By 'the episode gets worse' I meant emotionally worse, not like suddenly this episode sucks on rewatch lol.

I love that Charles was 100% going to hell no matter what anyone said. Also the flashback to his death was very touching.

Edwin’s confession GETS ME EVERYTIME

The scene with Charles and Edwin on the stairs has me sobbing, just the way Charles took the confession was perfect. Him explaining that he loves him but he's not sure in what way and that they have time to figure out what that means for their relationship, I love it. Charles isn't denying nor is he accepting it which I think is so important bc it lessens the blow but also mate u went to hell for ur 'best friend' not a lot of people would do that unless there was something there.

girl as soon as you brought up orpheus and eurydice i knew this episode was gonna KILL you lmao. the scene with simon breaks my heart and then charles' response heals in back into place

The connections you were making with the lantern is everything.

the quote "If you punish yourself, everywhere becomes Hell" is seared into my brain in such a way that I'll be a 90 year old lady and not remember my name but I will certainly remember it. and Richard Speight Jr (who directed Castiel's confession on Supernatural's 15x18 episode) came to this show and directed another confession. yeah, ok, fine, I'm fine. also Steve Yockey, the Dead Boys Detective's showrunner (and writer too I think), was also a producer on Supernatural.

Other viewers may disagree but I personally think this episode is the most memorable and the best executed, ngl, I watched this when it came out, it hasn't been that long, and yet I'd already forgotten that this ep wasn't the finale

My favorite part of the confession is is that after Edwin says “I love you” Charles says “love you too” with absolutely no hesitation, because of course he does. He loves Edwin more than anyone and he’s never questioned that, even if he doesn’t know whether it’s romantic or not

Edwin! We must protect him to the end of time. Best actor performance of the year so far in this series imo. Just amazing & it's George's first acting gig. 💛

NO ONE WAS OK AFTER THIS EPISODE 😭😭

So just to add to the Orpheus and Eurydice of it all, because this is the same universe as Sandman, in Calliope the Fates mention that she and Dream had a son named Orpheus. :)

Watching your decent into hysterics while watching this episode makes me feel better about mine when I watched it 😅

I love this episode. And I have thoughts on Despair. (BTW, this is Despair's best scene.) If Death encapsulates Life and Desire encapsulates Hate then why would Despair simply encapsulate Depression? I think Despair encapsulates the stages/modes of Grief: Denial, Rage, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. I think Despair is the ability to acknowledge the bad things - and she refers to Edwin as a friend. Despair pulled Edwin out of his conversation with Simon while Edwin was going into Rage and Simon was stuck in Bargaining. On the surface her words seem to encourage Edwin to give into his worst pain but the effect is to snap him out of it into compassion. I think that without forgiveness/acceptance neither Simon nor Edwin would have been able to escape Hell. She regarded this as a favour that Edwin will have to pay back in the future. I love the concept of the Dead Boy Detectives as agents of Despair. They've been helping ghosts to move on from where they were stuck; for the soldier in the first episode it was better than the father in the haunted house or the two dragons.

Richard Speight Jr didn't actually only play Gabriel in Supernatural but also directed quite a few episodes of the show, some of the most important episodes in Dean and Castiel's story were directed by him, such as "Stuck in the middle (with you)", "Gods and Monsters", "Our Father who Aren't in Heaven" and obviously "Despair" as well

Finshed the show 3 weeks ago and I still think of "if you punish yourself, everywhere becomes hell" once a day. PS I love your insights, you pick up on details so quickly!

Yeah, this entire episode DESTROYED my poor gay soul when I watched it. The confession made me tear up so hard, and that whole moment in the library with Simon and Despair. Ergh, my heart!!!

