Ok, guys . . . when Nick says he did not know "they" would be there, he meant Harry and Ben only. He says so when they are on the escalator. So I think the idea here is to introduce Charlie to his group of friends without the bad influence of Harry and Ben there . . . so Nick's original idea was not quite as awful as it may seem . . . still not a great idea though . . . 😀
Yeah and in the comics and probably covered in season 2, at least 3 of the rugby friends are supportive of Nick after finding out about him and Charlie so it makes sense he would think it's ok if he knew or could sense that at least some of them are not actually horrible.
@@Benpg93 you’re right, there are some major differences with how they portrayed Nick’s friends and the “rugby lads” in the show vs. the comics. Charlie actually doesn’t have an awful time on the rugby team in the comics, and some of the guys are nice to him, so it makes more sense that Nick wants him to be able to hang out with them casually. But obviously this gesture was more misguided in the show, given how awful all the guys are. I guess we’ll see if any of them redeem themselves in season 2.
Ben and Charlie snuck around for months. They met in September, it wasn’t until February that Charlie ended things. A lot can happen in that time. And this is coming off of the fact that Charlie was heavily bullied right before then, so he was already in a more vulnerable position. I think he keeps having these flashbacks because the toxic relationship he had with Ben really affected him. I still have the same thing with my first girlfriend. We only dated a year and I haven’t spoken to them in three or four years but every now and then I’ll get a flashback of a moment that made me feel like crap, same as Charlie. Mental and emotional abuse can really affect someone for a long time, even if you’re now with someone who is proving to be the complete opposite of those fears and worries. Edit: I also think Nick was trying to introduce Charlie to his friends without Harry and Ben’s influence. Harry especially is the ring leader of the bullying. You see him being the one to always start something, and then the others join in once Harry looks at them for approval. Nick probably thought if the two problems weren’t there, the rest of his friends could get to know Charlie properly
the gathering in the beginning was a group hangout but Ben and Harry weren't supposed to be there, as far as Nick knew. that's why he thought it was okay for them to go since Ben and Harry are the most problematic of the friend group. I'm so excited for your reaction to the finale! it's going to be amazing ❤️
I absolutely love watching you two watching heartstopper. This series has really opened my eyes, I’m a 67yr old mother and grandmother I have 12 grandchildren and a great grandchild on the way, all I want for them is to be happy and loved whoever they choose to love. Being straight we just take it for granted that we can show affection in public and not think twice about it, also it was not until reading nick and Charlie that when you decide to come out it’s not just once and done you have to do it multiple times. That just didn’t occur to me. Every house hold with children should watch this. Things are changing for the better, not quick enough but they are changing. If this series just helps one person then it’s worth it. Can’t wait to see your reaction to episode 8.
Sorry, but I just gave out a laugh at 11:52 when you guys react to Ben's nastiness: - Josh: What a vicious petulant little boy. - Alex: HE IS AN A$$ HOLE!! Same meaning but such a difference in the delivery. LOVE IT!
The way Nick's mom looks at him after the "very special friend" comment waiting to see if he'll say more is really something. It's not just what she says.
I must admit when Joshh said "I'm uncomfortable watching this" my first thought was really? This is nothing more than high school immaturity, but the more I thought about it and listened to them talk, the more I realized how numb I had become to things like this and for lack of a better phrase have just gotten used to it and that's terrible, we should never become numb to this or any abuse. I apologize to anyone who has had to go through this for being a sheep and just falling in line I will try and be better. Thank you guys for making me take a look in the mirror.
It actually made sense, when Nick was saying, that he didn't know they were coming. You just missed the part in the beginning when Nick told Charlie on the escalator that it's gonna be fine because Ben and Harry aren't coming. btw I really really love your videos and can't wait for your reaction to the finale episode ❤
The times Nick is defending Charlie, he’s really defending himself as well. And Harry doesn’t think he’s doing anything wrong. He gives everyone the same treatment: Imogen, Nick, Charlie, Tao, etc.
It's definitely the hardest episode of the series. But I guess needed to serve as a reality check kind of? You guys need to watch the last episode asap!
When Charlie says 'I'm honestly used to it', my heart just sank. I thought I understand, because we have all had it, but it still wounds me to the core. I think that's why this series has been so important for me as well as many my age. For us glorious older queens, it is bittersweet as things improve for the future generations. They won't have to suffer the indignities and cruelty that hit us so hard.
Thank you two for being the only reactors who watched that scene btwn Tao/Elle and immediately realized & called it that she outed Nick! It wasn't malicious but she did it. I don't care about the excuses I've seen on social media that she didn't want to lie to her BFF or that she knew Tao wasn't a threat to Nick. There is no excuse. She could have said, talk to Charlie. Also, Tao wasn't a safe person for Nick to come out to initially. He was mean, unwavering in his dislike and hit him w that rugby ball. Also, at the end there he prove why he was the last to know 'why didn't you tell me about you and Nick?' w many students in ear shot. Elle was wrong and Tao was last to know bc he was toxic to Nick.
YT ate my original comment. Technological difficulties aside, good reaction. Don't kill Harry; he could at least be educated. Some of the other "bulli," I'm not so sure...
I have a lot of sympathy for Tao. He’s trying his best to protect Charlie, he’s getting into fights to protect him and Harry is being really horrible to him. Charlie is protecting Nick’s secret which is admirable but he’s not understanding how hurtful that is to Tao. All Tao knows at this point is he’s doing everything he can for Charlie and he feels like Charlie is ignoring him for Nick. It can’t feel too good, especially with a creep like Harry giving you a hard time. Note Tao didn’t get physical though until Harry stole his drawing with Elle. His relationship with Elle is the one he’s willing to protect at all costs.
Every time I watch that scene with Ben, his line just sticks out to me: "I'm not even gay...." because it's such a bad lie. It shows how scared Ben is. I mean that just does not happen 😂 Straight guys are never like, "Hey, you know what, that gay guy is really lonely, it would be really nice of me to make out with him." I mean, straight guys can be very sweet, but....no.
Yeah, I cant condone his behaviour and I really hope he eventually realises how cruel he has been, I do sympathise a bit with Ben. Being a gay man in my late 30s and Having been closeted all through school myself and having struggled with alot of internalised homophobia I really hope Ben can come to terms with his sexuality and learn to love himself. He also needs to apologise properly and sincerely to Charlie of course as he has really done a fair bit of harm to the poor lad's self esteem.
We learn in Solitaire that Ben Isn’t going to improve. Perhaps Alice will change her mind for the show but I am not as forgiving as some folks at redeeming him.
18:47 - “As Charlie, I’d be like... my hero.” Funny you mention that, because in the original graphic novel, that IS Charlie’s reaction. But the TV show deviated here to give the season more of an 11th hour low point plot structure. In the books, Charlie’s “my hero” reaction is kind of the last we hear of the fight, while the show gives more repercussions and explores Charlie’s emotions more, and things get paid off better in the end, imo.
Tao: “Charley’s worried I’ll blurt something out and out Nick to his mates.” The first thing he does is say loudly in public “why didn’t you tell me about you and Nick”. Luckily they’re all distracted by the fight but still…
@@sheilatumpach2112 also tbf, "why didn't you tell me about you and Nick" could be interpreted a lot of different ways, especially assuming most of the school think Nick is straight
Worth noting - looking closely if you rewatch all the rugby lad friends scenes, there are about 3 guys that never laugh with harry and do not like his homophobia, but they are kids and obviously not brave or leaders. In the comics, these characters play a bigger part in being better friends with Nick and actually make comments at rugby practice together like "wow nick and charlie seem close" and "I could see them together" etc. and are much more supportive. I notice these actors have the names from the comics listed and will probably chime in and play supportive friends next season (i hope)
@@TheBlazerboy79 same! it's small subtle detail, but Otis in 'Kiss' sitting on the chair, looking up at Harry in disgust almost as he speaks, the line up of Sai, Christian, and Otis not laughing at anything Harry says in all of Bully and giving each other concerned glances, their absence at Harrys table the next morning at school, them absolutely loving Harry getting the drink splattered by Tao. They definitely are over harrys BS.
This episode was brilliant. Sheer Hell to watch, but really popped the "twee" balloon. And frankly it was lovely to see Harry get a smack in the mouth from Nick, and knocked off his feet by Tao with more than a witty riposte, although given how well he knows Charlie, Tao's last comment was borderline unforgivable.
It did seem that way didn't it - unforgivable. You might know that in the webcomic, it was Tao's incautious hallway discussions that actually outed Charlie as a sensitive 14-year-old - this is what makes Charlie hesitant to tell Tao - so it's clearer in the webcomic than in the Netflix show. But even in the show, Tao is over the top in his statements and puts his own emotional needs impulsively over those of his friend. So he doesn't consider How Charlie will receive ideas like how things are all his fault or that they are barely friends anyway. He may sound wise when he speaks to Nick a bit later, but he is not apt to take his own advice in the heat of the moment.
@@travelbridges3513 Yep. I've read the books, so know about Tao. He kind of alludes to that in the series when he's talking to Elle and says "maybe he's scared I'll say something... and out Nick" but immediately goes on to put his own feelings first saying it's obvious Nick's feelings matter more etc. I really hope he gets together with Elle early in S.2 and stops being such an irritating brat.
@@jacquiehahn4910 Well, fair comment But unlike so many fakey fight scenes, I have watched the one with Tao and Harry so many times. Beanie fight! Beanie fight! LOLOL
@@travelbridges3513 it made me hoot too, and be enormously relieved to see Nick dive in when it looked like Harry was about to really thump Tao. I just love the whole series. Everything about it is beautifully done, the story, the cinematography & especially the acting.
