Stoliz Better after Breakup? Apology Tour Analysis

[@CellSpex]

How's the new thumbnail? Thanks for everyone who says they appreciate the analysis, I struggled a lot with this video, as you can see, it's kinda all over the place. But I least I can clean up some thoughts when I get to Full Moon, Let me know if there's any subjects you want me to touch on. - Add on from my 'protector' take that Stolas protects Blitz from being seen at the party

[@BrakSplash]

@@CellSpex I'm adding a comment to help with the algorithm. If that's still a thing. I respect creators who work hard

[@SwellStuff483]

Personally my favorite thumbnails from you were the ones with the simple neon outline doodles of characters. But I support whatever works best for the algorithm.

[@icarue993]

It might deviate too much from your usual thumbnails to know it is you. It is not very eye catching either (The thumbnail is the Bird Noises one on black background) You could have put your avatar somewhere, or the same avatar in a different pose, just so you can put it in a different section.

[@CellSpex]

@@BrakSplash that's so nice of you :)

[@pantinaprovina42]

I’ve never seen your channel before but this thumbnail definitely caught my eye and my curiosity. I thought it might be a compilation video at first but I’m watching HB analysis videos right now like I’m dying of thirst in the Sahara, so I was not disappointed 😂 I looked at your channel page and the neon thumbnails are a bit overwhelming for me, but I’m easily overloaded by too much stimulus in general. Thanks for making a great video!!✨

[@cryptic_sunflower]

I always find it so sweet that blitz lives in a dead end one bedroom apartment and practically can’t afford anything better, but he still chooses to give Luna the bedroom! Like he has committed to sleeping on a ratty second hand sofa for years!! Just so his daughter can be comfortable and have her privacy

[@tombsofak]

Aw man I never clocked that! Great observation!

[@ashebennett7726]

Or she demanded it.

[@MangoMagica]

That’s so true, I love this 😭

[@bumblebeeproductions1673]

@@ashebennett7726I don’t think it’s in her character to do that. But it is in Blitz’s character to give her the bedroom no questions asked

[@VelvetteSimp]

That's so wholesome :(

[@CakedUpDumptruck]

The phrase “Consent is too intimate for him” is probably the most horrifying and depressing thing I have ever heard.

[@avivastudios2311]

But... He consented to Chaz...

[@sparrowslife5142]

​@@avivastudios2311 My guess was that Chaz wouldve been a one time, he's a stranger...but Stolas is not a stranger and is someone who he feels connected to In my experience, its easier to admit to something to someone you'll never see again than someone you are close to

[@questworldiangreenknight7455]

True

[@CellSpex]

@@avivastudios2311 was literally a transaction (Ill show you all the stuff they did...)

[@XGrandireX]

@@avivastudios2311 “I’ll show you all the things they [Millie and Moxxie] liked in the sex” was how Chaz initially propositioned sex to Blitzø. There’s also the theories that Blitzø was trying to get info on Chaz and didn't drink the whiskey Crimson offered him because he was suspicious of the whole situation.

[@bellehogel8665]

Great analysis. I did not see a lot of this. Will say Stolas saying he never looked down on Blitz annoyed me. Stolas basically treated Blitz like a plaything for a lot of the series which is what likely gave Blitz his impression of Stolas in addition to Stolas' rank.

[@skellybelly6866]

yesss bro, like you say you didnt look down on him but also had called him ur little imp and plaything and literally put out a cigar on his head, even if it wasnt intended as looking down on him it definetely would translate like that

[@JayGreyson]

The symbolism of stolas towering over Blitz while saying that, semi-realizing the towering and sitting down to get down to his level to still be looking down was rlly interesting to me. He wants to show how Blitz and he are equals but at the same time its shown how they rlly aren't

[@ashebennett7726]

Not really. Or he didn’t intend it to seem that way. To Stolas, it’s just flirting. He even asked Blitzo if he likes being talked to like that, Blitzo didn’t deny it and continued being sexual with him. It also disregards the fact that Stolas was never taught that talking to someone like that isn’t okay and how to navigate relationships with the lower class. And remember, Blitzø also talks to Stolas the same way as a plaything and is equally as vulgar if not more so than Stolas. Does it make it right? No. Does it make it malicious? Also no. Blitzo was the first to look down on Stolas and sees him as nothing more than a plaything/meal ticket as well even with how much he does care for Stolas. Even if you could write it off as classic power trip, remember how “the deal” cooked up in the first place and that is because Blitzo realized Stolas liked him. He slept with him and took the book. That’s not a power trip or anything. Blitzo did something and Stolas thought well, let’s keep doing it. Even if that doesn’t erase the power dynamic, there’s no denying that Stolas was disgusted with himself upon realizing it back at Ozzie’s, because that was the first time he was called out and realized that he had a string on Blitzo in which he makes a move to clip it. Both Blitzo and Stolas are products of their own environment. Blitzo being destructive and actively hurting people. Then there’s Stolas who is simply naive and ignorant, does things that unknowingly hurts people but takes action to promptly correct his behavior (though not perfect). The fact that Blitz doesn’t deny how Stolas talks to him, and doesn’t seem to understand that type of flirting can be misinterpreted; it’s never brought to his attention that that type of talk isn’t okay not even from Blitz. The main reason why Blitz thinks Stolas looks down on him is because he believes he’s unworthy of being loved especially by those of higher status. How can you expect anyone to know what they’re doing wrong unless someone, especially the ones they care for, tell them “I don’t like that” or “that it isn’t okay”, kid or adult? You can’t. Yes, both characters are flawed, but let’s not pretend that Stolas does things on the same level as Blitz does, or at the very least, doesn’t intend to. Meanwhile, everything Blitz does is intentional.

[@Orsonfoe]

@@ashebennett7726 you take all the internet likes. this. people keep trying to make it seem like stolas was the from the start looking at blitzo as someone who is lesser. when stoalas is so love starv and has no basis for normal interaction. that's why when he realised what he was doing was wrong he took steps to change it. and even when blizto basic stomp on his heart he still let him keep the crystal. didn't try to take it back or say he didn't deserve it.

[@forever.rendeavor]

LITERALLLYYY HE LEGIT CALLED BLITZ HIS PLAYTHING IN TRUTH SEEKERS

[@deandredukes95]

You can't fast-forward heartbreak, and you can't rewind love - and that's just one big bummer.

[@pokemonmanic3595]

We’re at the what I call the “Season 5 of BoJack” point of Helluva Boss. If Blitzø keeps being an asshole we’re gonna start losing interest in him as a character, but if they change too much the whole identity of the show will change. But all I’m hoping for is some change, because as it stands I’m starting to get tired of it.

[@bryanmoberg8408]

iirc vivian has said she plans for 4 seasons, so we are at the halfway point, I imagine that means a couple episodes of them broken up, with them getting together properly in season 3-ish, and then 4 dealing with other stuff and/or possibly crossing over with hazbin (if amazon doesn't have rules against that) Keep in mind too, that they've been a focus of season 2, but season 1 had a lot more of the other crew, so we could definitely refocus on millie, moxie, loona, octavia, the dhorks, the broader plot about stella and stryker, the fallout with mammon, and so forth once we wrap up the relationship drama. Plenty of places to go once we finally get our heroes together in a healthy-ish relationship.

[@XGrandireX]

@@pokemonmanic3595 For me it feels like Blitzø’s been gradually changing the past 2 seasons. Season 1 Blitzø would never have sat down and really listened to Verosika, let alone follow her advice. And Season 1 Blitzø wouldn't have let Stolas dance with another because that was what made him happy. I feel like end result Blitzø will be like he was right after his Bad Trip in 106, where he’s able to fully complement and support the ones he calls his family. Still with the sex jokes and don’t give a fuck personality, but with the catharsis of having let go of his trauma to openly care about the ones he love.

