Nick and the girls go on a road trip to look at unis, as he tries to decide whether to stay near Charlie or move away. Sahar's band plays at a fete.
Nick and Charlie love each other. It was awkward saying it at the start of the season. It quickly became a prominent feature in all of their conversations. That love remained strong. They were tested but never broken. They are completely trusting in one another. Despite that strength, it doesn't need to be the only loving relationship they rely on. Charlie expresses that succinctly in therapy with Geoff. Him needing other people to love and support him through his mental illness doesn't diminish what he has with Nick at all. Nick was told that too. Diane shared that "some people need more help than one person can give." That was devastating to Nick in the moment. He felt powerless. Charlie's mental health has improved dramatically since there. He's still a person living with mental illness. The latter shouldn't overpower the former. Charlie's humanity always needs to remain at the forefront. He has had challenges. He has faced them head on. He is stronger and more confident now. He may never be free of his dark and intrusive thoughts. He shouldn't feel like a failure when they hit. It should be normal to have doubts. He isn't the only one with worries. He now shares that love openly and fully with everyone who helped him arrive at this point. That includes Nick. It isn't limited to him though.
Charlie knows how much love Tori has to offer. She keeps it bottled up a lot of the time. It's not worth it to care about other people. And yet, Charlie survived because he had his sister's support. He doesn't want to be the only beneficiary of her love. He knows he will continue to have bad days. That doesn't mean others must derail their lives to tend to his. He has grown stronger because of his expansive group of friends. They each provide enough to make him feel whole. Tori doesn't want to label her relationship with Michael. They basically have the same criticisms about being boyfriend and girlfriend in today's society. They are perfect for each other. That's scary. It's easier to run away. Charlie knows how to encourage Tori too. It doesn't matter what Tori and Michael are too each other. People see the importance they have in each other's lives. They are made better together. Sure, it risks opening up and being vulnerable. That may lead to someone getting hurt. It's worth it. Charlie is Tori's biggest champion. He is secure enough in his life now to help his friends when they need his love. For awhile, he didn't know if he would ever be at that place again. He doesn't want to take any of them for granted. This moment is perfect. It's not because of the pressure to achieve that goal. It's the comfort from knowing these relationships are secure no matter what happens next.
Nick is incredibly clingy. He feels lost without Charlie. He doesn't know who he is without his boyfriend. He hides part of himself around others. He doesn't know how to be his authentic self. He clearly knows what he wants in the future though. He comes alive during his visit to the University of Leeds. He articulates wanting to continue playing rugby. He witnesses an open and accepting atmosphere of queer youth. He also shows an interest in studying sports science or psychology. Before then, he was completely ambivalent about his plans. He was more worried about leaving Charlie behind. He reads into Charlie's message about needing a hug before the band performs at the summer fete. Charlie is fine. He looks out at the crowd and sees his friends. That's enough encouragement. Nick and the girls don't miss the show either. They participate in the fun. It's a joyous time for all involved. It's time for Nick to be a mess and panic a little bit. That's perfectly normal too. He spent his time worrying about Charlie. He had nothing else to do. And now, he is afforded the energy to explore other pursuits. Charlie always remains at the forefront of his mind. The girls have fun dragging him to a convenience store to buy supplies for sex. He's embarrassed. That's also just a part of growing up. These moments are achieved. The payoff is immaculate. Nick just needs to learn when to prioritize himself. That's just as crucial as supporting Charlie.
Nick and Charlie have fun exploring their sexual interests too. Previously, they couldn't find a moment of privacy. Now, it's happening all the time. Tao and Isaac just have to look at Charlie to know it finally happened. He's beaming with love. It's not a distraction from his school work either. That has always been the concern from Charlie's mum. She never wanted to become just like her own mother. And yet, she is controlling and quick to anger. Charlie understands. He gets angry too. It isn't always justified. They butt heads. She is protective of him. He's going to be fine. She sees the support system he has. He is emotionally ready and mature to take the next step in his relationship with Nick. Charlie's dad is excited to have the house to themselves for once. The family enjoys the fete together. The show is great. Moreover, Charlie is confident wearing a short sleeve shirt. He has always been more comfortable covering himself up. Part of it has been to hide his scars. Now, he's confident enough to look past those wounds. They show off his past. They don't define him. His confidence is sexy and attractive. That applies to taking his shirt off entirely at Nick's house too. He's comfortable sharing himself in this way. As such, fun permeates throughout every moment of the final sequence.
This season has featured all of the couples having sex. It's been pretty tame in far of depictions of the act on Netflix go. It remains true to the overall spirit and tone of the show though. This isn't a project where one should expect nudity. It's still communicated how valuable this intimacy is. Enough of the sexual act is expressed to deliver the overall point. It's conveyed in more detail and over a longer period of time with Nick and Charlie. However, it's still understood how important that connection is for Tao and Elle as well as Tara and Darcy. They all have different experiences. They have different interests. That exploration is powerful. They are each doing it with someone they love and trust completely. Nick and Charlie wonder if they just had sex if it was only touching. It counts. That was enough to completely lift Charlie's spirits and believe he was a new man. His ego was never artificially inflated though. All of this is sensible. It's never too much. Everyone's boundaries are respected. It's awkward at times. Mostly, Nick and Charlie enjoy being around each other. That proximity matters. They still have plenty to discuss. Things will change as they move out of secondary school. Their paths may not always align perfectly. That must be talked about honestly. Nick and Charlie haven't always been the best at that. Nick leaves things unsaid here. However, the ending is still emotionally satisfying and cathartic. It's a different resolution than in the prior seasons. It's just as moving though because it offers the emotions through all that has come before. It derives its power in knowing how far these characters have come. When everything comes together, it's pure magic.
Some extra thoughts:
- Touring a couple universities makes Elle realize she wants to study art in Europe. She shares that with Tao too. He doesn't immediately grow concerned over what that means for their relationship. He doesn't fear her leaving him behind. He has grown reassured in their love. It's special. He'll just have to find a way to pay for the expenses of international travel when that occurs.
- Oxford is the most prestigious university where students are fighting to get accepted. Everyone told Tara that's what she should aim for. When she actually visits the campus, she hates every aspect of it. It doesn't fit her personality whatsoever. And so, she is left unsure of what to do. She at least knows she will be the one making the decision. It's what is best for her and not in service to someone else's ideals.
- Imogen doesn't know if she ever actually liked Nick in a romantic way. She thinks she just convinced herself it was important to have a boyfriend in order to be popular. Now, she's discarding that notion. She doesn't have any clarity about her sexual orientation. She may have never been attracted to boys. She has an amazing friend in Nick though. He's there for her too.
- Charlie's mum hints that her mother was abusive towards her growing up. She doesn't actually say that. It's implied during their chat. That's why Charlie reassures her that she is doing a better job. She is nothing like his grandmother. This is still a family that gets angry quickly. They feel set in the ways and struggle with change. That's inevitable though. So they have to cope somehow.
- Charlie watches Tao's video of all their friends whenever he feels sad. Those moments happen less frequently now. He's prepared to see Geoff every two weeks. Meanwhile, Tao proclaims that his previous creation was amateurish. He must start making a new one to cheer Charlie up even more with his improved technique.
- Queer Intentions is such a good name for a band. No time is really spent with Charlie interacting with Sahar and the other bandmates. The other two aren't given names or personalities at all. Yet this can be another interest for Charlie to pursue. It's an outlet for him to express himself while Sahar is singing a song inspired by Imogen.