Dang you weren't kidding with that video title, though it is well-deserved for the episode (they also use the same lantern by the way). And that Orpheus and Eurydice reference is proof that this show had a target audience and we are it. This is an episode that is firing on absolutely all cylinders. It is just masterful, again just from the creative concepts on display. It is difficult to create a version of hell amongst all the depictions today that is memorable and distinctive and unsettling and believable as hell, and this episode just nailed it in such a riveting way. On the emotional side of things, holy moly. We START with Charles' dying montage and that's already so much. That Edwin brought that light and listened to Charles' problems and made him laugh and read him stories and just stayed there with him so that he wouldn't be scared, and that he was kind of doing what Death always does with dead souls that are almost always scared and confused from what’s happened to them so she takes care to be a gentle friendly face who makes them feel safe, cared for and not alone, and in turn this approach makes the dead want to go with her. But Edwin found Charles first, and HE made Charles feel safe, cared for and not alone, and in turn this made Charles want to go with him. And that Charles used this memory as proof that Edwin didn't belong in hell because he knew immediately in that moment that this ghost who stayed with him did not deserve that. And the confession scene is just so lovely. Edwin is SO SCARED as he makes his feelings clear, he's so afraid that what he's saying is going to damage their relationship forever, that it's going to make it weird or awkward or distant, and the relief that comes to his face so fast before Charles is barely finished his first sentence in his response! Is a hopeful part of him a bit disappointed? Sure! But he already knows Charles loves him period, Charles said exactly that before he even started his confession! What is always the most important thing is that they stay together, and that they're staying together because they want to. And Charles still wants to (of course) so everything's okay. All the love to Jenny the Butcher, who despite her aesthetic is a perfectly regular normal human renting some rooms to some weird teen girls and dealing with enough stuff on her own, but still ready to go guns (cleaver) blazing at one of those teen girls going into a dangerous situation (even if the situation is a bit beyond her current comprehension). "The gäys will literally be at the doorway to hell, and be like 'No no no, feelings first.'"

I love your genuine, in the moment, emotional reactions Gaywatch! You are so clearly feeling fully everything that is happening in the story that you don't need to say a word for me to understand what your reaction is. I do enjoy when you point out good lighting, camera angles, and storytelling choices, so maybe you could do those at the end of the video when you've had a change to catch your breath, and use still shots of those moments so the audience knows what you're referring to. Otherwise just feel your feelings! I honestly have laughed out loud so many times to the side eye you give the camera, and was swept up in the full moment you had preparing yourself for the emotional confession scene. So excited to see you react to the finale!

There are two showrunners, but Steve Yockey is the creator and showrunner, and a writer; he acquired the rights from DC and has been attached to the characters and show since it's HBO days before it moved to Netflix. He's a playwright. He also worked on Supernatural, and was a co-creator on the show The Flight Attendant (which is also great btw but not queer). He's also writing the next Star Trek movie, speaking of Star Trek!

First of all: I support you about drinking alcohol during the next episode. This episode and the last one are what I consider the most to be a "rollercoaster of emotions". Edwin's advice to Simon stuck in my head and I'll definitely never forget it. About Edwin declares himself to Charles: I loved how they showed delicacy in the midst of so many emotions, Charles had a lot of 'emotional responsibility' in listening to Edwin and responding with honesty about still not knowing if he can respond to him with the same form of love , and furthermore, emphasizing how important they are to each other and how they have eternity full of surprises to discover together. In my opinion, they have been together for so long that they didn't realize the way they started to behave until they reached that 'more than friends but not really lovers - yet' level. Edwin only realized and admitted to himself how he feels about Charles after this fact was "thrown in his face" by the Cat King and Monty. But he already felt different around Charles and it's obvious when they hug and Edwin puts his hand on his heart because he somehow felt it racing. I believe Charles is the same way, feeling everything but not knowing how or when to stop and "read" his own heart because he spent his entire life repressing what he felt/thought and feeling weak and vulnerable when showing them due to bullying and the damn abusive father. I think that after this declaration, in the next season the writers should develop this part more, as they did with Edwin, because it doesn't make sense for Charles to simply ignore what happened. Maybe he declares back or is still in doubt whether he should respond or not because he doesn't think he's "good enough" to be loved in that way by someone. It also makes me emotional how well the actors explain their characters and the duo's dynamics during the interviews. Jayden says Charles is Edwin's "Soul Protector" and George calls him the "Love Of My Afterlife", THIS IS SO DAMN CUTE!

Both Edwin and Charles are startled by mirrors because they normally can´t see their reflection anymore, since mirrors are portals for them. So I don´t think Despair was watching Charles? She is only observing despair, hence why she was observing Simon, and I don´t think Charles was despairing in that moment.

Richard Speight Jr directed multiple episodes of Supernatural, including some of my favorites. So he's been at this for a while.