Ok, this has to be by far my favourite reaction of yours! You were both so invested and nervous, I felt like I was watching this episode for the first time along with you 😂 I mean, it is a very stressful episode, but I love all the hot topics it brings to light. Your discussion was on point!
I love watching you two catch feelings during this show! Almost as bad as the "We need to talk" and then having the chat scheduled for next day is having to wait now for the two of you to react to the finale.
When Nick invited Charlie to the cinema he was under the impression that Harry and Ben weren't going to be there, that it would just be the other friends and therefore "safer" for Charlie so that's why he invited him. It was supposed to be a group friend outing but just with the other friends. It seems to me that Harry's behaviour stems a lot from him trying to embarrass and humiliate those around him as a way for him to assert his masculine dominance over his friends. When he's bugging Charlie after the film asking him what it's like to be gay, I just want to say that to Harry. The moment when Charlie says that Nick's not even his type is actually pretty layered. Charlie is saying that to protect Nick and not out him and Nick realizes that Charlie is sacrificing that for him. At first watch it almost seems like Nick is showing silent disappointed that Charlie "feels that way" but I think it's deeper than that. I also relate to Charlie just trying to say whatever he can to diffuse the situation, I used to do that as well. I love that scene in the car with Nick and his mom, as she starts to clue in about what's going on between Nick and Charlie. That "special friend" comment is her way of saying she supports him but doesn't want to push him to talk about it until he's ready. Charlie saying "I'm used to it by now" was me when I was that age. Being on the receiving end of daily bullying made me get to that point to, where I was just used to it as being part of my daily life. Nick saying "you shouldn't have to be" really hit me hard and was something I needed to hear but didn't realize I needed to hear it. I never really had that kind of support growing up so I just ended up internalizing so much. If the show continues to follow the graphic novel, the story will get darker and more serious as it goes along. If you look closely, you'll notice Charlie not eating a lot of the time..... I love how this show is helping so many people deal with their own repressed grief and trauma. I so desperately wish something like this existed 25-30 years ago when I was growing up and witnessing in the news the AIDS crises and social shame being placed on the LGBTQ+ community. It would have changed my life.
I've really come to love watching your reactions to Heartstopper. Especially since you both started out a little sceptical about the series! Episode 7 is definitely a "woah what is going on" episode (it was really amazing to see you both getting deeply emotionally invested in this episode), as through out the whole series to that point it's set up dramas and plots only to have them sensibly and quickly dealt with. Cannot wait for your episode 8 reaction! Hopefully you'll be happy with the series as a whole and what it aimed for in terms of tone and realism, despite the obvious romanticism and idealism.
In my 40's and straight, but really love Heartstopper and have enjoyed your reactions. This is show is kind of emotional for me because I knew a couple along with other queer kids in high school, who were out to me, and our inner friend group, but would never think of coming out to the school, (and this was in a VERY progressive for its time city.). I think with Nick, the turning point to you know being over his so-called mates was when Charlie lied about liking him to protect him from the "lads" . He was sad and mad for Charlie, of course, but I think also for himself, the look he has at that moment is heartwrenching.
To clear things up, the friends they were meeting were some guys from the rugby team that are already nice to Charlie, Ben and Harry weren't supposed to be there. It's more clear in the comics, in the show they didn't really have time to expand on Nick's friendship group beyond the asshats and Imogen, but not everyone in that group is a bully and some of them eventually jump ship along with Nick to support Charlie.
6:15 -- he means he didn't realize that Ben (and possibly Harry) would be there; he thought it was just the other guys (unnamed characters on the team, etc.). That's what Nick means when he says that. (And popcorn at the movies should be salted... and have butter... just to give the only correct answer to that choice... )
As always, THANK YOU, I truly love the thoughtful way you boys approach your subjects. Honestly discussing the inner turmoil of characters like Ben and the cluelessness of Harry is so much wiser than simply hating them on principle - Yes, we all want to see them get what's coming to them, but it takes a good heart to try to understand why they are who they are. I truly love what you guys do! ❤
i read the graphic novels and i also loved how they carried over some elements from the book and changed it a little bit, like some characters. there was also i'm pretty sure there was a girl who joined Truham in the last book, i think the truham boys school wasn't an only boys school in the novels. also harry pretty much asked to be punched talking about charlie like that-
Episode 7 is a hard one!! Every time ya think it can’t get any worse…..it does. Can’t wait for your reaction to EP 8. And when Nick and Charlie are on the escalator Nick mentions that Ben and Harry won’t be there….so much for that being the case though.
Such a great episode. I rewatched your reaction to episode 1 to compare it to your reaction to this episode... I love your journey with this story... such great writing from Alice Oseman. (Not sure if someone else mentioned it yet... but taking charlie to the movies with his friends was because Harry and Ben weren't supposed to be going)
9:12 Very nice assessment on Harry's state of mind. Wow. Bravo. There's actually a scene later on in the comics that maybe supports your theory, so well spotted.
Also, little bit of side info, in the books some of Nick’s Rugby friends are quite nice to Charlie, which for some reason has been left out in the series. Maybe for cleaner storytelling and a stronger contrast between the “good guys” and the “tools”! Can’t wait to see your reaction to episode 8! I truly really really can’t wait! 😬
Funny enough, if you know what to look for, you can see Otis, Sai, and Christian being consistently and visibly uncomfortable with Harry's nonsense. They still got sucked into that bystander effect, and that's absolutely shitty of them, but they've definitely subtly set it up for season two where they apologise to Nick and do better. I guess because we don't get their POV the way we do in the novels, plus the fact that book Nick is way worse at hiding his crush on Charlie, it's so much more black and white in the series
i don't necessarily think it's been left out, i just don't think it's been focused on. in some of the scenes with them you can see how the three of them reaction is a lot different to the other guys. also, we haven't reached the part of the timeline with the chapter from the comics where they ask nick about charlie, so hopefully their relationship with nick will be further developed upon in s2/3
I have SO many thoughts. FIrst, WOW, another reaction video so soon! The whole time, I wanted to give Alex a hug! I mean, Josh too, but the way Alex is so glued to some of the scenes, same. Same. I love that you catch Ben catching them holding hands, but you missed when Nick and Charlie are on the escalator, and Nick saying/thinking Harry and Ben wouldn't be there. But also, I think it's easy to forget that we are more omniscient in this and maybe putting ourselves in Nick or Charlie's shoes, teenagers, in high school, it's easy to see why Nick still hangs out with them (despite multiple times saying he doesn't want to hang out with them) and Charlie being ridden with self-doubt or thinking he's a burden to others. I'm also very glad that Alex said this. Harry does think his words and behaviors are "okay" because it's probably what he's always done, and he's never been called out on it. And he's aware of homophobia (and transphobia) and the thing is, most people who are actually those things, and racist, and sexist, etc, don't think they are. They don't go around claiming to be homophobic. They need to be told this or shown this. And him being called homophobic is actually a trigger to him. He gets defensive, says he's joking, etc. Even episode 3 (Kiss) when Nick tells Harry he's being homophobic and walks away, Harry's mates reassure him a bit because he's taken aback at the word. Harry being a rich kid who probably gets what he wants doesn't help either. I've also paid attention to the other rugby boys, and have noticed throughout the season that some of them don't engage in the bullying or react/laugh/find pleasure in the words or behaviors. I don't know why it matters, but it's nice to see the continuity of all the recurring students. This episode was a huge ride, and I hope you decide you need to see the final episode sooner rather than later! I've had a great time re-watching the series through you boys. I don't think you'll be disappointed at all with it. There are some iconic moments and dialogue, and I expect tears :)
the boys who don’t engage with the bullying is actually a call back to the graphic novel!! there they play a much bigger part in nick’s life and his and charlie’s storyline: they have nice interactions with charlie often and actually figure out nick’s crush pretty early on. there’s even a scene in what would be this exact episode where they actually go up to charlie and integrate him to the group. they chose to leave all of that out but still have the characters there (they look pretty exactly like they do in the books and they appear by the character’s names in the credits)! my guess is that they’ll be more present in season two (in the comics they have a pretty important scene) so that’s a little reason for that behavior and why the matter:)
@@cielxo thank you for that information! Yes I do hope Christian, Otis, and Sai reprise their roles in season 2. After I found out about them, I noticed them in the Instagram shots and in the background and it clicked that they must be characters from the graphic novels.
i am SO GLAD that you brought up how elle was outing nick by telling tao!!!!!!! i’ve seen countless lgbtq people watch this series and not one of them batted an eye about how it was wrong of her to do that without their consent. thank you so much. all of your reactions to this series have been so real and authentic and relatable, i love your content & am glad to have found your channel through this show!!
At 6:36 mark, you can't be too hard on Nick here. ORIGINALLY he was under the assumption that neither Harry nor Ben were going to be there...only the other mates.
Love your reactions! Re: Elle "outing" Nick, I think that part was ok because at the milkshake cafe Nick was fine when Charlie said he was going to tell Tao at the right time. What Elle should have done was explain to Tau that Charlie didn't actually tell anyone. Nick told her, Tara, and Darcy and Isaac figured it out himself.
This is quite fair, I think perhaps Charlie shouldn't have put Elle in that situation to be effectively lying to Tao in the first place, but man. They're kids, they'll learn.
I was looking to make sure someone addressed this! The only other thing I'll add is, Tao would know if she lied to him. So when he asks her straight up she doesn't really have a choice if she wants to keep her relationship with Tao. If she says "I don't know".. he'd be able to tell that she does....