[@samflood5631]

I can’t tell if Helluva Boss is being another angsty Yaoi fanfic or a Bojack Horseman knockoff.

[@jocelynsmyth6604]

Apology tour, after this episode, made me stop watching the series. It wasn't exactly for me from the start, and now I'm over it. At age 36, im older than a lot of the audience, and Blitz is annoying to me - yes he has some good points, but he is a jerk who does a lot of damage. I also think too much of the story focuses on sexuality and 'humerous' gags, and that's lost a lot of the character continuity (Striker's character was painful to see the difference) - and I'm tired of the singing, I want some good dialog. Also, I think as a couple, Blitz and Stolas suck. I'd rather have a new person for Stolas and see Blitz improve on his own. But of course we know, months later, that Stolas gives up everything for someone who genuinely does not deserve it. No thanks.

[@DanGamingFan2406]

Fantastic analysis. I'm glad to finally hear someone deconstruct Blitzø's actions and thought process beyond "he's got trauma." I appreciate how you delved into the psyche of both characters and described how both are at fault. I wish more like you people realized that Blitzø isn't the only one to blame, and I really hope Stolas eventually reflects on and realizes his actions as well, and that Blitzø isn't the only one who takes responsibility. At some point, they need to just talk to each other, and next time, not while one is drunk.

[@aacsmiles]

If you’re looking for a great double feature, check out Sarcastic Chorus’s video on the break up fight. Combined with this video, I think it would make for a good analysis of both Blitzo and Stolas’ perspective.

[@Midorikonokami]

You ... Haven't found Sarcastic Chorus's channel, yeah? He has at least three half-hour video bonanzas about how Stolas needs to face his own traumatic-response driven bad behaviours.

[@GojiraFan-in9oo]

7:12 Stolas- when have I ever looked down on you??? LITERALLY EVERY TIME BEFORE OZZIE'S

[@D_YellowMadness]

He did it for the entirety of Apology Tour too & so did the writers as shown by the annual house party dedicated entirely to how hard Blitzo sucks.

[@gamerat1015]

Yea I think its a good line since it shows how Stolas is unaware of how much he talked down to Blitz in the past

[@the_UF365]

25 minutes of deconstructing both sides of this relationship, while hinting that one at least has coworkers whom he protects dearly and an old close friend, while the other has become kinda obsessed with their fantasy of the other all season, then to acknowledge that you think Stolas has become boring is one of the best structured bits of sarcastic wit I've heard all year!🤣

[@Joey245]

I love analyses like these! Especially the "Blitz thinks he has to be strong because no one was strong for him" bit, I never thought of it that way and it makes so much sense. Keep being awesome!

[@MelonTartVA]

I always saw it as he blamed himself for his mother’s death and what happened to Fizz. He keeps people who care about him at an arm’s length because he’s afraid they’ll get hurt because of him whether he causes it directly or indirectly.

[@Ash-wq8hs]

All of this is facts again about time someone pointed out the flaws with both stolas and blitz in the relationship and not just blame one for the toxicity of there said relationship when they both fucked up with it

[@jackofmadness]

That’s literally the point of the whole conflict with the relationship. It just doesn’t make sense to treat one as being more in the right than the other because neither of them are.

[@Ash-wq8hs]

@@jackofmadness tell that to the people who are doing it lol

[@D_YellowMadness]

​@@jackofmadness Apology Tour ruined all of that though. They were so obsessed with making Blitzo look like the bad guy in that episode that they just totally made up dozens of exes on the spot & had them throw an annual parry about how much Blitzo sucks. Stolas has no right to be mad & is 99% to blame. They even tried to make us feel bad for Verosika (one of the most evil characters) just so we'd hate Blitzo. It's not working for me & it's only gonna take one more episode like that to ruin the show.

[@Ash-wq8hs]

@@D_YellowMadness honestly full moon was worse the only Good thing was the break up and the fizz cameo lol

[@toastysweaters5692]

@@D_YellowMadness I agree with most of your comment except for the part about Verosika being evil. Yeah, she was an antagonist in S1, all her animosity towards Blitz was justified since it was pretty obvious Blitz was the problem in their relationship

[@NightoftheLivingcookies10]

The “bird society” you keep mentioning is actually a trial with all the other Goetia (and the sins because Mammon and Satan are there) Stolas is likely gonna be in huge trouble because he’s gonna get outed on his affairs and how he’s been misusing the book. More drama leading into the finale

[@CellSpex]

well that's a little bit of a bummer but it makes sense

[@raymondtherat4960]

This is an absolutely fantastic analysis, probably the best one I’ve seen regarding Stolitz so far. The way you dived into their characters, more specifically their flaws and motivations, was really interesting and I am dying to hear what you have to say about Full Moon!!! I also agree with you on Stolas needing to have more traits outside of Blitz-that seems to be what the show’s building up to but I just hope they’ll execute it well…sigh. Here’s to hoping Ghostfuckers is another banger ep!

[@CellSpex]

Thank you!

[@bryanmoberg8408]

ghostfuckers has John Waters as a guest star, it'll be stellar based on that alone.

[@Putting_the_Bi_in_Big_Nerd]

Something I noticed about the opening scene: Whenever Blitz (and possibly also Stolas, but if so, it's just to a lesser degree from what I can tell) are speaking from the heart, the water from the pool is in the scene (aka it shows they're speaking clearly). However, whenever Blitz is speaking in the way that's more representative of the facade he's trying to maintain, the pool is mostly or completely out of frame. My favorite instances of this are 1) 1:09-1:12 [time in the episode] it's starting off with Blitz genuinely showing his longing to be with Stolas but then putting on his facade of it being for their "usual reasons" 2) The whole time Blitz talks about how he feels relationships are boring, the pool is not shown at all 3) Blitz being honest about Striker's first attempt (including his thoughts about how Stolas could not get hurt) is shown with the pool, showing he's not making excuses, he genuinely didn't think it was possible (obviously, we knew that from the end of Western Energy but still) 4) And of course, that whole "Nobody like you could like someone like me" is one of the shots of Blitz where the pool is the most present

[@blatherskitenoir]

