Heartstopper — Season 2, Episode 4 Recap

In the much-anticipated Parisian episode of Heartstopper season 2, tensions and emotions run high among friends, lovers, and would-be couples.

Tao and Elle attempt to recalibrate their bond, while Nick and Charlie yearn for some private moments. Simultaneously, Tara hopes to share her feelings openly with Darcy.

Before their Paris journey, Nick probes Charlie about the need to keep their romance discreet. Suppressing his true feelings, Charlie jestingly claims it might be intriguing to keep their relationship clandestine, especially in such a romantic setting. He challenges Nick to refrain from any romantic gestures during the trip. However, when boarding the coach, they consciously avoid sitting together.

The journey to Paris is filled with subtle revelations and interactions. Isaac curiously quizzes Charlie about his relationship with Nick, sneaking glances at James, and Imogen notices Ben's fixation on Charlie. Amidst this, Nick converses in fluent French with his father, revealing to a surprised Tao about his French heritage. Darcy's excitement about the Parisian escapade contrasts with Tara's anxieties over her unreciprocated confession of love.

Upon reaching the hotel, Nick and Charlie find they won't be roommates, sharing instead with Isaac and Tao.

The dynamics between Elle and Tao remain strained. Tao's gesture of an apple juice at breakfast is a reconciliatory attempt. Encouraged by friends, the duo visits an art museum in Montmartre. Here, Tao extends an olive branch, apologizing for past mistakes and addressing his insecurities. While they reconcile as friends, the chemistry between them remains palpable.

Simultaneously, Nick, Charlie, and the rest explore Montmartre. Isaac bonds with James, while Tara and Darcy enjoy the city's romantic aura. Charlie shares his envy of Tara and Darcy's openness, to which Tara responds that their freedom was hard-won. She admits to her own envy of Charlie's open communication with Nick, contrasting it with Darcy's reticence. But Charlie optimistically suggests Paris might be the perfect backdrop for Darcy to open up.

Amidst this, Imogen grows frustrated with Ben's overt attention to Nick and Charlie, culminating in a public showdown during dinner. She confronts Ben about his infatuation with Charlie, choosing self-worth over a strained relationship. An incensed Ben retorts with derogatory comments but finds no sympathy. Concerned, Charlie and Nick comfort the distressed Imogen, with her questions about Charlie's past with Ben leaving him nonplussed.

That evening, Nick and Tao share a candid conversation. Tao's perception of himself is challenged when he recognizes Nick's genuine fondness for him. Later, Nick uploads a photo of Charlie on social media, leading to an intimate moment between them and the playful revelation that Nick failed their playful challenge. The next morning unveils a hickey on Charlie's neck, hinting at upcoming school gossip.

Will Tao and Elle sustain their friendship amidst rising emotions? And how will Charlie handle curious queries about the mark?

Season 2 of Heartstopper is now streaming on Netflix.