I think we all seem to forget that Charlie and Tao are only 15 and Elle, Nick and his gang are only 16. It’s easy for us to expect them to be rational and not emotionally driven and do or say the wrong thing at any given time.
I’ve been loving your reactions! Just to clear up the confusion about Nick's friends at the cinema - I think you talked over the important line at around 4:20 😆 - they were supposed to be meeting some of Nick's other rugby friends, but Ben and Harry weren't going, so they thought it would be OK. They were surprised when they turned up and Ben and Harry actually were there.
This episode always makes me feel sick (I have on occasion skipped it in some of my many binges), and it kinda made me sad when Elle outed Nick to Tao. But I absolutely love all your conversations throughout. It made it all bearable to watch and you both have some really incredible insights 🥰
I don't think Nick has an issue with Tao knowing about them, it's Charlie. Because we all know who 'accidentally' outed Charlie, it's Tao. And I think Charlie is being cautious about that.
@@rararaddee_b7718 Yeah, I’m sure he doesn’t have an issue with him knowing. I just didn’t like the way it happened and of course would’ve preferred for Charlie to tell him himself ☺️
I actually liked how they place this episode after seeing how cool and perfect the previous episodes were going. Finally, a dose of reality kicked in. Also, Nick does tell Charlie that "Harry and Ben won't even be there" when they are in the escalator...you just didn't picked it up. I agree too that I was surprise that Nick went back to confront the gang. I would have just walked away and told them later that they are not my friends anymore. But he was angry and could not overcome this feeling.
I think your response to this episode are exactly a reflection of mine! I felt so sick at the end! I skip through a lot of episode 7 when I rewatch (daily) this season! It’s so painful and I need therapy when it’s over.❤
We think you’ll absolutely love the last episode 😄 Nick & Charlie did establish themselves to be such a precious couple by episode 3, we just wanna protect them.
Great job again, guys. I wanted to send Alex hugs as he was fighting tears. This is the first episode where nothing is pulled from the comics, so that is why it is a bit more dark and dramatic than the others. Every comment was brilliant and anyone struggling to come out or dealing with bullying should hear your commentary from this episode.
i do think this episode would make more sense in the context of the comics, as it's revealed later that Charlie struggles with several mental health issues, some of which are brought on by ben and the bullying he's experienced in the past. Also Nick's not dumb I promise!! He said at some point (it was a sidenote so you probably missed it) that he didn't think harry and Ben would be there - they invited themselves. that being said this was a really great video, i love how even missing some of the vital context you were still willing to give nick a chance and didn't just immediately say "well he's a terrible person!" Definitely one of my favorite reactions :)
20:32 I feel like, even if it wasn't the best decision, Elle didn't really have a choice. Like, if she had said something along the lines of 'It isn't my place to tell', Tao probably would've picked up on it from just that, and if she had said 'no' then she would be lying to one of her best friends, and he would've gotten so bitter with her aswell. Like yes, it wasn't the greatest decision, but I do see where she was coming from, and I think she was stuck between a bit of a rock and a hard place.
I just re watched your episode 1 reaction and it’s fun to see how so massively different it is vs this one (one of you were definitely yawning at some point), but is very clear you are now all in. I absolutely can’t wait for your final episode reaction!!! I also love how you are empathetic to the characters, and really understand what they are going through. It really feels like watching this with a couple of friends, so thank you for doing this.
2:46 It might have been something close to that since Charlie alluded to it at some point. And he's afraid to think of Nick as a boyfriend. 3:20 I don't know if they cut scenes but yeah, we see Charlie's dad only in the car. lol Another UA-camr was focused on that and said something along the lines of: "Does Charlie's dad live in his car? I hope that they let Charlie's dad go home in S2-S3." lol
You might have missed Nick saying that Harry and Ben werent meant to be there. So Nick just wanted Charlie with the friends he actually liked (the ones who "just stood there". You can see them not laughing in the back) As for Elle "outing Nick", from the discussion in ep 6 at the milkshake triple date, it looked like Nick was ok with telling Tao but it was more about Charlie wanting to tell him himself
@@mcstacia When Elle asks "What about Tao ?", Nick looks at Charlie and Charlie says "Havent told him yet. I'm going to, I just need to find the right time" which for me implies that Nick is ok with it but Charlie isnt and wants to tell him himself
This episode is so sad. It really has those moments about charlie with his ED and like those underlying moments where hes got those issues that no ones noticing and its such a sad episode and with the whole Tori and Charlie and the drums its so sad
I'm so glad I found your channel, I love to see you react to Heartstopper so much that I fangirled today when I saw you uploaded new video, it honestly brings me so much joy and your energy is extremely contagious! :) can't wait to see you react to the season finale :)
the last 3 episode are my fave honestly... because as much as the series tries to be positive it doesnt avoid the negative reality of things. nick who always solves conflict with a conversation starts a fight out of anger. charlir who seems to be getting over ben and the bullying relapse to this state of acting numb to everything. Tao who just wants to charlie to not get hurt suddenly blames him for everything... its just the character shift is soooo goood
Any time Ben appears, it’s like a horror movie. Seeing him through the hole in the wall when Charlie went to meet up with him near the end of the first episode, throwing himself at Charlie, when he comes up behind him in the theater parking lot, the boyfriend flashback with him and Charlie in the library. He’s scary 😂
To be fair at the beginning of the episode while they are going down the escalators Nick does say to Charlie that Harry and Ben weren't supposed to be there before they get to the group.
so nicks friends already know charlie, from rugby. nick didnt realise ben and harry would be there, and it would just be the others and it would be okay. the main friends are sai, otis and christian (if you look back at the scene with harry asking charlie all sorts of questions, and the same when nick and harry shouting at each other and then fighting, you can see how their facial expressions differ from the rest. it's been reocurring through the series). i hope to see them in s2/3 as there was quite a few important chapters between those three and nick in the comics. also, i love how alex was explaining how potentially harry was just "joking" and then 5 minutes later he drops the f slur. nick has already called harry out for his homophobia in the past, and said he was joking. yet he has continued, to the point of using the f slur. i feel as though nick has already tried to diffuse the situation with harry and in the end, especially after charlie explaining he was used to it, he just lost it and lashed out. harry deserved it (not that fighting is the answer, but he did). in the classroom when nick is telling charlie what happened, and charlie says "i promise, i'm used to people saying stuff about me" i just want to give him the biggest hug ever. nobody should ever normalise that, but it feels like charlie has and he just accepts it. i really just want to give him the biggest most massive hug ever. also, charlie's reaction to the fight is very different in the comics than it is in the series. EDIT: i've seen it in other comments, but you're absolutely right about charlie hiding in the art block is an unhealthy coping mechanism. not just for hiding though, i'm not sure whether you've noticed the subtle hints throughout the season or not but due to the bullying in year 9 (that we hear about but don't see) and throughout year 10 and season 1 he has disordered eating. while season 1 has been very mild, it has definitely looked at some more complex issues which have been dealt with very appropriately and fan reaction has been very appropriate too. a lot of stuff has been dialed down compared to the comics, though, as they were targeted towards a more "young adult / middle age queer" audience, whereas the show is directed more towards tweens and teens. i do hope certain issues from the comics are fully addressed and represented in season 2/3 though as i think it would be a shame otherwise. i'm not sure how i feel about the scene with tao and elle, where elle reveals nick and charlie are going out. again, it is verrrryyyy different in the comics and it makes me wonder how season 2 will progress compared to the comics. it was definitely not elle's place to share their secret, but at the same time i think i can understand why she did. she didn't want to lie to her bestfriend anymore. this obviously doesn't make it right. the song at the end of this episode during the fight honestly makes me cry so much, and tao and charlie arguing at the very ending is just so heartstopping (but in a bad way). i honestly cannot wait for you two to watch the final episode!! there's a lot of situations that need resolving, and i think you will be very suprised to see how some of the issues are resolved. without spoiling, i promise it is a lot more heart warming than this episode.
I'm glad comments are back because I did miss the part where Nick said Harry and Ben wouldn't be there. How Ben was watching them so stalkishly in the theatre to notice them briefly holding hands I also didn't catch the first time I watched this.
I really love you guys and your insightful discussions about my favorite shows. Especially love hearing your thoughts on Heartstopper and SKAM Norway. Thank you!!!!
When they’re coming down the escalator he says that Harry and Ben won’t be there just some other friends, so when he says “I wouldn’t have suggested if I’d known” he’s specifically meaning those two.
You guys NEED to watch the last episode ASAP! This one was hard and like you said, kind of out of the blue after all the cute and adorable ones before. But I guess it was needed as a reality check.