I think Stolas and Blitz worked because Stolas is so passive. Stolas has no friends that we've ever seen. He is miserable, but never tried to improve his situation. He has immense wealth, opportunity, and power that he has done NOTHING with. He just sits there waiting for someone and something to happen to him. As kids, Blitz literally drags him by the hand to go play. As adults, Stolas is pushed onto the bed by Blitz to initiate sex, or even just falls onto it, and he's tied up during, so Blitz does all the 'servicing' work. Blitz is such a big personality, and he is a definitely doer. He clawed his way up from disabled circus clown to become one of the rare few imp business owners. He gives big "Main Character" energy, and he will go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in his world. He outdrank Gluttony, he stepped in to yell at Lust for calling his friends saps, his ex is one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Blitz has presence. Blitz makes an impact and leaves an impression. And this worked. Blitz is used to and enjoys taking care of others, and he is extremely uncomfortable with being vulnerable (except occasionally), so taking lead is his happy place. Stolas is inexperienced and passive and someone stepping in to take him on an adventure, like in his books, is his happy place. They could complement each other's relationship needs nicely. But where things went wrong and became unhealthy is that Stolas became fixated on that "fairy tale experience", while still relying on others, (namely Blitz,) to provide it to him. He doesn't want real, he doesn't want reality, Stolas wants the Disney ride version of a relationship, and he expects getting it to do the miraculous and fix everything in his life. We see a lot of Stolas' obsession with fake romances. He is clinging to a romance novel in this scene. He thought Blitz had broken in to "ravish" him, because that's what thieves do in harlequin novels. He says all of the cringey, horrifying, sex dialogue from those spicey books out loud. He has a whole fantasy about Blitz coming to rescue him from Striker. When asked what he wants, he enacts a rom com scene about being chased to a train station. He *literally* dresses up like a hella novella character to go on his date to Ozzie's. Stolas keeps trying to get his rom com experience, and every time he does, Blitz tried to bring him back to reality. Blitz tells him he's over dressed when Stolas shows up with Gabriella hair; Blitz swipes the book away, off the table, trying to get direct attention; Blitz sends his team to rescue Stolas from Striker so he can fulfill his real life duties to his daughter; Blitz gags him or tells him he needs to stop talking or he's 'using the bear traps'; Blitz tells Stolas to use his real name; Blitz literally tells him that what he wants isn't real: it's a rom com. Rather than trying to meet Blitz in reality and learning to be an active participant in their relations, instead, Stolas became more and more attached to the storybook "experience" he wants someone to give him of love. Stolas does become more of an active doer, but it's only in pursuit of filling what he sees as his designated plot role in the story of his romance. Stolas texts the massive walls of words he expects Blitz to do the work of parsing out, and then take as instructions. He thinks a grand gesture is needed, so he plans the whole crystal confession. Stolas is almost like a fanfiction writer, ignoring the canon of their relationship to come up with his preferred one. Blitz was perfectly happy delivering an "experience" for Stolas. Screen shots of their texts show that Blitz is concerned with doing exactly what Stolas wants on full moons, saying "it's your night" and trying to deliver what Stolas wants, and we already know Blitz does the majority of the sexual servicing during these encounters. Where it all went wrong is when Stolas wants *both* the take out order level of service AND for it to be real, which is a step too far for Blitz and violates Blitz's boundaries. As Blitz points out, Stolas doesn't get to treat him the way he's treated him and also bring this 'feelings bullshit' into it. When Stolas' rom com fantasy scene for his confession doesn't go the way he scripted in his head, he immediately peaced out. He is not interested in clearing the misunderstanding, listening to Blitz, or working through things. Because he wants the rom-com story, he doesn't want a real relationship. And the rom-com story tropes say to do things like be a catty, bitchy person to your ex, and deliver dramatic break up songs, and that the next hot guy at the party is going to be the real Male Lead. I am convinced Stolas didn't respond to Blitz's apology because Stolas was actually waiting for a Grovel: a trope scene from a romance novel where the Male Lead apologizes for everything, makes a grand gesture, and begs to be taken back while swearing to do anything and everything to make the Female Lead happy. All of the necessary elements for the couple to make up and start on a real, healthier relationship were there. Blitz apologized, was emotionally vulnerable, explained why he reacted the way he did, and has, all along, indicated he does not want to cut ties. Stolas isn't interested. He doesn't want real. Blitz clearly asks for Stolas to explain to him why he wants this and what Stolas sees in him....and Stolas instead expresses jealousy that Blitz has Main Character energy (all of those people care enough about Blitz to throw this party) and gives a wish list of what he wants to experience in a relationship. Then lights up when a Handsome StrangerTM approaches. Clearly, Stolas is less concerned with earning Blitz and a relationship with him, than with finding someone, anyone, who can give him the laundry list of items on his relationship scene checklist. At the end of the episode the characters are parting at this very fascinating impasse where they are almost heading for role reversals. Blitz has decided to improve himself. He wants to be a better person. He has made a selfless decision and is letting Stolas go. Blitz's character trajectory is definitely up. He will be improving as the episodes go on. On the other hand, Stolas' character seems like it's going to be sliding into the mud. His selfish, catty, self serving side is on full display. The delightful innocence and eager naivety which hid those traits until now have burned off. Stolas is now far more comfortable taking charge and issuing orders. It is easy to envision him as the divorcee friend in their slutty party phase, ignoring their kids and obligations as they self-destruct with a constant stream of partners and booze. Or to picture him using his newfound comfort in his princely position to rotate through a list of new paramours in the search for someone who can give him the fantasy he wants. Blitz has gone through his soul searching and his reckoning in these episodes, now he just has to put in the work. Stolas hasn't. He still needs to realize his behavior and attitudes, which he is firmly in denial of. So while Blitz does get put through the wringer, he comes out better. I can only see Stolas getting worse for the near future, though.

[@nihili4196]

Oh my god, finally someone who just talks on both sides, not just go "X fucked up and Y is traumatized". I'm definitely sympathising with Stolas for personal reasons, but man, this while thing is a little bit more complicated than "one of them fucked up few times". I wouldn't even really say that they're both responsible for this outcome, this outcome just happened, and neither of them were able to prevent it in time really. This is a nature of human relationships, sometimes some people at certain times in their lives may not be compatible with each other to this point. They may lack wisdom or experience to keep things healthy, courage to face issues, or even ability to see problems at all. I honestly hope that both of them will find better partners after they both grow up and recover... But knowing this show I feel like they might end up together, so at least I hope they'll grow up and get over their traumas and issues

[@marilucs]

I just want Stolas to get a reality check in canon, cuz I think his fans love to keep babying him. And tbh I don't think I really want them to get back together...

[@egh_7]

I agree this ship sucks.

[@tacocat1921]

@@egh_7 100% I really want them to stay broken up, but I think the show is building up to put them back together as a couple down the road.

[@refinant6298]

I only want to see them together after one of two things: 1) Stolas realizes he too is a PoS and just as guilty as Blitz in making this "relationship" a dumpster fire, or 2) He realizes he's also a PoS... And embraces it, becoming the perfect toxic, obsessive boyfriend/owner by *consciously* playing Blitz like a Violin and **enjoying it all**. Otherwise yeah, I want them away from each other.

[@multifunfunman3241]

Stolas has the naivety, the sensitivity, the love, the awkward manner in which he reacts to new situations, and a smile on his face that only a child embodies, so it's not surprising that they want to baby him.

[@silviaalmeyda423]

He is acting hypocrite and uwugaybaby enery from him make me more done he is gonna get spared and they will get back together anyway

[@D_YellowMadness]

Every time Stolas complains about Blitzo making him uncomfortable, it's baffling to me that I'm supposed to sympathize with Stolas. This is a guy who said extremely lewd things about Blitzo multiple times in front of his own daughter & had an "Oh, I'm a predator." epiphany in *the previous episode.*

[@hachapurchic]

"he has never be able to be vulnerable because he has never even physically been able to be vulnerable 'cause there has been nobody to protect him" hits so hard help😭😭

[@nicholasmahoney7820]

I still think the narrative is treating Stolas as too innocent in the situation and therefore making him look like a massive hypocrite. It's especially frustrating when Stolas is genuinely more in the wrong than Blitzo is.

[@airplanes_aren.t_real]

It's also weird to see blitz go from "begging to be heard by a person who just gave him 10 curve balls in less than a minute only to be shut out and blamed for the situation" to "annoying ass hole paradoxically pleading for connection and shutting it out wherever it is given" I'm not saying that either of those characterization don't fit the character, it's just jarring to see the Juxtaposition between them so fast

[@XGrandireX]

It really just stems from the writers’ decision to postpone the Stolas's repercussion episode to a later one, and fully focus on Blitzø’s this episode. Most of the staff comments and even the description doesn't side with Stolas and even says that he’s still not fully aware this episode, but he’s really an accessory and catalyst to Blitzø’s character development this time around. Not saying you’re wrong, a lot of Helluva post Ozzies tries to soften Stolas’s edge because they predicted that a lot more people would be on Blitzø’s side in the transactional relationship and wanted to create a difficult situation where neither’s fully in the wrong. It’s just the side effect of having the show written out years in advance (apparently Apology Tour was written back in 2021) with no real way to respond to fandom feedback cause of development pipelines.

[@TeamFriendship8600]

If anything, Stolas hooking up with another imp is a bad thing because he hasn't come to terms with his hypocrisy. Sure, he realizes on some level that his and Blitzo's relationship is toxic, but only takes partial accountability for the power dynamic issue, thinking that it's solely due to his status and not how he treated Blitzo. If that's unintentional, then that's shockingly poor writing.

