HEARTSTOPPER REACTION // 105 'Friend'

[@dontdeletethexos]

Nick Nelson is too pure for this world I swear to god, everything he does just kills me but that present?! He's making my standards way to high

[@finnyc.260]

That's not high standards. That's what you deserve.

[@floppsymoppsy5969]

Yeah he's just a bi knight in shining armor... literally no one is safe from that charm!

[@michaellahanas2038]

He was glad he said friend and kept the secret, but sees what that costs Charlie, and feels guilty for the relief he feels about it being kept but hurt that he's hurting Charlie. My mans NN never does anything wrong. Best Golden Retriever.

[@mikelmontoya2965]

Alice Oseman, the writer of the homonym graphic novels the show is based and also the writer of the script of the show, has talked about how the character of Imogen doesn't exist in the novels but that she created it for the show because in the graphic novels conflicts are solved almost immediately (like, 3 pages after they start) most of the time, and she knew that wouldn't work for a TV show format, in which conflict has to build up, so she created the character of Imogen for the show to add more tension and to make the plot a little more complicated, with conflict that extends itself for a few episodes. She's also said however that she was acutely aware that people are kinda tired of the "girl getting in the way between the gay couple lead, driving the closeted one away from his actual romantic interest" trope, and therefore she never planned for the Nick - Imogen thing to get that out of hand, and that in general she was very wary of going too far into any kind of the usual "the gay couple lead going back and forth between a few moments here and there of them being together followed by outside factors and fear of people finding out about them driving them apart and making them suffer alone non-stop for 90% of the season" tropes that so prevalent are in gay romance media and that people are starting to get so tired of. Don't get me wrong though, there has been drama already and there's even more drama to come, as I've said Alice was aware that with a TV show format she couldn't keep the plot so uncomplicated as it is in the graphic novels, that with a TV show format conflict has to keep building up, so even with Alice's resolution to keep the show as feel-good as possible most people still find it kind of an emotional rollercoaster, and there definitely are angst and build-up in the show, but still, Heartstopper isn't here to linger on the drama and dwell on the suffering as most gay romance media is, the show tries its earnest to stay as faithful as possible to the wholesome, joyful spirit and message of the graphic novels while adapting them to an inherently-more-dramatic TV show format. That's one of the things that makes it so special in my opinion, it's so refreshing to finally have a gay romance show in which the lead couple doesn't spend 90% of the season either barely talking at all or in the verge of their relationship completely falling apart, instead letting them enjoy their passionate bond for a huge amount of the screen time. We've had so many gay romance shows already that linger way too much on the suffering and that, to make things even worse, since the lead couple spends so much time drifting apart, have too few scenes in which we can see them act all coupley-ly and lovingly with each other to pay off for the lingering suffering. Like, let them be happy, drifting away as little as possible, for once, for Christ's sake! And the most amazing thing is that Heartstopper does exactly that while remaining kind of an emotional rollercoaster with no small amount of drama and conflict getting in the way of their relationship and while not shying away from tackling strong, even dark subjects relating to the reality of not being straight (again, not dwelling on them too much, but also without glossing over them). I love it so much!

[@nekoneko5777]

i'm NOT tired of'' a girl getting in the way between gay ppl'' im tired of the way ppl take her as a ''villain'' like what the both doing is liking someone, what's so different? this reactor isn't rly the case but some male gay reactors even call her ''b'tch'' ''hoe'' like she's not even in a single one relationship she's just having a crush n trying to get him coz she has no idea of her crush's real love coz he's hiding it, no matter what their sexuality is a male start hating n treating a girl that way immediately with no proper reason being like ''coz i just hate her'' it's just misogynistic n disgusting🥶

[@ryannixon7174]

I have to say Corey. You are offering really in depth and insightful thoughts into the series and the characters that has made me love the show even more. You are amazing ❤️

[@jenniferbrinks6552]

I loved this show the first time.m I watched it but since then I’ve been watching a lot of reactions to it and they have made me love it anymore. Especially the reactions from gay men. To see their perspective and what this show means to them and how it makes them feel and it rips my heart out for them every time. It’s no longer about the show to me anymore. It’s about what it has done for a whole group of people who have been without a way to show us their journey. This show is going to change lives.

[@CoreysCouch88]

💙💙💙

[@tallactordude]

I was about to say this is really a beautiful episode, except they’re all beautiful episodes. I do really like the scene near the end with Imogen; Nick is such a kind soul, and he explains what he’s feeling in such a beautiful way. The combination of Alice’s writing and Kit’s acting make it probably my favorite part of the episode.

[@barbaragorman1357]

Loved the way you defended nick's decision to say yes to the date w imogen. Nick is young and on a journey indeed...

