Heartstopper’s streak stays impressively unbroken. The YA rom-com returns for an amazing third season that places its two leads by way of fairly the wringer. Don’t fear: Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Equipment Connor) efficiently overcome difficulties with one another’s assist. It’s at all times endearing to observe the real connection between them, which is underlined by the animated leaves, hearts, and lightning sparks fluttering on the display screen. Within the eight new episodes, the teenagers develop up as they confront basic issues that arrive at age 16, from college selections to sexual wishes. All this occurs in Heartstopper’s trademark voice—candy however by no means cloying, breezy but important, and, after all, constantly healthful.
Within the stirring third season, Nick and Charlie evolve as a pair and take main steps of their relationship. However crucially, the writing emphasizes their particular person identities. Up to now, the younger love pursuits have been consumed by their emotions. That is undeniably cute, however who’re Nick and Charlie exterior of this tight-knit bond? What do they need out of life, and the way do their family and friends members consider? Heartstopper pursues these questions nicely, particularly relating to Locke’s character.
The actor, who lately made his Marvel debut in Agatha All Alongside, tackles a few of Charlie’s hardest, most susceptible moments in season three. Charlie’s battles with body-image and mental-health points intensify, pushing him to speak in confidence to his dad and mom, sister, and finest associates about his consuming dysfunction. This season’s emotional fourth installment is a pertinent, honest half-hour concerning the begin of his therapeutic journey (with Nick by his facet by way of all of it). The episode completely sums up Heartstopper’s many strengths. Utilizing a welcoming, seemingly easy, and vibrant aesthetic, creator Alice Oseman weaves lifelike coming-of-age tales by way of the lens of queer youngsters—however Charlie, Nick, and their pal group aren’t simply checking off variety packing containers. They every get multidimensional arcs which might be each messy and fulfilling, ones that unfold over well-paced 30-minute outings. And as at all times, the present’s inherent hopefulness is not like the rest on TV proper now, significantly within the YA style.
Heartstopper captures the heightened nature of younger love, the type the place even the contact of a hand feels world-halting. Shedding one’s virginity is a big matter of debate not only for Nick and Charlie, but additionally Tao (William Gao) and Elle (Yasmin Finney). Heartstopper is de facto giving us breakout stars alongside Locke and Connor (who’s presently in Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet and has Alex Garland’s Warfare within the pipeline). Finney shines as Elle, a Black trans lady who has to navigate dysmorphia and go after her inventive ardour. (Finney was a scene-stealer in Physician Who’s most up-to-date season, too.) In the meantime, Tara (Corinna Brown), Darcy (Kizzy Edgell), and Isaac (Toby Donovan) stay the present’s dependable anchors, with Jenny Walser getting extra display screen time as Charlie’s involved older sister.
Whereas Charlie’s household life will get an expanded focus, Nick has to discover ways to be with himself. It’s a troublesome activity when he’s been connected on the hip with Charlie for the higher a part of a yr since popping out as bisexual. He’s been so occupied with serving to his accomplice that he’s uncared for his objectives. Fortunately, Nick will get assist from his aunt Diane, who’s performed by a top-notch Hayley Atwell. (Aspect word: Think about this an official petition to convey Olivia Colman again as Nick’s mother so she shares house with Atwell for a strong British-actors conference.) That mentioned, season three might have benefitted from a bit extra time with Nick and Diane, however it’s not a deal-breaker by any means.
If all this sounds too severe, know that Heartstopper remains to be very humorous and charming. It’s a testomony to the solid and crew that regardless of maneuvering laborious matters, the present by no means fails to lighten the temper. (The pop needle drops and colourful settings assist with this, too.) Season three additionally pushes boundaries by being barely raunchier to match Nick and Charlie’s rising romance. They’re simply sexy teenagers who can’t assist themselves, okay? Their impulses aren’t glossed over or changed into jokes; as a substitute, they’re mined for awkward, lovable conversations. In being this relatable and affecting, Heartstopper cements its place as one of many yr’s finest TV exhibits. Hell, not even an unfairly temporary cameo from Jonathan Bailey can detract from its many deserves.
Heartstopper season 3 premieres October 3 on Netflix