[@bryanmoberg8408]

yeah, it's easy to forget that Stolas is ultimately a John that fell in love with a sex worker he'd hired. Creating an unbalanced power dynamic that blitz repeatedly brings up as one of his core concerns about a relationship with Stolas. Now, Blitz clearly DOES have feelings for stolas and stolas is trying to turn this into a regular relationship, but even a well adjusted person would be wary, look how much a similar dynamic was eating away at Fizz all these years, add Blitz's self destructive tendencies into the mix, and things get real volatile, where fizz and ozzie where able to be mature and sing/talk it out, blitz panicked and lashed out, which exacerbated Stolas' existing insecurities and made it that much more crushing. (likewise compare this to how Charlie and Vaggie handled their big conflict, with both going to others for advice, talking out their feelings, and giving each other space to figure things out)

[@beebs4283]

as an enormous fan of stolas this is my biggest gripe as well. i really hope they address it at some point because it’s just so obvious especially after… the entire first season. i’m unfortunately not hoping for any quick resolution on that though, as episode previews seem to indicate a shift away from stolitz for the rest of the season (next season, perhaps)

[@thirdcoinedge]

One of the interesting things about Apology Tour is that, out of all the people Blitz felt he wronged, he didn't include I.M.P. He has inadvertently hurt his employees before, especially with his treatment of Moxxie, to the point where Blitz's conversation with him in S1E6 essentially ended with "That was the nicest you're getting from me, don't expect any more of that." Sure, they have been on good terms since, but it feels more like Blitz doesn't think he has to improve himself around his employees because they're the people he's nicest to, which, considering how low the bar is for him, doesn't exactly make him the best boss. They're the people he can be the most honest with, but even at his nicest he's still doing it in unhealthy ways, especially considering the power dynamic of him literally being their employer, which the show might play into as a parallel with Stolas. And then there's his treatment of Loona, which, while she recognizes that he's trying to be a good father, Blitz almost expects reciprocation for his acts of parental affection (which he often expresses physically and, considering Loona's situation during her childhood, is essentially continually setting off triggers that Blitz doesn't understand she likely struggles with) because that's how things are supposed to be with parent and child, and relies on her as his anchor when all else has failed (as seen during the Season 1 finale), which isn't exactly the healthiest dynamic for their relationship to be built on. This actually plays into where I think the show might go in the future, with there being a moment where Blitz is finally fully alone in the world: his employees have left him, his daughter wants a life that isn't centered around him, and his future with Stolas is uncertain. And from that point, he has to have a "Zuko moment" of figuring out just who he is and what he wants, especially from himself. Same as Stolas, he needs to figure out his life beyond defining himself by how others perceive him. In any case, I don't really care if the ship ends up canon or not, I'm mostly just looking forward to the ~drama~.

[@bryanmoberg8408]

to be fair, if you look at his apology list, Moxie is on there with a question mark. So he at least thought about it.

[@thirdcoinedge]

@@bryanmoberg8408 Oh, I missed that detail. Still, it says something that he apparently thought that he ultimately didn't have to apologize to Moxxie.

[@D_YellowMadness]

@@thirdcoinedge It's probably because he still has to work with Moxxie. Most of the people he apologized to are people he'll rarely or never see.

[@LullabyOfWoe13]

It's scary how hard it is to change for the better without someone pointing out your mistakes. I hope they both will have that someone/es around them in the future. Great analysis!

[@TheAngryLibrarian]

I really liked listening to this, and the line that struck me the most was, "It doesn't matter if Blitzø cares about Stolas if he doesn't care about how his actions make him feel."

[@seesaw41]

"Blaming yourself, being mad at yourself is untimately still just thinking about yourself" ...man. I spent months blaming myself for things my friends werent mad at me about, to the point where I now severed myself from them entirely. but now... I don't know. perhaps I can think about this and come to a meaningful conclusion. I hope so at least.

[@angelofmusic1992]

I feel like you’re one of the few KZbinrs that isn’t bashing this episode. I’m so glad to see someone liking it and analyzing it so deeply.

[@egg_l0rd13]

Agreed! I just want to see people engage with the show with good faith and levity.

[@josiahtheawkward6008]

5:55 I never noticed that detail about the book and how Stolas and Blitzø treats the book, that’s so neat

[@magicalgirlmel3289]

Subject I find facinating as a sub-piece of this larger discussion, if you'll allow me: Stolas is so obviously blind to the power disparity on a social level between them that I have to assume that that is something that is going to be a plot point either in the rest of this season or early in the next. I think we really are aiming for a Stolas-gets-stripped-of-his-rank-and-power arc that will really open his eyes to what he had been either too ignorant to see or deliberately ignoring. There is a lot of deflection there. Yet at the same time I also can't help but think about how the way he interacts with Blitz might have caused part of his blindness to that and caused those little comments that we all tend to focus in on. (Little imp, impish plaything) Essentially he thought this was just some fun banter/dirtytalk that Blitz liked, the same thing that keep keeps rejecting when Blitz is reversing it now. Blitz didn't seem all that into it then and he's not into it now and he's not making that connection or finding that parallel. And I think part of that comes down to the way that Blitz has NEVER talked to Stolas like the other imps in his life likely have. The other imps that he interacts with either work for him directly and would show deference (his servants) and even the imps that don't that we see interact with him are very polite and cognizant of his power (Millie/Moxie/ect.). Then you have Blitz, who is always forward, brash, uncouth, and doesn't show that respect ON A SURFACE LEVEL. Blitz clearly is aware of the class disparity and there are points where I am sure that he he adjusts his speech accordingly, but he keeps the tone consistent. Always loud, always direct, always quite different than what Stolas is used to from imps, more in line instead with the tone that others of his social class take with him. He perceives Blitz as talking to him like they are on the same level even if he actually isn't because of the tone he uses and the way he speaks. He then extrapolates into the idea that Blitz must see them as equals outside the transaction, thus the transaction is the problem and if he does away with that, then everything will be just fine. Obviously he doesn't realize that the disparity between them on Blitz's end means that the transaction part is what makes the most sense to him.

[@bryanmoberg8408]

the little bits we see of mastermind in the trailer have me suspecting stella will try to get him exiled from upper class society and/or lose his status as royalty, which might be how they address that, with a destitute stolas having to work for I.M.P. or something of that nature.

[@KeeeKeeedemon]

Im actually kinda happy they broke them up, it gives them the opportunity to work out their problems before trying again.

[@GreayWorks]

Oh a new video of Helluva Boss, luckily the comments will be cool because people are always level headed when talking about Helluva Boss

[@bryanmoberg8408]

ehh...it's yotube, people are always going to be psychopaths, doesn't help that hazbin/helluva is very lgbtqia+ friendly, and thus draws the crazies out in force. The shows are great, I don't really care what they think.

[@VelvetteSimp]

@bryanmoberg8408 Same the shows are great despite the many flaws they have

[@justinguidroz9659]

Both Stolis and Blitzø are in the wrong here. They both just need to talk and possibly stay away from each other for a while until everyone is comfortable around each other again.

[@andrijatomorad9885]

I don't really want Stolas and Blitz to stay together. The reason is... well... Stolas overcalculates every step, while Blitzo doesn't even want to think. I don't really think that can change without it being too forced... I think that's a pair of opposites that really do not attract and that such personalities would keep hurting each other as long as they don't recongise their fundamental differences. Don't get me wrong, I do like those two characters, and I like the show in general, I am just not really sure about where they are going now, and it is a bit of a sour note to be on. I also think the best idea of continuing the story is making S and B mutually decide that being in a relationship together is not very good for either of them (but still being on good terms) rather than getting back together. I think if it gets to that as S and B end up understanding each other without it being too forced (which I do think can happen as opposed to them changing as I described), the show can make something exceptional. And I do think what Apology Tour can serve as the stepping stone to that, even though it made for a bit of a mixed bag of a watching experience.

