#so we can see more of elle darcy and tara

[aliceoseman]

what were the messages on the card for charlie when he was in the clinic? i couldn’t work them all out. ps- as someone who had ocd and had a bad way of coping your writing really is so incredible, i count myself lucky everyday to have those stories and a friend group like i see on your show, seeing scars on screen healed the ashamed 16yr old in me 🌸

I'm so glad to hear that Heartstopper has helped you!! ❤️

So the situation with the card was that we realised very very shortly before we shot the scene that we didn't have any content for the card, so a crew member from the art department asked me on set if I could very quickly write the messages, which I did in my notes app, and then sent that as a screenshot to him where he (or someone on his team, I can't confirm) wrote them into the card itself. I didn't get a photo of the finished card because it all happened very fast and suddenly we were shooting the scene! I don't think I even saw the card interior until it was literally on set. But I do still have the note on my phone with all of the messages written out. It's a shame they didn't all appear on screen but hey, sometimes not every detail makes it into the final thing! Here they all are:

Nick

Hi Char,

You are so strong and you will get through this because you’re amazing.

I love you so so much and I’m always here for you. I miss you and I can’t wait for you to come home when you’re ready to. I love you.

Love Nick x

Tao

Charlie,

School is so weird without my bff. I miss you so much little guy. Please look after yourself or I will be very cross. Love you so much Charlie. And hope you like your present, I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Tao xxx

Elle

Dear Charlie,

We all love you so much and can’t wait to see you soon. I’m so sorry things have been so hard. Things will get better, I know it. I can’t wait for Christmas movie nights with you and the boys!

Elle 

Tara

Hi Charlie,

Sending you so much love and strength. You’re an incredible person and we all care about you so much. I really hope you feel better soon. Love you lots and lots.

Tara xx

Darcy

Hey Charlie,

Life can be so shit sometimes but we will always fight back!! You’re one of the coolest people I know and you’re gonna come back more powerful than ever.

Love you!!!

Darcy

Imogen

Dear Charlie,

Love you so much! You’re an incredible and inspiring person and what you’re going through now will only make you stronger.

#warrior

Lots of love,

Imogen xxxx

Sahar

Charlie!

I miss my music buddy! I miss our chats about good bands. I really hope you’re doing okay and starting to feel better. Love you loads pal!

Sahar x 

Isaac

Hey Charlie,

Miss you so so much. I’m so sorry I didn't try and help more, but the fact that you asked for help yourself just goes to show what a strong person you are. I love you. Get back here soon so we can watch Emma again.

Love Isaac x

[stopper-my-heart]

Nothing like Heartstopper S2E8 removing some of Taylor Swift's "seven" lyrics just so that the singing can specifically come back in at "Or hide in the closet" while Isaac is processing difficult emotions related to the book he's reading (i.e., Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen).

Did I mention "Or hide in the closet" hits just as the camera focus finishes shifting away from Isaac?

This is fine

[bairdthereader]

Nick gets a lot of (well-deserved) credit for being an amazing boyfriend to Charlie, and we know by now that he's a great friend, too. But what's almost more interesting to me is the underlying core personality trait that enables him to be both of those things--his emotional intuition and intelligence.

You see this in the comics mostly through Nick's facial expressions (no one can look worried like Nick Nelson can), but the show takes it a bit further. He's incredibly in tune with Charlie almost from the get-go. Nick watches him for small emotional cues and recognizes what they could mean, most notably before the confrontation with Ben after rugby practice. He reads between the lines of Charlie's deflections and falsely cheerful texts and pushes (with trademark Nick Nelson sensitivity) for the truth. He notices when Charlie is beset with intrusive thoughts, even if he doesn't know (at least early on) what they're about, and proceeds to interrupt those thoughts. He can read Charlie so well not only because he pays attention, real attention, but because he already has the emotional intuition required to interpret Charlie's inner complexities.

There are many moments throughout the show where we see Nick display this keen insight with everyone in his life, not just Charlie. When Elle, who he barely knows at this point, is upset about being set up with Tao, he immediately seeks to alleviate her distress by offering a true explanation of why she and Tao were invited in the first place--to be part of a triple date. He wants Elle to know that it was important to him (and Charlie, Tara, and Darcy) that she and Tao be there not just to try to set them up, but because they wanted to include them in an important step for both couples (Nick and Charlie just beginning to share their relationship, and Tara and Darcy trying to find acceptance after coming out as a couple). Nick knows that Elle values truth and honesty, and he gives her that so she can feel comfortable with her friends again.

Nick is also incredibly understanding of Tao, who, it has to be said, barely even understands himself for much of the show. There are a lot of scenes where Nick is trying to connect with Tao but maybe oversteps just a tad because he sees more of Tao than Tao is ready to have seen. The moment outside Charlie's house when Tao tells Nick about Elle's art college ambitions, Nick cuts through to the heart of the matter--Tao's concern about missing Elle if she's far away. Nick is the first person in the friend group to connect the dots about what Elle's college acceptance might mean for Tao, and immediately tries to help Tao process those feelings. He's met with anger, but only because he managed to hit a lightning bolt of a nerve in Tao's emotional storm.

And of course there's Imogen, who Nick has known for a long time but begins to understand and appreciate on a deeper level as their relationship moves from superficial connection to true friendship. He sees how sensitive she is, how lonely in some ways, and is always looking out for her, keeping a concerned eye on her. He gives her the space she requests, but also comfort when she lets her walls down enough to ask for it. His innate understanding of what people need--especially when what they need is just someone to be there--is impeccable.

It almost goes without saying, but Nick's emotional wavelength with his mom is similarly strong and nuanced. When Nick comes out to Sarah, he makes sure she understands how important it is to him that she knows--not only that she knows that he's bi, or that Charlie is his boyfriend, but that she knows him. That their relationship is so important to him that he can overcome his fears to share this most vital part of himself. Nick's value of Sarah extends to caring for her when she's dealing with the stress of having his dad and David around. Of course, Nick is still a teenager and there are a lot of scenes that show Sarah's deft handling of Nick's emotions, but it's a two-way street. Nick takes care of her in his own way too.