So I've just found your channel and I've binged the reactions to heartstopper so far today. I really would recommend the books and side stories. Then watch it back again. Look at Charlie everytime with food he never actually eats anything and in the books he has a really bad eating disorder. It is shown so much in the first series aswell. Ben truly messed him up, the bullies and family life. It is so hard for Charlie and he comes to rely on nick so much but either constantly thinks nick will leave him, deserves someone better or that he is dragging nick down aswell and it's a full on struggle. 😭 Keep up the cool videos and unfiltered British humour lads 💜🏳️🌈
reposting my comment (what I can recall) as it did seem to disappear. First of all, WOW, we are lucky to get another reaction video so soon! And what an episode. I wanted to give Alex a hug the whole time. Well, Josh too, but I love how glued to the scenes Alex was, because SAME. You guys caught when Ben looked down at Nick and Charlie holding hands, but missed when Nick said coming down the escalator that Harry and Ben weren't going to be there (or he thought they weren't). I think it's important to note as well that we as viewers are more aware of what's going on. If we put ourselves into Nick or Charlie's shoes, teenagers, in high school, we can see kinda how they perceive certain situations, like Nick staying with his friends group (despite saying a few times he didn't want to be friends with them), or Charlie having a lot of self-doubt and being an inner sabateur, based on his experiences with bullying and with Ben. I'm glad Alex said that Harry doesn't necessarily see himself as a homophobe, and in fact he seems to be affected when he's called one. Homophobic people (and transphobes, racists, sexists, etc) don't always know they are until they are told or shown otherwise. And to him, he's just joking with the lads, making people laugh with what he perceives as comedic. He being rich probably doesn't help the situation as well. However, him using the f word is definitely not okay. You can see even in episode 3 (Kiss) when Nick calls Harry homophobic and walks away, he does seem taken aback by it and the other boys do console him a little. I did notice some of the rugby boys who don't engage or join in the teasing or find pleasure in homophobic taunts, and I'm not sure why, but it was nice to see the continuity and that some of the background characters seem to have facets to them as well. I think you'll love the final episode. Many iconic moments and dialogue, and there might be tears.
I think you're spot on with this! Maybe the "background boys" are gonna play a more significant role in the other seasons? Well I hope so... I think the guy's E8 reaction is going to be, well... interesting! Looking forward to it... cheers
Ah, this was a traumatic episode but I still managed to laugh a bit at Alex and Josh (I mean who didn't need a Xanax after this?) The marry banish kill bit was hilarious. Such a lovely blend of empathy and humor as always. So proud you represent us!
This is the best reaction i have watched. Your faces at the end are exactly the representation of how i felt with this episode. Sending love from argentina🇦🇷
I’m sure someone has mentioned this, but the comics play out very differently and much more quietly? Partly because it’s less of an ensemble & more just Nick & Charlie. So Elle doesn’t out Nick. There’s no fight at school. Charlie’s mental health struggles are more subtle until volume 3 & 4. Also Nick & Charlie are more openly affectionate & friendly & so it’s more of an open secret to people around them (except Tao, who’s a bit oblivious & there’s other reasons why Charlie doesn’t want to reveal the relationship). You guys should def check out the comic!
The flashback to Ben happens at the beginning of the episode because Tori asks Charlie if Nick is his boyfriend, unintentionally triggering the memory of Ben denying his relationship with Charlie. On rewatching the series, one of things I appreciated was how they really show the emotional scars of Charlie's relationship with Ben through Charlie’s hesitancy to believe his relationship with Nick is progressing (or even exists) until Nick says so. Ben was obviously attracted to Charlie but refused to acknowledge his feelings or their relationship outside of that. So even though Charlie knows Nick is a completely different person, Charlie really needs to hear Nick vocally say how he feels before he'll allow himself to believe it. It's consistent throughout the series; in episode 4 he thinks Nick can't have wanted to kiss him until Nick confirms that he did, in episode 5 Charlie is genuinely surprised when Nick says he really likes him and in episode 6 Charlie doesn't believe that they're together until Nick says so. Poor Nick struggling to articulate his feelings doesn’t help matters. All of this becomes really important in the finale and helps explain Charlie's reactions to events!
I really liked your nuanced discussion of Harry’s ‘banter’ with Charlie. Never thought of it that way before. Thank you! 20:32 AND FINALLY! Someone who’s talking about whether Elle should have outed Nick! Thank you! I’ve been silently frustrated about this for ages 🫠 (Was similarly eugh about the school band performance last episode as well, which you also picked up on.) Gonna have to keep up with your reactions in Seasons 2 and 3, we’re vibing!
When Nick said the comment about not realizing "they were going to be there", he was talking about Ben and Harry. He knew the others would be there and so did Charlie.
Nick thought Harry and Ben wouldn't be at the movies and Charlie had been on the rugby team with most of the other boys for a while so Nick thought it would be OK but they should have left once they saw the bullies. I think Harry knows exactly what he's doing in bullying Charlie. He's just smart enough to know how to bully in a way that if anyone calls him on it he can call it "conversation" or a "joke." Also, I think Nick lost his head so much because they were really saying all those things about him too even though he didn't say it. I think Elle was in an impossible situation. She shouldn't have outed Nick but she also didn't want to lie to her best friend and if she'd told him to talk to Charlie it would be as good as an admission so.... it's just so messy. Plus, Charlie has said he planned to tell him so she probably thought it was the lesser of two evils. Sorry for the essay. Love this show and your reactions. ❤️🏳️🌈
Elle can’t answer no, that is lying. She is outing him if she answers yes. But telling him to talk to Charley is just the same as saying yes. He will know any answer but no is a yes. Tao asks a direct yes/no question he leaves Elle no wiggle room in this matter. If he thinks something is going on why the world is he not asking his best friend Charley directly. Putting Elle in the middle puts her in an impossible position. I agree after this conversation went down Elle should have let Charley know. Nick too for that matter. He is the one with the biggest secret. Edit: for spelling
Oh wow, both your reactions at the end of the episode, I wanted to hug you both 🤗🤗. It was pretty brutal to say the least, and I think we all have the same feeling about Harry and Ben. One more video closer to the finale, I cannot wait for your video on that!,, ❤️❤️
I appreciate that you distinguished the differences between Harry and Ben’s bullying. Harry is just an all-around idiot who likes the attention and reinforcement he gets from his mates when he makes them laugh, so he’ll pick on just about anyone. Ben’s bullying towards Charlie is much more brutal because he is targeting every insecurity Charlie has and exploiting it as a way to defer his own self-hatred. He’s emotionally abusive and always has been, and you can see that his behavior has lasting effects on Charlie through all the flashbacks. This episode was so rough and it honestly hurts to watch. I need a Xanax, too!
To use your own words… you fucking got me. 😭 I was skeptical at first and fucking shouldn’t have been. You two are lovely and I’m in, I’m on board, I’ve officially subscribed, it’s happening. 🤷🏻♀️
This whole episode was so much 😂 I got to be honest, even though it is a heavy episode, I really enjoy it and I think there is a lot of importance to what happens. We see Nick fully commit to calling people on their crap. We see Nick pull Harry off of Tao in the fight, which I think also showcases his character well as a person who would help people even if they don't want it. We really get a look into Charlie's mind as well and I feel like they did an amazing job with showing how anxiety can affect everything and how small things can break you down. It was so well done, just this entire episode and show.
I also want to share that if you haven't seen the blooper reel, you should. Tao's fight with Harry is in it. At one of the takes, when Tao threw his drink into Harry's face, the actor playing Harry wasn't able to close his eyes or move his head in time. So he stands up, soaked, his eyes shut because the apple juice is burning his eyes, and tries to deliver his lines anyway, which just leaves him and William Gao (who plays Tao) cracking up, and then somebody gets him a towel and he cleans his face up.
Just to clear up what you were confused about, Nick and Charlie were aware of all Nick's friends being there except Harry and Ben as his other friends aren't as bad
Ok, guys . . . when Nick says he did not know "they" would be there, he meant Harry and Ben only. He says so when they are on the escalator. So I think the idea here is to introduce Charlie to his group of friends without the bad influence of Harry and Ben there . . . so Nick's original idea was not quite as awful as it may seem . . . still not a great idea though . . . 😀
Yeah and in the comics and probably covered in season 2, at least 3 of the rugby friends are supportive of Nick after finding out about him and Charlie so it makes sense he would think it's ok if he knew or could sense that at least some of them are not actually horrible.
it seems all reactors talk over the dialogue and then get confused at whats happening
@@Benpg93 you’re right, there are some major differences with how they portrayed Nick’s friends and the “rugby lads” in the show vs. the comics. Charlie actually doesn’t have an awful time on the rugby team in the comics, and some of the guys are nice to him, so it makes more sense that Nick wants him to be able to hang out with them casually. But obviously this gesture was more misguided in the show, given how awful all the guys are. I guess we’ll see if any of them redeem themselves in season 2.
@@booknerd_charlie Yea... I wish we actually saw Christian, Omar / Otis and Sai... Hopefully we'll get them properly in season 2
@@dablackangel Yup. They were cast in the show. I guess they just wanted to streamline it and mainly make it be about the core characters.
"Violence is never an answer."
*5 minutes later*
"I just.... want to throw him into a river!"
Hahaha I know, I know practise what your preach... but seriously 👀🤣
You could always throw him into the river ✨gently✨
🤣🤣🤣
Dumn it😂😂
Ben and Charlie snuck around for months. They met in September, it wasn’t until February that Charlie ended things. A lot can happen in that time. And this is coming off of the fact that Charlie was heavily bullied right before then, so he was already in a more vulnerable position. I think he keeps having these flashbacks because the toxic relationship he had with Ben really affected him. I still have the same thing with my first girlfriend. We only dated a year and I haven’t spoken to them in three or four years but every now and then I’ll get a flashback of a moment that made me feel like crap, same as Charlie. Mental and emotional abuse can really affect someone for a long time, even if you’re now with someone who is proving to be the complete opposite of those fears and worries.