[@StarViewer68]

I agree with the idea of Stolas and Blitz not being a couple, but being a support network for each other. While both characters can help each other out (like when they were looking for Octavia in Hollywood), it would be better seeing them work out and through their issues on their own without the added stress of a romantic relationship.

[@Alienaddikt]

Same. A couple of opposites only work when they have things in common...i know it sounds contradictory but that's how it is. Stolas and blitzo are both horny dads and that's it...thats not enough to make a relationship work.

[@Alienaddikt]

​@@StarViewer68this

[@MrGShock]

All of hell is mostly horny lol

[@TheJennyfish]

I kind of hope the "rescue arc" is Stolas saving Blitz just to keep pushing him away from being "the protector" he thinks he always has to be

[@mikeclarke5732]

I can't stand Stolas, his hypocrisy is ridiculous. He constantly talks down to blizo throughout the show (calling him his imp and little play thing) and constantly sexualises him to the point he destroys his phone just to get him to stop. Stolas asking him if he can apologize to anyone (when Blitzo literally apologized to him after their first date in the season 1 finale).

[@roca7268]

I agree that Stolas needs a reality check, but I think the "little impish plaything" line is way overblown. Like, in that moment NO ONE was annoyed that Stolas called Blitz that way: we were all super hyped because Stolas was coming to the rescue. Him phrasing it like that was what gave the confirmation that "yeah, it's Stolas", and it was the most effective way to instill fear in those DHORKS agents. Saying things like "who threatens my lover" wouldn't have felt half as menacing, come on. Even Blitz himself was admired in that moment, he didn't show annoyance. And Stolas called him "darling" soon after, which can sound a bit condescending still, but it's more affectionate. And about Blitz destroying his phone because of Stolas making him unconfortable, 1) the pilot isn't canon, not anymore; 2) Blitz is constantly destroying his phone as a gag. He destroyed his phone I don't even know how many times at this point... I clearly remember that he did it in season 1 ep 2, and in season 2 ep 4. And Blitz apologised in season 1 ep 7, yeah, so what? It's not like Stolas has to remember in that moment every single bit of their past conversations. That apology also was a bit unusual, because it wasn't for something that Blitz had done, but for something that Blitz didn't feel like doing. So, it wasn't to make amends for a past mistake, which was what that conversation was about.

[@G.D.G.]

@@roca7268 its not the "impish little plaything" nickname that's the problem. It's the fact that Blitz has repeatedly told him to stop and he didn't, it got to the point that Blitz doesn't even mention it anymore. Stolas even puts out a cigarette on him and he doesn't say anything. Blitz is aware that Stolas DOESN'T listen. He never does. Octavia had to BREAKDOWN IN TEARS for him to finally listen to her. Stella can call an assassination on him in front of him and he won't hear it. The impish little plaything is significant because its such an easy thing to change and he refuses. He doesn't care. He will continue using it regardless if Blitz even screams at his face for him to stop.

[@invisibleink5397]

Lowkey this is the only video I've seen as of late that actually says both did wrong and right but at wrong times/things didn't line up. I've seen so much stuff on how stolas is the bad guy here and that's it. So glad to see someone seeing more. Also on the trauma comment, I personally have always go by "Trauma can explain how you react ,but it's not an excuse to be an asshole." And I think it applies with Blitzo here.

[@egg_l0rd13]

I agree with this so much. I’ve listened to so many “Stolas sucks” arguments and while I can agree with some points, I’ve just never been able to come to the conclusion that he’s really as terrible as people say. He messed up just as much as Blitzo did, but I feel like a lot of people grasp at straws for any tiny detail to justify Stolas being so much worse than he actually is (taking jokes and cartoony gestures super seriously even though the show does it all the time with characters like Loona and Blitzo himself and nobody bats an eye)

[@SwellStuff483]

Damn if Cellspex ever decides to quit KZbin she might have a future as a couples counselor

[@oiitsoranglee]

viv made a post where she said someting like "stolas has his head stuck in his fee fees". in apology tour, verosika says blitzs has a problem with "hurting peoples fee fees". I think that's the perfect way to explain there dynamic.

[@forestgrump4723]

This is the most balanced analysis I’ve watched so far. Not talking about how awful either of them are but instead talking about what isn’t working together. Thank you for this. I finally don’t feel frustrated after listening to a bird boy/ imp boy analysis. I’m hesitant about it because I have limited optimism for Viv’s writing. We will see.

[@geardog24]

All relationships are hard, and trust in each other has to be earned over time. But some relationships like Blitz and Stolas are so toxic that separation is the healthiest option. And while I know it’s not going to happen, maybe staying separated should be permanent.

[@Kaira90211]

Their whole conflict could have potentially been avoided if Stolas had worded things less ambiguously. He said something along the lines of "People shouldn't feel forced to do something they don't want to." and Blitz took that as him talking about himself. Kind of a "Oh! So you're saying you felt like I forced you to do that stuff with me." If Stolas had phrased it as something along the lines of "I don't want you to feel forced to do this with me just to keep your business afloat, so I'm giving you something that will give you a choice of whether you wish to stay with me or not, without risking your business." Blitz wouldn't have been able to misinterpret.

[@D_YellowMadness]

I didn't even notice that. As a viewer, I knew what Stolas meant so I didn't realize that was ambiguous.

[@silencesteel5246]

I really like theory that Stolas will work as secretary for I.M.P. In s2e1 young Blitz said that he would hire Stolas, in s2e6 Stolas was shown to like paperwork, and in Full Moon I.M.P had loads od paperwork to do. Its possible that Stolas will lose a lot of money in divorce, so he will need a job.

[@valentinelove9463]

It might be hinted out during the episode when Asmodeus and Stolas was facing off the shark lawyer and Stolas mentions that he likes to read so I can see it that way Stolas working as secretary to handle all the paperwork while others went off to Earth

[@D_YellowMadness]

That could actually be really cool & it could give Stolas some perspective on how fucked up the class difference really is, knowing that Blitzo could just fire him at any moment if he suddenly doesn't like him. Hell, it might give Blitzo some much needed perspective too because realizing Stolas is afraid that'll happen could make him finally realize how toxic the way Stolas treated him before was & why Stolas was trying to change it. Not that Stolas doesn't already get it on some level but his unearned anger at Blitzo & refusal to meet Blitzo halfway at any given opportunity makes me think he doesn't get it nearly enough yet.

[@PocketKanin]

25:13 maybe blitz’s love language of protection grows and his want for stolas gets shown more next episode. the reason i think IMP does so well is because the group has a shared language of protecting each other. Blitz going from an așshole city guard to a caring royal knight.

[@JArt872]

When was the last time we had an actual assassination job from this show? One of the main entertaining premises that was advertised before? I legit can't remember

[@boydixonentertainment]

Technically just a few episodes ago with Unhappy Campers but I can assure you, the original premise for this show is just gonna get less and less important to the story the writers actual want to tell so yay relationship drama… I’m so excited to see where this totally unpredictable and engaging story goes from here…

[@futureblade6099]

I mean to be fair, the whole assassination thing kind of loses its luster after a while. You have to come up with different reasons why these skilled assassins can't kill some random human for the next 20 minutes

[@boydixonentertainment]

@@futureblade6099That can be fair, but you also have to give a reason as to why I should want Stolas and Blitzø to be together. All this time later and I don’t even know what they see in each other.

[@Takejiro24]

​@@boydixonentertainment Yeah.....I guess I can see why Stolas loves Blitz with everything Season 2 revealed. But.....I have NO IDEA why Blitz might like Stolas. He's done nothing but complain about their arrangement and how Stolas has treated him.

