Elle's art going viral on social media lands her an interview. Charlie tells Nick he's ready to go to the next level and Tara suffers a panic attack.
And just like that, another four months have passed. It's suddenly April. The school year is coming to an end and Charlie is celebrating his 16th birthday. Some crucial things have happened over the last few months. However, the show doesn't go into detail about them for the extent of the episode. It's crucial to know that Charlie reintegrated back into school. Farouk and Coach Singh offer their support whenever he needs it. And yet, Charlie had a self-harm relapse shortly after that. The compulsion followed a trivial fight with Nick. That may actually be the first fight they've ever had. Food will be an ongoing source of tension for Charlie. People will always worry if he is eating enough. Intrusive thoughts continue to creep into his mind. He's not unique in that way. Because he has gone through the darkness, he knows how to help others in need. That leaves Nick once again in awe of his boyfriend. Charlie is amazing. He deserves the world. He is treated with plenty of wonderful moments. Therapy continues to provide benefits too. Charlie doesn't believe he has made a lot of progress. He's a confident person who doesn't feel confident. Working on that will improve so much even as the world remains frightening in a lot of ways.
Nick and Charlie are ready to have sex. Charlie knows their relationship has grown stronger. He feels it's because Nick has seen him at his absolute worst. He trusts him because he didn't run away after all that's happened over the past year. Geoff explains that Charlie is also in a healthier mindset to provide more time and energy to his relationship. Charlie understands that to mean kissing his boyfriend every second he can. Intimacy is important. It's not the only aspect of a relationship. Charlie is present again amongst all of his friendships. He confides in Tao and Isaac about his latest struggle. They know precisely what it means when Nick and Charlie are passionately kissing and want to take things further. It's only awkward because neither of them knows how to start a conversation about sex. Charlie insists that some action has taken place with clothes still in. Tao doesn't want those details. Of course, he's more than comfortable sharing the stories of him and Elle having sex. It was magical at the New Year's Eve party. They are stronger as a result. It's a new insecurity for Charlie. Again, it can be properly addressed through open and honest communication.
Charlie is too afraid to talk about sex with Nick while sober. Fortunately, he and his friends get drunk when they have the house to themselves for a sleepover to celebrate Charlie's birthday. Charlie doesn't want anyone getting sick or breaking anything. And yet, that inevitably occurs. These are teenagers. They don't know how to handle their liquor. They are capable of having deep conversations though. That's present throughout all of these relationships. They may be absolutely terrifying. They may even feel embarrassed afterwards. However, the conversations still needed to occur. Nick didn't want to leave Charlie feeling as if he wasn't ready to have sex. Nick was honest when the topic was first brought up in Paris. A lot has happened since then. Nick and Charlie have essentially been together for a year. The next step is obvious. They've grown a lot as a couple. Their individual growth varies though. Charlie has dealt with a remarkable journey this season. Nick has been cast in the supporting role. He always has to worry about Charlie. That has prevented him from thinking about his own life at all. Nick knows how to make Charlie happy. And yet, it's also clear Charlie has thought about what he wants his future to be. He's already planning on studying classics at university. When Nick is asked about the future, he doesn't have any plans. He simply sees the benefits of staying local.
The focus doesn't stay on Nick very long. In fact, that moment largely belongs to Tara. The attention to detail about Nick's personal journey is still important though. It's not a significant conversation here. Tara doesn't really open up about why she's feeling stressed either. She suffers a panic attack. That's spoiled a little bit by the description for the episode. It also highlights the tools Charlie has learned through therapy. He doesn't need to be talking about or preparing for the worst all the time. That's not the proper way to treat the disease. When the situation rises though, Charlie springs into action knowing the precise help Tara needs. That's true even though he's drunk. Tara has taken on too much. People have high expectations for her. It's just understood that she will be going to Oxford. Her grades are good enough to get in. She's already in a prep group for that eventuality. Tara doesn't know if that's what she actually wants. She's doing it to appease other people. She panics when the topic comes up. It's not something she wants to worry about. And yet, it's already tangled up in her personality and her prospects at school. She doesn't have the luxury of ignoring it. She has tried distracting herself. That hasn't been healthy either.
None of these teenagers deserve having the pressure of the world bearing down on them. Elle should be celebrated for her art. She's gained thousands of followers. She receives praise at school. That attention shines a light on her. She's immediately asked to be a spokesperson for all trans issues. That's a huge part of her identity. It matters in everything she does. It shouldn't be the only thing that defines her. Charlie expresses the same thoughts in therapy. He doesn't want to be defined by his trauma. He isn't. It's also a part of him that doesn't go away without doing the hard work. Elle calls out people when they are being transphobic. She is also ambushed during a radio interview. The entire family had expectations of what this moment would offer. The segment went in a different direction. Elle's life isn't a debate. She is a human being. Tao always proclaims he would fight the world for her. In this moment though, he freezes. He's unsure what to do. Elle's parents are furious. Elle has the confidence to walk out. That is the right decision. She shouldn't have the pressure of providing the response from the trans community to a question entirely framed around the argument from ill-informed and bigoted people. She doesn't owe anyone that. That's what all of this is reduced to. It's heartbreaking. It robs Elle of her personal agency mere moments after everyone was excited about her creative pursuits.
Some extra thoughts:
- Charlie is three months clean from his last self-harm incident. Geoff reassures him that relapses happen during recovery. Charlie still lingers over the scars though. They prevent him from ever wearing short sleeves or charging in front of people. He still struggles feeling confident in what he wants despite past examples of how brave and awesome he has been.
- Tori will neither confirm nor deny if Michael is her boyfriend. However, they have been spending a lot of time together lately. Michael celebrates Charlie on his birthday too. They don't participate in the party. They are still happy and appreciative of Charlie. They understand him and champion who he is. Plus, Tori is just like her brother in that she steals clothes from her possible boyfriend.
- Sahar and Imogen once again go months without taking about their kiss. Imogen needs encouragement from Nick to address the situation. He's such a good friend. Meanwhile, Imogen and Sahar agree they are better as friends. They inspired major realizations in one another. They are grateful for that. That's all they need to be. They don't have to become the next epic romance on the show.
- It's awkward whenever Farouk motions for a fist bump. It's endearing as well. It's not something he gives out to every student. It's a way to prove his trustworthiness and support to Charlie. It's a small gesture. One that's comforting in the moment. It doesn't need to be communicated further than that. The same applies to Singh knowing Charlie needs more breaks than the other rugby players.
- Structurally, the cameo from Jonathan Bailey of Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers is a little forced. It's all about creating a situation for Nick and Charlie to comment on how hot he is. They aren't wrong with that response. Plus, the scene provides insight into Charlie's future plans. So, it still has purpose. It's also not quite as natural as the series typically is.
- Darcy loves living with their grandmother. That was a concern when the offer was first made. It was ultimately the best decision. That eased some of the load for Tara. The panic attack still came though. The two need to have a conversation about what that was. Darcy already knows they want to take a gap year. For Tara, she isn't certain on what to do.