Edit: I also think Nick was trying to introduce Charlie to his friends without Harry and Ben’s influence. Harry especially is the ring leader of the bullying. You see him being the one to always start something, and then the others join in once Harry looks at them for approval. Nick probably thought if the two problems weren’t there, the rest of his friends could get to know Charlie properly
the gathering in the beginning was a group hangout but Ben and Harry weren't supposed to be there, as far as Nick knew. that's why he thought it was okay for them to go since Ben and Harry are the most problematic of the friend group. I'm so excited for your reaction to the finale! it's going to be amazing ❤️
I absolutely love watching you two watching heartstopper. This series has really opened my eyes, I’m a 67yr old mother and grandmother I have 12 grandchildren and a great grandchild on the way, all I want for them is to be happy and loved whoever they choose to love. Being straight we just take it for granted that we can show affection in public and not think twice about it, also it was not until reading nick and Charlie that when you decide to come out it’s not just once and done you have to do it multiple times. That just didn’t occur to me. Every house hold with children should watch this. Things are changing for the better, not quick enough but they are changing. If this series just helps one person then it’s worth it. Can’t wait to see your reaction to episode 8.
We love your support and fully agree! ❤️
Hearting the comment really hard. Thanks for sharing. It matters.
We need more mothers and grandmothers like you!
🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💖💖💖💖💖😇😇😇😇😇🌈🦄🌈🦄🌈🦄🌈
everyone watching the nick and harry confrontation: “violence is never the answer… BUT-“
Sorry, but I just gave out a laugh at 11:52 when you guys react to Ben's nastiness:
- Josh: What a vicious petulant little boy.
- Alex: HE IS AN A$$ HOLE!!
Same meaning but such a difference in the delivery. LOVE IT!
The way Nick's mom looks at him after the "very special friend" comment waiting to see if he'll say more is really something. It's not just what she says.
I must admit when Joshh said "I'm uncomfortable watching this" my first thought was really? This is nothing more than high school immaturity, but the more I thought about it and listened to them talk, the more I realized how numb I had become to things like this and for lack of a better phrase have just gotten used to it and that's terrible, we should never become numb to this or any abuse. I apologize to anyone who has had to go through this for being a sheep and just falling in line I will try and be better. Thank you guys for making me take a look in the mirror.
It actually made sense, when Nick was saying, that he didn't know they were coming. You just missed the part in the beginning when Nick told Charlie on the escalator that it's gonna be fine because Ben and Harry aren't coming.
btw I really really love your videos and can't wait for your reaction to the finale episode ❤
The times Nick is defending Charlie, he’s really defending himself as well. And Harry doesn’t think he’s doing anything wrong. He gives everyone the same treatment: Imogen, Nick, Charlie, Tao, etc.
It's definitely the hardest episode of the series. But I guess needed to serve as a reality check kind of? You guys need to watch the last episode asap!
We're excited too!!! X❤️
When Charlie says 'I'm honestly used to it', my heart just sank. I thought I understand, because we have all had it, but it still wounds me to the core. I think that's why this series has been so important for me as well as many my age. For us glorious older queens, it is bittersweet as things improve for the future generations. They won't have to suffer the indignities and cruelty that hit us so hard.
Nick was not just standing up for a friend, he was protecting someone he loves. That scene was very much needed in this show, and I loved it.
Thank you two for being the only reactors who watched that scene btwn Tao/Elle and immediately realized & called it that she outed Nick! It wasn't malicious but she did it. I don't care about the excuses I've seen on social media that she didn't want to lie to her BFF or that she knew Tao wasn't a threat to Nick. There is no excuse. She could have said, talk to Charlie. Also, Tao wasn't a safe person for Nick to come out to initially. He was mean, unwavering in his dislike and hit him w that rugby ball. Also, at the end there he prove why he was the last to know 'why didn't you tell me about you and Nick?' w many students in ear shot. Elle was wrong and Tao was last to know bc he was toxic to Nick.
Hi everyone, for some reason UA-cam is not showing us the comments for this video (no idea!). Apologies if you don't hear back from us!
Yeah I posted comments twice and lol not showing up i think YT has gone mad
YT ate my original comment. Technological difficulties aside, good reaction. Don't kill Harry; he could at least be educated. Some of the other "bulli," I'm not so sure...
I commented a couple times not long after you posted and wondered if I accidentally deleted lol
Very very mad lol
Yeah, I saw zero comments on several videos. It looks like a problem all over youtube.
I have a lot of sympathy for Tao. He’s trying his best to protect Charlie, he’s getting into fights to protect him and Harry is being really horrible to him. Charlie is protecting Nick’s secret which is admirable but he’s not understanding how hurtful that is to Tao. All Tao knows at this point is he’s doing everything he can for Charlie and he feels like Charlie is ignoring him for Nick. It can’t feel too good, especially with a creep like Harry giving you a hard time. Note Tao didn’t get physical though until Harry stole his drawing with Elle. His relationship with Elle is the one he’s willing to protect at all costs.
This ❤️ I always see comments saying Tao is a crappy friend and it makes me mad that people don't see things from Tao's perspective
Every time I watch that scene with Ben, his line just sticks out to me: "I'm not even gay...." because it's such a bad lie. It shows how scared Ben is. I mean that just does not happen 😂 Straight guys are never like, "Hey, you know what, that gay guy is really lonely, it would be really nice of me to make out with him." I mean, straight guys can be very sweet, but....no.
Yeah, I cant condone his behaviour and I really hope he eventually realises how cruel he has been, I do sympathise a bit with Ben.
Being a gay man in my late 30s and Having been closeted all through school myself and having struggled with alot of internalised homophobia I really hope Ben can come to terms with his sexuality and learn to love himself.
He also needs to apologise properly and sincerely to Charlie of course as he has really done a fair bit of harm to the poor lad's self esteem.
We learn in Solitaire that Ben Isn’t going to improve. Perhaps Alice will change her mind for the show but I am not as forgiving as some folks at redeeming him.
18:47 - “As Charlie, I’d be like... my hero.” Funny you mention that, because in the original graphic novel, that IS Charlie’s reaction. But the TV show deviated here to give the season more of an 11th hour low point plot structure. In the books, Charlie’s “my hero” reaction is kind of the last we hear of the fight, while the show gives more repercussions and explores Charlie’s emotions more, and things get paid off better in the end, imo.
Tao: “Charley’s worried I’ll blurt something out and out Nick to his mates.” The first thing he does is say loudly in public “why didn’t you tell me about you and Nick”. Luckily they’re all distracted by the fight but still…
Put yourself in his frame of mind at that moment. He’s not exactly thinking straight. He’s highly emotional.
@@sheilatumpach2112 also tbf, "why didn't you tell me about you and Nick" could be interpreted a lot of different ways, especially assuming most of the school think Nick is straight
Worth noting - looking closely if you rewatch all the rugby lad friends scenes, there are about 3 guys that never laugh with harry and do not like his homophobia, but they are kids and obviously not brave or leaders. In the comics, these characters play a bigger part in being better friends with Nick and actually make comments at rugby practice together like "wow nick and charlie seem close" and "I could see them together" etc. and are much more supportive. I notice these actors have the names from the comics listed and will probably chime in and play supportive friends next season (i hope)
i hope so too! i'd love to see otis, christian and sai have more screen time and see nick develop relationships with them and with imogen!!
@@TheBlazerboy79 same! it's small subtle detail, but Otis in 'Kiss' sitting on the chair, looking up at Harry in disgust almost as he speaks, the line up of Sai, Christian, and Otis not laughing at anything Harry says in all of Bully and giving each other concerned glances, their absence at Harrys table the next morning at school, them absolutely loving Harry getting the drink splattered by Tao. They definitely are over harrys BS.
This episode was brilliant. Sheer Hell to watch, but really popped the "twee" balloon. And frankly it was lovely to see Harry get a smack in the mouth from Nick, and knocked off his feet by Tao with more than a witty riposte, although given how well he knows Charlie, Tao's last comment was borderline unforgivable.
It did seem that way didn't it - unforgivable. You might know that in the webcomic, it was Tao's incautious hallway discussions that actually outed Charlie as a sensitive 14-year-old - this is what makes Charlie hesitant to tell Tao - so it's clearer in the webcomic than in the Netflix show. But even in the show, Tao is over the top in his statements and puts his own emotional needs impulsively over those of his friend. So he doesn't consider How Charlie will receive ideas like how things are all his fault or that they are barely friends anyway. He may sound wise when he speaks to Nick a bit later, but he is not apt to take his own advice in the heat of the moment.
@@travelbridges3513 Yep. I've read the books, so know about Tao. He kind of alludes to that in the series when he's talking to Elle and says "maybe he's scared I'll say something... and out Nick" but immediately goes on to put his own feelings first saying it's obvious Nick's feelings matter more etc. I really hope he gets together with Elle early in S.2 and stops being such an irritating brat.
@@jacquiehahn4910 Well, fair comment But unlike so many fakey fight scenes, I have watched the one with Tao and Harry so many times. Beanie fight! Beanie fight! LOLOL
@@travelbridges3513 it made me hoot too, and be enormously relieved to see Nick dive in when it looked like Harry was about to really thump Tao. I just love the whole series. Everything about it is beautifully done, the story, the cinematography & especially the acting.
Ok, this has to be by far my favourite reaction of yours! You were both so invested and nervous, I felt like I was watching this episode for the first time along with you 😂 I mean, it is a very stressful episode, but I love all the hot topics it brings to light. Your discussion was on point!
Really! The best! Omg, we'll be holding you to that! 🤣❤️ thank you and glad you enjoyed
I love watching you two catch feelings during this show! Almost as bad as the "We need to talk" and then having the chat scheduled for next day is having to wait now for the two of you to react to the finale.
When Nick invited Charlie to the cinema he was under the impression that Harry and Ben weren't going to be there, that it would just be the other friends and therefore "safer" for Charlie so that's why he invited him. It was supposed to be a group friend outing but just with the other friends.