[@futureblade6099]

@@boydixonentertainment Don't get me wrong, this whole Stolitz thing is tiring. I'm just saying that the assassination part of the show isn't really all that sustainable in the long run

[@emz2639]

Excellent video! My main issue is how much the show insist on coddling Stolas, infantilizing him even. They are now, finally, hinting at some kind of realization on Stolas's part, but that should frankly have started 3-4 episodes ago. No matter how you twist and turn it, there is a huge power imbalance that need to be adressed. Stolas doesn't even seem aware of just how much power he holds over their relationship. How are they going to be equal partners when one partner holds all the cards?

[@G.D.G.]

"He holds all the cards." Bullseye. Thank you.

[@egg_l0rd13]

This is why I think Stolas losing his status and becoming Blitzo’s employee would be a pretty engaging premise for season 3. I think one of the best ways for Stolas to realize what he did wrong is to reverse that power dynamic.

[@cooptionalxb1]

"And thank you for giving Stolas an actual good outfit" Stolas Ozzies outfit: Am I a joke to you?

[@randomrayquaza2044]

i just hope that we get an episode where it highlights stolas' issues because this episode felt like it was handling blitz's far more thuroughly wich i understand and all for but the fact that stolas had minimal blame (with vortex and verrasica even downplaying said issues during his song basically saying that blitz was the only cause of the breakup wich i dont entirley agree with) i mean as cell pointed out stolas kinda had some pescription strength rose tinted glasses of the whole situation and we cant forget that when their relationship was called out at ozzies instead of standing up for it he hid his face wich kinda confirmed to blitz that stolas cared more about his reputation than him and of course we cant forget about "my little imP" wich had a whole lot of yikes there considering the pretty extreme power balence between the 2 sure fizz and ozzie proved that it doesnt have to be a problem....but the way stolas played into it a little made it one

[@matewhocreates7136]

This was probably the most nuanced analysis of both their issues and conversations. Great job!

[@blatherskitenoir]

Stolas has also been this level of bitchy cattiness with Stella: He flings these exact sorts of flippant insults at her during their phone argument. So I think they were less mirroring the Striker scene's vulnerability and self-preservation mode, and more mirroring the Stella phone scene, where Stolas has lost sight of something very important (the promise with Via in that scene's case, and Blitz's feelings in this one) in order to indulge in pettiness. The inclusion of the 'copy-pasted' confession of Blitz's during the morning conversation highlights this. Anyone with half a brain would realize that was real. Stolas isn't an idiot. Blitz doesn't need to keep showing up. He could never see Stolas again if he didn't want to, yet he keeps showing up. It would have been so easy to take that and turn it into a genuine discussion with the end goal of trying to patch things up and get back on track to a relationship. If that was his actual end goal. But he wanted to be petty. He wanted get in that zinger. Being with Blitz is no longer his goal. Which is so disorienting, because literally the previous day, that was all he wanted: the big giant Cinderella romance.

[@starsantheoriginal]

Ive said it from the get go, stolas and blitzø were never end game. They dont match as people, as lovers or as friends. Their personalities, interests and even love language is grossly and vastly different. Just cause fans like them, doesnt mean the coupling is good. And stolas even admits that he rose colored glasses literally EVERYTHING about Blitzø, his stories, his actions, even how they had sex. Stolas pretty much was so starved for love and affection that he mistaked ANY for true love. I much prefer Blitzø during his friendship interactions with the M&Ms and Fizz. Im just glad its finally ending

[@pockystyx4087]

Martha and Ms Mayberry moment of apology tour was honestly the funniest shit. lol Needed for all the drama that was going on before/after with the main couple.

[@Midorikonokami]

Blitzø being semi-literate is something I hope comes up as a plot point, because he absolutely has a complex about it. It's why he tunes out Moxi when his language gets flowery. He's painfully aware Stolas is highly educated, and if Moxy's slightly better vocab makes him uncomfortable, I can't imagine what Stolas being the DEMON OF KNOWLEDGE does to him.

[@JayGreyson]

One thing I don't see anyone point out is the money blitz poured into buying new adult toys for his night with stolaz. Given how expensive a high quality "normal" length toy, all that he spent on pleasing stolas would add up to at least 300-500 dollars just to keep him around. With how tight money must be for him to not even replace the couch he sleeps on, I doubt he did that with no feelings attached.

[@messibessi11]

I think them breaking up is a good thing but I do think they’re end game they need to work on themselves for a little while and then come at their relationship with a level head

[@MelonTartVA]

I still think that things could’ve been less of a fall out if Stolas had given Blitzø a heads up. He could’ve just texted Blitzø and said “Before we do anything tonight, we need to talk.” Blitzø could’ve still taken it as a potential break up, but the fact that Stolas at least told him that there was gonna be a conversation, it wouldn’t feel like it came out of nowhere.

[@johnvandiver5634]

what everyone needs a moment where they can cry yell explode implode and someone gives them a hug or a pat the back without judgement or condemning.

[@xxTC-96xx]

I think that the couple could only work if it starts from the ground up, which is the only direction it can go now, they needed that break up and they need to do some soul searching

[@Septic-Hearts]

I'm curious about how Stolas may change his perspective whenever Octavia is involved in a future episode, considering her dialogue in the trailer maybe he'll realise he's hurt people unintentionally too, and also Blitz, even if not deliberately. I mean let's be honest Blitz isn't wrong to think Stolas looks down on imps, even if subconsciously, he has servants who are imps and treats them like furniture and doesn't show them any care. He barely acknowledges them. I mean, does he even know their names? I know he grew up with it, but it's easy to see that Blitz is an exception to the rule. To me Stolas kinda has a Judy Hopps thing going on where he thinks he's progressive but still has a lot of biases embedded into him from his upbringing. It's a 'you're one of the good ones' and 'you're not like them' mentality. Hopefully his future interactions will make him realise he's not a total victim in their toxic relationship.

[@HunterStiles651]

Also, M&M. They saved his neck on two separate occasions, including once when he was in *actual* genuine danger, and he still doesn't even really know they exist.

[@madjester9844]

Hell yeah! Cellspex at Helluva Boss again!

[@Radhaun]

Honestly I think a healthier Stolas x Blitzo relationship could be wildly interesting and fun, but for the sake of tension they need to have an external problem that requires *both* their skills to defeat. Stolas is not as physically combative as Blitzo, but he is a magical powerhouse (particularly with his book and in hell) so fight scenes where he's doing some big, ritual thing that takes a minute and Blitzo has to physically hold combat would put both their skills to work. I'd love to see Stolas being bullied by the other Goetia and Blitzo coming to his defense (verbal sparring is what he's all about and he's got nothing to lose to a bunch of rich assholes), particularly against Stella ("Maybe Stolas isn't a bad lay and you're just a tired old shrew"). They could still keep their verbal banter, picking on each other without hitting tender points (that they are both well and truly aware of by now). I'd love for both of them to get proper dressings down by either their own daughters or each others. We haven't seen Octavia nearly as much as I would like (I personally want her to see her develop a friendship with Loona, I think they'd be good for each other) and I think Blitzo might listen to his daughter or his exes daughter. I know Blitzo is going to rescue Stolas again, but it would be nice if there was some reciprocal rescuing going on too.

[@milenartmeire2588]

I have seen people mention that Stolas should have know about the assassination because of the dinning scene, but I believe he didnt connect the dots there because he was distracted reading and it was just his wife screaming like normal, so he didnt pay attention until the last moment, where he glances at her. That asside! Great analysis!!! Loved your points and I cant wait for the Full Moon one!!!

[@krbthewitch]

I'm still hoping for a vid on Scavenger's Reign, but lord I'm loving these Helluva boss analysis videos. They're really insightful and good at giving me a new perspective on these two ding dongs.

[@esteemedmortal5917]

Good point about Blitz being the one to protect and Stolas having that one instance of coming to Blitz’s rescue.

[@CellSpex]

also protects him during the party :)

[@excitablepack7076]

I can tell things are gonna end badly for Blitzø, as Blitzø would likely be targeted and hunted by all the people that hates him, forcing him to go into hiding and become highly paranoid as he fears for his life.