Nick starts his relationship with Tara and Darcy leaning on them for advice and guidance, but by the end of the show they're leaning on him. Nick sees their struggles, especially Tara's, possibly more clearly than anyone else does because he recognizes some similarities between their situation and his with Charlie. When they're in trouble, he knows Tara needs care and honest advice, even if it's not the most comforting advice. He knows that what they both need is strength and security and tries, in his careful way, to give them those things.

Nick Nelson, always looking out for everyone he loves, keeping them safe as much as he can, hugging them when he can't.

[homosandhomies]

i think my two criticisms of season 3 are the pacing and focusing.

season 1 covers about 4 months, season 2 is 3 months, and season 3 is 9 months. that is a significantly longer timespan. because of this, the first half of the season is drawn about at a typical heartstopper pace so we can see the decline of charlie's mental health and stuff. then once he comes back from the clinic we basically speedrun the rest of the year. everyone's having sex! they're looking at uni options! tori's falling for michael! everything is happening all at once and the writers just had to get through all of it with such little time.

as for the focusing. one of my favorite changes to the tv show is that nick and charlie aren't the only main characters. i love them, don't get me wrong, but i love the rest of the characters just as much. making it an ensemble show worked so well because it highlighted different types of stories the audience could relate to.

but season 3 had to focus heavily on charlie because of his eating disorder. i completely understand this and thought the arc was handled nicely. however, the rest of the characters are pushed to the side and don't get their stories fleshed out in the same way. they keep showing hints of tara's anxiety and perfectionism but never totally focus on it. same thing with sahar and imogen's relationship, as well as darcy's move into their grandma's house (which i thought would have been explored more but it's barely talked about). elle and tao definitely got the spotlight they deserved, but the rest of them were hidden. it was all surface-level or skimmed over

anywho, still a really good season, but very disjointed which left a bad taste in my mouth. i would’ve loved to see it broken up into 2 seasons :/

bonus criticism: hayley atwell devoured but you can feel the lack of olivia colman and it made me sad

[leikeliscomet]

Heartstopper's Aspec Representation Isn't For Me - And That's Okay (Mini Essay)

Spoilers for Series 3!

So I just finished series 3 and I feel conflicted. I don't hate Heartstopper at all. I think it's a very cute show. I'm happy queer baby gen z and gen alpha have something to see themselves in, I love how Tara, a darkskin Black lesbian girl is happy in her relationship. I'm happy Isaac makes my fellow aspecs happy. I'm happy Charlie tore Ben's singlet in series 2 and for once the victim/survivor is allowed to not forgive their assaulter. I like Heartstopper's little moments but I've felt like something was missing overall and now we're on the third season, I think I know what it is now. There's comments on BL and yaoi by Alice Oseman I don't fully agree with, some of the acting in the show could be a bit better I guess, most of the characters are comfortably in the British middle class and I am a grown adult now so my interest in school/teen dramas has dipped a little bit (but not you Waterloo Road ily <3). So to an extent, there were always gonna be limits on how much I enjoy this show, but nevertheless, I still think they're worth pointing out, especially if we're claiming Heartstopper for the next gen of queer rep. Because honestly having watched shows like Heartbreak High and Koisenu Futari plus being a massive Selah and the Spades fan, I feel a bit robbed in terms of quality.

Isaac still feels underdeveloped and for a show that's been going on for 3 series now this feels disappointing. Like obviously Nick and Charlie get all the screentime as they're the main characters. Tao and Elle got a lot more juicer storylines from s2, Tara and Darcy got more to work with this series even if it was rushed (oh I miss you long series 2010s shows), but Isaac still feels leaps behind everyone else. He didn't really get anything in series 1. In series 2 we saw him coming to terms with his identity which felt like a good starting point but I was still waiting for the 'big asexual plans' Alice Oseman promised and... nothing. I liked his comment about googling aromanticism to Charlie because the representation by PowerPoint style of aspec writing can get tired. I also liked his moment of feeling left out by his friends plus still wanting to know Nick and Charlie's tea, giving him sexual agency whilst aroace instead of feeding into infantilisation. But apart from that... nothing. I wanted to feel more moved by the aquarium scene, but it felt tacked on because whilst Isaac's upset was justified, Imogen just wanted to chat about gay fish, so Isaac came across as a little passive-aggressive instead of what was supposed to be his moment. Plus it feels a little backhanded how much effort series 1 went to in how big coming to terms with your identity is, plus the gorgeous way Isaac's aroace revelation was filmed in series 2 was filmed just to have him blurt it out in an aquarium and have barely any of his friends actually support him like he supported them. But life imitates art I guess. This whole season we've seen characters talking about university plans, gap years and going through the post-16 struggle. But what about Isaac? We never find out what uni he wants to go to or even if he wants to go. What subjects does he like? What job does he want post-school? What's his relationship like with his family? The people need to know! I always found it weird how Isaac was left out to the point where straight characters, whilst still bearing in mind that Tao x Elle is an interracial pairing between two POC and one of which is a trans girl and this is very rare and deserved representation too, had gotten more screentime than him. Imogen, Sahar, Mr Ajayi and Mr Farouk had all been introduced for bigger storylines but Isaac, despite being in the main group, still had to wait for his share. This series was such a huge moment for everyone but Isaac... again. And whilst I'm happy if everyone else is, I genuinely feel like we all deserve better.

Tori was given bigger moments this series and that was great because I was waiting for my introverted slurping sister to come through. Her concern and care for Charlie and jealousy of Nick were great plus with the introduction of Michael, it was all leading to the big reveal of Tori being ace, right? Right? Wrong, because this scene was cut from the ferris wheel moment and I have no idea why. Oseman confirmed it was because Tori's storyline will continue in s4 and she didn't want to rush it but like, what? Series 3, at least in my eyes, did an alright job at building up her coming out. And again, if Nick could get his bi awakening in a one series arc, why can't this asexual character then too? They also covered Darcy's non-binary transition and coming out in this series too so I don't know why there wasn't room for Tori apparently. There was plenty of room for an 'I'm asexual' within those 5 minutes. Waiting to develop her in series 4, which is yet to be confirmed and likely to be the show's last series so it will already have a lot to do with wrapping up the Nick x Charlie saga seems like a poor decision. This is the second time we've had to wait till next season for the aspec character's arc by the way.

