Heartstopper’s first season followed the romance between timid Charlie Spring and bubbly Nick Nelson. Season two focused on Nick’s coming out journey. The show was praised for its kid-friendly queer utopia. Readers of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel knew that things would shift gears. Season three is about Charlie’s struggles with mental health. Critics have praised it for introducing challenging topics to a young audience. I was an outlier. I found the writing dour and repetitive.
Joe Locke comes into his own this year. His passive character was initially overshadowed by Kit Connor’s Nick (looking Marvel buff now). Here Charlie’s forced to face his demons. Locke taps into his pain and some well overdue anger. Episode 4 separates the leads to explore their individual identities. It’s a fantastic piece of television. I wish the season had started there.
Episodes 1 through 3 repeat information we already know. They get mired down by the large supporting cast. Charlie’s friends have been drained of personality. As with Love, Victor’s third season, coupling up has trapped them in monotonous domestic conversations. Aroace friend Isaac calls them out on this (yet still has no life of his own). Some comic subplots could have balanced Charlie’s harrowing journey. But the kids are mired in angst. I miss the chaotic energy that Sebastian Croft’s antagonist brought before returning to his home planet. Jack Barton does his best to fill the gap as Nick’s sour brother.
Late episodes transition to happier times. Joy returns and fan service abounds. Sex is respectfully discussed while cartoon hearts float overhead. Oseman has proposed a fourth season. I feel this is a mistake. The simple story has been stretched thin. The actors will look as teenage as the ones in Dear Evan Hansen. But I’m not the target demographic. Heartstopper gives young audiences something gentle and sweet. There’s plenty of saltier, spicier queer media available for folks who want less sugar.
You can read more of my reviews on The Avocado, Letterboxd and Serializd. My podcast, Rainbow Colored Glasses, can be found here.