[@Noveler00]

They've been separated a monthwhen this episode happens. The calendar Blitz pulls up is an exact match for September 2023, complete with day arrangement and lunar event date. This episode happens on Halloween, hrnce separated for a month.

[@CellSpex]

I appreciate the heads up, but Blitz texts 'sorry for last night'

[@crazysmith5408]

This video does not have enough views, this is such a good analysis!

[@CellSpex]

you're telling me... And thank you!

[@D_YellowMadness]

When I saw 21:05 while watching the episode, I misunderstood. I thought those were texts Blitzo got from other people & it was part of the reason he hates being vulnerable. I didn't realize they were texts he sent to Stolas.

[@Bro2christ]

Props to comparing fandom expectations to the real thing

[@gnicole1700]

Yes! Thank you for saying that Stolas's whole arc this whole season has just been about Blitz. Don't get me wrong it's entertaining but then it makes their whole relationship arc as separate from IMP, the Goetias, and even their daughters! Because Stolas has been so fixated on Blitz it almost isolates him from interacting with others characters. Also yes, I also miss demon prince stolas please let him show off again and not make him a damsel in distress.

[@wileywood1523]

One of the best character relationships I’ve seen for a show! It’s interesting how they both had a part in the downfall of this relationship. Blitz was not focusing on the emotional part of the relationship and Stolas unintentionally looking down on him

[@nettaboyar9870]

What you said about how Stolas needs life other than fixating on Blitz is so true. I enjoyed that very short bit of him helping Ozzie with the lawyer, when he didn’t even know Blitz was also abducted. We saw a new side of Stolas we never saw before, because around Blitz he’s always either playing the flirty horny character or the depressed emotionally hurt one. When he was with Ozzie it felt like he was the real him.

[@twiller6233]

ok but the thing about blitz leaving the party as a way of respecting stolas's boundaries is sooooo true, i didn't even think about it like that! on 1st watch i thought it was more bc the party was just kinda bumming blitz out n he wanted 2 leave but in combination with the events of earlier in the ep/queen bee, it rly does come off as a caring gesture. plus smth i've always thought was sweet was that when blitz feels jealous over stolas dancing with the better than blitzo guy (b4 verosika tells him off lol), he gets mad at the guy for "bird stealing" instead of stolas for wanting to meet new people. like blitz said, he recognizes that stolas needs this, even if blitz himself doesn't like it. i mean, its still pretty unhealthy of him to get possessive when he's spent most of his time pretending he doesnt give a shit about stolas but... baby steps, ig!

[@purplepenguin005]

I fucking hate that they ditched the main plot, for the Stolas and Blitzø relationship subplot. I couldn't care less for that.

[@keshavnair3966]

30 MINUTES? LETS GO!!!!

[@DinoTamer-22]

I love your take on blitz as protector. I’ve never seen anyone else talk about this pov before. So thanks for that ❤ Also People often have two love languages : how they show love, and how they receive love. But you’re right, you should put in the effort to know how your partner/family/friends feel loved.

[@zacharyjackson1829]

7:08 i dont know why it's so good but yeah just the overall movement of his reaction and him doing something as simple as sitting down in a chair mid argument is just so real and funnily enough is my favorite visual part of the episode, that and Verosika kicking out the support of the balcony to sit down. 8:03 i agree the cut probably would have served the tone of the moment a lot better but in all honesty that moment is just so comical to me that i kind of prefer it to be there for at least comedy relief

[@johnwoo5123]

Your singing at the end really caught me off guard in a good way

[@SuperMegaCoffeeGuru]

Always love your videos, this is some spot on amazing analysis!

[@raspberryleaf258]

When the episode came out, I was soooo hyped for all the analysis videos that were gonna come out, bcs this episode gave us (in my opinion) so so much more new stuff to think about since.. the circus maybe. Except Full Moon, but Cherbus. (I think you get my point) And this was suuuuuchhhhhh a great analysis!!!! I love this a lot!! Its So. on point and I think these are definitely the things the writers were intending to do, and I just hope they can manage to nail the rest of the show in a great way!! Honestly, I wouldn't really mind if Stolas and Blitzø don't end up together, I just love the character development they cause on each other!!! But I think that's very much what rhe shows aiming for, so I'm looking forward to how it'll be handled!!

[@King63Kobra]

This episode sort of got on my nerves for painting so much of their relationship problems as Blitzø's fault. Yes he's a shithead and he pushed people away and he doesn't deserve sympathy just because he acts out but the writers have still yet to acknowledge properly that Stolas practically coersed him into a transactional relationship with the book. They didn't just get into it for shits in giggles, I mean. That's ignoring the hierarchal tension on top of that as well. So it seems unfair that he isn't taking any actual responsibility for being in his position of power (both in their relationship and societally) and how that influences the way Blitzø expects to feel about him. Despite their relationship always being sexual which is usually layered with intimacy, the relationship itself is vapid, dull, and almost unwanted until Stolas realizes that the plaything he's had is actually in contender for a good partner. In this way he does take advantage of his position by basically "falling in love with a prostitute," let's say. All this to say I don't think this relationship can properly be mended UNLESS Stolas acknowledges and himself apologizes for the ways he used Blitzø both emotionally and sexually while still treating it as just "hookup stuff." So your hypothetical that he forgets about the party would be a huge miss for me unless they go ballsy and kill the relationship entirely. It would basically put Blitzø in the position to have to justify Stolas' abuses on Stolas' behalf in order to get them to reconcile, which I think would be a dangerous and frankly gross depiction of this kind of relationship.

[@willpower8289]

So on the Verosika side of things (just my own analysis) I’m like 90% certain during the I Hate Blitzo party Verosika’s behavior is an act. Like yeah some of it is probably genuine but you gotta think about the logistics here. She’s throwing a party for a ton of people who are all broken hearted by Blitzø. The fact she organizes this party has a level of expectation because she’s arguably the one the most hurt by him (besides Stolas). So there’s an expectation that she hates him the most (which isn’t true because he hates himself the most) so I think the parts where she’s encouraging Stolas to cut the Blitzø cake and hyping him up for the song that could just be an act she’s putting on to really sell the party. Plus she’s a popstar. They usually have an act when on stage. I also think this because it’s clear that although Verosika is still very much hurt by Blitzø she got over him and does genuinely show she wants him to get better. She doesn’t expose him at the party (like I feared that would’ve been a little cliche if they did that so I’m glad they didn’t) and gives him solid advice about moving on from a relationship that ended and basically invited him to enjoy the party. So yeah. I’m fairly certain her behavior during the party when she’s not alone talking with Blitzø is an act. But that’s my own take on the situation. I hope we see more Verosika. This episode really solidified her place as one of my favorite characters in the series.

[@VelvetteSimp]

Verosika probably still likes Blitz cause she easily could've just said to everyone at the party that Blitz was there

[@willpower8289]

@@VelvetteSimp I can agree. I believe that although there’s a part of her that hopes things work out for him and that he improves as a person. She could’ve called him out there but she didn’t. And after he apologized she called him Blitzø instead of Blitzo. We don’t know how long it’s been since their relationship ended but depending on how long it is (and much like her song suggests) she’s gotten over him but hopes for the best for him.

[@eatatjoes6751]

“Socializing with other characters!” cracks me up and hopefully the show acknowledges that.

[@petelee2477]

7:10 he says that but people have found many instances saying otherwise. "You are cute when you are serious" "it should not be given to teeny tiny little imps like yourself" "who dares mess with my impish little play thing" I can only imagine how blitz got that impression

[@frickinfrick8488]

This is great analysis. I think the character motivations are some of the strongest parts of this shows writing.