It seems to me that Harry's behaviour stems a lot from him trying to embarrass and humiliate those around him as a way for him to assert his masculine dominance over his friends. When he's bugging Charlie after the film asking him what it's like to be gay, I just want to say that to Harry.
The moment when Charlie says that Nick's not even his type is actually pretty layered. Charlie is saying that to protect Nick and not out him and Nick realizes that Charlie is sacrificing that for him. At first watch it almost seems like Nick is showing silent disappointed that Charlie "feels that way" but I think it's deeper than that. I also relate to Charlie just trying to say whatever he can to diffuse the situation, I used to do that as well.
I love that scene in the car with Nick and his mom, as she starts to clue in about what's going on between Nick and Charlie. That "special friend" comment is her way of saying she supports him but doesn't want to push him to talk about it until he's ready.
Charlie saying "I'm used to it by now" was me when I was that age. Being on the receiving end of daily bullying made me get to that point to, where I was just used to it as being part of my daily life. Nick saying "you shouldn't have to be" really hit me hard and was something I needed to hear but didn't realize I needed to hear it. I never really had that kind of support growing up so I just ended up internalizing so much.
If the show continues to follow the graphic novel, the story will get darker and more serious as it goes along. If you look closely, you'll notice Charlie not eating a lot of the time.....
I love how this show is helping so many people deal with their own repressed grief and trauma. I so desperately wish something like this existed 25-30 years ago when I was growing up and witnessing in the news the AIDS crises and social shame being placed on the LGBTQ+ community. It would have changed my life.
Sweet or salty... Or a bit of Both? Bi popcorn!!!!!!
Amazing reaction, as usual! But you cut it off the cutest scene when Nick calls Charlie "Char" for the first time
I've really come to love watching your reactions to Heartstopper. Especially since you both started out a little sceptical about the series! Episode 7 is definitely a "woah what is going on" episode (it was really amazing to see you both getting deeply emotionally invested in this episode), as through out the whole series to that point it's set up dramas and plots only to have them sensibly and quickly dealt with. Cannot wait for your episode 8 reaction! Hopefully you'll be happy with the series as a whole and what it aimed for in terms of tone and realism, despite the obvious romanticism and idealism.
In my 40's and straight, but really love Heartstopper and have enjoyed your reactions. This is show is kind of emotional for me because I knew a couple along with other queer kids in high school, who were out to me, and our inner friend group, but would never think of coming out to the school, (and this was in a VERY progressive for its time city.). I think with Nick, the turning point to you know being over his so-called mates was when Charlie lied about liking him to protect him from the "lads" . He was sad and mad for Charlie, of course, but I think also for himself, the look he has at that moment is heartwrenching.
To clear things up, the friends they were meeting were some guys from the rugby team that are already nice to Charlie, Ben and Harry weren't supposed to be there. It's more clear in the comics, in the show they didn't really have time to expand on Nick's friendship group beyond the asshats and Imogen, but not everyone in that group is a bully and some of them eventually jump ship along with Nick to support Charlie.
6:15 -- he means he didn't realize that Ben (and possibly Harry) would be there; he thought it was just the other guys (unnamed characters on the team, etc.). That's what Nick means when he says that. (And popcorn at the movies should be salted... and have butter... just to give the only correct answer to that choice... )
I think what Nick was trying to say is that, while he knew the rest of his friends would be there, he didn't know Harry would be there.
As always, THANK YOU, I truly love the thoughtful way you boys approach your subjects. Honestly discussing the inner turmoil of characters like Ben and the cluelessness of Harry is so much wiser than simply hating them on principle - Yes, we all want to see them get what's coming to them, but it takes a good heart to try to understand why they are who they are. I truly love what you guys do! ❤
We truly love your support ❤️❤️❤️
i read the graphic novels and i also loved how they carried over some elements from the book and changed it a little bit, like some characters. there was also i'm pretty sure there was a girl who joined Truham in the last book, i think the truham boys school wasn't an only boys school in the novels. also harry pretty much asked to be punched talking about charlie like that-
Episode 7 is a hard one!! Every time ya think it can’t get any worse…..it does. Can’t wait for your reaction to EP 8.
And when Nick and Charlie are on the escalator Nick mentions that Ben and Harry won’t be there….so much for that being the case though.
Me thinking about Episode 5 and 6 from Young Royals
Such a great episode. I rewatched your reaction to episode 1 to compare it to your reaction to this episode... I love your journey with this story... such great writing from Alice Oseman. (Not sure if someone else mentioned it yet... but taking charlie to the movies with his friends was because Harry and Ben weren't supposed to be going)
9:12 Very nice assessment on Harry's state of mind. Wow. Bravo. There's actually a scene later on in the comics that maybe supports your theory, so well spotted.
Also, little bit of side info, in the books some of Nick’s Rugby friends are quite nice to Charlie, which for some reason has been left out in the series. Maybe for cleaner storytelling and a stronger contrast between the “good guys” and the “tools”!
Can’t wait to see your reaction to episode 8! I truly really really can’t wait! 😬
Funny enough, if you know what to look for, you can see Otis, Sai, and Christian being consistently and visibly uncomfortable with Harry's nonsense. They still got sucked into that bystander effect, and that's absolutely shitty of them, but they've definitely subtly set it up for season two where they apologise to Nick and do better. I guess because we don't get their POV the way we do in the novels, plus the fact that book Nick is way worse at hiding his crush on Charlie, it's so much more black and white in the series
i don't necessarily think it's been left out, i just don't think it's been focused on. in some of the scenes with them you can see how the three of them reaction is a lot different to the other guys. also, we haven't reached the part of the timeline with the chapter from the comics where they ask nick about charlie, so hopefully their relationship with nick will be further developed upon in s2/3
This episode broke me on so manny levels. And knowing what I know with the commics and re-watching now, it breaks me even more
At 6:25 when you comment about the friends not being there.. nick was referring to Ben and Harry not being there, not the other friends.
I have SO many thoughts. FIrst, WOW, another reaction video so soon! The whole time, I wanted to give Alex a hug! I mean, Josh too, but the way Alex is so glued to some of the scenes, same. Same.
I love that you catch Ben catching them holding hands, but you missed when Nick and Charlie are on the escalator, and Nick saying/thinking Harry and Ben wouldn't be there. But also, I think it's easy to forget that we are more omniscient in this and maybe putting ourselves in Nick or Charlie's shoes, teenagers, in high school, it's easy to see why Nick still hangs out with them (despite multiple times saying he doesn't want to hang out with them) and Charlie being ridden with self-doubt or thinking he's a burden to others.
I'm also very glad that Alex said this. Harry does think his words and behaviors are "okay" because it's probably what he's always done, and he's never been called out on it. And he's aware of homophobia (and transphobia) and the thing is, most people who are actually those things, and racist, and sexist, etc, don't think they are. They don't go around claiming to be homophobic. They need to be told this or shown this. And him being called homophobic is actually a trigger to him. He gets defensive, says he's joking, etc. Even episode 3 (Kiss) when Nick tells Harry he's being homophobic and walks away, Harry's mates reassure him a bit because he's taken aback at the word. Harry being a rich kid who probably gets what he wants doesn't help either. I've also paid attention to the other rugby boys, and have noticed throughout the season that some of them don't engage in the bullying or react/laugh/find pleasure in the words or behaviors. I don't know why it matters, but it's nice to see the continuity of all the recurring students.
This episode was a huge ride, and I hope you decide you need to see the final episode sooner rather than later! I've had a great time re-watching the series through you boys. I don't think you'll be disappointed at all with it. There are some iconic moments and dialogue, and I expect tears :)
Considering hugs recieved and given whole heartedly back! ❤️ (none for Josh! Alex is greedy) 😉🤣
100% agree with your thoughts x
the boys who don’t engage with the bullying is actually a call back to the graphic novel!! there they play a much bigger part in nick’s life and his and charlie’s storyline: they have nice interactions with charlie often and actually figure out nick’s crush pretty early on. there’s even a scene in what would be this exact episode where they actually go up to charlie and integrate him to the group. they chose to leave all of that out but still have the characters there (they look pretty exactly like they do in the books and they appear by the character’s names in the credits)! my guess is that they’ll be more present in season two (in the comics they have a pretty important scene) so that’s a little reason for that behavior and why the matter:)
@@cielxo thank you for that information! Yes I do hope Christian, Otis, and Sai reprise their roles in season 2. After I found out about them, I noticed them in the Instagram shots and in the background and it clicked that they must be characters from the graphic novels.
The rage on Nick's face when he hits Harry is epic! Kit Conner is a great actor.
everyone screaming that Ben and Harry weren’t supposed to be there to begin with 😅
i am SO GLAD that you brought up how elle was outing nick by telling tao!!!!!!! i’ve seen countless lgbtq people watch this series and not one of them batted an eye about how it was wrong of her to do that without their consent.
thank you so much. all of your reactions to this series have been so real and authentic and relatable, i love your content & am glad to have found your channel through this show!!
At 6:36 mark, you can't be too hard on Nick here. ORIGINALLY he was under the assumption that neither Harry nor Ben were going to be there...only the other mates.
I felt your guys' reaction to my inner core like i forgot to breath when the ending came up I was just speechless
Please breath... BREATH! X
@@AStoryWorthTelling I'm good now lol but at this point I'm just fuming at harry and ben for treating charlie so horribly
Love your reactions! Re: Elle "outing" Nick, I think that part was ok because at the milkshake cafe Nick was fine when Charlie said he was going to tell Tao at the right time. What Elle should have done was explain to Tau that Charlie didn't actually tell anyone. Nick told her, Tara, and Darcy and Isaac figured it out himself.
