Why Nick & Charlie Are So Great Together (Heartstopper Analysis)
Vložit
- čas přidán 28. 11. 2022
- Today we're taking a deep dive into why Nick and Charlie's relationship in Heartstopper is so damn wholesome and amazing! Because I'm still sick, and making videos about these two being wonderful is a good distraction. :P Hope you enjoy!
Patreon: / thom_is_trans
Top Surgery Fundraiser: gofundme.com/f/thoms-top-surge...
My Social Media:
Twitch: / thom_is_trans
Twitter: / tjbaerauthor (@TJBaerAuthor)
Instagram: / thom_is_trans
Heartstopper (Netflix series) Reactions:
Ep 1: • Heartstopper Ep 1 Reac...
Ep 2: • Heartstopper Ep 2 Reac...
Ep 3: • Heartstopper Ep 3 Reac...
Ep 4: • Heartstopper Ep 4 Reac...
Ep 5: • Heartstopper Ep 5 Reac...
Ep 6: • Heartstopper Ep 6 Reac...
Ep 7: • Heartstopper Ep 7 Reac...
Ep 8: • Heartstopper Ep 8 Reac...
8 Best Moments in Heartstopper: • 8 Best Moments in Hear...
Top 5 Charlie Spring Moments: • Top 5 Charlie Spring M...
Heartstopper Comics vs. Show Reactions:
Part 1 (Meet): • Heartstopper Reaction:...
Part 2 (Crush): • Heartstopper Reaction:...
Part 3 (Kiss): • Heartstopper Reaction:...
Part 4 (Secret): • Heartstopper Reaction:...
Part 5 (Friend): • Heartstopper Reaction:...
Part 6 (Girls): • Heartstopper Reaction:...
Part 7 (Bully): • Heartstopper: Comics v...
Part 8 (Boyfriend): • Heartstopper Reaction:...
Heartstopper Soundtrack Deep Dives:
Episode One: • Heartstopper Soundtrac...
Episode Two: • Heartstopper Soundtrac...
Heartstopper Sims:
Making the Characters: • Heartstopper Sims: Nic...
Day 1: • Heartstopper Sims, Day...
Day 2: • Heartstopper Sims, Day...
Day 3: • Heartstopper Sims, Day...
Queer Book Recs:
Date Me, Bryson Keller, by Kevin van Whye: • Heartstopper-ish Queer...
If This Gets Out, by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich: • Heartstopper-ish Queer...
Red, White, & Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston: • Heartstopper-ish Queer...
Cemetery Boys, by Aiden Thomas: • Heartstopper-ish Queer...
Camp, by L.C. Rosen: • Heartstopper-ish Queer...
Queer YA Bookstravaganza (40 Queer YA Books): • Queer YA Bookstravagan...
Awesome Queer Comics: • Awesome Queer Comics (...
The Boy Who Was Kissed (original novel): • Heartstopper Updates +...
Dreamers (original novel): • New Queer, Trans YA: D...
Interview with Lennon Rook, creator of Faroff: • Interview with Lennon ... - Zábava
7:44 Another thing I noticed in this scene, and that ties back to the consent point, is that if you observe carefully, Charlie waits for Nick to hug him before he hugs him back. It's a blink and you'll miss it moment, but it's there, and I LOVE it. Charlie really wants to make sure Nick's okay witht hem hugging in public, and it's such a lovely bit of non-verbal communication.All these little gestures are so cute and special, I love Heartstopper so much ❤
Consent is the greatest thing about this show.
I love your point about consent! Another small point that highlighted consent was Nick testing the waters and nearly touching Charlie's hand in episode 2. I know that he was mostly doing it to see how it make him feel to have his hand hover over the hand of another boy, but my read of the situation is that he also wouldn't have gone through with that while Charlie was asleep. A light hand hold was also how Nick affirmed Charlie's bravery against Ben in episode 3, and leads them to their first kiss. And after their first kiss, Nick hold's Charlie's hand properly, and that signals the next round.
Edit: Feel better Thom!! I appreciate the nostril updates on Twitter, hope it's progressing well and you're taking care of yourself.
"The nostril updates" 🤣
Nick also shows Charlie through all of these things that make him so much more open and caring that he is the anti-Ben. I love how this show models healthy relationship dynamics between Charlie and Nick AND between Tara and Darcy, and gives us an unhealthy relationship, a dating violence relationship, to contrast it with so that you can clearly see what abusive behaviors look like and see what is and is not acceptable in a relationship. I work at a domestic violence shelter, and the kind of healthy, open, honest communication between Nick and Charlie and between Tara and Darcy, and the way that communication fosters trust among the partners, is so important to educate young people on. Abusive, controlling relationships are often ones where there is a distinct lack of trust - the other dynamics we see in abusive relationships often stem from that fundamental lack of trust for one's partner, and lack of respect for the partner. We see in Ben that lack of respect and lack of communication (except when he's tearing Charlie down), and Nick couldn't be more different from Ben.
