EMOTIONAL DAMAGE (again) [Heartstopper 3x03 Reaction & Analysis: "Talk"]

[@EricOfTheClanRed]

I like that Nick knows when to not say "No S word." Charlie is very vulnerable at that moment and Nick knows to let him speak what he is feeling.

[@Frances86]

7:50 same, but not only is that my favorite N&C hug, but the following kiss is probably also my favorite N&C kiss ever. It’s just so full of passion and love and affection and happiness 🥹😍🥰

[@VicRez135]

Great analysis, as usual! Yes, I love the parallels as well. Another connection I love is to the moment at the end of season 2 when Nick talks about doing scary things because Charlie was there holding his hand, and that he wanted to be that for Charlie, too. Then, he does that very thing, holding Charlie's hand during the scariest thing - asking for help. I do love the hug on that first day of school, but I have to say that my favorite is the hug at the end of episode 4! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on all of that! Till then, take care, and kiss Darla for us!

[@shannancox6632]

I really appreciate your in depth and insightful analysis. This episode is a lot, but so beautifully written and acted. From when Nick finally really talks to Charlie to Charlie telling his parents had me crying. What really got me was when they panned to Tori. She loves Charlie so much and has been so worried. It's amazing to think that her thanking Nick for trying to help Charlie and Charlie asking for help is all on the same day.

[@MR-wh2fi]

I know it's a really difficult time right now, but I so so appreciate you continuing to do these reaction videos. Literally you are my favorite Heartstopper reactor, and I adore all the insight and analysis you provide. 🥰

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I loved tuning into the livestream yesterday and Episodes 3 & 4? NO ONE WAS READYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[@pavlinanovakova6975]

Your reactions are always spot on and they make me happy.😊 I'm really looking forward to your reaction to episode 4. I love Isaac’s storyline, and I’m thrilled we got to see more of him this season. I think Isaac lashes out at Tao and not Charlie because Tao was always so focused on his friends, so when he suddenly became so wrapped up in his relationship with Elle, it really hit Isaac hard. With Charlie, it was different-Charlie often spent time alone in the art room or with his drumming. And when Charlie started dating Nick, Isaac still had Tao around. Also he could tell something was off with Charlie, so he understood when Charlie wasn't there for him as much as he would have liked.

[@marclinnon3]

Hi Thom; thanks again for an excellent reaction and analysis to Heartstopper. This show makes me cry almost as much as the Broadway production of "Dear Evan Hansen", which I was blessed to see with the original Broadway cast; I cried for two hours when I saw that. All of this has to take an emotional toll on Nick; it amazes me that despite occasional breakdowns such as the one he had with Aunt Diane, he still remains emotionally healthy, particularly when you consider his absent father and homophobic brother. Nick, Tara and Elle seem to be the characters with the best emotional health, probably because their families and home environments are healthy, while Tao, Darcy, and of course Charlie are suffering from trauma that's had impacts on their emotional health. I am finally caught up on your videos and am looking forward to the ones for the rest of season three. I love your insights into what's driving the behavior, and that you point out things that I missed when I first watched the episode (e.g., the "We lit a light bulb", totally missed that). Thanks again!

[@Prinsassy777]

Hi Thom ! In a recent Q&A Alice said that they filmed a scene where Mr Ajayi talks to Mr Farouk about Charlie and if he should talk to the Parents. Unfortunately this scene is deleted 😢 Lovely Greetings ❤

[@georgechristianjr]

i cry EVERY TIME , Joes PHENOMINAL BRILLIANCE

[@sofiavitale9399]

I’ve been waiting for this. Can’t believe you got it out this fast.❤

[@yeahjoanna]

I also read the mood in the comics a bit different, much more curious gossip than snickering, but perhaps this is more realistic in how it's more gradually moving towards the more positive? (in the scene with their amazing hug after being apart) But yeah did also notice that. Love your reaction as always!!

[@bingleyausten]

A reflection/parallel I don't think you mentioned - the trip to the beach at the end of 1x08, when Nick was covering Charlie's eyes as they walked to their destination. Mr Ajayi is obviously one of Charlie's safe places, which made it surprising when Charlie passed out in the Louvre that Nick sent the others to get Mr Farouk rather than Mr Ajayi. Though I suppose Farouk is more satisfactory to yell than Ajayi. When I was at school, the "form", though as far as I remember we just called it roll call, was only about 10 minutes and then we went to assembly.

[@corvus1374]

Tao's ig saying I was shorter in a previous life is probably because in the books, Tao is short.

[@BrotherTypo]

