I’m actually so glad that Ben did not get the full redemption arc he apologised but was made aware by Charlie of how his actions hurt him and that he would have to work to change and not spread more harm also loved david being told just how miserable and mean he is loving these reactions
I think is realistic, some people do not accept who they are and it is really sad, even you empathize with them (like Ben) BUT it ain’t enough excuse to be an as-hole, so they learn the hard way how their own rejection of themselves cause them to be horrible to others. Sometimes the circle stops sometimes unfortunately, doesn’t and you have people being spiteful and hateful just bc they never accepted themselves
Absolutely! Also people who really want that arc to be on the show forget - this is Charlie's story. This is the survivor's story, not the abuser's story. I love that Charlie really puts a line in the sand and makes it clear that Ben is no longer going to be in his story.
@@wavy6617 exactly! On and on we queer’s have been told “be the bigger person” “please understand” “it’s bc they are insecure” but the truth is IT AINT ENOUGH!! just as Ben I’ve never will be accepted by my family for being Bi, I’m out with all my friends and siblings but that’s it. And even there I never attacked lgbtq people and I was attacked. Just as Ben I could’ve been an spiteful little rat but I wasn’t (like Darcy, like Nick, like Tara) None of us should settle or see past the abuse, personal struggles are not enough to be a piece of shit. I like that Charlie was a great example of that, “l understand but I do not have to forgive you bc the damage is done”.
she literally pays more attention to him than charlie’s own mother. charlie’s mom is so neglectful and that probably is another reason why charlie’s mental health is the way it is:(
@@rottenangelx3I think that she just forgot how things used to be when she was a teen, completely. She doesn't make an effort to understand Charlie and she also has no idea of hpw deeply she's also hurting him.
I think Sarah being so fond of Charlie is because of how Charlie brings out the real Nick (not just the rugby lad that his other friends do). She made a comment about it in s1e2.
I suspect it is no coincidence that Charlie's mum collects and grows cacti (the plants that look impressive but don't need constant love and attention.)@@heyitsmira17
Alice Oseman, the author and artist of the comics and also the writer of the show is actually aromantic and asexual like Isaac. And she wrote one of the cutest romances of our time
Fun fact: In the comics, Harry tries to redeem himself during the party in Paris and Charlie basically gives the same speech. The way they put Ben in that position in the series made a lot of sense too. I love how the series has become an expanded work of what the comics were. Cheers to Alice!
Yeah. At first I was a bit disapppointed in the scene with Harry cause I liked it in the book (though Charlie's "no" was epic), and then I saw it was because they were saving this scene for Ben and that makes so much sense.
Glasgow is in Scotland 😂 same as Edinburgh, which is why the dad got it wrong. Hearing ireland and RUSSIA as guesses made me die laughing omg love you guys
My daughter and I were watching this together, and my daughter goes oh boy, now they’re debating geography and face palmed. Watching you guys is mine and my daughters favorite thing to do! PA represent! Lol
I love that Elle's painting was literally her safe place, especially bc it was still in Truham. She had horrible days there transitioning, but still she found a place where she could be herself and be surrounded by things she loved: a supportive and queer art teacher. Art. And the best group of friends/support system she could've found. Even though her days in that school must've been tough, she's now going to a place where she can naturally and completely be who she is, while also looking back fondly to her youth and carrying only the best part of it in her heart. I love love loooove the og friend group and how they interacted this season. The scene with Charlie and Tao's padlock makes me tear up every time, as well as a scene during the last episode and then this art exhibition one. They are very strong and lovely individuals.
The OG friend group is one of my favourite things about Heartstopper. All four of them are amazing characters and it's heartwarming to see how supportive they are of each other.
Tori is the bessssstttt 😂 People who look like they’re 100% willing and capable to carry out every threat they make are terrifying and I love her for it. As the mom of a 16 year old son I feel for Charlie’s mom a tiny bit 😬 You don’t want your kids thinking grades and college are the end all be all, but you want them to have options so they can do whatever they want to in life. It’s hard!
Charlie’s mom saw all of the fallout from the bullying Charlie got from all of the jocks before he met Nick. She was afraid that Nick was going to hurt him because he was a jock. This episode made her realize exactly what a good person Nick really was and how he wouldn’t ever hurt Charlie and that’s why she changed by the end.
