Friend
As the game board tips over, Charlie realizes that he can’t invite Nick over to his birthday bash because he already has plans. Tao and Elle both exchange knowing glances at one another, and it seems like they know what’s going to happen next.
He decides to go ahead with the date, but only if he can get Imogen to agree to come out for dinner on Saturday night. She agrees, but only if they can also talk about her dog’s death. Nick is hesitant at first, but Imogen is insistent and they eventually agree. They set a date for Saturday night and hope that everything will work out.
Nick talks to his Mum about how he’s feeling and who helps him make a decision. Nick is going bowling. ..
While they talk in the bathroom, Tao worries that Nick is just messing Charlie about. Unbeknownst to them, while airing his concerns Nick happens to be listening from the doorway.
When Charlie heads out the bathroom, Nick embraces him for the longest time. After, he sits with Tao and the pair have a super awkward conversation. He issues Nick a final warning and tells him to stop messing with Charlie.
Nick comes clean to Charlie after this and apologizes about the Imogen situation. He admits he just said yes to try and appease her and didn’t want to hurt her feelings. Nick promises to make things right and tell her the truth. ..
Nick and Tom share a beautiful photograph of them together on their birthday. They had a great time snowboarding and skiing together that day.
After finally admitting he likes Charlie, Nick cancels a date with Imogen to hang out with Charlie and the gang.
Elle and Tao are sparks flying between them as they sit in the arcade playing games. Their pent up emotions are being explored.
Nick heads out and meets Imogen the following day. He apologizes and cuts straight to the chase, admitting that he’s not into her and in fact, doesn’t feel like his true self around their current crop of friends. Imogen is okay with that and she shrugs it off. For Nick though, he has a big decision to make regarding Charlie.
The Episode Review
The bowling alley birthday bash is a great way to blow off some steam and allow those pent-up feelings to finally be given some room to air out for all to see. Of course, not everything has been explored fully – especially when it comes to Tao and Elle. Tao and Elle are great friends, but they also have a lot of secrets that they’re still trying to figure out. The bowling alley birthday bash will help them get their story out in the open so everyone can see what’s going on.
Heartstopper has done a great job depicting Charlie and Nick’s will they/won’t they romance and the supporting ensemble alongside these guys help to elevate the material a lot.
The subplot involving Elle and Tao is well written and a definite highlight, while Imogen is given a bit more time to grow here too in a really nice segment where she covers for Nick at the end. The writing is strong throughout with good character development. ..
