. Do we think that Nick avoided the comments about his relationship with Charlie being disgusting and reprehensible because a) he’s Nick, and he’s got a lot more clout at the school and so elicits the grudging tolerance (or silence) of the homophobes, b) He’s aggressively blocking those comments so Charlie doesn’t see them, or c) Alice doesn’t want to go there because Episode 8 is already heavy enough? Any other theories?
That's a good question :o I hadn't really thought about it, it's a fairy tale fantasy, after all. But you're right, I forgot the bullying Charlie went through at the same fairy tale school. I think both a and c sound very plausible. What about d) the students have learned a better behaviour? (See my first sentence...) ? And/or e) there's strength in numbers, there are now more openly queer students at the school than there were when Charlie was outed (I think?)
This might be weird or something but I was wondering if you had tumblr
I do, but I haven't used it in a very long time!
No more fucks
Good luck in the Deep South! Plan something nice for yourself for when you get back and don't hesitate to take another hiatus to recover from that trip. (Yes, I still have nothing on this part of the episode, dammit. 😅)
Thank you for acknowledging the fact that Nick had a better coming out than then the actor because that really hurt me that people did that to himself thank you. I know it happened a while ago, but just my heart goes out to him so just thank you for saying that I know that he is a good person and he didn’t deserve this.🩷
I love this episode so freaking much🩷 this is the first part of it I stumbled upon the the third part of it, but I found the first part so I’m just gonna go in order
Good luck and well wishes on your mandatory travels to the Deep South. At least it’s not Florida, but I will be sending good vibes your way regardless. 🩵🩷🤍