Olivia Colman’s absence in Heartstopper season 3 is actually a good thing
As a longtime fan of Heartstopper, I must say that this latest season has truly hit home for me, especially when it comes to Charlie and Nick’s relationship. While Joe Locke and Kit Connor have both delivered stunning performances, I can’t help but miss the magical chemistry between Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson that was so beautifully portrayed by Tobie Okenye and Jamie Zerin.
Heartstopper season 3 spoilers follow.
From the instant we were introduced to characters Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring in Heartstopper during season one, we found ourselves captivated. However, if we had to pinpoint the exact instant that this series won us over heart and soul, it would undoubtedly be when Nick declared his bisexuality to his mother.
Nick found it nerve-wracking to confess that Charlie was more than just a friend, and that he had feelings for both males and females alike.
Despite his tears and nervousness, Nick courageously shared everything with his mother, Sarah Nelson, seated beside him at the kitchen table.
His mother’s reaction was, “Oh, darling. I appreciate you sharing this with me. I apologize if I gave you the impression that you couldn’t confide in me.” The duo hugged as more tears flowed, and Nick’s face visibly relaxed, showing a sense of release that seemed to dissipate his tension, was noticeable.
This moment is significant not only for “Heartstopper,” but also for television in general. In a mere 10 seconds, writer Alice Oseman has achieved something profound. The influence it’s had on queer viewers, particularly those who yearn for their own coming-out stories to resemble this portrayal, is immeasurable and truly groundbreaking.
As a captivated viewer, I can’t help but be awestruck by the exceptional writing, and Kit Connor delivers an extraordinary performance, masterfully expressing a wide spectrum of complex emotions that resonate deeply with anyone who’s experienced something comparable. However, it’s Olivia Colman’s portrayal of Sarah that truly seals the deal in this scene, bringing the character to life in a way that feels intensely real and relatable.
As she yearned to console Nick while allowing him to complete his presentation, Colman’s single, poignant expression, accompanied by a voice trembling slightly as she apologized, was nothing short of flawless. She embodied the ideal actor portraying the ideal mother that so many of us aspire to have, but sadly, few get to experience in reality.
Although Colman had a smaller part in season two, her brief scenes were still valued greatly, making the announcement that she wouldn’t appear in season three quite disappointing – a disappointment not of her own doing, but rather due to scheduling issues.
Interestingly, it turns out that Colman’s absence from the show on this occasion unexpectedly enhances its quality in two significant ways instead.
The initial conversation takes place only two episodes into the series, where Nick confides in his aunt Diane on a beach during their vacation overseas, instead of Sarah as portrayed in the original comics. Since Colman couldn’t be there, Hayley Atwell took on that role, offering a supportive and safe environment for Nick to express his feelings about Charlie’s eating disorder.
Nick breaks down, feeling helpless, telling her: “I really love [Charlie] and I’m scared…”
With that, Diane pulls Nick into a warm embrace as he starts to cry.
Diane remarks, “You’re just sixteen years old,” she adds gently. “Carrying such responsibilities at your age can be overwhelming. It’s alright if you feel afraid.
In simpler terms, Nick is eager to mend Charlie, yet Diane, with her training as a counselor, sensibly advises that a healthcare professional, either a doctor or therapist, should be the one to assist him instead.
You believe it’s your role to help him, but the reliance isn’t beneficial for either of you… Love alone won’t heal a mental health issue,” she clarifies.
That last line in particular hit hard in the graphic novel and it hits hard now in live-action too. It’s a vital moment that defines the show moving forward, especially when it comes to how Nick and Charlie’s relationship develops. And yes, Colman would have delivered this line with utter perfection, but so too does Atwell.
If Diane hadn’t been present but Sarah was, it would have been more straightforward to draw parallels between Nick’s emotional episode in this instance and his coming-out experience from a few seasons back. However, making such a comparison might not be entirely just.
Absolutely, both scenes are significant and crucial in Nick’s development, but if we were to compare them, the scene where Nick comes out would likely be more impactful due to its initial release in Heartstopper.
Leaving Colman out of the situation helps reduce unnecessary comparisons, letting the scene develop independently and express itself more freely.
In the same vein, Charlie’s experiences mirrors that of his mother, Jane Spring, who faced significantly greater challenges in dealing with Charlie’s emerging sexuality compared to how Sarah handled Nick’s.
As a gamer, let me tell you, just because Georgina Rich’s character wasn’t necessarily mean to Charlie or rejected him when he came out, it doesn’t change the fact that her interactions with him were more complex than those between Nick and Sarah. They seemed to have a harder time connecting and understanding one another compared to them.
A significant amount of the friction between them stems from Charlie’s struggle with an eating disorder and his recent involvement with Nick. However, this tension doesn’t necessarily mean blame is assigned; it merely signifies that both Charlie and his mother are prone to escalating conflicts when they don’t see eye-to-eye.
In many mother-son bonds, there tends to be a certain familiarity or common dynamic that might not be as prevalent in the seemingly idyllic relationship between Nick and Sarah.
In the current season, Heartstopper focuses less on Nick’s bond with his mother and instead emphasizes a fresh, authentic dynamic crucial to Charlie’s storyline this time, as opposed to Nick’s personal relationships.
In the third season, it is Charlie’s struggle with his eating disorder and the resulting body dysphoria that propels the story. Therefore, it seems fitting for Charlie’s mother to step into a more significant position this time, given her role in helping him navigate these challenges.
Over the course of eight episodes, this duo experiences many challenges together. For instance, Charlie struggles with the anxiety of disclosing his eating disorder for fear his mom might suspect he’s pretending, while Jane, in the final episode, expresses her regret for not providing more empathy. It’s enlightening to witness a more realistic depiction of a mother and son grappling with adversity.
Jane acknowledges that she sometimes comes across as domineering. Just like her mother, she wasn’t kind to Jane growing up. She promised herself she wouldn’t turn out the same way, but unfortunately, she finds herself displaying similar tendencies. Specifically, she can lose her temper quickly, which isn’t fair on those around her.
While Nick’s emotional coming-out scene may have a profound impact, the developing storyline between characters Charlie and Jane mending their broken relationship might resonate differently for some viewers. Unlike the fantasy fulfillment provided by Nick’s coming-out arc, this narrative offers hope in a unique way to those following along at home.
We’re certainly not implying we don’t yearn for Olivia Colman, nor suggesting we wouldn’t go to great lengths to have her reappear in season four.
As a gamer, I’ve got to admit that when a season is as packed as season three, it can be quite a challenge to manage everything. But looking back, those scheduling conflicts might just have done the amazing show “Heartstopper” a solid. It gave us more time to anticipate and enjoy each episode, making the experience all the more exciting!
Heartstopper seasons 1-3 are streaming now on Netflix.
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2024-10-04 11:49