This is quite fair, I think perhaps Charlie shouldn't have put Elle in that situation to be effectively lying to Tao in the first place, but man. They're kids, they'll learn.
I was looking to make sure someone addressed this!
The only other thing I'll add is, Tao would know if she lied to him. So when he asks her straight up she doesn't really have a choice if she wants to keep her relationship with Tao. If she says "I don't know".. he'd be able to tell that she does....
I think we all seem to forget that Charlie and Tao are only 15 and Elle, Nick and his gang are only 16. It’s easy for us to expect them to be rational and not emotionally driven and do or say the wrong thing at any given time.
I’ve been loving your reactions! Just to clear up the confusion about Nick's friends at the cinema - I think you talked over the important line at around 4:20 😆 - they were supposed to be meeting some of Nick's other rugby friends, but Ben and Harry weren't going, so they thought it would be OK. They were surprised when they turned up and Ben and Harry actually were there.
This episode always makes me feel sick (I have on occasion skipped it in some of my many binges), and it kinda made me sad when Elle outed Nick to Tao. But I absolutely love all your conversations throughout. It made it all bearable to watch and you both have some really incredible insights 🥰
I don't think Nick has an issue with Tao knowing about them, it's Charlie. Because we all know who 'accidentally' outed Charlie, it's Tao. And I think Charlie is being cautious about that.
@@rararaddee_b7718 Yeah, I’m sure he doesn’t have an issue with him knowing. I just didn’t like the way it happened and of course would’ve preferred for Charlie to tell him himself ☺️
I'm just like, don't you think it should be a wake up moment for Harry of how much people like him, if he get's beat up twice within 24 hours? >_>
I actually liked how they place this episode after seeing how cool and perfect the previous episodes were going. Finally, a dose of reality kicked in. Also, Nick does tell Charlie that "Harry and Ben won't even be there" when they are in the escalator...you just didn't picked it up. I agree too that I was surprise that Nick went back to confront the gang. I would have just walked away and told them later that they are not my friends anymore. But he was angry and could not overcome this feeling.
"do you think Nick is hot?"
"Hotter than you."
would shut him up for a second.
I think your response to this episode are exactly a reflection of mine! I felt so sick at the end! I skip through a lot of episode 7 when I rewatch (daily) this season! It’s so painful and I need therapy when it’s over.❤
Harry knows that he’s being a bully, he’s just hiding it behind banter. The girls at least have the guts to say what they mean.
We think you’ll absolutely love the last episode 😄
Nick & Charlie did establish themselves to be such a precious couple by episode 3, we just wanna protect them.
Great job again, guys. I wanted to send Alex hugs as he was fighting tears. This is the first episode where nothing is pulled from the comics, so that is why it is a bit more dark and dramatic than the others. Every comment was brilliant and anyone struggling to come out or dealing with bullying should hear your commentary from this episode.
i do think this episode would make more sense in the context of the comics, as it's revealed later that Charlie struggles with several mental health issues, some of which are brought on by ben and the bullying he's experienced in the past. Also Nick's not dumb I promise!! He said at some point (it was a sidenote so you probably missed it) that he didn't think harry and Ben would be there - they invited themselves. that being said this was a really great video, i love how even missing some of the vital context you were still willing to give nick a chance and didn't just immediately say "well he's a terrible person!" Definitely one of my favorite reactions :)
20:32 I feel like, even if it wasn't the best decision, Elle didn't really have a choice. Like, if she had said something along the lines of 'It isn't my place to tell', Tao probably would've picked up on it from just that, and if she had said 'no' then she would be lying to one of her best friends, and he would've gotten so bitter with her aswell. Like yes, it wasn't the greatest decision, but I do see where she was coming from, and I think she was stuck between a bit of a rock and a hard place.
I just re watched your episode 1 reaction and it’s fun to see how so massively different it is vs this one
(one of you were definitely yawning at some point), but is very clear you are now all in. I absolutely can’t wait for your final episode reaction!!! I also love how you are empathetic to the characters, and really understand what they are going through. It really feels like watching this with a couple of friends, so thank you for doing this.
To clear something up, Nick was trying to introduce Charlie to his friends. He was thinking that Ben and harry weren’t going to be there. Great video!
2:46 It might have been something close to that since Charlie alluded to it at some point. And he's afraid to think of Nick as a boyfriend. 3:20 I don't know if they cut scenes but yeah, we see Charlie's dad only in the car. lol Another UA-camr was focused on that and said something along the lines of: "Does Charlie's dad live in his car? I hope that they let Charlie's dad go home in S2-S3." lol
You might have missed Nick saying that Harry and Ben werent meant to be there. So Nick just wanted Charlie with the friends he actually liked (the ones who "just stood there". You can see them not laughing in the back)
As for Elle "outing Nick", from the discussion in ep 6 at the milkshake triple date, it looked like Nick was ok with telling Tao but it was more about Charlie wanting to tell him himself
If Nick was ok with telling Tao. He would have waited for Tao to get back to the table first.
@@mcstacia When Elle asks "What about Tao ?", Nick looks at Charlie and Charlie says "Havent told him yet. I'm going to, I just need to find the right time" which for me implies that Nick is ok with it but Charlie isnt and wants to tell him himself
Please watch & review the last episode quickly. Love watching you two watching this. X
I’ve watched this video 3 times now and is my favourite reaction video so far. Bring on episode 8!
This episode is so sad. It really has those moments about charlie with his ED and like those underlying moments where hes got those issues that no ones noticing and its such a sad episode and with the whole Tori and Charlie and the drums its so sad
I'm so glad I found your channel, I love to see you react to Heartstopper so much that I fangirled today when I saw you uploaded new video, it honestly brings me so much joy and your energy is extremely contagious! :) can't wait to see you react to the season finale :)
"Shits about to hit the fan...I'm out" 🤣🤣
I loved your reaction to this episode and I desperately need your ep 8 reaction now 😆
Charlie has low self-esteem and Ben did a number on him. It just reinforced his anxieties.
the last 3 episode are my fave honestly... because as much as the series tries to be positive it doesnt avoid the negative reality of things. nick who always solves conflict with a conversation starts a fight out of anger. charlir who seems to be getting over ben and the bullying relapse to this state of acting numb to everything. Tao who just wants to charlie to not get hurt suddenly blames him for everything... its just the character shift is soooo goood
Any time Ben appears, it’s like a horror movie. Seeing him through the hole in the wall when Charlie went to meet up with him near the end of the first episode, throwing himself at Charlie, when he comes up behind him in the theater parking lot, the boyfriend flashback with him and Charlie in the library. He’s scary 😂
That heartfelt "fuck that" at 0:53 was hilarious 😂 off to a good start for this video
To be fair at the beginning of the episode while they are going down the escalators Nick does say to Charlie that Harry and Ben weren't supposed to be there before they get to the group.
so nicks friends already know charlie, from rugby. nick didnt realise ben and harry would be there, and it would just be the others and it would be okay. the main friends are sai, otis and christian (if you look back at the scene with harry asking charlie all sorts of questions, and the same when nick and harry shouting at each other and then fighting, you can see how their facial expressions differ from the rest. it's been reocurring through the series). i hope to see them in s2/3 as there was quite a few important chapters between those three and nick in the comics. also, i love how alex was explaining how potentially harry was just "joking" and then 5 minutes later he drops the f slur. nick has already called harry out for his homophobia in the past, and said he was joking. yet he has continued, to the point of using the f slur. i feel as though nick has already tried to diffuse the situation with harry and in the end, especially after charlie explaining he was used to it, he just lost it and lashed out. harry deserved it (not that fighting is the answer, but he did).
in the classroom when nick is telling charlie what happened, and charlie says "i promise, i'm used to people saying stuff about me" i just want to give him the biggest hug ever. nobody should ever normalise that, but it feels like charlie has and he just accepts it. i really just want to give him the biggest most massive hug ever. also, charlie's reaction to the fight is very different in the comics than it is in the series.
EDIT: i've seen it in other comments, but you're absolutely right about charlie hiding in the art block is an unhealthy coping mechanism. not just for hiding though, i'm not sure whether you've noticed the subtle hints throughout the season or not but due to the bullying in year 9 (that we hear about but don't see) and throughout year 10 and season 1 he has disordered eating. while season 1 has been very mild, it has definitely looked at some more complex issues which have been dealt with very appropriately and fan reaction has been very appropriate too. a lot of stuff has been dialed down compared to the comics, though, as they were targeted towards a more "young adult / middle age queer" audience, whereas the show is directed more towards tweens and teens. i do hope certain issues from the comics are fully addressed and represented in season 2/3 though as i think it would be a shame otherwise.
i'm not sure how i feel about the scene with tao and elle, where elle reveals nick and charlie are going out. again, it is verrrryyyy different in the comics and it makes me wonder how season 2 will progress compared to the comics. it was definitely not elle's place to share their secret, but at the same time i think i can understand why she did. she didn't want to lie to her bestfriend anymore. this obviously doesn't make it right.
the song at the end of this episode during the fight honestly makes me cry so much, and tao and charlie arguing at the very ending is just so heartstopping (but in a bad way).
i honestly cannot wait for you two to watch the final episode!! there's a lot of situations that need resolving, and i think you will be very suprised to see how some of the issues are resolved. without spoiling, i promise it is a lot more heart warming than this episode.
"A mega pint" 👀👀👀
I just burst out laughing 😂😂😂
I think the entire world have seen this Depp's moment.
