'Heartstopper' S03: A recap of S02 before Nick-Charlie return
What's the story
The third season of Netflix's popular coming-of-age series, Heartstopper, is set to premiere on Thursday. The show, adapted from Alice Oseman's graphic novels, has captivated audiences with its heartfelt narratives. The first season centered on Charlie's (Joe Locke) emerging relationship with Nick (Kit Connor), while the second delved into Nick's journey of coming out as bisexual and further developed supporting characters like Tao (William Gao), Darcy (Kizzy Edgell), and Isaac (Tobie Donovan).
Character development
Nick's coming out journey and relationship with Charlie
In Season 2, Nick grappled with coming out as bisexual to his family and friends. After revealing his sexuality to his mother in the Season 1 finale, he faced challenges in disclosing it to his rugby team friends. Despite these struggles, he managed to come out successfully to Imogen (Rhea Norwood). However, tensions arose when Nick's older brother David (Jack Barton) discovered Charlie alone in Nick's room and made homophobic and biphobic comments.
Relationship reveal
Nick and Charlie's public relationship and confrontation with Stephane
Nick and Charlie attempted to maintain a platonic facade at Truham, but rumors began circulating after Nick gave Charlie a hickey during their class trip to Paris. At Tara's (Corinna Brown) birthday party, Nick publicly confirmed his relationship with Charlie and came out as bisexual. Later, they met Stephane (Thibault de Montalembert), Nick's estranged father in Paris but the meeting ended abruptly before Nick could introduce Charlie as his boyfriend.
Public announcement
Nick's public declaration and Charlie's mental health struggles
In a subsequent dinner party hosted by Nick for his father back home, David made snide remarks about Nick and Charlie's relationship. This led to an outburst from Nick where he openly disclosed his sexuality and relationship with Charlie. The season concluded with Nick publicly announcing his bisexuality on Instagram alongside a picture of him and Charlie. Meanwhile, throughout the season, Charlie supported Nick while dealing with his own mental health issues stemming from being outed against his will earlier.
New relationships
Elle and Tao's budding romance in 'Heartstopper' S02
In another subplot, Elle (Yasmin Finney) developed a friendship with Felix (Ash Self) and Naomi (Bel Priestley) at the Lambert School of Art. Despite her crush on Tao, her attempts to flirt with him were unsuccessful. However, once Tao realized his feelings for Elle, he asked her out on a date. Their relationship progressed during the class trip to Paris where they shared a kiss at the Louvre.
Love confession
Tara and Darcy's relationship in 'Heartstopper' S02
In another subplot from Season 2, Tara confessed her love for Darcy but didn't receive an immediate response. Despite the initial lack of reciprocation, their relationship continued to evolve throughout the season. This storyline added another layer of complexity to the narrative of Heartstopper, further enriching its portrayal of diverse relationships and personal journeys.