They are the best couple! I know some people say their relationship is unrealistic but my first boyfriend honestly was a bit of a Nick Nelson (this was a straight relationship, I realise I'm hugely privileged and that this would have been much harder for same-sex couples at the time). We were together for almost 2 years, there were hand-crackles, there were the pre-dating hugs that went on too long, there were emotional corridor reunions, there was secret under-table handholding, there were nosy but wise older sisters. I'm sure we must have gone bowling at some point... It was the best way to learn about relationships, with someone kind and caring that I could be myself with. We are both now happily married to other people, but we're still good friends and I'm so grateful to have him in my life. I'm glad ALL young people can see the example in Heartstopper and hopefully feel like it is possible for them.
I think your video also perfectly points out the balance in Nick and Charlie's relationship - there's a lot of memes about people wanting their own Nick Nelson, but Charlie puts a lot of effort into their relationship too, in some ways more than Nick does. If you want a Nick Nelson, you've got to BE a bit of a Nick Nelson too.
YES! I've seen a comment under a heartstopper tiktok compilation that said basically the same thing. Instead of hoping for a Nick Nelson in your life, why not try to be the Nick Nelson in someone else's life. Eye opening ✨
I think maybe part of the reason for it is that the audience is meant to identify with Charlie, and therefore meant to feel Charlie's feelings for Nick. I know this doesn't account for all of it, some people identify with Nick or other characters, but I'm kind of hoping it accounts for at least a part of the imbalance.
@@snoopy_J Charlie’s the shy awkward nerd, and Nick’s the himbo jock with golden retriever energy, of course most of the audience was likely going to identify with Charlie specifically
@Taraxacum_sp I love this! I am a Nick Nrlson golden retriever type to friends and family...just, sadly, not found anyone to be the same with romantically.
Hi Thom, The subject of this video might be my favorite of all your work. The only drawback is that we don't get to see you!!! As another follower here mentioned, you hit on all the things that make Heartstopper such a unique and groundbreaking show. What a comment on the way of Homo Sapiens that a show about mutual respect, decency, and kindness is considered "unique and groundbreaking." I can speak from personal experience that the secret (if there is a secret) to a successful relationship is absolutely founding it in mutual respect, decency, and kindness. I have been in a relationship and am now married to my own Nick Nelson; my husband, Larry. After nearly 23 years, we are as deeply in love as when we first met because we practiced these qualities from day one. It is not always easy, and there will always be arguments and compromises, but without mutual respect, there is probably little hope for a happy and enduring relationship. In this way, I feel like a very lucky person indeed. But it really isn't luck, is it? It's more like a willingness to work, be flexible, and be understanding. All those things you highlighted in your wonderful presentation. I am so grateful that Heartstopper happened in my lifetime and equally grateful for finding an intelligent, thoughtful, and kind person like you who understands and supports decency, respect, and love through this medium and your own very excellent writing. We need more people like you in this world, Thom! So rest up, and feel better soon!
Great list.
They may be idealized, mostly, but I don't think it's THAT unrealistic. Outside maybe how they got together and some tv set pieces. And we see from episode 7/8 or the Nuck and Charlie book that they're not immune from relationship issues.
Thom, you should enroll into English, Communications or Social Studies doctorate program at U of C and submit this video. Not the first time I’ve said it: Heartstopper will be dissected and pored by scholars for the next 10 years !
IMO you neatly nailed everything that makes it (book or show) such a groundbreaking media event. Even with audio only (red nose ?) it’s a fascinating analysis and popularization of the Heartstopper phenomenon.🤗
Now, don’t forget to rest and drink plenty of water. After the running nose it’ll be down to your throat and bronchial tract. Drinking rivers of water will make it go away sooner. 👍
This show has become a low key obsession of mine (😂), and I love your insights. Couldn’t agree more about consent…so important and very much lacking in a lot of romantic shows and movies. Thank you!
Thom, my son and I hope you recover Covid pretty soon.
Nick and Charlie's relationship is based on respect. Not only do they respect each other very much, but also respect their love.
Respect is the basis of their love, even when Nick tells Tara and Elle they're a couple, he knows that this attitude is going to bring both some kind of comfort zone, which will make both free to display affection.
And what does this have to do with respect? Everything, because he could have told Tao, when he got back to the table. Why didn't he? Because he respected Charlie's decision to tell Tao at a moment he'd feel ok.
Summing up: Respect is what makes love strong.
You may love any1, but if you don't respect them, this magical feeling will fade away.
+ 1. Respect is also key to how Nick resolves Imogen’s unrequited ship and resume their friendship. Also, when Darcy tells a distraught Tara ‘Talk to me’ : she doesn’t take Tara’s feelings for granted (or worse, dismiss them). What a show of maturity from such a young person. Yes, respect is everything.
What a pleasant surprise to get a new video so soon, especially while you're sick. You are so great at coming up with new and creative ways to talk about Heartstopper, and I completely agree with your reasons why our favorite couple are so great together. Although I've seen these clips hundreds of times I never get tired of seeing them, but I hope you are feeling well enough soon for us to see you (and possibly Darla).