Watching this video again because I had a really bad day and you 2 always make me feel better. Thank you awesome rockstars for being you.
I'm glad comments are back because I did miss the part where Nick said Harry and Ben wouldn't be there. How Ben was watching them so stalkishly in the theatre to notice them briefly holding hands I also didn't catch the first time I watched this.
I am crying allready and I just started the video. Gosh this episode broke me on so manny levels
I really love you guys and your insightful discussions about my favorite shows. Especially love hearing your thoughts on Heartstopper and SKAM Norway. Thank you!!!!
Nick originally told Charlie that Harry and Ben weren’t going to be there, and then they just showed up. Nick didn’t know they were coming.
When they’re coming down the escalator he says that Harry and Ben won’t be there just some other friends, so when he says “I wouldn’t have suggested if I’d known” he’s specifically meaning those two.
When i meant the guy who plays the bully i meant Sebastian. He's one of the most kindest PPL out here. Almost too kind for this world
You guys NEED to watch the last episode ASAP! This one was hard and like you said, kind of out of the blue after all the cute and adorable ones before. But I guess it was needed as a reality check.
Nick didn’t know Ben and Harry were going to be there but knew the others would
So I've just found your channel and I've binged the reactions to heartstopper so far today. I really would recommend the books and side stories. Then watch it back again. Look at Charlie everytime with food he never actually eats anything and in the books he has a really bad eating disorder. It is shown so much in the first series aswell. Ben truly messed him up, the bullies and family life. It is so hard for Charlie and he comes to rely on nick so much but either constantly thinks nick will leave him, deserves someone better or that he is dragging nick down aswell and it's a full on struggle. 😭 Keep up the cool videos and unfiltered British humour lads 💜🏳️🌈
reposting my comment (what I can recall) as it did seem to disappear.
First of all, WOW, we are lucky to get another reaction video so soon! And what an episode. I wanted to give Alex a hug the whole time. Well, Josh too, but I love how glued to the scenes Alex was, because SAME.
You guys caught when Ben looked down at Nick and Charlie holding hands, but missed when Nick said coming down the escalator that Harry and Ben weren't going to be there (or he thought they weren't). I think it's important to note as well that we as viewers are more aware of what's going on. If we put ourselves into Nick or Charlie's shoes, teenagers, in high school, we can see kinda how they perceive certain situations, like Nick staying with his friends group (despite saying a few times he didn't want to be friends with them), or Charlie having a lot of self-doubt and being an inner sabateur, based on his experiences with bullying and with Ben.
I'm glad Alex said that Harry doesn't necessarily see himself as a homophobe, and in fact he seems to be affected when he's called one. Homophobic people (and transphobes, racists, sexists, etc) don't always know they are until they are told or shown otherwise. And to him, he's just joking with the lads, making people laugh with what he perceives as comedic. He being rich probably doesn't help the situation as well. However, him using the f word is definitely not okay. You can see even in episode 3 (Kiss) when Nick calls Harry homophobic and walks away, he does seem taken aback by it and the other boys do console him a little. I did notice some of the rugby boys who don't engage or join in the teasing or find pleasure in homophobic taunts, and I'm not sure why, but it was nice to see the continuity and that some of the background characters seem to have facets to them as well.
I think you'll love the final episode. Many iconic moments and dialogue, and there might be tears.
I think you're spot on with this! Maybe the "background boys" are gonna play a more significant role in the other seasons? Well I hope so... I think the guy's E8 reaction is going to be, well... interesting! Looking forward to it... cheers
No what happened is they were going to the movies with nicks friends but nick didn't know harry and Ben would be there
Ah, this was a traumatic episode but I still managed to laugh a bit at Alex and Josh (I mean who didn't need a Xanax after this?) The marry banish kill bit was hilarious. Such a lovely blend of empathy and humor as always. So proud you represent us!
This is the best reaction i have watched. Your faces at the end are exactly the representation of how i felt with this episode. Sending love from argentina🇦🇷
I’m sure someone has mentioned this, but the comics play out very differently and much more quietly? Partly because it’s less of an ensemble & more just Nick & Charlie. So Elle doesn’t out Nick. There’s no fight at school. Charlie’s mental health struggles are more subtle until volume 3 & 4. Also Nick & Charlie are more openly affectionate & friendly & so it’s more of an open secret to people around them (except Tao, who’s a bit oblivious & there’s other reasons why Charlie doesn’t want to reveal the relationship). You guys should def check out the comic!
The flashback to Ben happens at the beginning of the episode because Tori asks Charlie if Nick is his boyfriend, unintentionally triggering the memory of Ben denying his relationship with Charlie. On rewatching the series, one of things I appreciated was how they really show the emotional scars of Charlie's relationship with Ben through Charlie’s hesitancy to believe his relationship with Nick is progressing (or even exists) until Nick says so. Ben was obviously attracted to Charlie but refused to acknowledge his feelings or their relationship outside of that.
So even though Charlie knows Nick is a completely different person, Charlie really needs to hear Nick vocally say how he feels before he'll allow himself to believe it. It's consistent throughout the series; in episode 4 he thinks Nick can't have wanted to kiss him until Nick confirms that he did, in episode 5 Charlie is genuinely surprised when Nick says he really likes him and in episode 6 Charlie doesn't believe that they're together until Nick says so. Poor Nick struggling to articulate his feelings doesn’t help matters.
All of this becomes really important in the finale and helps explain Charlie's reactions to events!
I really liked your nuanced discussion of Harry’s ‘banter’ with Charlie. Never thought of it that way before. Thank you!
20:32 AND FINALLY! Someone who’s talking about whether Elle should have outed Nick! Thank you! I’ve been silently frustrated about this for ages 🫠 (Was similarly eugh about the school band performance last episode as well, which you also picked up on.) Gonna have to keep up with your reactions in Seasons 2 and 3, we’re vibing!
When Nick said the comment about not realizing "they were going to be there", he was talking about Ben and Harry. He knew the others would be there and so did Charlie.
Nick thought Harry and Ben wouldn't be at the movies and Charlie had been on the rugby team with most of the other boys for a while so Nick thought it would be OK but they should have left once they saw the bullies.
I think Harry knows exactly what he's doing in bullying Charlie. He's just smart enough to know how to bully in a way that if anyone calls him on it he can call it "conversation" or a "joke." Also, I think Nick lost his head so much because they were really saying all those things about him too even though he didn't say it.
I think Elle was in an impossible situation. She shouldn't have outed Nick but she also didn't want to lie to her best friend and if she'd told him to talk to Charlie it would be as good as an admission so.... it's just so messy. Plus, Charlie has said he planned to tell him so she probably thought it was the lesser of two evils.
Sorry for the essay. Love this show and your reactions. ❤️🏳️🌈
Refraining from giving info is not lying. Saying ask Charlie and Nick not me is all that needed to be said.
@@mcstacia I do agree that's what she should have done but I also see why she didn't. I wish she had informed Charlie of the conversation though.
Elle can’t answer no, that is lying. She is outing him if she answers yes. But telling him to talk to Charley is just the same as saying yes. He will know any answer but no is a yes. Tao asks a direct yes/no question he leaves Elle no wiggle room in this matter. If he thinks something is going on why the world is he not asking his best friend Charley directly. Putting Elle in the middle puts her in an impossible position.
I agree after this conversation went down Elle should have let Charley know. Nick too for that matter. He is the one with the biggest secret.
Edit: for spelling
Oh wow, both your reactions at the end of the episode, I wanted to hug you both 🤗🤗. It was pretty brutal to say the least, and I think we all have the same feeling about Harry and Ben. One more video closer to the finale, I cannot wait for your video on that!,, ❤️❤️
Salty 100%! Enjoying your reviews tissues for the last episode!
I appreciate that you distinguished the differences between Harry and Ben’s bullying. Harry is just an all-around idiot who likes the attention and reinforcement he gets from his mates when he makes them laugh, so he’ll pick on just about anyone. Ben’s bullying towards Charlie is much more brutal because he is targeting every insecurity Charlie has and exploiting it as a way to defer his own self-hatred. He’s emotionally abusive and always has been, and you can see that his behavior has lasting effects on Charlie through all the flashbacks. This episode was so rough and it honestly hurts to watch. I need a Xanax, too!
To use your own words… you fucking got me. 😭 I was skeptical at first and fucking shouldn’t have been. You two are lovely and I’m in, I’m on board, I’ve officially subscribed, it’s happening. 🤷🏻♀️
Love that floral shirt. Young Eddie Izzard’s hair is always on point
This whole episode was so much 😂 I got to be honest, even though it is a heavy episode, I really enjoy it and I think there is a lot of importance to what happens. We see Nick fully commit to calling people on their crap. We see Nick pull Harry off of Tao in the fight, which I think also showcases his character well as a person who would help people even if they don't want it. We really get a look into Charlie's mind as well and I feel like they did an amazing job with showing how anxiety can affect everything and how small things can break you down. It was so well done, just this entire episode and show.
I also want to share that if you haven't seen the blooper reel, you should. Tao's fight with Harry is in it. At one of the takes, when Tao threw his drink into Harry's face, the actor playing Harry wasn't able to close his eyes or move his head in time. So he stands up, soaked, his eyes shut because the apple juice is burning his eyes, and tries to deliver his lines anyway, which just leaves him and William Gao (who plays Tao) cracking up, and then somebody gets him a towel and he cleans his face up.
Just to clear up what you were confused about, Nick and Charlie were aware of all Nick's friends being there except Harry and Ben as his other friends aren't as bad