I'd like to see some aroallo POVs on this but this season put a lot of emphasis on linking love and sex together and it felt a bit strange icl. Yes, they're linked socially/societally and it's great to have sex with someone you love and love someone you have sex with etc etc etc but the first 2 series made a point of separating the two by showing love without sex and how it was just as meaningful. Almost every time a character was sexually attracted to another e.g. calling them hot or started making out because they wanted to have sex in that given moment there would be a dialogue from one of them going 'it's okay we're in love 'it's normal you're in love' 'well that's what people in love do!' and these are all correct statements but like... we get it! You don't have to be head over heels in love to find someone sexually attractive or just want to have sex with them. It's okay if you're not in love too y'know? I'm not sure what that constant reassurance was for because depicting sex without love isn't as pearl clutchy as it seems when all parties are safe, consenting and comfortable, or, if you've ever had any knowledge about aro(allo) spaces tbf. Nick and Charlie are not aspec and are very much sexually attracted to each other so the conclusion of them having sex isn't surprising at all, especially when I already knew from tweets back in series 1 that Heartstopper the comic already had a storyline later on of the two having sex for the first time. Plus the other characters aren't aspec either so their sexual debuts are also unsurprising and deserved. Plus, I'm actually glad they included Tara and Darcy having sex because many 'sex positive' shows seem to leave out the lesbians. But for a show with an aroace creator and aspec characters, the depictions of romance and sex don't feel like they were written from an aspec lense or for an aspec audience. It's normal for people to be romantically and sexually attracted to each other and then date and have sex. But if you're aspec, you know this. We all know this. This is the mainstream and default depiction of human (hetero)sexuality. We're watching the queer shows to see something different from that. When romance without sex can only hinge on the characters being below the age of consent plus a supposed 'innocence' due to their young age and sex without love is non existent, plus when you factor in how there are no aroallo or alloace characters in the show with 'groundbreaking' aspec representation, it makes for a bit of a headscratcher. Heartstopper may be made by an aspec, has aspec characters and aspec fans, I don't consider it an aspec show. Bit sad, but it is what it is.

It's honestly strange how despite this fact, asexuality and aromanticism is barely mentioned in the main discourse about this show. Antis claim Oseman is a cishet woman despite being non-binary and aroace. They blame the sexlessness of the show on puritanism despite Oseman being aroace. There's constant arguments about how 'unrealistic' it is for teenagers to not have sex despite Isaac being a whole teenage aroace and how some people just didn't have sex in their teens... like aspecs. People are annoyed the show keeps giving Isaac aromantic and asexual storylines because it's 'not as important' and they 'don't care' as if he's not a main cast member and again, the creator is aroace! If you look at the promo pictures of the show, it has the main three pairings, Nick and Charlie, Tao and Elle and Tara and Darcy and no Isaac. Despite the fact it's supposed to be 'for' us and made by one of us, it's not. And a lot of non aspec queer fans watching the show don't see it for us despite being made by one of us either. And that's a real shame.

I'm fully aware Oseman knows about writing aroace characters from the book Loveless, which has an aroace MC. But I think Netflix choosing to adapt Heartstopper over Loveless was intentional. I think Netflix creating Isaac instead of Aled, a demi gay non-binary character from the og comic, was intentional. I think all the decisions Netlix made with Isaac and Tori are intentional, the same way bringing Yasmin Benoit to the Sex Education writers room to cut half of O's storylines was intentional. Netflix has fumbled the bag with asexual and aromantic representation several times now (Cash Piggot and Todd notwithstanding) so at this point, I'm not surprised anymore. Again, I'm happy for anyone who really likes Heartstopper, but I've finally accepted that it's not for me. And that's okay. When someone makes the predominantly aspec, slightly more grown, queer show with fully fleshed out arcs for its's asexual and/or aromantic characters or hits up Lovie Simone for the scrapped Selah and the Spades TV show, I know where I'll be.

We deserved our moments too. We deserve our Heartstopper.

[rowanquinn19]

20 ships/relationships that heal my bisexual heart 🩷💜💙

Buddie (9-1-1)

there is literally no heterosexual explanation for this scene. manifesting buddie canon in season 8 🙏

Bathena (9-1-1)

LITERALLY. COUPLE. GOALS.

Madney (9-1-1)

i'm so glad they finally got married, after everything they've been through <3

Henren (9-1-1)

final 9-1-1 ship on the list... i love these two and this show is literally the best! but i am begging you tim minear give them a break!!!

Peraltiago (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

this is one of my favourite moments in the entire show. i love these two so much!

Holt and Kevin (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

i'm so glad they got back together also, i have to include a cheddar gif:

Villaneve (Killing Eve)

my friend got me into this show after season 2 aired and i'm so glad he did because i absolutely adore these two!

Miranda and Gary (Miranda)

this is weirdly my most conflicted ship on this list but that's only because i love miranda hart and can't stand tom ellis, but this is still a lovely relationship (despite the ups and downs)

Rose and the Tenth Doctor (Doctor Who)

idc their relationship was just so fun to watch. they have just a great dynamic, whether it's platonic or romantic, although i think we know which is the popular option as bad wolf is literally scattered across the entirety of time and space...

Rogue & the Fifteenth Doctor (Doctor Who)

FIFTEEN FIND HIM!!!!!

Captain Jack Harkness & Ianto Jones (Torchwood)

"love the coat"

Gwen Cooper & Rhys Williams (Torchwood)

i just had to include these two!

Toshiko Sato & Owen Harper (Torchwood)

bear with me while i cry over these two once again... 😭

i'd love to see torchwood come back with all the main characters (yes i know they're both dead but crazier things have happened in the doctor who universe, like surely some wibbly wobbly timely wimely stuff can bring them and ianto back lol)

Nick & Charlie (Heartstopper)

this list would be incomplete without nick and charlie... i love them

Elle & Tao (Heartstopper)

i can't lie... i think this is the relationship i'm most invested in when it comes to heartstopper, i love these two so much

Tara & Darcy (Heartstopper)

these two are soulmates... i'm praying they get a happy ending

Mr Farouk x Mr Ajayi (Heartstopper)

final heartstopper ship on the list... we need more of them in season 4 because they are literally so cute. again i think i'm more invested in these two atm than nick and charlie...

Wilmon (Young Royals)

I AM SO HAPPY FOR THEM!!!!!!!!!!!! wilmon endgame THANK GOD!