Another great video! They really are the healthiest couple I've ever seen on a show and I really hope that anyone watching it can take these aspects into all their relationships, romantic and platonic.
Thom, this is excellent analysis, several points I hadn't even thought of before, and helps me further understand why I love this show so much, thank you, well done! And, yes, like so many other people, including middle-aged gay men like me, I am obsessed!
One side point to your analysis: when Nick gives him his birthday gift we get no reaction from Charlie such as "oh, thank you!" or "this is better than any store-bought gift, Nick, how lovely," etc. There is pretty much no reaction - although in the comics Charlie does say something to the effect of "oh, you made this yourself?," which is at least something. Also, when Nick is giving Charlie all those compliments in the corridor, Charlie only responded by smiling, but said nothing in return to those incredible loving thoughts from the boy he is madly in love with until he eventually says, "Nick! Nick! I believe you!". I would have thought Charlie would have something to the effect of "OMG, Nick, thank you, thank you - you too!". Not sure if this is in the scripting or the direction or the editing or a combination of them all but it made me wonder. Is this supposed to be a trait of Charlie that he has a hard time accepting gifts or compliments and simply doesn't know how to respond to them? (BTW, in an interview I watched with the two, Kit was stunned when Joe complimented him on, if memory serves, his new facial hair as Kit says it is exceedingly rare that Joe compliments him on anything, lol.)
Anyway, that aside, this show is making me feel like I am in the midst of a hot romance too - I'm in love with the show itself, lol - and I can't stop thinking about it, have already watched it five times, and my DVR queue is piling up from spending too much time on Heartstopper! Thanks again for a great video, Thom.
I noticed Charlie's lack of verbally expressed gratitude too. I took from it that his deep seated sense of unworthiness means he's not able to readily externalise it. The look on his face...sometimes very subtle (yes.. I too have watched this inordinate times...and read the books... including Solitaire, Nick & Charlie and This Winter) suggests he's processing and amazed! Fascinating and heartbreaking xx
@@amandasmith8108 Hi Amanda! Excellent observation and perspective. Very helpful, thank you.
The way they have done the consent and communication just feels natural. The same way they introduced Elle without going this is Elle, she is trans, it's just worked in so seamlessly. Nothing in this show feels forced.
Hope you feel well soon x
Hey Thom, Covid sucks been there but you recover. Take your time, get lots of rest, cuddle with the cats and each day get a bit better. And thanks for trudging along with the Heartstopper reviews for us, they brighten everyon's day!😋
You hit it spot on. These are things that all couples need in order to be successful.
They really are couple goals. And great role models for relationships 🥲
Great points, especially the content one. I once watched a lesbian couple describe their first time and what stood out quite a bit was that they were constantly checking in on each other if the other was okay with a progression in intimacy and relationship status.
Do this type of video for season two please
Hope you feel better! Loved the video!
To be fair, Charlie was not going to dump Nick. He felt Nick being with him was causing too much trouble for Nick and he would be better off without him.
I would like to add a reason #7. As it happens, when I started your video, I had something else to do at the same time and so I listened to your video as though it was a podcast. And it occurred to me that the seventh reason why Nick and Charlie are so great together is that (with the exception of Harry who is almost unintelligible most of the time) they are 15/16 year olds who speak with a British accent. I think I would believe absolutely anything said to me by any teens who sound like Kit and Joe! Try just listening! It's amazing!
Thom, you are wonderful 💚
#7 Sex isn't everything Romance and affection are. OMG, I so stan any show where there is not the assumption that teens are Horndogs. I didn't lose the V-card until 23.
*throws more Nelson hob-nobs at you*
I wonder if the ‘proper little nerd’ comment translates poorly between the UK and US? British culture puts a very high value on being intelligent, creative, and witty and a much lower value on being sporty. When the term nerd became common here, it had a negative association because of how it was portrayed in US media, but it shifted to a positive one (with a bit of an affectionate bantering undertone) once we realised that we like most of those traits. Does the term come off as affectionate in the US (ignoring the fact that it’s Nick and Charlie in this case)?
I think the way the word "nerd" is interpreted over here really depends on how it's being said (and by whom). It used to be 100% insult, but these days it's used in both positive and negative ways. In this case, it comes off as affectionate because Nick's the one saying it, but if Harry were the one saying it, it would feel like an insult. Of course, other US folks feel free to weigh in, but that's my experience with the word, in any case!
This is so confusing (and interesting.) I've tried to find out what "nerd" means since seeing Heartstopper and read countless articles about it, but also saw comments about the difference between UK and US schools. We certainly didn't have those nerd/jock dynamics in the german schools I went to. No sports teams (that I knew of) and being smart was considered cool. The "affectionate banter" explanation sounds a lot like this specific scene though. Nick did just lose at Mario Kart, so I could see him wanting to get even.
This is very unfortunate. Can I put this on my list of favourite Thom videos without sounding like I don't want to see your face? 🥴
Of course! :)
(Five days later I'm suddenly very nervous about the next video.)