Crofty

'Why are you talking to me? I don't even know who you are.'

Ben Hope

Earlier this month I wrote about finally starting Heartstopper. (HERE:)  I had quickly finished the first two seasons, but was trying to put off watching season 3.  I caved last night and watched the first 2 episodes.  I'm not sure I'm loving the darker tone, but understand the driving plotline for the season is an important part of the story.

I'm also sort of missing Ben Hope, actor Sebastian Croft, who does not appear in the shows third season.  I know Ben is supposed to be a 'bully' but he provided some great drama, and was a part of some wonderful scenes in the two previous seasons.  Croft is also exceptional in the role, especially when he gives Nick (Kit Connor) those smarmy grins.

I struggled a lit bit with how the 'bullies' were portrayed in Heartstopper.  I know the show is an idealized version of young gay love, but neither Ben, or Harry, (Cormac Hyde-Corrin) seem especially menacing, at least not to me.  Ben was certainly slimy for sure, and the damaging, emotional impact on Charlie, (Joe Locke) was realistic and very well done. But both Ben and Harry however seemed redeemable, and both were shown to have grown beyond who they were when we first met them.

Croft with Charlie Besso

I guess it stems from my own experiencing with bullying.  Harry and Ben's behavior was nothing compared to some of the experiences I went through.  I wasn't bullied much in school, it was a little closer to home and the impact, as it was with Charlie, was long lasting.  Ben and Harry also both eventually asked for forgiveness, something I unfortunately, never experienced.  

I thought one of Ben's last scenes was especially heartbreaking.  Without forgiveness, and alone, the rainbow just wasn't able to reach him.  A beautifully poignant and incredibly sad moment.  If there is a Heartstopper movie, I do kind of hope we get a scene with Ben out and proud.

Those legs!

Sebastian Croft on Instagram