media rants: Heartstopper Season 3

Swans on a lake in somewhere in Berlin

Usually when tv series have multiple seasons, the following seasons deviate from the main plot, taking away from the core message and no longer enjoyable to watch. But Season 3 of Heartstopper is the opposite of that. Even though Season 3 in particular is no longer centred around Nick and Charlie's relationship compared to previous seasons, it is the best season out of the 3 (in my not-so-humble opinion).

The Heartstopper series derives from the comic books by Alice Oseman which initially follows Nick and Charlie's relationship; exploring growing up, mental health and sexuality. Season 3 in particular further explores mental health - OCD, eating disorder, depression and anxiety, the sexuality of the other characters and sex, identity as you're growing into an adult and friendship.

Despite how dark the season can be, the creators and actors do an amazing job at conveying the emotion that it makes you laugh till your stomach hurts and cry till your eyes are swollen in the same episode.

One of my favourite storylines of the season was Issac's; his exploration of his asexual and a-romantic identity, and how he wants his friends to take ownership of their own research and learning. As he is usually seen as the 'loner' particularly as he's the only single one in the group, I really appreciate not only how he stood up for himself when he was being left out, but how his friends acknowledged that he was being (unintentionally) left out, and changed their actions to rectify the situation.

Another thing that really hit home was Charlie in particular's struggle with his mental health and eating disorder. Although I am very lucky to have never experienced this myself, or have any close friends or family who have, it does take me back to when I was in high school. My high school friends and I navigated tough times (as you probably saw in previous blog posts) with our own mental health, especially being in lockdown during our final year and didn't know how to support each other. It is nice to see that there are positive, accessible portrayals for young people as to how they can support their loved ones during tough times, and a reminder that all they can do is their best.

Even if I'm no longer in high school, seeing Nick in particular question his identity, dreams, aspirations and life in general as he is transitioning to university and thinking about his future... that was so relatable. Especially as I just graduated university and am all-consumed by my future career, etc. it is a good reminder that no one knows what they're doing, and it's okay to follow your heart in the moment and see where the river takes you.