Charlie’s mental health journey doesn’t just affect him.
Nick deals with separation anxiety.
Nick’s Rugby friends are there for him.
The friend group want to help.
Nick breaks.
Charlie breaks.
Charlie enters treatment.
Charlie and Tao clear the air.
Nick shows Charlie the video.
Isaac speaks his mind.
Charlie goes home.
Charlie and Nick are reunited.
I love the friendship between Nick and Tara. They’ve come a long way from the Season 1 kids that Harry was trying to force into a relationship.
So much of this season focuses on Charlie’s mental health. As it should, because it’s very important. But I’m glad that they are also showing how it is affecting the friend group.
“You know that saying, things get worse before they get better? I think I understand that now.” “I read up about it online, as well. And it said to make them feel cared for. Not judge them. It didn’t feel like enough. I guess I tried. I tried to just be there.”
These lines from Nicks narration are so raw and heartbreaking.
The pain on Tao and Isaac’s faces when Charlie yells at them for trying to help, is devastating. Definitely not the expressions that two teenagers should ever have.
And this scene - powerful and so damn heartbreaking. Seeing Charlie break down and Nick offering his comfort - it’s such a brutal reminder of just how teenagers can struggle and how it’s imperative to be there for them. And how it should not just fall on the shoulders of other teenagers.
I love that Otis, Sia, and Christian continue to be there for Nick. And that they respect his choice to not tell them Charlie’s business.
The friend group coming up with the ideas of stuff to send to Charlie, and Tao working on his video, is so so sweet. Everyone should have a friend group like this.
How cool is this box that they are making to put all the stuff for Charlie into?!
Nick’s breakdown at the Halloween party, and Tao being the one to comfort him, is so powerful. It really highlights just how far they’ve come from the first season.
The family visit to Charlie is so intense. You can see the relief in all of them at how well Charlie seems to be doing. But there is also just that little bit of fear in each of them.
The dual POV’s are rough. Charlie’s is very heavy and very dark. Definitely showing the reality of how this affects a person.
Nick’s POV is devastating and emotional. It shows, so well, what it is like to watch someone you love go through this.
Charlie’s spiral is crushing. I’ve been there and I can tell you that Joe really nailed it.
Charlie’s intial reluctance to be in the treatment center I understandable. Admitting that you’re struggling with your mental health is hard enough. Getting treatment is even harder. It feels like confirming that you’re broken. Atleast until it starts working.
Watching Charlie slowly adapt and embrace the treatment and flourish and heal is absolutely gorgeous.
Every time I watch this episode, I think this guy is Cody Saintgnue.
This convo between Tao and Charlie is so real. I love that Tao’s is apologetic and Charlie is understanding. It’s so sweet and so them.
It’s so great to see Charlie and Nick together and happy, again.
I love Tao’s video. It makes me laugh and cry. It’s so sweet and fun and just what friends should do for each other.
“I’m kind of mad at you, actually. ‘Cause I asked you if you were okay. And I guess you just lied. I mean, I sort of knew that. It’s not your fault, though, Charlie. I know. I just, um - I hope that when you get back you don’t feel like you have to lie to us anymore. Because you don’t. We’re never going to judge you. We love you.”
I love Isaac’s brutal honesty. I swear this character could be me.
Tao scaring Isaac is hilarious.
I love how much they all love Charlie.
This is the perfect way to end Charlie’s video - with his two oldest friends.
Normal is overrated, Charlie.
I love Charlie and Nick’s reunion. It’s so sweet and beautiful.
See you next time for Winter.
