After a couple of years off, the creators finally dropped a third season of this show, oddly titled with 2024 in it for some reason I genuinely can't figure out. The story basically picks up right where things left off, following our lead Mobu as he keeps trying to survive inside this whole BL universe, just another character desperately trying not to fall for another guy. Season two left us with his relationship with Kikuchi, and this season kicks off right as Kikuchi heads off to university, which means Mobu's single again and honestly couldn't be happier about it. With six episodes, each running about 23 minutes, this is a quick, easy watch. Now that Mobu's back to being single, he's got to stay alert for every signal or trope that could end up pulling him into another relationship with a guy if he's not careful. So across these episodes, we watch him run into two of these signals per episode through the people around him and how they end up falling for each ...
The story is set in all boys high school in UK. Charlie is the nerdy, chronic apologizer, who was forcibly outed as gay in school the previous year. His best friends who have been his support are Tao, the straight nerd, Issac and Elle, a trans female who has just enrolled in the girls high school. Charlie has been secretly seeing a senior boy Ben in school who is literally just using him making him feel nothing but ashamed. Enter Nick , the school star rugby player, with whom Charlie gets to share a desk for one of his classes. They strike up an an unmistakable instant rapport with their Hi's , talking about weekends etc. Charlie feels the romantic spark but he is warned by his friends given the Ben expereince. Nick doesn't understand why and what he is feeling but he knows Charlie is the only person who makes him feel like himself more than anyone, an observation pointed to him by his mother. Their budding friendship turned romance forms the basis of this amazing amazing show. Tao, especially is skeptical about Nick hurting Charlie and also fearing change since his best friend Elle is now in girls high school and the friends' group dynamics hasn't been the same since. Charlie even joins rugby team to be closer to Nick but that doesn't help him to continue to get bullied by some other mates in school. When Charlie thinks that probably their love is something that won't be good for Nick, he asks them to break but in a very romantic gesture Nick opens up his heart and his what's going in his head in a greatly done finale and I can't wait to know what's in store for these people.
This show tackles the topic of change, head on, especially in the way it looms over in adolescent minds. It’s big, it’s subtle, it’s terrifying and exciting all at the same time, and that makes it incredibly authentic, nailing the foundations of a coming-of-age story far more tastefully than so many projects in the genre these days. To watch it feels like you are watching a snapshot of the teenage experience, and it will no doubt resonate with so many people because of that. Tao is scared of change and heartbreak. Nick is scared of change. He doesn't understand his attraction to Charlie, and the whole sequence of him questioning his sexuality around gay v/s bi, to admitting to himself, to his mother, to friends and rest in school is just such an amazing amazing journey to watch. The show respects these moments and folds them seamlessly into conversations Charlie eventually initiates with Nick about his own sexuality. Armed with information, a different Charlie begins to creep up: He is not ashamed of who he is; he just wishes he could explain it better. The show, from Charlie's perspective is less about coming out but more about wrestling with self definition and queer identity. Contrast this to Charlie, who is sure about himself, is used to being bullied but is also a romantic in heart and deserves the love and affection for the gem of the person he is. We also do see the journey of Elle trying to fit in a girls school, introduction of a lesbian couple who become her friends.
Heartstopper brings joy in our world and I didn't realize how much I needed that until I watched this show. The oh-so-adorable romance between Charlie and Nick makes this 8 part show so easy to get completely invested in. The show is youthful, has the charm and energy with a great casting ensemble. The shows greatest strength lies in its choice of the lead actors. I can't believe the actor playing Charlie, it's his first ever acting assignment. There are numerous times in the show, I wanna hug him and tell him it will all be ok ; but then him having an extremely supportive elder sister makes it better for him. The guy playing Nick has an inherent confidence, charm yet confusion, that its easy to see why anyone like Nick would instantly fall for him. Their chemistry, together, is infectious to say the least. Did I say how cute both their smiles are. A simple thing, like multiple sequences of just them both saying "Hi!" to one another shows how these two people form a deep connection with one another. It was such a simple thing but so effective is showing us them form a bond with each other. And this is just one of the many many scenes that the duo share with one another with an easy harm and chemistry that you don't get to see even in the best and most famous of actor.s The two actors have outdone themselves and I just hope they have an amazing future ahead of them. And how can I not mention Olivia Coleman. As Nick's mother, in a supportive role, she brings in the deserved respect with a character that everyone, gay or straight, need in their life.
Th show's greatest strength is how it treats honesty, love and friendship. It is a breath of fresh teenage love air, something that I hope our Asian BL can learn from. This is how the teenage gay love dramas need to be and not with some of the toxic tropes thatchy follow. Undoubtedly, the show will bring a smile to your face, but like its protagonists, it’s a quietly powerful phenomenon (and a long overdue one at that) that celebrates love, change, self-discovery and the LGBTQ+ community. It’s everything, and much, much more. There is something altogether soothing about the time spent in its company. I am still waiting for that elusive perfect 10 on 10 film or show, but I have to say that this comes a very close to it. Please get the season 2 soon. (9.5/10)
Comments
This series is exactly what was I had been missing - a drama-free positive story with real-looking actors. I can already cite "Esteros" back and forth, something new was so very welcome, indeed. The creators have been so dedicated to their work that it has resulted in high rewatchability (unlike some similar series such as "Love, Victor"). Every time I notice something new, like the sympathetic cute look in Nellie's eyes, the professional-looking paintings in the art class, the umbrella in the colours of Ukrainian flag, Imogen's striking blue eyes or the lyrics of another song. They use the universal symbols - like rain as a painkiller - but add their own signature to it and lift it up a few levels.
Besides being sincere and real the characters also speak fluent sarcasm without hurting anyone with the sharp words. Since it's my second native language, too, I actually learned something from them. That's new. And surprising. And welcome :) They are so easy to relate to - I'm an overthinker like Charlie, direct like Tori, bookworm like Isaac etc. Speaking of Isaac, I'd really like more screentime and storylines with him in the second season. A guy with his reading list must be deep and interesting.
I've also watched a few interviews of the cast on Youtube, because I really want to know what's inside it and what's going to happen in season 2. This is a huge sign that the film or show is extremely good :D In one interview "Nick" and "Charlie" answered the questions asked by fans of the series. One question was more like a request: Nick, please reject me, I want to move on with my life! Well, after seeing the beach scene and especially the shadow of the eyelashes on his cheeks, I'm very close to begging for the same thing :D
P.S! Although I was hoping for a 10/10 score, I understand the 9.5. I'd give the same score because of the "wrong" title. It's a heartSTARTER, dammit :D
@miisu: good idea on some YouTube videos for extra. I think I may catch up on that too
@sailor mann - I keep wondering myself. What would it be like being a teenager in today's time? (although knowing me, I'd probably be sleeping with just about everyone. I am just so bad.. lol)
I heard the news yesterday about 2more seasons renewal. Can't wait !!