The storytelling prides itself in maturing alongside the characters. It always retains a cute and charming sensibility. It's not suddenly a different show now that the central couples are getting older and talking about their sex lives. Those conversations occur though. They are frank but still respectful. Sex means different things to different people. It's implied that girlfriends Tara Jones (Corinna Brown) and Darcy Olsson (Kizzy Edgell) have been doing it for awhile. However, the pacing of the narrative ensures that their expression of intimacy comes alongside the other couples who are taking that step for the first time. Nick and Charlie are nervous and stress out over the best way to discuss their feelings. Meanwhile, Tao Xu (William Gao) and Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney) move quickly through the stages of dating. It never comes across as rushed. It's merely appropriate for each individual couple. None of them are without struggles either. They are almost always solved through open and honest communication. That's the underlying message of the entire show.
However, the third season also depicts the most emotionally grueling and devastating material to date. That occurs early on too. Charlie suffers a mental health crisis stemming from the eating disorder he's at first reluctant to even acknowledge. Nick offers support to accept it and take steps to address it. It's still an agonizing portrayal of teens wanting to help each other but not knowing the best way how. It's only once adults are brought into the conversation that some clarity arrives. The focus never shifts away from Nick and Charlie. They are still required to deliver the hard work to improve. The storytelling offers an analysis of their relationship. Up to this point, they have been inseparable. Their joy is defined by being together. They are surrounded by a group of supportive friends - which also includes Isaac Henderson (Tobie Donovan), Imogen Heaney (Rhea Norwood) and Sahar Zahid (Leila Khan). Yet the story presented to Charlie is one where he struggles to talk about it. That isolation and darkness is nearly all-consuming. That's scary. The storyline presents several moments across multiple episodes that rival the emotional devastation of the scenes that closed out each prior season. Nick coming out to his mum and Charlie opening up about cutting were the previous pivotal moments of catharsis. Now, equally weighty material occurs early and often.
Charlie is given the most significant and fully-realized character arc throughout the season. It's more detailed and all-encompassing than any previous storyline. It hits the dark emotional beats early on because that isn't the natural conclusion. It's the same way that the first season had Nick and Charlie's first kiss in episode three so the rest of the time could explore what this relationship actually means to them. Ample time is given exploring what Charlie's eating habits mean for his boyfriend, family and friends. It's a journey getting to that point. One with many ups and downs. Charlie's sister Tori (Jenny Walser) receives expanded screentime to further flesh out how important he is in her life. It's rewarding in so many ways. The overall story is a fantastic showcase for both Locke and Connor. That's especially true in the pivotal fourth episode "Journey" which breaks the format of how the show typically details its stories. Because of the intense focus on Charlie though, Nick is cast as more of a supporting figure. A lot of time passes. The first two seasons only comprised a couple of months. A full year nearly transpires in season three alone. Time is given to allow things to get dark and eventually heal. Charlie isn't the only one who struggles. That acknowledgement is crucial as well.
The season delivers on all of the key plot points from Alice Oseman's graphic novels she has adapted for the screen. She continues to have a strong grasp on all of these characters. The new material for the entire ensemble remains enriching too. At times though, the amount of attention Nick and Charlie require comes at the expense of the other characters. It makes their stories feel like they are hitting the bullet points for development instead of the audience experiencing a natural progression. That's a consequence of a year passing in the show's timeline over just eight episodes. Charlie isn't the only one who goes on a personal journey. Darcy explores gender identity and starts using they/them pronouns. Tara suddenly deals with new academic expectations. Elle's artwork starts getting public attention. Some stories are incredibly familiar. That applies to Tao feeling he has to do a lot in order to keep Elle's interest now that she is going to a new school. The obsessive and busy nature of Tao and Elle's relationship leaves Isaac feeling left out. Someone new begins question their sexual orientation and interests. These are teenagers learning the best way to communicate with one another. They lean on each other for support too. This story is shared amongst all of them. It's not about three couples that reside within every aspect of the LGBTQ+ community. It's about the power of friendship. That's just as important even as the characters nurture these romances.