Darren & Ca$h (Heartbreak High)

generally one of the most authentic relationships i've seen in a tv show. i absolutely adore their dynamic and can't wait to see their love for each other continue to grow

Henry & Alex (Red, White & Royal Blue)

i'm just waiting patiently for the second film... please universe

[trumpkinhotboy]

Never alone

Pairing: big sister!darcy olsson x little sister!reader

Type: requested

Warnings: none really? mentions of having a strick and unsupportive parent

Word count: approx 700

Requests: open! for heartstopper, twilight wolfpack and narnia

A/n: loved writing this, thank you again for the request xx

"I knew there was a chance I'd find you here." You let out a relieved breath at the sight of your older sister sitting on a rusted swing in the old park near your home.

Darcy jolted upward at the sound of your voice. "Y/n, what are you doing here?" she asked with a fake smile plastered on her face. You could be a little oblivious sometimes, but you could not miss the trail of wet tears staining her cheeks.

It hurt your heart beyond measure to see her, even after everything that just happened, trying to put on a happy face for you. Life at home was far from easy. Your mother was incredibly strict and severe. You often thought she must be in a terrible amount of pain to be so cold and distant with her children. Your sister and you learned not to expect any favor from your mother. Even if you were only a year younger than Darcy, she always took her big sister role very seriously. She constantly tried to protect you from the bitterness of your mother. Even when she had been kicked out of her home, she was still trying to protect you.

You stared at her in silence for a second, your gaze filled with concern. "Darcy, stop."

"What?" she tried subtly wiping away the tears. "Did you want to hang out? We can go and get ice cream."

She took a step, but you grabbed her wrist firmly. "Drop the bullshit. I heard everything."

A crack in her mask. A second to falter.

"Are you okay?" you asked while softening your hold on her wrist.

The three little words had the power to destroy the front she kept putting up. Her face scrunched in a pained expression, silver tears lining her eyes.

You sighed once more before pulling her in a hug. She melted in your arms, big sobs crawling their way out of her hurt body. You allowed her to rest in your arms, to let everything go.

"I'm so sorry Dar," you whispered, squeezing her as tight as you could, hoping it would somehow put back the pieces of her heart your mom had shattered times and times again.

You guided her to sit on a bench as she calmed down. Delicately, you wiped the tears away from her cheeks.

"I'm sorry for doing this to you. I'm sorry you had to hear that."

You let out an exasperated breath. "You don't ever have to apologize about what happened back there. You don't have to protect me all the time. At least, you have to let me protect you in return. We are a team. We are the only thing we can always, always count on. I know how hard you try to be happy all the time, but I promise, no one would love you less because you showed the hard moments. I surely won't. I know Tara won't, and anyone else in the gang won't, for that matter."

Kicking pebbles with the tip of her weathered Converse she seemed so vulnerable. Darcy felt like a mistake, a burden, most of the time. Probably because of everything your mother kept telling her, and you hated her for it.

"I'm not so sure about that… Nobody likes a burden," she mumbled.

"You are not a burden. Do you find me annoying or burdensome when I have hardships?"

"Of course not!" she exclaimed with a surprised expression.

You lifted your brows with a knowing smile as realization dawned on her. "And I can confirm it's the same for you."

You nodded at the entrance of the park where Tara, Elle, Tao, Joe, Nick, and Isaac appeared, worried looks on their faces. Your sister's girlfriend let out a strangled noise when she noticed Darcy sitting on the bench with you.

"Please don't be mad, but they were very worried about you, and I think you need them."

She looked back at you with tears in her eyes and relief sketched on her face. She grabbed your hand and held tight as she waved to her friends.

"If only you could see yourself through my eyes. You would understand how fricking amazing you are. You are not and will never be alone." You finally added before you were wrapped into a big group hug.

[gigigazelleloves]

Warning: Heartstopper Rant

As much as I love Heartstopper I will say that it is hard for me to get into the fandom. I love the concept of the heartstopper but I feel afraid to comment on the execution because I know fans here can be brutal but you know what? Here is my FAIR criticism of heartstopper (the show, not so much the webtoon).

I HATE how Tara's character is written. She seems like the woman of color side kick who is just there to validate white characters (Nick and Darcy specifically). It's like she's only there to push the plot forward and I was hoping she'd become more of her own character like Isaac in season 3 but I was wrong. You know what, I wasn't the biggest fan of the panic attack/perfectionist plot (I would've personally preferred if it had taken different route) but I was happy she was getting a storyline. Turns out the storyline was just supposed to be a yes-man to the fact that Charlie (a white character) was doing better in his mental health struggle. I also feel like Alice also doesn't understand Black British culture because what black immigrant mother is letting her daughter's girlfriend stay in her bedroom for more than a month? I'll tell you, no one from that culture is doing that, and if they are, you must be a fuckin unicorn. And again that storyline was just to push Darcy's story forward plot wise.

I feel the same way about Sahar, like she's just there to push Imogen or even sometimes Nick's story forward. Like yeah, the girl of middle eastern ethnicity just found out she likes women, why are we throwing a good story to the side? I get Imogen was in season 1, but Sahar was an original character from the comic and I personally think she deserves a better story because she in general is a better character than Imogen (no offense Imogen).

Now I know people will bring up Elle and say that she gets a lot of screen time but I would like to remind everyone that Elle has a white mother and is stated to have her father not interact with his side of the family due to their transphobia. She has a completely different experience also because she is with another person of colour (who also is mixed). But that's a whole different rant.

Bottom line I feel like Sahar and Tara are there to check off boxes, not to be full fledged characters which is disappointing as they have so much potential that gets thrown out the window . I would also like to state that I can see Alice and whatever fellow writers are trying. I will also say entertainment media has gotten better for minorities. However, Heartstopper still does have room for improvement when it comes to characters of colour. I would just like to finish this rant by stating that this situation proves how much white privilege still exists in the LGBTQ community and how that just because your queer doesn't mean you are exempt from being privileged.

Edit: I was not aware that Alice went by she/they pronouns so my grammer that needs to be fixed it will be done. Just let me know down in the comment area of this post.