Bryce expressed exactly how I felt about the Ben stuff in this episode: while I feel so bad about what Ben must have been going through at home, not being able to be his authentic self around his parents, I am glad that Charlie didn't forgive him and instead left him to mull over how he could become a better person and not hurt others the way he hurt Charlie. that visual with the rainbow coming out of the building and almost touching Ben, but not quite, was so super powerful. I love this show! 💓💜💙
My favorite episode of season two. Nick and Charlie both taking a stand against the people who hurt them in the past. It’s very empowering and shows how much they have supported each other and helped them heal.
Being asexual myself it feels SO good having a storyline including us especially in something major. Todd in Bojack Horseman is a particular favorite and was done really well- in that its spoken about in the show and not just a fact that a creator adds in later. It's nice adding to the collection 💜
@@tlahmedyes but that doesn't stop us to remember that he is also aro and celebrate it as well. Cause a lot of people only talk about the asexual part when they mention him.
Darcy is the character I most relate to. Having friends who won't accept you is one thing but when it comes to family, it hurts so much. Plus this makes her more layered as a character. We only see her laughing, making people happy while she suffers at home and is in such a depressing environment.
as someone who is aromantic (i think...i'm 24 and still a bit lost, but that word relates most to what i feel), it was just nice seeing that too! So happy shows like this build more on other queer communities.
Yesss. I have only recently realised that im asexual (and probably aromantic as well) and heartstopper was one of the things that helped me realise my sexuality. We get so little representation and when we do it is usually not very good. But all of Alices aro and ace characters are so well written and I love how they are all so different. I am currently reading Loveless, and I relate so much to Georgia in every way, it is just a great book. Tori, Isaac, Aled and Georgia are just some of the best asexual characters.
i love how you can see that Tao is changing for the better. We know he has abandonment issues and his mind always goes there, but instead of texting Elle about leaving them, he decided to be supportive instead. Love the Tao character development. It is subtle but its there🤭💕
9:21 - Joe Locke really showed how superb and excellent his acting skills are in his final talk with Ben. Just look at the emotion coming from Joe as he spoke those lines. His facial reactions, the pitch of his delivery. What a performance! Not the last emotional performance from Joe in season two, as we will see in episode 8.
@@wavy6617 Joe is going to really go far in his career. He is only 19, and has so much opportunity now. I really hope to see him in more TV and films. I know he is in Agatha: Coven of Chaos, but I wish he would be in Doctor Who. Yasmin is already in the upcoming 60th anniversary specials this November 2023, I wish Joe was in it too.
I like the Ben stuff too. Everyone has their own lives…in Ben’s, maybe he can have a redemption arc & go on to be a good person who doesn’t do harm to others…but he does not get to be a part of Charlie’s life and Charlie owes him less than nothing. The most redemptive thing he can do is respect Charlie’s wishes and never contact him again
Hi guys! I'm a big Heartstopper fan because it has done so much for my inner teenage self. I'm a 33 yo gay man, but looking at your reactions I feel like you're helping me to heal all the wounds caused by straight men when I was younger and I want to thank you for that. 🙏❤️❤️❤️
Hi guys - it was nice to see the change take place with Charlie's mum - His mum rarely spoke with Nick. All she knew was he was coming round to their home a lot, and then he is Charlie's boyfriend. She thought Nick was distracting Charlie from his school work too much. However once she came to dinner, and saw how much Nick loves her son, stands up to his own brother and dad for Charlie, she then warms to Nick much more, as she may appear strict, but deep down she is a loving mother, who wants the best for her fragile son, who went through so much bullying in school. Hope you can see a sort of change in her in this episode, which Alice the creator and writer really wanted to show.
as someone who read the comic, i was super excited to see the scene with tori and david come to life. i love tori so much she's one of my favorite characters
3:43 i guess Tori pointed about their mother not being the biggest fan of Nick, is because Charlie didn't have done anything of his cousework, was distracted in classes and sneak around to see Nick when she told him to finish his cousework before, my impression is (in that time period, before the dinner) she see's Nick as a bad influence to charlie academic life, and that's not Nick's fault, is Charlie's haha
I felt like this was probably the heaviest episode because it touches so much and shows bits and pieces of so much. Even though we all dislike Ben, it scares me how that ended because he’ll be leaving and has no family support and no way of being himself/showing his authentic self. I’m assuming the worst and I’m scared that eventually Charlie will feel guilty about it, if something were to happen. Such a scary situation with Darcy too and one too common in the LGBTQ+ community where children get kicked out or leave due to the toxicity. I hope that people reading this that might be going through similar situations, find the resources available, they’re out there. ❤
Re Elle’s painting: If you go back to the Louvre, you’ll notice Elle taking in a Caravaggio painting of the same composition. If you go back further to Sports Day, you’ll see that Tao’s painting is the same.