[@MM-fe9mz]

While initially it sucked that he said yes to imogen, in the end it kinda turned out to be a good thing and seemed to help Nick cement how he really felt in his mind. Nick so easily could have just lied to Charlie or gone on the date anyways. But after the night at the bowling alley it seemed Nick was definitely gaining more confidence in his feelings for Charlie. The photo gift was a nice touch too, a sign he was truly coming to terms with his feelings.

[@CoreysCouch88]

This!! Made it even more special with how it all happened

[@Evicky369]

I think Nick was also hugging Charlie after the bathroom scene because Charlie didn’t tell Tao about them being more than friends…there is a point where Charlie hesitates, and you see that moment of anxiety on Nick’s face, but he ends up saying “he’s my friend;” that small voice in the back of Nick’s head was wondering “is he gonna say it?” So I think the hug was also a reassurance to himself that he could trust Charlie and that Charlie would never do that before Nick was ready (as well as what you talked about 😁)

[@CoreysCouch88]

This was a think aloud I had while editing that specific scene!!!!

[@StupidWiz]

Exactly, Nick really really really appreciated that hence the hug.

[@AceCruzat]

THIS!!! To me, this is where Nick felt the safest with Charlie because Charlie could’ve have outed Nick, and to Charlie’s best friend no less, but he didn’t. Charlie kept Nick safe and that hug evoked the utmost appreciation of that.

[@courtneytwing]

As someone who’s watched the show soooo many times I never thought of it like that but I makes sense

[@musicislife-dk3nq]

Yesss this is my exact thought

[@devilkyn1]

I think that everyone overlooks how much Charlie is protecting Nick. You wonder if Nick hugs Charlie "to" protect him. I think he hugs Charlie as a thank you "for" Charlie protecting Nick. Charlie could have outted Nick to Tao but he doesn't He knows what it was like being outted himself and that Nick is feeling very fragile. Charlie is just as caring and determined to protect Nick's feelings while he is trying to discover himself. So even though he "could" clear everything up in a heartbeat, he doesn't. Instead he shoulders the burden (for now) in order to give Nick the time and privacy he needs to come to terms with his sexuality. I also think that inviting Nick to his birthday (besides just having your BF there) gives Nick a chance to see what having supportive friends looks like and to really realize he needs to break away from the rugby lads.

[@tookitogo]

You’re so right!!

[@dontdeletethexos]

Also, I don't blame Imogen, I would be in love with Nick Nelson to are you kidding

[@marekcoleman1890]

Did you notice that in the scene where Imogen says Nick and her are better of as friends? Well the birds that fly off afterwards in a pair are Lovebirds signifying Nicks resolution to be with Charlie. I love all the little details.

[@EliteA6226]

It's all about the small details that made it so good! From the small hand gestures like their pinkies touching. The way they look at each other and banter is everything! The impact of this show on everyone isn't shocking at all with how good it is. I love your deep reactions and thoughts about what you see and understand and it just made me more aware of things I hadn't thought of while watching it💕

[@ikitjoenot]

Nick Nelson being the literal best person in the entire world, I love him so much

[@positronpositron6050]

Tao (taaaa-oh, not tay-oh!) was the only one to take care of Charlie when he was bullied in Year 9. Elle and Isaac weren’t their friends yet. Charlie didn’t even want to come to school but Tao supported him through all of that and doesn’t want to see him go through all of that again.

[@scoutbobout2291]

I LOVE that Tao and Elle moment you zeroed in on, where Elle realizes her feelings for Tao. It's beautiful because so often in media, that moment is portrayed so... dramatically? Like it's so often the result of some huge event. But with Elle it happens in a quiet, everyday moment. They're just playing games together. It's something they've done a thousand times before but that's exactly why /that's/ the moment it hits her! So well done

[@kelcouch]

I love the way that there's no real drama.. that drama pops up and it's resolved instead of causing huge problems!! It's so refreshing to watch 🥰

[@CoreysCouch88]

YES!! I talk about this in a future video. Be on the lookout for that

[@lydia5873]

I loved your reaction at 10:18 to Nick looking at Charlie/Us the viewers 😂😂 the nick nelson obsession is STRONG in all of us and I love it

[@JT-cm9di]

I think Nick hugged Charlie after overheard Charlie conversation with Tao is because even under pressure from Tao, Charlie still not telling Tao the truth because he promised to keep Nick's secret despite as much as he want to tell his friend. Nick was moved because Charlie rather to quarrel with his best friend to protecting Nick while he figuring out his sexuality.

[@johnking5174]

For me, at 18:05 this was their best kiss. It felt so perfect, so sensual and it just made me get all goosebumps.

[@NosiDM]

Are you seeing now why they call it heartstopper? My heart cannot take how adorable this is!!