[confessionsofareindeer]

Not to like totally rant but like let's get this out of the way, Season 3 Heartstopper Spoilers:

They kind of ruined the show a little for me with this sad ace rep., the carnival scene takes out the depth of Tori and Micheal's relationship, it makes it look like they're just dating, it cuts out their queerness and just makes them look like a messy straight couple. They barely had any screen time, which is fair, they're just Charlie's sister and the guy that's always around her, (no one even seems to know Micheal despite them having had class with him in the comics, but whatever, Solitaire erasure it is) I wasn't expecting to see all of Solitaire played out on my laptop for me, but I wanted some sort of complexity around aceness and maybe a reference to its existence. But instead, you're telling me a group of queer teenagers needed a fish analogy to understand aromanticsm? Really? In school I only had to tell the cis boys and the girls who stared at me funny what it meant, not my friend group that is majority LGBTQ. I thought this was supposed to be a dreamscape to actually show me and my friends, not-a-water-everything-down-for-the-straights-and-alloscape, that comes with every other story, this was made by a queer person who is aro/ace so why did we end up like this, why did I bother having hope?

I really respect how the storyline made room for Darcy and Elle had trans and non binary identities and that they were expanded upon in the show, I love it really and I think that it felt like things my friends would actually talk about. We have a slight reference to Darcy having an unlabeled gender but even this feels wrapped up as they come out as non binary, I wish it was just all less clean cut, less perfectly fit so that everything works out, do their's and Tara's sexualities shift to reflect changing Lesbian identity in a more inclusive world? Do they decide to be unlabled or does the idiotic queer discourse not exist for them? Can we have people who don't particularly lean one way or the other, or who reject this modern idea that we should fit into the straight designed trap of conformity for the heads to comprehend something outside their simple world of the nuclear family? I want sexualities nuances to be explained like gender's was. Micheal talks about it, so why is there not a large discussion or plot around it? WHy does it end up a somewhat hollow scene?

Maybe my friends and I are weird and philosophical, but we'd spend lunch arguing about this sort of stuff, so I really wish they'd show it, I have the backing of the kids who loved Perks of Being a Wallflower and Catcher and the Rye (don't ask me about that one I haven't actually read it, on principle) that found Solitaire, and all the depressed outsider protaganists a little too relatable for our own good, that maybe Tori and Micheal shouldn't have even kissed in the book because people are only ever going to misinterpret it. So now looking at the show, I guess of course this happened. Tori and Micheals story meant something to me and so yeah, I'm going to be a melodramatic whiner on Tumblr about it.

(1/2)

[nhasablogg]

Heartstopper season 3 thoughts

Under the cut:

I love love love Tao and Elle and how much he cares for her and wants to do everything for her, but I do hope we'll get to see her do more of the same in season 4. Tao was very happy and in love this season, while we got to see more of his fears in the last, so I'm aware this was just this specific season, but I did notice how he was just dragging Elle along (and Elle mostly let herself be pulled along) without allowing her to do much for him in return. I think, since we're seeing Nick and Charlie trying to find more of a balance in their relationship (and Darcy and Tara doing a pretty good job with it from the glimpses we saw), it would be great to see that happening for Elle and Tao too!

I do love that we got to see even more of Elle this season with a mix of plot points that allowed us to get to know her even more.

While I would've loved for them to get more screen time, I think they did a pretty good job of naturally showing Darcy's gender journey alongside the rest of the things that were going on. I hope Kizzy got to work with them and do things how they wanted it to go (I know they talked to Alice about it a couple of years ago) and so maybe they just didn't want it to be a big deal.

Same goes for Tara's struggles. While I would've obviously loved to see her issues take up more screen time, I'm aware that they have many characters and not too much space, and seeing her struggle and learn how to deal with it was still lovely since it wasn't just brushed under the rug.

I LOVE TORI SPRING AND I'M SO EXCITED TO HAVE MET MICHAEL

I'm seeing so much discourse about how Charlie doesn't deserve Nick and that Nick always puts Charlie's mental health first etc etc and honestly shut up!!! They're making a great point about being there for someone who is struggling not necessarily meaning you have to or even can fix them. And Nick acknowledged his own struggles and I'm sure they will touch on them in season 4. It's about codependency and how they have to learn to be okay without each other too. Nick (or Tori, or any of their friends) doesn't see Charlie as a burden and the fact that some people think so makes me think the entire season just flew over your head. You deserve love and support when you're mentally sick AND when you're okay! They're communicating and learning how to navigate their relationship alongside the rest. Nick's issues aren't just ignored, but you also have to remember what Charlie's been through and how Nick doesn't always talk about how he's feeling. It's natural for Charlie to not notice everything and I'm sure they will get to that eventually.

I love Nick and Tara's friendship so muuuuch but it does make me think about the dynamics of the group. Like, would Charlie and Darcy ever hang out alone? (if they have, I've forgotten about it lol). Would Nick and Elle? They are so many and work well in groups, but it's just interesting to think of which one of them would hang out alone. Obviously Nick and Tara (and I love how Nick and Tao's relationship has evolved, but I just don't think they would purposely hang out alone), Charlie and Tao and Isaac and any combo of those three. But Nick always seems slightly awkward alone with others? Which would be interesting to explore, although I loved their little roadtrip.

I loved that Oliver got a cameo even though he's a cousin and not their brother in this one.

Loved seeing Imogen discover more about herself!! Part of me wants her and Sahar to get together, but another part of me kinda wants at least SOME characters to be single even if they're not aro/ace? Like come on now

Obviously loved the aro/ace rep, I love Isaac!!!

I had hoped we would dive into Tori's asexuality, but I feel like they're saving that for season 4 or a possible Solitaire adaptation??