I never connected the parallel to Charlie getting ready for school in the second season. That's so much cuter. Darcy's journey to understanding themselves and learning how to express themselves properly is such a lovely thing to show. Even not being non-binary it's good to show that if you want to break "gender norms" then go for it. I'm sure many girls would agree with Darcy that why can't they also wear pants if the boys can. Wear what makes you comfortable and happy because gendered clothing is societally subjective and men used to wear heels before it became feminine. (Also agree I could also use a "I missed you" hug from Nick) God this show makes me feel so lonely and touch starved lol I could very much believe that Nick is one of those people who "doesn't care about their birthday", probably because of his Dad being disappointing and David being...David so Nick just enjoyed celebrating with his mom and not making a big deal about it because it felt easier on everyone. And now he has Charlie and a loving group of friends so now he has people who WANT to make him feel special and loved on his birthday. Omg i never read Tao's instagram bio until you paused on it. "Was shorter in my previous life." Really nice subtle nod to Tao being a short king in the comics lol It's really sweet seeing the teachers so supportive of Charlie and his mental health. And as you pointed out that Nick is so tuned into reading people's emotions and vibes. Agreed we need more James. I feel a lot of Charlie's struggle with body issues, I also dislike being included in Group photos because I do not like how I look. I'm so self-concious about how I look and especially on days where my body image in my head is at a near low I'm like "You're lucky I am allowing myself to be percieved. Please don't immortalize my prescence." It's so... *melts into a puddle* And everything in the Zoo is just *chef's kiss* the relationship talks, the body language, the character growth and discussions. Just soooooo goood And I have to summaraize it there or i'll write too much for the comment box to allow lol We all need someone like Nick to help us talk through our darkest times and support us at our worst to help build us back up to our best. I love how Kit and Joe handle the scene at the end, it's so amazing how good they both are at body language acting and being able to so well portray Nick's sadness and care alongside Charlie's turmoil and fear. 😭 God I love this show so much

[@janicaribeiro6350]

Hi Thom I don’t think I would have survived the election without heartstopper. I would love to be be beamed up from Ireland to New York to see Romeo + Juliet in the circle . Kit Connor is getting wonderful reviews.

[@modestysnooze6154]

What happens in form? It varies from school to school but there's usually quite a structured programme of activities. It's quite short, usually 15-20 minutes, and its usually where students get messages about events and school rules etc. Some teachers are very chill and let students get away with not really doing much but that's not how its supposed to go!

[@sandramatras8345]

16:25 and in all fairness, Charlie and Nick have been apart for three weeks at this point.

[@Prinsassy777]

Hey Thom! I haven't seen you in a while, I hope everything is fine!! Lovely greetings

[@georgechristianjr]

YES episode 4 is the GREATEST episode of ALL #Heartstopper

[@sofiavitale9399]

36:39 i’m telling you golden retriever vibes!💛

[@ThatsMyUsborneBook]

31:20 more than the whole group, Elle specifically is at fault too. In season one the four of them were friends but once Elle became Tao's girlfriend, Isaac and Charlie have been treating her as Tao's girlfriend and the same seems to be true of Elle. She talks about neglecting Darcy and Tara, but she equally hasn't been hanging with Charlie or Isaac. I do think it's partly because Tao is normally such an intense friend that his lack of attention seems like more of a loss to Isaac.

[@sandramatras8345]

Charlie probably did plan everything while Nick was away on vacation, though...

[@JennieLau-f4s]

Form may be structured with teacher led tasks, or it might be more informal. Phones aren't usually allowed.

[@surelysuperior]

This is How You Lose the Time War is confusing.

[@emms232]

This episode shows another moment of Nick's weird sense of timing, I mean do you really want to discuss Charlie's eating disorder while you guys are having lunch? 🤔 Also I like how both Isaac and Nick sort of "put Tao in his place" (for lack of better terms?) first when Isaac told him how it really feels to third-wheel him and Elle all the time lately and then Nick when he actually raised his voice at him when he was ready to run to Charlie and ask about things he really doesn't want to talk about (much less to someone who has a history of being a bit of a blabbermouth). I also understand Charlie when it comes to mental health stuff, although it's not that serious as in his case I have an ED, too, called restrictive ARFID (would not recommend) and asking for help and actually finding it is pretty damn hard.

[@janicaribeiro6350]

I want to be glamorous like Elle and Naomi , my granddaughter Alice who is only 6 , said but you’re a boomer and you’re to short to be like those girls 🤣

[@salemoh9759]

In this episode sorry Issac was a little bit annoying

[@thom_is_trans]

I think it's important to try to understand where Isaac is coming from and empathize with what he's been going through. He feels excluded and ignored and like his friends don't value him, and for good reason. I think anyone in that situation would feel the same.

[@salemoh9759]

@thom_is_trans sorry i don't agree he is not understanding and he is little bit selfish I'm gay and i have many happy straight couples in my friendgroup and im not jealous or anoying I'm happy for them and they always include me

[@thom_is_trans]

​@@salemoh9759 If your friends are always including you, then you're not in Isaac's situation. His problem is that they are NOT including him. :P

[@bingleyausten]

@@thom_is_trans As someone who is almost as bookish as Isaac, it is possible to get caught up in a spiral where you don't feel included so you turn to your books more so people think you don't need to be included so much because you have your books so they don't make the effort to include you and so you don't feel included and round we go again. So I'd hesitate to say anyone here should be blamed but they do need to be more aware that sometimes an effort is needed in friendships just like it is in romance.

[@Taraxacum_sp]

Thank you so much for the video! My first instinct upon learning the news on Wednesday morning was to put on S1E3 of Heartstopper. ❤️‍🩹 I'm so glad we have HS to find queer joy in. I find episodes 2 and 3 the hardest to watch, even though episode 3 is not all sad and has bubbles of joy (like the school reunion and the zoo trip). Things needed to get really bad for Charlie to admit that he had a problem and agree to seek help. The subsequent episodes have a more hopeful tone, so the difficult moments don't feel as insurmountable. Are you saying that Tao giving minute by minute Elle updates to Charlie and Isaac is the same as me sending Heartstopper stuff to my uninterested friend? Oh, how I must be annoying. 🤐 The camera panning to Tori on the stairs. Ow. ❤️‍🩹