Heartstopper Moments

  Episode 1, run time 23.25 My final Heartstopper Moment from episode 1 is the power of the X.  In a dynamic that washes over neatly into episode 2 and afflicts both boys, DMs are compiled then scrubbed: the authors' full of angst that their words, or tone, might be received negatively.  'Thank you x' was Charlie's third attempt to convey his feelings to Nick. He has a sense of urgency to communicate before getting home and reflecting, even.  The 'x' has authenticity for Charlie, but is a calculated risk. However, Nick is chuffed when he opens the message, and his face turns into a smile. There is reciprocity of emotion.    As with episodes 2 and 3, particularly, the movement into the closing score and credits is immaculately timed for impact.  Adiescar Chase's score for the closing credits here is my favourite of the series.  Up next: Episode 2 moments! 

  Episode 1, run time 20.15 Ben reacts badly to Charlie's brush-off.  'It's not like anyone else is gonna want to go out with you, is it?'  Such a nasty line, delivered brutally. We see Charlie gulp at Ben's verbal punch.  This sequence in the empty music block is powerful all the way, from the moment of the Ben/Charlie connection through to Charlie's rescue by his knight in golden armour, Nick.  Nick's subsequent line:  'You have nothing to be sorry about.'  ...when Charlie starts to apologise, establishes his emotional intelligence and encourages us to compare his character traits with those of Ben. I hear the series is popular with kids as young as 10, and I hope that adults or older siblings use the opportunity of this section to talk about consent.    

  Episode 1, run time 17.00 Under Nick's tutelage and encouragement, we see Charlie enjoying some success on the rugby pitch and gaining a sense of satisfaction from it, evidenced by his smile. There's camaraderie in the dressing room. The guy celebrating with Charlie on the right of the still is Christian Mcbride, who pops-up occasionally in series one with minor spoken parts and appears to be more welcoming of Charlie - and less homophobic - than Harry Greene.  Charlie's rugby career fails to progress, but I've included this sequence as a Heartstopper Moment because it stands in contrast to Charlie's general experience of team sport, both before and after. Treated with respect, for a while, Charlie blossoms in the company of 'bro dudes', as Tao calls them!   

Episode 1, run time 13.55 Nick catches Charlie by surprise, and the contents of his locker tumble to the floor. So far, so cliched.  I like the way Nick helps Charlie in gathering-up the fallen books. Can you imagine Ben doing the same? No, me neither! Nick's purpose is to ask Charlie to join the rugby team. It's a mark of how deeply Charlie has fallen for Nick that he agrees to give it a try, though he detests the locker room environment, and of course most or all of the team are a year older (year 11). I'm not sure I'd have been that courageous.  The invite is also brave of Nick, because it starts the process of introducing Charlie to his friendship group, some of whom are gay-hostile: a storm which culminates in the events of episode 7.         

Episode 1, run time 12.15 On the bus to school, Tori presses Charlie on his hypothetical dream guy.  'Someone I can have a laugh with, and who's nice, and kind, and likes being with me.'  I suppose that everyone watching wished this for Charlie, and some looked at their own lives and wished the same for themselves, also.  Most would be happy with a partner who met Charlie's well-considered wish list, I think.   

  Episode 1, run time 09.15 Mr Ajayi's art classroom provides a place of safety from bullying, for Charlie, and his guidance on navigating life as a gay teen is sought after.  The gay teacher is a great listener, but doesn't pretend he can resolve all of Charlie's dilemmas and is assertive with Charlie where necessary. Mr Ajayi doesn't have many scenes in Heartstopper, but I love the way his part is written. Role model behaviours are demonstrated, but the obvious trap of making the interactions excessively saccharine is avoided.   This sequence is the first of many that hint at Charlie's eating disorder, but it's all very subtle through series 1. 

  Episode 1, run time 09.00 In his second substantive encounter with Ben, in the library, Charlie notes the smiley inked on his hand by Nick, earlier, as he takes Ben's hand.   Briefly, we see Charlie wistful, contrasting the positiveness and joy of his new friendship, with the one-sided and exploitative relationship with Ben. This was a powerful Heartstopper Moment for me, though it was done in less than a second.