[@tomara6seized9the6now]

Stolas as a villain would genuinely be pretty interesting, most of the parents in this show are pretty terrible, which in show does well in showing some sides of typical neglect, from trauma funny af, to occupied scary anger to straight up child blindness, poor hell kiddos. Stolas and the bird society seem like an amazing villain arch just by how realistic it'd be but I do hope things get resolved somehow, like hell just being overturned, at least afterlife social and civil reorganization lol

[@kacklina]

Ufff so far my favorite analysis of this 2.

[@mooniedreams]

A lot of people LOVED this episode and usually I love the episodes with *every* flaw but for some reason, this one did not click. I LOVED the energy but it feels unearned and really quick...the biggest thing being the breakup song. The relationship ended with so many misunderstandings and discommunication. I didn't feel much from the song cause it happens so quickly and so does the party? Not sure how to explain that, but we needed some filler between the full moon and apology tour ep I think :/ The biggest problem with Viv's work will probably always be pacing. Many blamed HH's poor story on a small amount of episodes but it always feels like the pacing is off in these series, consistently. It makes it hard to really enjoy the episode when it goes so quick, and with unsatisfactory sentiments because it feels apologist for Stolas and too harsh on Blitz. I WANT BLITZ TO LEARN but the argument of full moon was ehhhh, it bothered me how he says it wasn't about sex without being conscious of how he acts through the beginning of the relationship and how his treatment of Blitz never really seems like he's learning to stop sounding like he's undermining him. Again, love Blitz getting attitude BUT I need reflection from Stolas too >:/ I've...kinda lost my momentum for this ship, we're spending so much time with it to a point where I wanna watch literally anything else now. And I'm a passionate shipper, but I care so much more about literally any other ship (fizz and asmodeus are absolutely not helping their case at all-) and I want a break from Stolitz where they actually seperate for more than a couple eps and learn to both be better.

[@VelvetteSimp]

Honestly, the reason I liked this episode so much as a Stolitz hater is just because of Verosika and the songs, plus it's much funnier than Full Moon. But everything having to do with Stolitz sucks, as per usual. Also, the pacing is fast in this episode? I think it was a bit of a slog to get through at times, mainly the first half.

[@mooniedreams]

@@VelvetteSimp Guess it depends on how I viewed it? Cause I def understand the sentiment of it being a slog, it was, but the song came out of nowhere for me and my brain was like "wait, we're singing, why are we at a party again??"

[@theownerofthisaccount2521]

The small “super villian” line is something I’ve thought up, in some form. At this point it’s common knowledge that Stolas was originally going to be a villian before that was change for the final product. However, I could see him temporarily becoming an antagonist/villian, possibly near the end of the series. Either through brainwashing by the others(most likely Stella’s brother or a different villian), something corrupting him when he’s at a vulnerable state(I’ve seen people believe he’s gonna lose his house this season as well as Octavia going with Stella which could place him in a dark enough state for any malicious person or object to magnify his negative traits. Bonus points for physical changes or at least an outfit one), or the least likely of him snapping while again in a vulnerable state. The first one more of the standard “I know you’re in there” while also giving IMP a hard fight as it’s not only someone way more powerful than them but someone they care about so they need to deal with him in a non lethal way. It also adds some irony given Blitzø views on Royals and his fight in Full Moon now that Stolas is forced to play that type of Royal. The other two are more interesting as they also give us that, but also shows Stolas’s negative traits being more acknowledged and honestly gives more emotional weight to it. Especially since unlike the first, at least part of it is still him acting out. Also Blitzø could relate to Stolas given he’s likely getting possessed next episode and having to face his own negative traits and mental demons head on Not sure if will actually happen but Stolas temporarily becoming evil in some form could be an interesting thing to occur and could satisfy different parts of the fandom. Though there would also be the question of will it just be a one off episode or span a couple?

[@servingstfuhm6287]

Thank you for this review. And I bet once’s “Ghost F” comes out will be both a long and emotional once since the IMP gang will facing off with someone who might give them a run for their money. And confirm by leaks that Sinmas will contain Octavia and how she reacts to Stolas. Let’s remember… the last time we had episodes that involve Stolas and Octavia, they come from a pain from the backlash of the divorce. Just Stolas reassuring Octavia that he always love her and his issues with Stella. Not “it’s not your fault that the divorce is happening” and it might lead up to it. And it’s been a while since we seen Octavia so she might be with her mom whom is probably is lying to her daughter with help from her brother.😢😢😢

[@toomanymonkeys21]

I hope that the “legions to command” Paimon says Stolas will have as an adult are not a horde of one-night stands to rival Blitz’s. Or do I?

[@semicolontransistor]

This has got to be the best analysis of these two episodes I've seen so far!

[@melonsaway3929]

stolas supervillain theory? theory that we can all agree but would be really cool to see anyway? sign me up!

[@Nephalem2002]

I’m just happy that Verosika turned out to be such a wifey🥺

[@yellowteethvillage8671]

glad to see you still make videos, great stuff

[@CellSpex]

thank you!

[@cferracini]

Small correction: succubus is female, incubus is male. They are the same species Also: yes, I want to see a crack theory about Stolas being evil

[@samflood5631]

I think it’s best that these two should stay apart. Their romance is a disaster, they never should have gotten together, it was never healthy and it only ruined the show as it focused way too much on their angsty and sob stories.

[@juliacheneyillustration3928]

This is the best analysis of this episode I've seen yet

[@CastOfCharacters13]

And Stolas he hasn’t even called him Blitzy not even once in full moon or apology tour

[@Opalhibiscus]

Stolas showing Blitzø he doesn’t have to be the protector is a nice thought, and it being why the toxic relationship could somehow be healthy or good for him. Unfortunately the Stolitz plot seems to be taking the *opposite* direction Stolases image that he fell in love with, rather than man himself-is “knight in shining armour.” Stolas asks him to be bodyguard, strong, to attend his emotions, and *save* him. More than any other character does. He berates Moxxie and Millie for helping him instead of blitzø doing it. He is angry with him for not saving him from striker and doing something healthy - choosing not to be hero, but allow his friends to help. For choosing kind attentiveness to his daughter. IMP and arguably fizz, help him grow out of the hero/saviour complex, be vulnerable, and not always be self sacrificing hero. But I think stolas has a martyr/victim complex which actually makes the saviour complex worse.

[@Opalhibiscus]

I’m not trying to be cruel and harsh shooting it down cause it’s genuinely a nice idea. But, seeing someone else notice that one of Blitzøs flaws is playing hero too much and always being strong and that stolas is somehow an exception…that felt off. I think the perfect person to help him stop the hero complex is his daughter Loona, who can handle herself and has protected him in combat. She also hates when Blitzø acts like he’s her hero, because she never wanted to be saved by him. Man I wish helluva boss was oriented around friendships and family instead of romantic love. The non romantic relationships between characters are so much stronger imo.

[@CellSpex]

You are totally right, the suggestion is merely it might be part of reason hes drawn to him not because it's healthy. The entire prospect of the relationship from the start is that its not healthy and they need to be apart and work on themselves before even the parts of each other are are portentially compatible can actual function.

[@Opalhibiscus]

@@CellSpexthank you for the kind response! I commented too impulsively I hope I didn’t come off aggressive.

[@CellSpex]

@@Opalhibiscus not at all! You were very well reasoned. I love thoughtful in depth responses :)

[@tricuspa]

This was a great episode. Of course I like to remind folks, this is hell and Blitzø well fits quite well in to it. Now what fascinates me is did Milly and Moxie find each other because of the party in the part, and work for him just to screw with him. I dunno if they really need to resolve issues between Stolis and Blitzø any time soon but hopefully they can keep the story interesting.

[@YourCrazyOverlord]

This is spectacular analysis. This stuff is why I'm subscribed

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

Stolitz ruined the show in my opinion. Instead of the cool and exciting missions IMP got to go on in season 1, now it's just a never ending toxic and abusive train wreck of a ship and the million reasons WHY they can't get their shit together rather than giving us a single reason WHY they should be together. If they kept Stolitz as exes, the show would be a million times better for it.