All in all I wish I had these books/show when I was a teenager, but Alice Oseman is in fact only a year older than me so we can't have it all I guess

EDIT: OH MY GOD THAT SCENE WITH YOUNG MR FAROUK I NEARLY CRIED

[myheartstopperblog]

Things we have yet to see (or we might not)

VOLUME 4 (5.Love)

Charlie wants to tell Nick he loves him, especially before he goes to Menorca

Paris squad beach day

More cute Tara/Darcy and Elle/Tao moments

Sahar tells Nick she's going to Truham for sixth form

They eat and Charlie struggles, Nick is there for him

Elle talks about how she can't go to Egypt cause it's dangerous for her as a trans girl

Nick tells Charlie he might have an eating disorder

Charlie says I love you while Nick is in the shower

Nick runs after him and says it back

Tori gets a haircut

Nick goes to Menorca with his family

Jane gets angry at Charlie

David is a Dick, Charlie struggles and Julio's parents visit

Nick tells his mum about Charlie and his ED

School starts again

More Youssef and Nathan

Sahar starts school with Nick

Charlie and Nick kiss for the first time since he got back from Menorca

September 4th, Nicks birthday (Charlie gives Nick all his hoodies back and a photo album)

Nick talks to Charlie about his ED

They both go to Charlie's house and talk to his parents, he needs help

VOLUME 4 (6.Journey)

Four months later, New Years Eve (Nick POV)

Nick has another dog (a pug) called Henry

Flashback to September

Charlie goes to the doctor and gets an appointment for January

Charlie starts self harming again

Charlie goes to A&E one day because it got so bad

Charlie is an inpatient, so Nick goes to school without him

Nick starts hanging out with Christian, Otis and Sai more (and the Paris squad too, he keeps them updated about Charlie)

Nick visits Charlie sometimes at the hospital with his family, and finds Tori a bit intense

Early December, Charlie goes back home

Christmas day Charlie goes to Nicks home (This Winter) and meets the new puppy Henry

Flashback over

Nick and Charlie go to a New Years Eve party and hang out with the Paris squad (and other teens from their school are there)

The main three couples share a New Years kiss

Two months later, early March (Charlie POV)

Charlie is going to therapy and his name is Geoff

Flashback to when he went to the hospital as an inpatient for a few weeks

He has a therapist and a nutritionist there, and made a couple of friends

He has anorexia and OCD

He goes back to school after the Christmas holidays

We see Michael, Toris friend

In mid-January he has a self-harm relapse (him and Nick argued when having dinner and Nick left, but he came back and they made up, Nick stayed the night with Charlie)

*Higgs burns down (Solitaire)

Flashback over

Spring-Nelson dinner that we see in season 3

Nick can drive, and him and Charlie go out for a bit

"Mini-Comic: The Ethics of Infatuation Dynamics" will be included

VOLUME 5 (7.Together)

April 27th, Charlies birthday, he's playing drums in the schools music room and Nick surprises him and they make out

Later Tao and Aled are in Charlie's room and tell him that Nick might want to have sex

Charlie struggles with his body image

The Paris Squad go to Charlie's house to celebrate his birthday, so does Michael

They talk about what they want to study and what university they want to go to

Charlie gets a bit drunk and they all have a sleepover

May, Charlie, Tao and Aled have a Sex ED class while Nick, Sahar, Otis, Christian and Sai have to write about their future, they also talk about the concept of virginity

Tao tries to comfort Charlie and talks about him and Elle trying stuff

After rugby practice, Charlie struggles with his body image in the changing room

Nick and Charlie sneak into Charlies bedroom

They make out on his bed and when Nick asks if he can take his jumper off he struggles again

Jane interrupts them and Charlie tells Nick his worry about taking his shirt off

Sahar asks Charlie about the Summer Fete in July and if he could play the drums in her band

Charlie talks to Geoff about his worries

Mr. Farouk asks Charlie if he wants to be "Head Boy" next year for Sixth Form and he says he'll think about it

Nick asks his mum if Charlie can sleepover and she gives him "the talk"

We see that Nick doesn't really have "close" friends who he can talk to

Charlie and Jane argue and Charlie leaves to go to Nicks house, we also see a flashback of Janes mum being abusive towards her

Charlie tells Nick what happened and Nick opens up to Charlie about his worries as well (about university, friends and figuring himself out)

They have sex

Charlie goes home and Jane and him talk

Three weeks later Nick, Tara and Elle go visit universities for a few days

They first visit Kent University, which is 15 minutes from where they live, and the next day they go to Oxford

Nick tells them about his first time and they bond

They then go visit Loughborough University, and the next day Leeds University (which Nick loves)

They talk more about the future on their drive back home, to the Summer Fete where Charlie will play in the band

Charlie goes and meets up with Tao, Darcy and Aled

Michael appears and talks to Charlie about Tori, so Charlie goes to find her

Tori comes out to Charlie as asexual and talks about her relationship with Michel

Nick, Tara and Elle make it just in time to see the band

Charlie stays the night at Nicks and they have sex

Charlie talks to Nick about him nominated for "Head Boy" and Nick tells him that Leeds is his top university choice

[supernaturallyliterate]

Thoughts on Heartstopper Season 2!

🛑🛑 SPOILERS AHEAD 🛑🛑

I really liked the way they switched events around but still incorporated all the main events / convos / quotes!! Like Ben asking for an apology, but instead of doing it at Tara's Bday party, they had Harry try to come in & get rejected & gave Ben's moment more depth and gave Charlie a more specific speech to be like "no, I don't forgive you, and I don't want you in my life. GTFO"

I absolutely loved every single one of Elle's outfits. And the dynamic between Elle & Tao developing their relationship! And I really really liked that we got more Tao backstory. His interactions with his mom, his heart to hearts with Nick (esp about his dad & relationship insecurities; we love a self aware king), his awkward first date with Elle at the theater

I liked Elle having more trans and non-binary friends!! And her art school journey!! Yes, give me more insight into each character's world

Naomi & Felix were iconic and I hope to see more of them! I liked that their presence also drew out Tao's insecurities and forced him to confront them. Like at the art show!!

I of course loved more focus on Tara & Darcy! I'm glad it wasn't just "Darcy is afraid to say I love you :/" and more was revealed about her homophobic parents and toxic home life! And oh my god the moment of Tara walking up to Darcy's house to check on her and meeting her mom for the first time had me SCARED. I was literally hiding behind my partner’s shoulder

I think the pacing still felt really good. And even though I knew what path the story was headed, it still felt natural when they switched things up. They maintained faithful to the original narrative while effectively adapting it to a TV show format, which is honestly SUPER impressive

And I am glad they kept in Charlie's mental health!! I think all the small switches they made really draw attention to how difficult it can be to notice an ED, anxiety, OCD, etc in someone else, even a partner. And they found good ways to express that anxiety with different conflicts and situations

IMOGEN. That girl is so bisexual. I called it last season. The vibes. The hair dye. The insistence on being "an ally." And she's totally falling for Sahar and I am HERE FOR IT.

