Heartstopper season 2 sees Charlie and Nick do some truly brave things in 2×07 “Sorry.” They stand up for themselves and each other in this episode, while also being part of a dynamic and fantastic found family who are also going through their own things. Isaac is coming to the realization that he is asexual, Elle and Tao are looking towards their future if she goes to the snow school, and Darcy’s storyline has revealed some truly heart-wrenching things that she is going through. So without further ado, let’s dive into Heartstopper 2×07 “Sorry”!
Charlie & Nick Doing the Most and I’m Proud
The best part of Charlie and Nick’s relationship is that they make each other better people. Too often when you see relationships on TV they are so tangled up in each other that all you see is the romance and who they are within the bounds of that romance. For Charlie and Nick, things are different. They exist outside of the bounds of their relationship and are growing with each other, for each other, and because of each other. And that growth spills out into all parts of their lives. Whether it be at school or at home, they are taking control of the narrative of their lives. And their partner doesn’t have to be there every second to see those changes. But they know that they will be there for each other when things get hard.
For Charlie, he had to finally face Ben. Not because he wanted to, but because Ben cornered him. And what Charlie did in that scene made me feel so proud for the young man he has become. Because he listened to Ben and hoped that he would better himself. But Charlie doesn’t want Ben to better himself because of Charlie. Ben can do that for himself. And just because Ben apologized, it doesn’t mean Charlie has to accept it. You don’t corner someone into forgiveness. And Charlie never has to give it to Ben just because Ben is “messed up.” He still did all those things and he’s going to have to live with the fact that Charlie does not like him, doesn’t want to be anywhere near him, and has taken control back in his life to a point where he doesn’t need Ben at all. Charlie needs himself and Nick will be there to hold his hand. That’s more than enough and what Charlie wants.
On the Nick side of things, he let go of the thought of what his father thought of him. No matter if we realize that our parents are human, they’re still our parents. And even after they disappoint us, we want to make them proud. But at some point that has to stop and we have to put our foot down. That’s what Nick did in 2×07. He put his foot down and declared who he was, who he’s boyfriends with, his bisexuality, and the fact that he doesn’t care anymore what his dad or his brother thinks. In many ways I envy Nick. I wish I could do that. I wish I could let go in that manner and just live my life. Because at this moment I’m stuck trying to make others happy. And if this feels like a wake up call to me, it certainly must feel like a wake up call for other viewers at home.
Ultimately, I’m so proud of Charlie and Nick. I didn’t think that this show could do what it has done back when I watched season 1 episode 1. But here we are, two seasons in, with one of the best LGBTQ+ shows to have ever grace our screens. Here’s to season 3!
Elle and Tao During the Art Show
Heartstopper is easing Elle and Tao out of their little bubble. Right now it’s the beginning phases of the relationship turning into something more romantic. But the future is waiting for both of them. And from what we learned in “Sorry,” they’re okay with that future because they’re okay with each other. I feel like I wouldn’t be able to say this a couple episodes ago because they were so confused about who they were to each other. Some of the confusion is still there because they haven’t had the official boyfriend and girlfriend conversation. But things have changed and they have decided that they’re going to tackle this together. And that makes the beginnings of a great relationship.
Having watched TV for way too long, I expected this show for a second to go in the stereotypical route. I thought that Tao was going to freak out at the concept of Elle going to another school and then turn it around on himself. But he didn’t. Tao took the time to be present and appreciate Elle’s work. He joined in on the hug with Charlie and Isaac. And he was the one to verbalize that even if they go to different schools, they would make it work. Basically, Tao is in it for the long run. And he wants Elle to know that but to also not make decisions about her future based on him. It’s not because he’s being a martyr. It’s because he respects her enough to want her to never hold herself back for him or for anyone.
