Well, before focusing properly on the series itself, a note about little touches and characteristics that I vividly remember form the first season.
The first matter is the length of the episodes – a tad over half an hour, occasionally a little more, which means that dialogue has to count and there is no time for excessive self-regard and over-articulacy by teens a la Dawson’s Creek! It also keeps the drama moving but there is never a sense of rush.
The book-style visual effects/comments (electricity when two hands touch, flowers and pastel birds – all of which sounds absurdly sentimental and YUK) – but it is used sparingly and so very effectively.
Dramatically it follows instantly from the last moments of Series 1 – the following day – and I loved the way when they first meet again that they did (consciously?) the shy and inarticulate ‘hi’ which was their sole conversation for a good few days at the very start of the series. Details like i are just one way which shows how carefully the whole drama has been considered. Perhaps because the original creator is so closely involved in the process.
Probably the biggest change in this Season is that it is now much more an ensemble piece. Focus was, understandably and rightly, on Nick and Charlie but now they are ore at ease with themselves, the attention is focusing as much on the other members of their friendship group. The burgeoning relationship between Elle and Tao was marvelously done – as perceptive and effective as that shown between Nick and Charlie in Series 1. The puzzlement and bafflement shown by both was very finely conveyed, by both the acting and script. Additionally, future relationships were suggested, particularly the story of Isaac, gradually realizing who he was – although I do hope that the sweet Jamie, who has a crush on him will not be forgotten. Bu I did feel that there was one moment that seemed a little too contrived and rushed w. This was Isaac’s overly rapid realization of who he was after viewing one piece of at the Art College show.
The burgeoning relationship between Messrs Farouk and Ajayi was a good and necessary reminder that while the focus is on young teens, older people also have a story and journey to tell. I found the poignant remark of Mr. F (that as he did not realise his sexuality until he was 20, he therefore missed the desire and pain of younger teenage romance), very touching – and it spoke to me. Even Ben had moments when he seemed to be gaining our sympathy – but it was quite right for Nick to reject his last-episode, rather self-serving attempt to gain forgiveness. I feel that Ben could have an interesting story too – but that would/will be for another work I suspect, as he will not be back in the 6th Form at the school/in Netflix Season 3.
But Nick and Charlie remained the adorable focus (I can’t believe I’ve used that word – I usually loathe it in reviews!) and the Paris trip was full of gem-like moments – not east the very brief scene when they were in Le Marais, surrounded by gay people who could unashamedly express their feelings for each other. It was beautifully, almost glancingly done.
Finally, I think one of the most important things that this series shows is how important feelings and emotions are to teens. Easy to say perhaps or to automatically acknowledge, but vital nevertheless