ISSAC. I really really liked his whole arc with James. Asking Charlie how he knew he had a crush on Nick, relating to most of it, testing the waters with a kiss, and then being confused. Taking to the aroace artist at Elle's exhibition. Going back to that oh so centrally placed Ace book from earlier in the season & happily skipping off with it. I am so happy for him

TORI. Iconic, truly. Love all of her appearance and threats to people who could hurt Charlie. THE PHONE KICK SCENE, AHH. I really hope season 3 gets some sprinkles from Solitaire. They kinda hinted at some stuff to come by calling attention to Ben switching to Highs instead of staying at Truham. But I cannot wait for Michael to be introduced and the chaos to ensue.

The casting: 10000000/10

The acting: infinity / 10

The script: PERFECTION / 10

Please please please go watch or read Heartstopper. Better yet, do both.

[bairdthereader]

Darcy's argument with her mom is one of the most painful scenes to watch. In the comics, we never really see this conflict firsthand, only bits of it, in retrospect through spoken dialog. On screen, it's visceral and intense and all too relatable for many of us. The animated purple smoke overlay, the muffled voices, the melancholy music, Darcy's clear anticipatory dread of this confrontation . . . all combine to show us just how toxic and horribly constant these interactions are for her.

But there's this glimmer of hope buried in all of that harsh brokenness. When Darcy fights back against her mom's abuse, the weapon she chooses is an incredibly powerful one: her friendships. "They will not laugh. My friends are supportive; my friends like me."

It's easy to miss the fact that Nick isn't the only one being welcomed into Charlie's expanding friend group, and Elle isn't the only one finding her place with new people--Darcy is, too. Of course she has Tara to lean on, but as Alice and the Heartstopper story so brilliantly and tenderly show, sometimes people need more help and support than one person can give, no matter how much that person loves them.

Darcy is developing bonds with people who accept her as she is, maybe for the first time, after years of repression and rejection at home. These new friends effortlessly welcome the self-proclaimed "disaster," the girl who makes everything into a joke, the girl who hides half her life, the girl who loves so deeply but finds it impossible to believe that anyone would love her in return.

Those friendships, the support Darcy knows she can count on from them, give her both the courage to fight and the truth to speak to the battle. She can say--and truly believe--that even if her parents refuse to see her beauty and uniqueness and unabashed, stunning exuberance, her friends do. They see her, and know her, and she can protect herself with that knowledge. They give her the strength she needs to rescue herself.

Yet another diamond-brilliant facet of this show, this story, repeatedly demonstrating that true friendship is vital and lifesaving.

[mostofthingsmostofthetime]

I finished the second episode of Heartstopper last night (wanted to post about it yesterday, but I was too tired from work), so here are some of my thoughts in no particular order for you now.

Good on Nick for checking up on Charlie after what happened. I found it odd, though, that he seemed more emotional about it than Charlie, but I guess they're in two very different places, mentally. One being 'why do I seem to like this guy way more than my other friends?' & the other being 'omg stop being so nice to me, your straight!' lol. Plus, I get that everyone deals with stuff in their own way & poor Charlie is probably so used to being mistreated that he might just be repressing the full weight of how his feeling as a copeing mechanism. It was also probably very cathartic to finally tell someone everything that happened between him & Ben (as I'm guessing he kept most if not all of it a secret from his friends & sister).

WE FINALLY MEET NELLIE!!!! And she is as cute as I'd hoped (though for some reason I expected her to be a different colour).

Sorry, Charlie, but Tori's right. Your hair looks exactly the same. Also, love that they kept the gag from the novel about her scaring him with her, always showing up suddenly without warning.

Nice to see that the outfits are on point for our boys so far with the plaid/black jeans (trying to impress someone, I see Charlie) & T-shirt/joggers (also what product is Miss Nelson using coz Nick's tops look soft as hell).

Wait, what season is it supposed to be because it looked really sunny when Charlie was walking to Nick's house (I know he was wearing a coat & hat but Charlie is always cold) but then suddenly it's snowing? Idk when Alice first came up with this story, but as a Brit, I haven't seen proper full on Snow since I was probably around eight years old. But hey, maybe in the Heartstopper universe, global warming doesn't exist.

I don’t care what anyone says, I will never get the fun of a snowball fight. If I go somewhere with a friend & they start throwing stuff at me, I'm leaving! Also, picking it up with your bare hands? One, it's been on the ground 🤢, and two, where are your gloves? Do you not feel the cold? Snow angles do look fun until I think about how my entire behind would be frozen/damp. Sorry if that makes me a "stick in the mud", I don't care 😝.

Damn, that is one photogenic dog & and aww, they already look like a couple. Also, give it up for Nick's freckles, the real star of the show 👏.

Omg, being in the same group as someone you hate must be so hard, but I get why Nick can't really say anything about what Ben did, at least not right now. Also, what is up with that Imogen girl? Mind your damn business.

I think it's good we get to see Elle longing for a bond with other girls that she just can't get from her male friend group. Makes her transition feel more fleshed out (for lack of a better word), you know?

Yay, we finally meet Tara & Darcy & they're exactly how I thought they'd be (except I imagined Darcy with brown hair for some reason). Ooh I didn't know Elle was artistic. I wanna decorate pencil cases now. Tara's pink puffa coat is so cute. What is up with adults dictating how long kids' hair can be? Like who gives a fuck! Also "gal pals" had me 😆.

Oh, thank god, it's just misinformation. For a second, I thought Tao was making shit up just to make Charlie get over his crush. Are kids really like that, though? I can't imagine kissing someone once & having people insist, I'm madly in love with them to this day, like move on already.

Ok, I officially really like the gay teacher, lol.

Love Charlie's sweater & Nick's coats are also very nice. Where are these kids getting their clothes? Coz I'm embarrassed by most of the stuff I wore as a teenager.

The big hoodie moment should be cute, but I just can't help thinking about how skinny Charlie is, which makes me ☹️.

Ok, so I didn't care much for the leaf animation in the first episode, but omg, the little fire crackles when Nick was trying to hold Charlie's hand? Screaming, crying, throwing up!!!!!!! & the hug before he left? Fucking crops watered for life, bitch!

Was digging Elle's outfit, very 70's vibes.

Ah, so their "secret" is out. Also obligatory: 🗣 LET'S GO LESBIANS LET'S GO 🗣

Can't wait for the next episode, but I practically passed out after watching episode 2 (manual labour is hard, kids 😭), so maybe I hallucinated, but did that Imogen girl ask Nick out? I thought she was daiting Ben? Or is that a different girl?