[@CoreysCouch88]

🤣🤣🤣 the most perfect title

[@lydia5873]

Your reaction to nicks gift is so pure and sweet 🥺❤️

[@BrownsBacker]

From the time he started liking Charlie ...Nick NEVER, within himself, denied his feelings for Charlie....he just didn't understand them....Charlie is pure emotion, and gives in to it freely... Nick is open to his emotions, but is very analytical and wants to understand them. Nick's journey isn't about questioning his love for Charlie....it's about understanding them and what those emotions mean for him as a person....he said he wanted their relationship to be a secret because he didn't know if he could come out...as anything....so it isn't his feelings he feared, but what it meant for his preconceived notions about what he was as a person. He doesn't doubt his love for Charlie, but what he is....when he finds his label, what describes him as a person, he is able with thought, to be able to identify what he is and how he feels.

[@deneice2551]

I love all of them so much buck Nelson is literally the sweetest boy and you can slowly see him starting to open up more and more and getting more comfortable in who he is and what he wants. His journey to self discovery is so amazing and Charlie is being amazing helping him through it and not rushing him to come out or anything.

[@lisamcarthur3225]

nick and charlie has a speical bond and their connection towards each other and also there chemistry so powerful.and there passion is so magical and the hug that nick gave charlie is for saying iam sorry that u feel u have to keep this a secaret to me nick feel so bad that he ask charlie that but charlie is makeing sure that nick is ok that he will be there though the rough and good and he will support him in verty thing he goes though because they both love each other . and i love how nick was honest to charlie explaning what happen and how he feels and also to Imogen as well it take alot for sameone to press there feelings to people that they care about. and the photo was so beautiful them them in the snow together haveing a speical magic time together

[@saiborg0822]

like omg... im obsessed with nickkkkk, god where can i find myown nick nelsonnn like please... heartstopper makes me feel so happy because of its wholesomeness and at the same time i feel so lonely because like.... look at them, also love the reactions

[@elia_simon]

"Do you like her?" "Her dog died." LMAO

[@BrownsBacker]

In just a few words, Nick perfectly describes what it is to be in the closet....even when you aren't fully aware that's where you are. Perfection!!!😭😭😭🤣❤️❤️❤️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@DanielDiaz-um1xd]

I was so glad Imogen covered for Nick at the end, no hard feelings and moving on

[@miguelong7919]

This is my favorite vid you've made on Heartstopper so far! The thoughts you had on the episode was worded really well and I understood a lot more of the nuances of what was happening on screen, I felt the need to subscribe but i already am.

[@CoreysCouch88]

This comment made my night, thank you so much! Sometimes I think I’m talking too much and not making sense but this was the inspiration I needed to know I’m going alright

[@chuckcarson7972]

The arcade scene will be by FAR my favorite scene, ever

[@dontdeletethexos]

I understand that Tao is trying to protect Charlie, but he is just going about it in the wrong way. People like Harry feed off of reactions like that, and it'll only make things worse. Bless him though , just trying to protect his friend.

[@sickkittenz]

yayy congrats on 10k!! ❤️

[@midnightstroll3657]

I literally love all your reactions ♡ ♡ ♡ you keep it real

[@AG-ix5po]

Ok your reaction to the present was the same as mine. The cutest ever.

[@alananimus9145]

If your answer to "do you like this girl?" Is "well her dog died" the answer is clearly "not like that"

[@corvus1374]

Look at the 15 on Charlie's jumper, So he was only 14 when he started the show, and probably 13 when he started kissing Ben. It makes sense then that Charlie's dad told him that his curfew was 10 pm.

[@CoreysCouch88]

The curfew makes sense... just amazed at Charlie's journey

[@MM-fe9mz]

I think he was 14 during the Ben situation. This scene was like probably March/ April. The Ben situation was sometime during the Fall term like September. Though he probably was dealing with the bullying and getting outed when he was 13 as it was mentioned that happened in the term before he meet Ben so that would have been the spring term 1 year before this romance.

[@EmonEconomist]

@@MM-fe9mz Yeah you're right, Charlie's birthday is 27 April so he would most likely have already been 14 when the Ben thing started.

[@MM-fe9mz]

The mom was so confused when Nick said her dog died.

[@amberwi5861]

So so good! Just love hearing your perspective! ❤️❤️ Can’t wait for you to watch the next episode!! ❤️❤️

[@CoreysCouch88]

Thank you!!

[@jeddrob2542]

I couldn’t watch the show the 3 rd time I try to cause it’s like watching my life and it’s beautiful but hurt at the Same time, and Corey 100 000 subscribers it’s not a lot I’m pretty sure you will have more than that you’re so sweet.I live in Mexico I’m so used to see most of the creators here to have more than a million subscribers and I don’t know how’s in Australia 🇦🇺 but I’m pretty sure you will have them some day. ♥️

[@lydia5873]

My comfort channel at the moment 💌💌💌💌

[@CoreysCouch88]

awwwwwww thank you

[@johnking5174]

Tao has the best intentions and really cares for Charlie, but goes about it in all the wrong way.

