Heartstopper (Season 3)
"Heartstopper"? Or would "Mindstopper" be more fitting?
The latest season of "Heartstopper" once again revisits the well-worn theme of fictional problems and fairy tale relationships, trying to appear more grounded than it really is.
Season two ended on a high note — Nick and Charlie continue their relationship, now open about it and working through it together. After their trip to France, where awkward situations and new life lessons pushed them forward, the creators set up a solid foundation for season three. But as a viewer, what am I actually getting?
Season three sticks to the tired and predictable "champagne problems" formula. Nearly every episode features some kind of quarrel, drama, or misunderstanding between the characters. It all tends to follow the same pattern: one character acts exaggeratedly silly, while the other plays the victim, ready to be sacrificed to the wolves. This applies not only to the main characters but to practically everyone in the cast. Instead of discussing their issues like adults and solving problems, the characters remain silent, get offended, and blow things out of proportion. By the end of each episode, they reconcile, find common ground, and return to happily ever after. The conflict dissolves as quickly as it began, leaving you wondering, "What was the point of all that?" Even more amusing is that most of the adults act just like teenagers.
Another growing issue is the unrealistic portrayal of relationships. While the show is a great queer drama for a teenage audience, who may not have encountered the more challenging realities of life and live in more tolerant societies, the creators seem to be making it more and more idealized. Characters find love at the snap of a finger, rarely argue, and homophobia seems to have vanished from their world entirely. This approach raises questions — how does this prepare young viewers for the real world outside of TV? Viewers from less tolerant, homophobic societies are unlikely to watch the show in the first place. The show's overly rosy depiction of the world crumbles when faced with real-world issues like homophobia, bullying, and the complexities of interpersonal communication.
That said, the show deserves credit where it's due. It tackles important issues, and at times, feels more grounded than just a fairy tale where everything is perfect. The new season addresses themes like eating disorders (though sometimes portrayed awkwardly), transphobia, non-binary identities, loneliness, self-actualization, and mental health challenges. Unfortunately, the last two episodes undo some of that progress by focusing on the characters' first sexual experiences, reducing them to sex-obsessed teenagers who seem to think of nothing else.
On the positive side, the show shines in its soundtrack and visual style. The plot is coherent, transitions between scenes are smooth, and the visual effects are pleasing to the eye.
In this season, the characters show some growth—they start to experience new emotions, build relationships based on mutual support, and attempt to solve their problems. The series serves as a good introduction to the LGBTQIA+ world for teens, who might see themselves in the characters and learn something about this community. However, everything should be taken with a grain of salt: many of the problems are exaggerated, and it’s misleading to believe relationships will always work out so smoothly. The characters aren't always role models when it comes to dealing with their issues. By the season's end, despite the challenges they’ve faced, it doesn't feel like the characters have matured much. They remain carefree, sometimes even childish, with much more growing up to do.
Hopefully, future seasons will take on more serious and meaningful aspects of the LGBTQIA+ experience. For now, it remains a sugary-sweet teen drama that can lighten up an evening, but often leaves you puzzled by what's unfolding on screen.
5/10