On the Elle side of things, she was worried about Tao’s reaction at her getting accepted into this prestigious art school because everything was so new. They just had their shift from their friendship turning into a romantic relationship. And they hit some roadblocks when it came to that. So to think about how their relationship would be tested long distance, it’s scary. But I’m glad that they sat down and talked about it, especially after she revealed her painting. No matter where l goes, Charlie, Isaac, and Tao are her safe space. She is going to grow by leaps and bounds and do some amazing things in her life. But that doesn’t mean that she forgets where she comes from or the people that are part of our life. She’s bringing those people with her. And that matters.
Isaac Understanding He’s Asexual
I truly thought that Isaac knew that he was asexual. I looked at his book choices and the choices that he made in his friend group and thought he had it figured out. But maybe he hadn’t fully contextualized it or what it meant for him even though he had the materials right in front of him. And I’m glad that he had an opportunity to hear someone put a name to the thing that he’s always been feeling inside. That right there is a particularly human feeling that goes far beyond your sexuality. We all have moments where we feel something but maybe no one has taught us the language to connect the dots. And Isaac has finally connected the dots and found those words.
Maybe this will be an opportunity to go back and speak to the boy that he has a crush on. Because being asexual doesn’t stop you from being in relationships. It just means that your relationships are different. And maybe Isaac confused the fact that he didn’t feel a sexual spark with his crush as him not feeling anything for the young man. Furthermore, asexuality is a spectrum and works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for somebody else. Maybe that’s something that Isaac can explore and I hope that Heartstopper does. Because his relationships don’t have to look like the ones that his friends have. They are his choice and of his making with his partner.
As for Isaac’s friends, I’m glad that he stood up for himself. I understand that they’re teenagers and they’re at that age where their hormones are going wild. But they do focus a lot on the dating aspect of things and not enough time on just being. Personally, I connect with that because I didn’t care one bit for romances growing up. I cared about what was going on around them with romance as a plus one. And even into adulthood, I find myself not caring for those sexual aspects of relationships as much as connecting with that person on an emotional and mental level. But most importantly, it’s important to remember that no matter if you are asexual or not, there is no shame in this. Because Isaac isn’t the only one and I bet there are young kids or adults that are watching Heartstopper and coming to that realization themselves.
Now we wait to see how his friends approach it. But knowing this show, they’re going to do a good job.
Darcy and Her Home Problems
Darcy has mainly been the sunshine character during her time on Heartstopper. Admittedly a little bit less in season two as some of her home problems became more pronounced. And now we know the reason. Her mom is why she never brings Tara around and why she keeps her conversations with her secret from Tara. Because her mother is a horrible person and Darcy is finally happy with someone. And she’s not going to risk somebody messing up what she has, who she is, or who she loves. For that, you have to admire Darcy. She’s headstrong, determined, and protects those that she loves. Whatever comes next, I hope her friends return the favor and have her back during this difficult time.
Seeing what Darcy’s mom is like adds a lot of context to who Darcy is. It’s often times that the people that smile the biggest and act the happiest are overcompensating for some really fucked up things. And in Darcy’s case, it’s an abusive mother who looks down upon Darcy. She yells at her daughter and wants ultimate control of even the smallest things like what Darcy wears. And it’s not like Darcy’s outfit was revealing or something. It was a suit that looked really nice on her and made her stand out. But that’s not good enough for Darcy’s mom and when her daughter pushes back, the mom kicks her out. By the end of “Sorry,” Darcy is alone and out on the street. And honestly, I don’t think this is the first, second, or third time this has happened to Darcy.
It’s storytelling like this that makes me wonder what studios think when they say that they want to use AI to create stories like this. You could not create the nuance and complexity of Darcy’s situation with AI. What Darcy went through is a lived experience that humans go through. And throughout this storytelling, and what the actress brought to the scene, you were able to understand why she keeps her “I love you’s” close to her chest and why she treasures her friends so much. They’re her family and it’s because of Alice Oseman that we are where we are today when it comes to Heartstopper. We are our own little family who have connected with these young people in a way that makes us feel alive and seen. Nothing can replace that.
Heartstopper season 2 is now available on Netflix.
What did you think of 2×07 “Sorry”? Let us know in the comments below!
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, Heartstopper being covered here wouldn’t exist.