Both Alice Oseman and Sebastian Croft (Ben’s actor) made it clear he would not be getting a redemption, which was the right move. There’s such nuance in how Ben is written and acted that we can acknowledge that his actions were awful and harmful, while at the same time feeling pity and sadness for his situation. And Charlie has every right to not want to have him around but is still kind enough to wish for him to change after everything. There are a lot of Ben-types out there who will watch the show (maybe in secret) and will hopefully gain some perspective about themselves through this. What does pull at the heart is the rainbow using the same beach visuals and sounds as s1 ep8. Nick and Charlie had their own queer joy on the beach and now that it’s extended as an invitation to Ben, he chooses to walk away - which for him is the easier option than taking that first step to embracing himself.
The scene with Darcy not being accepted by her mom hurt so much. And the scene between Charlie and Ben is probably my favourite in the entire show. I get why Ben is the way he is, but that does not justify what he did to Charlie. And me being a bit like Charlie when it comes to relationships (except I still haven't found my Nick), that was therapeutic.
I liked how you guys filmed this. You clearly binged watched the season as you’re wearing the same thing in all the videos and then you’re releasing them every few days. If I was a reactor that’s probably how I would do it.
I remember seeing people saddened that Sebastian Croft (Ben) wouldn’t be returning next season. I was like, “Did you guys watch the show? That’s clearly what they were building to!”
There’s a difference though. People are sad that Bash will not be coming back, because he is such a sweetheart in all the extras and promos and such. Those same people don’t want Ben to come back because he really isn’t a nice person. It’s just separating actor from character
idk if u noticed (i havent watched to the very end yet) but darcy didnt just leave, she was kinda kicked out - if u watch closely u can see her mothers mouth saying "get out of this house"
13:05 this is the most US American thing ever lmaooo Glasgow is in Scottland, so is Edinburgh. The capital of the Republic of Ireland is Dublin, and the Capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast
Love your reactions but I have to admit, I half sobbed half burst out laughing when you said you thought Glasgow was in Ireland. I'm from Glasgow and it's like 40 mins from Edinburgh, both of which are in Scotland. So funny 🤣
Ben won't be back. Alice Oseman confirmed. Unless something happens and they change their mind. I don't know if you ever watch interviews or clips with the actors, but Sebastian who plays Ben is the antithesis of his character. He's so charming and nice irl, (at least I gathered that from interviews). And talented so I hope he does other work we can all enjoy.
Hello! Once again I loved your guys reactions. About Ben. I really appreciate how sensitively the show is handling his story and how sensitive are you guys are approaching him. He has done horrible things, and he is in a terrible situation . But the thing is he still hasn’t face why he really did. That was mean clear. When Charlie asked him about the first time he kissed him and he was smiling. I’m pretty sure that 50% of the time Charlie didn’t wanna kiss Ben. And Ben never ever asked. He might like Charlie but he doesn’t treat Charlie like a person . Until he can understand what he really did not just that last scene but for the entire length of their very toxic relationship, he can’t ever progress as a person . Aa RuPaul says you have to love yourself before you can love someone else and Ben doesn’t. Anyway, thanks again and I can’t wait for the finale! Season one got me to subscribe to you guys and I’m so glad I did. 🙏❤️
“What does she have against Nick besides that he is Charlie’s boyfriend”… so in episode 1 it is established that Nick and Charlie have been hanging out and Charlie’s grades have slipped. From a parents perspective, Nick is a “bad influence”. We as the viewers know there are several reasons for the grades slipping, but for the parents, this seems like a pretty common reaction
It feels like Ben exits the spotlight, only for Darcy's mum to take on the spot of number one most disliked character. I know Darcy is probably not doing okay, emotionally, but I hope she can find a safe place to stay.
charlie has had so many badass moments this season. i’m so proud of him! ben has made absolutely no growth i think. even though his parents are homophobic obviously so is Darcy’s and darcy doesn’t take it out on other people. i didn’t believe the “apology” from ben one bit. darcy breaks my heart because that is a the reality for alot of queer youth, being kicked out or having to leave because your house environment isint safe. and poor charlie is going through so much internally, the whole season 1 and 2 he has been supporting nick, holding his hand through everything while ignoring his own needs. this is just the beginning of a long and difficult journey for charlie but he will overcome it❤️
my heart breaks for darcy this episode. i can’t imagine how unfeeling you have to be to kick your CHILD out of the house knowing they had nowhere to go. and over a fucking suit no less.