[@tjsingletonjr]

Perception is so important in how different Charlie's & Tao's attitudes are. Charlie never hears Nick agree to the date with Imogen, but Tao does, so he can't help but doubt that Nick is anything more than a friend to Charlie. Even worse, when Tao and Charlie walk away from the run-in with Harry, each of them looks over at Nick at slightly different times. The scene is blocked so that when Charlie looks over, several students are passing by so that Charlie only sees Nick. Yet, when Tao looks, the students have moved away so that he can see Nick talking to Imogen, confirming his suspicion that Nick likes her. And ... Tao is not willing to give Nick the benefit of the doubt *at all* right now.

[@sheilatumpach2112]

Also, when Charlie looked over to Nick, Nick was looking at Char. When Tao looked over Nick was bent over listening to Imogen with his back to Tao and Charlie. We see Nick with Charlie so much that we know his feelings for Charlie. Tao only sees Nick at the times when Nick’s attention is with the lads and with Imogen. Nick is still hanging out at lunch and in the morning with Harry’s posse. What’s he to think?

[@adrianrodriguezgonzalez4850]

Im honestly love your videos! Its like Im talking to you about the episodes!! Im so exited to see more of your reactions!!

[@CoreysCouch88]

Glad you like them!

[@ayrrol]

Is there a chance that Taos the reason why Charlie was outed? Idk, I just had a feeling because him being overprotective means like he's compensating on something he did, or it's probably just him being a really good friend 🤷🤷

[@jdd0815]

In the books, Tao accidentally is the reason Charlie gets outed because someone overheard him talking with Isaac (Aled in the books) about Charlie coming out.

[@ayrrol]

@@jdd0815 oh my god for real!? I was wondering why he acts way of as a best friend, thank you for clarifying!

[@jocafamaka]

Let's go!! Hi from Brazil!

[@CoreysCouch88]

HIIIII

[@funny9able]

I see you made it to 10K

[@JonInCanada1]

Tao isn't just protecting Charlie though, he's also a bit jealous of the fact that Charlie is growing into his own with someone outside their group. Tao's being a tad petty because Nick is Charlie's focus at the moment and while it's understandable to a degree, he has to let Charlie explore this part of his life with a degree of independence. Tricky situation all 'round. Also, Tao has zero right to threaten Nick like that, if it had been me, Tao would know in no uncertain terms that that won't fly. Lucky for him, Nick's a decent bloke.

[@sarah4hp]

Nick clearly sees Tao for the AMAZING friend he is, and realizes how lucky Charlie is to have someone that loyal, fierce and protective in his life. Nick doesn't want Charlie hurt either, so he doesn't blame Tao for being concerned when he knows that Tao has NO clue what he and Charlie truly shares when no one else is watching. He genuinely seems to admire Tao, and to relate to the feeling of wanting to protect Charlie. I even think Tao holding his feet to the fire is what makes Nick step up, confess to Charlie, cancel with Imogen, and just do the right thing by everyone involved. I think a lot of people are WAY too harsh when judging Tao, and often forget that Tao doesn't know or see everything we the viewers do. For me he is incredibly brave and fearless when it comes to defending his friends, and the level of loyalty and fierce protection he offer them is worth more than you might think. It would be better if Charlie could communicate with Tao more, and help Tao let go of his fears that Nick isn't out to hurt his best friend, but yeah... can't blame Nick for needing time, nor Charlie for respecting that and not betraying that trust. It is just an unfortunate situation where everyone did the best they could with what they were dealt. As for Tao being jealous, I don't think that is actually the issue at all. Sure, he wants some kind of reassurance from Elle that her new friends have not replaced him, and he doesn't want to lose Charlie from his life, but he is happy for Elle making new friends, as well as for Charlie when he sees Ben choosing him very publicly by the end. If his friends hold on to Tao, and don't neglect their friendship because they are in love, then Tao will be fine I feel. He just needs to feel that his friends still love him, still need him, and that they still WANT him in their life - and I don't think that is too much to ask of your friends at all. Working on himself, and getting more secure in himself and his place in the lives of those who are the most important to him would be beneficial for him, but yeah... I don't see that as jealousy, but more as an issue of insecurity.

[@magicgnome5515]

❤

[@franestella7848]

Omg

[@CoreysCouch88]

HIIIII

[@dontdeletethexos]

I clicked on this so fast you have no idea

[@CoreysCouch88]

woohooo!!!!

[@lydia5873]

SAMMEEEEEEEE

[@KelvinNiv]

Please watch Boys Love Thai drama. 1. Star in my mind The Series 2. My Cutie Pie The Series 3. Triage The Series 4. Kinn and Porsche The Series