Thank you for being so genuine with us, even after a crazy emotional episode like that!

The episode before it was George (the guy who plays Edwin) to change what he's wearing and it's all for Charles.

I had so much fun living vicariously through you reacting to that confession bc that was my exact reaction

Castiel lamp theory 🤝 Edwin lantern theory

I love this show so much, and this episode is just absolutely amazing. Loved your reaction . Their first meeting is actually in the Sandman books proper (would slot into season two I believe) so it’s possible even if we don’t get a second season 🤞🏼 we may still see them pop up in future Sandman seasons.

I love that everyone's reaction to the confession was, "Awwww, thats so sweet" but also, "GODDAMNIT, EDWIN! WE ARE LITERALLY IN HELL!"

You are absolutely my favourite person to react to this show wow. The way you have so much appreciation for this show, and how you pick up on so many details and story elements, that's really nice to see. I felt exactly the same wile watching this episode haha, it's so painful, yet so beautiful. And so many parallels as well. Can't wait to see your reaction to the finale, and all the rest of your reaction of course ;)

TEARS. STREAMING DOWN MY FACE

This was such a great rewatch with you! But also had me yelling NO YOU NEED TO START THE ALCOHOL NOWWWW

I think that George Rexstrew’s performance as Edwin during the confession scene was seriously AMAZING! This is his first major role as well and I think he seriously deserves it! The voice break when telling Charles he’s in love with him 😭😭 like he knew he would get rejected but he so desperately had to get the confession out because otherwise he’d never be able to tell him like UGHH- MY H E A R T DUDE 😭just the clear desperation with needing to tell him even though he knew he might be turned down. I really appreciate the way they did Charles’ confession. The writing, the acting, it was ALL PHENOMENAL. I think the way Charles didn’t outright reject Edwin was not only amazing writing but also something you rarely see. Normally in a show like that the character confessing would be outright rejected. But Edwin wasn’t, and Charles even reassured him that they had forever to figure out their feelings. It’s so complex yet powerful in a way I can’t really describe. He basically let Edwin know that “yeah I don’t love you romantically right now but we can figure it out from there” which I think is so important to their current friendship. Regardless of if it gets a season two and both boys end up together, I think Edwin confessing made them much closer than distant and I think it was an integral moment for both characters because Edwin finally gets to tell Charles how he feels which helps Charles because he might still be wondering what’s going on with his “best mate” and now he has that objective fulfilled. But also saving him from Hell of course lmao. But regardless neither boy seems to be secretive anymore and both become closer because they were able to be that vulnerable with each other which I think is something I almost never see in shows like this. It’s all usually very tropey and cliche and you can predict what will happen next. But I think that’s what makes this show so great. It’s the way that it seems to differ from other mainstream shows and that’s what gives it such a unique charm. I just love the way this show was created, I love the acting and studying the facial expressions so I can better act and I love these two dead boys sm 😭 the confession will forever live rent free in my head I fear. But regardless what an amazing end to season 1! I’d love to talk more about how much I love Charles’ response to his friend but I will not make this comment any longer lmao. this show is so dear to my heart. It’s a shame I can’t really show it to any of the people I know bc they’re all homophobes but yknow, I get to fangirl freely at least haha! Thanks for your reaction to this show as well as your appreciation for such amazing details/camera work in this show! I think the practical effects are really awesome, so thanks for pointing that out cause I didn’t notice it the first time I watched! I enjoyed your reaction! I’m super sorry this comment was way too long, I just have so much love for this show 😭❤️ (Also the way Charles pointed out the Orpheus moment was amazinggg! I didn’t know much about it before so I’m a bit familiar but not much, despite my love of things like that! The METAPHOR DUDE OMG-)

what an incredible episode of television

17:25 Sheer Queer Lunacy ✨️ 💖 Should really be the tagline of this show 😂

AAAAAAAAAAGHHHH HAHAHA YEAH. YEAH. this episode is a triple whammy for me with the flashback, the scene with Simon, and then the confession. it’s the climax of Edwin’s character arc and oh my god it’s so good. also I’ve been watching interviews and the actors always look a bit uncomfortable/not in agreement whenever an interviewer says that Charles is straight. (He’s bi in the comics so…) When you mentioned Orpheus and Eurydice much earlier in the video I started making unhinged noises and waving my hands around, and was delighted by your reaction to Charles actually SAYING IT. still not over it. super excited to see your reaction to the finale!!!!! :)

