On holiday in Menorca, Nick worries about Charlie, who is struggling more than ever. Isaac starts to feel like a third wheel around Elle and Tao.
Obviously, an episode this early into a new season will still largely be setting up the overall stories and themes that will be explored - namely severe insecurities and declarations of love. However, "Home" provides an emotional wallop that rivals any other previous moment in the series to date. The show has never shied away from having these brutal and difficult conversations. It's still heartbreaking as Charlie grows more and more isolated while Nick is away for three weeks. It culminates in him accepting that he has an eating disorder. It's gotten really bad too. Nick is the only one who knows the specifics of what's going on. He doesn't know how to help. Moreover, others are worried about Charlie. Tori and Isaac reach out trying to understand what's wrong. They still get the same response from Charlie. He wants to brush off their concerns because he doesn't want to be a burden. They have so much love to share. Charlie still has to be willing to accept it. He had a fun day with Nick and his friends. Yet his struggle continues. Hearing others share their concerns leaves him feeling even more depressed and isolated. Their hearts break too. Nick's presence won't immediately fix the issues either.
Charlie doesn't want to hang out with his friends. In the past, they were annoyed when he would ditch them to spend time with his boyfriend. But now, that's no longer the excuse. That's not the reason why. Isaac is the only one who notices because he's not engaged in the same sexual and romantic concerns. Tara and Darcy are busy moving Darcy into her gran's house. Moreover, she is still receiving messages from her mum who is just starting to realize what she has lost through her cruelty. Darcy doesn't want to reply. In fact, she blocks the number. That's not a toxic energy she wants in her life. It's so casual and easy coming out to her gran. She's fun-loving and nice. She offers hope that there is a bright future even for those who struggle in school. Darcy now has a home that doesn't belong to her 16-year-old girlfriend. That pressure has been removed. Now, the two can just relax into their friendships once more. Even then, Tao and Elle are distracted because of their own insecurities with summer coming to an end. These distractions are significant. They matter to the characters who have agency. Their stories are just as important. They also provide a perfect storm where everyone is too busy to notice Charlie's struggle.
Isaac hates how the friend group is changing. They don't hang out and participate in group activities anymore. They are distracted by their individual romances. That even applies to Imogen and Sahar despite not being a couple. They are always paired off when time comes to explain why people can't hang. Isaac wants a movie night with his friends. That has always provided comfort. It's awkward at Tao's place. He and Elle act like a couple. They are all over each other. It makes Isaac uncomfortable. He feels as if he doesn't belong in this space anymore. Friendships matter to him. He cares about putting in the effort. He's more than just the guy always reading. He leans on his friends. He wants them to care just as much as he does. The only reason he goes to school to pick up a physical copy of his grades is the promise of something fun after with his friends. That never happens. Charlie rejects the offer because it's an invitation to get food. That has suddenly become the foundation of these relationships. He can't participate because he needs to exert control over his body. That mostly leaves him depressed in his room. He's annoyed with his mum. That's all he wants it to be. The truth though is far more devastating.
Charlie's mum is concerned he is throwing his life away over his boyfriend. She's right to be concerned of how codependent they are. However, she expresses that through a lecture as to why Charlie is too young to be having sex. She wants to prove that she knows what's going on. She's completely in the dark. She doesn't care to understand who her son actually is. She has certain expectations. She also assigns blame to Nick for Charlie's grades slipping. Charlie was completely responsible for that. In fact, his lack of interest in school and other activities is yet another sign of his deteriorating mental health over the last few months. That's a symptom of his illness. It's more than him being an angsty teen who is often in moods when dealing with his mother. Tori sees how harsh they are to each other. She is sad over her brother being her only friend. He wants to confide in her what Nick said when they were in the sea together. That moment of sharing is cut off by their mum. Instead, Charlie is left to wallow for several weeks. He's proactive in that he is researching eating disorders. Tori snoops on his computer to better understand. She looks at his lack of appetite differently than their parents do. Yet she's not in a position to help either. All she knows how to do is offer a hug and reaffirm her love no matter what.
Throughout his Menorca holiday, Nick has been worried about Charlie. Every time they catch each other, he wants to ask if his boyfriend has been eating. That's what he means when he asks how Charlie's day went. Charlie only replies that everything is good. That doesn't assuage Nick's fears. They are only confirmed once Tori reaches out. It's the first time she has messaged him. It's important because this is a resource Charlie needs right now. Nick needs to know what's going on. In their first actual conversation in weeks, Charlie is at first glad that he finally has time with his boyfriend. The mood shifts the moment he realizes Nick is calling to ask if he has been eating. Both suffer breakdowns. Charlie hides his from the family member who invades his space. He can't talk with his mum about this. Meanwhile, Nick opens up completely to his Aunt Diane. As a trained psychiatrist, she offers some keen insight. This isn't a responsibility Nick should carry by himself. It's not his job to fix Charlie. He's required to be a loving and supportive boyfriend. That means being there for him when and how he needs it. A professional should be responsible for helping Charlie navigate through his mental health issues. Charlie and Nick aren't powerless in this situation. The hopelessness still feels very real. That's especially true as they remain apart for now.
Some extra thoughts:
- Sadly, Olivia Colman won't be appearing as Nick's mum this season. A scheduling conflict prevented her from participating. So, it will be interesting to see how the show navigates her absence. Here, it's just commented on it being a shame Sarah can't join the holiday. That's it. No explanation for what's keeping her busy instead.
- Isaac asks Charlie to at least respond to his texts. Charlie promises and then immediately breaks it. He's good in the moment pretending everything is fine when Isaac stops by unexpectedly. That evening doesn't alter his mood though. And so, that leaves Isaac even more frustrated.
- So much is communicated in the brief moment Nick takes before telling Diane he has a boyfriend. The weight of all he has endured previously in coming out informs his decision. He doesn't wait or try to hide that part of him anymore. Moreover, her response proves that David remains the only homophobic member of this family.
- Charlie's insecurities in his relationship come out as well over simply sharing selfies with Nick. His boyfriend is shirtless in a pool. Meanwhile, Charlie feels ugly working at his desk in his room. He's happy with none of the pictures he takes. He has several. Instead, he redirects the energy back to Nick's hotness.
- Tao keeps a video camera that used to belong to his father. He also regrets never staying still long enough for him when he was taking pictures. So much of Tao's behavior and interests connect back to his father and losing him at such a young age. He would have loved Elle. But now, Tao has a new way to nourish that connection.
- Tao and Elle saying "I love you" this early in their relationship actually details how strong they already are. They are invested in this dynamic no matter what happens next. It may be early as compared to the other couples. However, they aren't people who agonize over what to say or worry about hiding part of themselves from each other. They are more bold which ultimately makes this feel right.
- Ajayi and Farouk remain adorable together. Their relationship remains strong too. They playfully tease each other before the students come in for their grades. Sure, they address how careful they have to be around the students. They don't want to be the source of gossip around school. They can hardly control their impulses to one another at some points though.