Because we are being shown so many identities and home lives and journeys Ben not fully accepting himself is another journey that needed to be represented. Not fully accepting yourself until later in life or ever is a common thing that even now people still go through. We heard it with Mr. Farouk, he didn't realize it until his late twenties and now Ben probably won't accept himself for a long time but that is his journey. I'm glad that we not only don't see him excused of forgiven but that they show that they show that he honestly isn't ready for change.
As much as I get that representation, I do think it is the opposite of Heartstopper's dynamic. The whole series is about emphasizing the acceptance of different identities and overall usually has happy endings after bitter storylines. Exploring Ben being closeted forever in his life would be too depressing to represent. Plus we already have millions of movies that do exactly that, gay people being forced to live miserable lives because they are too scared. Having to marry people they don't love. And millions in real life actually living those sad lives. For that reason I'm actually happy they didn't go down that rabbit hole. I'm not saying they should paint a fake picture or hide that struggle. But we all know it happens and it's too gloomy for such a light show. And plenty people (myself included) watch such a show to escape the sad reality we live in where not all the happiness is Heartstopper is possible.
We won't be seeing Ben again. Alice Oseman said in an interview that she let the actor know that Ben's story in the show is done, so they worked together on this last scene to make the most out of it. Ben's character actually stayed around longer in the show than he did in the comics. After the scene where Nick pulls him off Charlie in Vol. 1 of the books, he barely gets mentioned ever again.
I think Charlie's mom is a bit taken aback by Nick. I'm sure Charlie's mom was supportive when he came out to her & his dad. But the reality of a flesh & blood....& buff boyfriend is perhaps bringing out her protective side. She doesn't want him to get hurt. Remember, no one knew when Charlie was seeing Ben. - Oh, & Tori is the Warrior Guardian!
Love your videos and feedback on Heartstopper . Glasgow and Edinburgh are in Scotland which is in the UK, at least for now. The Scots, yet again, are trying to become independent from the UK. I’m headed to Scotland 🏴soon to see the Royal Military Tattoo which is a massive Scottish military and cultural show every August in Edinburgh. I’m also going down to London. While there, I’m going to Herne Bay, England where some of heartstopper is filmed and also going to Richmond to check out Ted Lasso filming locations . I’ll post my pics of those on instagram.
I thought this show was going to make me cry with Charlie's mental health problems (I have them really similar, don't worry tho I'm in therapy and better) but what made me sob LIKE A BABY was Isaac's storyline...from the party and just watching everybody kiss and the thing that sometimes I feel like I have nothing interesting to say bc it's not romantic or something. I'm both, aromantic and asexual (aroace), and I didn't know how much I needed the show to ACTUALLY SAY THE WORDS AROMANTIC AND ASEXUAL (in sex eduction there's this girl who is asexual but she still wanted a relationship? so it felt like 50% representation lol ), but hearing those words...soon I'm watching this season with my parents and they know about me being aroace but still I don't think they get it and also I'm literally the only person they know (real or fictional) with that sexuality and if they didn't love me they could even think that I invented those terms...but they're going to see it, and they're going to see me crying of joy bc every time I watch this season I cry and I'm crying while writing this bc dude I needed this so much. So yeah, love y'all❤✨ Also I'm a bookworm like Isaac, I'm studying bibliotechology (librarian basically) so BIG SAME
Poor Ben, it's obvious that no one is to blame for what he experiences, no one has to suffer his anger, but the character's background, his private life is unfortunate, something that no one should experience, being born in a home does nothing good with your head, heart, or with your essence as a human being, all the characters suffer something, but Ben especially makes me very sad.
I hope Sebastian Croft would come back and guest star on Heartstopper again as Ben Hope. And I hope we could get a scene where Ben is showing care to Charlie because I feel bad that Sebastian already plays a very hateful character/villain but I would definitely want a scene where Sebastian can feel like his actual self while also playing Ben Hope
I've watched a lot of reactions to this episode, and I feel like I'm in the minority here, but I really have a lot of sympathy for Ben. He is what he is because of ignorance and fear, both his own and from those around him. It's good that Charlie was able to tell him about the harm he had caused, but I worry about where his story will go from here. Will he, as Charlie said he hoped (as I hope), find a way to become the better person, or will he sink into depression and possibly become suicidal? Or both? I have not read the books, so please no spoilers.
Darcy's mom is more homophobic then Harry and all othger characters combined. And she did not leave the house willingly, she was pretty much forced out by her "mother".