having read The Sandman so knowing the Season of Mists story line where Charles and Edwin are introduced, I was basically waiting for the flashback the whole show. I KNEW it would be a flashback instead of our opening scene before the show came out because CMOOOOOON the emotional round house kick to the chest it is to introduce our characters and show their interactions before being like KA POWWW Edwin literally read him to him a bedtime story as he died while sheltering him from the grim inevitability of his death in a way this abused child never was comforted by his own friends or family.... GAAAAAAAAAAAAWD. but i LIVE for seeing people react to it that did not know it was coming. i kinda wish i could have mind wiped myself for a few hours to see this one with fresh eyes.

I think this has to be one of my favorite reactions by you.

you clocked the lantern so quickly

"Stop with the hands" Mood 9:49

I already watched this reaction the moment you uploaded it, but since you just uploaded the reaction to episode 8 I needed to watch this one again before the last one, because I just LOVE this episode so much, and your reaction to it was priceless.

You know if i had a nickel.... for every time Richard speight jr. directed an episode where while fighting for their lives two characters (one of which saved the other from hell) have a gay love confession going on which cannot be verbally reciprocated by the bi (coded) character even tho its been made very clear that he also loves the other I'd have two nickels which isn't very much but it's definitely weird that it happened twice. (None of this sentence made any sense or was grammatically correct bare with me)

I've been like waiting with baited breath for every video of this you post the further in you get in this show, and mainly it's my love for this show and my desire to see people enjoying it, but also your reactions in general mean SO MUCH TO ME, as someone who is younger than you but still old enough to remember growing up with media that would never dare to show gay people being openly gay. Obsessed with the creepy and macabre as well, just means that this show is currently ruling my LIFE.

You're doing great. The only thing you didn't mention was that Charles had exactly the same lantern that Edwin. This show took over my life, soul, heart and brain. 😂 I'm rewatching it 8th currently. My fave show and watched many, for sure. ❤💙 I love you reactions. ☺️

i love your reactions so much, i always suck at commenting. i cant articulate well often, so i am always losing my mind when i watch stuff. you i find to be both a flailing gay nerd comrade but also your analysis delves into things that ive never known much about or learned of. so it adds to my enjoyment of your channel 🥹 love and happy pride, 🤗💕

it's always the lanterns !!!

This episode destroys me every time and I'm glad I'm not the only one

The way… this show… has attacked you… I pray we get a second season just for more reactions from you.

You have such good attention to detail! I’ve watched this series 3 times now and I still learned new things from watching this. Loving your reactions to this series❤️

I so looked forward to see your reaction to this. I might be a horrible person because I think this episode is the most splendid thing ever.

Welcome to Payneland, happy to have you

I am early for once, I love these videos sm!

Can't wait to see your reaction to the last episode. Make it quick. I'm impatient as I wait for season 2 of Prisma.

I adore this show. I adore Edwin and Charles, I adore everything about them and damn when you brought up Orpheus and Eurydice. I laughed and thought wait just you wait......... I just love that Edwin had to confess everything before they get out of hell. It was necessary, for the process and I'm gonna be honest I love that Charles accepted that with his own love, in what way I don't know yet, I need a season 2 Also Charles was 100% going to hell we all knew that .......was anyone OK after this episode?

Same sis, same

6:04 12:00 And you already watched Sandman so you know that Orpheus actually exists in this universe. He's a real person. SPOILERS That's Morpheus and Calliope's child you're talking about!

Cat king has 9 lifes, but how old is he? (Yeah that's kind of stuck in my brain, don't know why🤷‍♀️) That whole travel through the deadly sins 🤯 That "i love you"🥺🥰 I love your reactions so much❤❤

Eeeeekk Can't wait for you to react to 1x08 now

I wanted to scream about Richard Speight Jr's involvement at you but I consider it a spoiler lmfao. He's become a very niche specialist in breaking hearts. There are too many supernatural people involved in this project, it feels like they're doing this on purpose at this point as a slap in the face to the CW: See, THIS is what you could have done if you weren't cowards!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

Let's goooo with my most loved-hated episode!

5:32 or if it's the muppets movie

Omg yes ❤