PS. I found out Aled won't be in the show, which I accept & the only reason I haven't talked about Isaac is because he hasn't really done much yet

[imjustavenuxwithaboomerang]

I FINISHED HEARTSTOPPER SEASON 2

last two episodes exclusive (mostly anyway) notes:

sahar is still my girlfriend (also her being bi means i have a chance IM KIDDING)

tori kicking david's phone out of his hand is so joyful to me

tao and elle being together makes my bi heart soar like who do i wanna be more ya' know (i've mentioned that already but it's still true)

darcy's mom has been added to the 'worst parent in media' list in my brain (along with terri, lynne, and cash from hsmtmts and donald from lab rats)

i will never forgive people spoiling season 2 plotlines (like aroace isaac, harry's low-key redemption arc, charlie's ed, tao and the outing situation, etc.) under season 1 reaction videos

it really was the best idea to have tao cut his hair cause otherwise i would not take him seriously

im loving tao's mom rooting for him and elle

i still don't like nick's dad and sarah is so right about him not getting a say in david and nick's lives

all of the dresses at prom looked so pretty

^i love pretty dresses so much, if i see a pretty dress, i shortcircuit

"i love your hair" yeah nick, we could tell from you noticing the haircut earlier in s1

i've been informed that ben won't be in the show anymore and im just like-

^GIVE ME THE PRETTY MAN JUST HAVE HIM BE SILENT AND IN THE BACK, AWAY FROM CHARLIE

i can get behind them setting up sahar and imogen

i love tara just casually being on nick's shoulders while decorating

i really enjoyed this show and i will be looking forward to s3

[rapunzelforlorn]

Ep6

Nick is so brave introducing Charlie to his dad

Two more years of high school?? I thought Nick was like a junior

Seeing the style on Nick's face, meeting his dad already seems difficult but he wanted to tell him about Charlie so bad

Are they playing find Waldo?

I love that the boys & girls had the same reaction to E&T's kiss

Sneaking around the hotel 🙈

Issac looks left out 🥺

Everyone sneaking to smooch town

Charlie needs to listen to Nick

Ajayi is trying his charms

Faruk IS gay!!

Clocked him 👀👀👀

"You flirting with me?"

Oh, happy birthday Tara

Imogen being part of the gang makes me so happy

Isaac is in book heaven

Charlie's a little hoodie thief

"I'm just recharging" - Nick 💜

There's a lot of underage drinking for a relatively wholesome show

Why isn't Isaac with James???

Who the FUCK let Ben in?

Kiss the boy Isaac

Paris is so gay 🏳️‍🌈

Isaac??

Hey babe let's go to a party just to escape it and enjoy each other's company, that's Nick & Charlie's relationship

Harry is trying...I think genuinely

But I'm pissed Ben is there much his church ass out too

Tao is always a ham

Who is this sour ass, shaved head ass, biiiiitch bringing down the vibe of the party??? Uhh...kid 1 that's who! Not even relevant enough for a name

Ben's bitch ass shouldn't have been there

Nick is a boss! And bi, actually

Why did they ruin to the teachers and not the bathroom if she was gonna get sick

Not sure if I want to be carried or carry someone like Nick "strong man" Nelson

Sharing a bed, how scandalous 😏

The revenge of the hicky

Oh Nick is so sweet & innocent, despite the hicky allegations

Darcy is having a time

Teachers getting scandalous now too 🙈🙈

Ep7

Nick seems so bummed not noticing or maybe not talking to Charlie sooner about eating habits

Go Elle!!

Tao's mom is great we love supportive mothers

Nick's mom fucking ROASTING David

Tori better go to this dinner party too

Congrats Elle!

What's with the purple smog at Darcy's?

Isaac seems off

Will Ben just FUCK OFF!!!

No matching suits?? Outrageous!!

Darcy doesn't have a good home life did she 😒

Issac actually ACE?

Fucking slay Elle 😍😍😍

Tao is so bad with change

Clocked Isaac

So glad he met someone to explain it to him

Imogen is trying, really

Prom is tomorrow?!?!

Elle's art 💜💜

Tao maturing

Ben is stalking now???

Don't make us feel bad for Ben, fuck him

Oh so he's ALWAYS been a predator

I'm here for you "mate"

Tori in the house!!

Fuck David!!

GETTEM TORI!!!

NICK 🥺💜🥺💜

Stephane 👀 no, no Stephane

He's always got mom

Tori's about to go away for murder if David doesn't shut the fuck up

Charlie's mom cares, just wants him to do well

Nick is always so proactive with the Google machine

Oh Darc ☹️

Ep8

No way this man woke up and didn't have his phone on a charger

The (I'm bi, actually) ig post 💗💜💙

The ig comments 🤢

Everything's prefect except you aren't eating Charlie boy

And they were official T&E

Tara sending out the prom SOS

The squad rolling up

That's a waste of paint

Coach wingmate

Nick opening up to Tao about Charlie

Tao opening up to Nick 🥺

Charlie needs to open up

They look so good for prom!!

I miss prom

Charlie's little prom fantasy was so cute

Darcy needs some help

Isaac is also on the struggle bus

Elle's dad, is exactly what I hoped

She always looks stunning 🤩🤩

They all look so great!!

Why did Sahar bring a guitar?

I want to believe Henry is trying

The rugby mates for sure are trying

Nick giving Tara advice that's actually for himself too

Oh she's in the band

I wish my school put this much effort into prom

These high schoolers are having so much growth

Tori at prom too 🥳

"That night in Paris..."

"Next time 😉"

Is Imogen...bi?

Neither can dance? I doubt that

Oh no 😨 Tara went to Darcy's

Her mom's such a bitch!!!!!

Sit down at Nick's

SEVEN

Big group hug 💜

Poor Darcy 🥺

We love disasters

Playing pong with normal cups 😂

Isaac looks so much happier knowing who he is

Best Team Player 🏆

Charlie 😭😭

"Promise to tell me, if it ever gets that bad again? "

Just hold hands through it all 💜💜

"I love..."

Gets me everytime Charlie gets on his tippy toes to kiss Nick

Wait...have they not said I love you too each other??

What a cliff hanger!!

Were both ready for season 3 😁