Everyone has noted the transformation of Tao over the series, and you can pinpoint where it happens: S2E5, Elle and Tao in the Louvre. That’s when t;he change starts, and it’s quite a change. He's happier, more relaxed, less tense. He dresses better, he can comfort Nick when he needs to. He’s calm, he’s mature. It’s so interesting how much this tells us about Tao. Before the Louvre he was less open, inclined to be suspicious, and note how protective he was of Charlie. Afterwards, he finds himself, he becomes himself. I think he is a young man who just needs to be in love, needs someone to care for. Both traits are important, for puppy love always fades, but with mutual caring you can build a life together. Elle completes him, and it shows.
Steve Teeter
2025-03-26 21:31:44 +0000 UTC
Lane is right. Charlie and Tao are in about to leave Year 11. Nick and the others are in Year 12 and about to go into their last year at school, Year 13. Year 13 is when you usually apply to university - if that is the career route you want to take. Years 12 and 13 are still often known as ‘The Sixth Form’ in England and Wales, stemming from somewhat anachronistic nomenclature which subdivided a child’s educational life into sections called thirds, fourths, fifths etc. Think Enid Blyton. Years 1 to 13 have been used in the state education system for several decades now. It is a much clearer system, though admittedly lacks the charm of that Hogwarts-like eccentricity.
Robert James-Robbins
2025-02-03 18:54:18 +0000 UTC
Great reaction! I had to pause several times to laugh, especially at your reaction to the cucumber conversation. I'm not sure if you take suggestions, but if you're looking for something to fill the Heartstopper spot going forward and you haven't already seen it, you could check out Young Royals. Although tonally it's a bit different, there's quite a lot of overlap in fans. It's 3 seasons, 6 episodes each, and the show finished last year.
Emily Brown
2025-02-03 01:24:59 +0000 UTC
As I understand it, sixth form is the final two years of secondary school, so Nick, Tara, Darcy, Elle, and Imogen are halfway through, so they have one year left to go, and now it’s the time to be thinking about where to go to university. Charlie, Tao, and Isaac will be starting sixth form the next school year.
I do love Nick and Tara’s friendship, which I think is helpful for both of them. And I also love how much growth we’ve seen in Tao. He has really matured and become a better version of himself.