Hmm . . . I’m not sure I do think that Bella has forgiven Theo. That look at the end read to me like Bella internally calling Theo on her bullshit. Of course that is at odds with what she said to Terry, so I’ll probably need to rewatch it (what a hardship).

And Superman. 

I got the impression that this was more Arabelle coming back to herself as she was before the assault, rather than a distinct change in character. Weeks have gone by and she’s been doing a lot of work on herself to get where she was, as much as we don’t get to see that work at length.

I have the same experience. Yes, his expression is not of pain, but fear and confusion. If you look carefully, you can see Kwame pulling his pants over his underwear, evidence that the dude rubbed it against the fabric. Also, anal rape is incredibly more violent as the anal cavity contracts with stress. 

Were you not fully paying attention? “Hamilton” very definitely calls out Washington’s and Jefferson’s devotion to slavery.

Since nobody who’s actually considers themselves left wing actually use the word “Leftist” unironically; you just come off like this:

Whew! White people are still the heroes. I was getting worried.

They didn't flat out say it, but danced around it. Perhaps a WASPy uncle. 

Spoiler alert (because the UK’s episode releases seem to be about 3 weeks ahead of the US):

‘I thought you could feel it’ was such a disgusting cop-out. The second he intentionally pulled of the condom and tossed it without saying a word became an another assault in my mind. How could he do that?! So selfish and creepy.

This show is devastatingly good. I like the subtle little details like the poster in Arabella’s room curling down when she is distressed. It visually makes a point without overstating it.

I mean, that’s how I’m going to be thinking now for sure, and definitely guys being raped by other guys is way under-reported so I’m not sure why I thought things would be fine in the first place.  I think also though, I figured “well, hey, Kwame and his date are two people to the other guy’s one, so they’ll be okay”…

Another thing I really appreciate about this show (sorry, Ashley, I just re-read your review because this ep has stayed with me for days!) is that it hasn’t turned into a whodunit.  Yes, there’s an element of mystery, yes, I want to know who raped Arabella in the bathroom and what Shady Simon had to do with it, but…

I’d watch it regardless because it is amazing, but I’m glad the show’s gonna give some breathing room. That episode was a LOT, and Kwame’s story is something that’s always been a fear in the back of my mind as a gay guy. Every time I’ve gone to a guy’s place for the first time there’s the nagging thought in the back…

Obviously people have different bodies that respond differently, but generally for myself (a gay man) if it’s been enough time to clean up, get dressed, etc. my body is NOT ready to have sex again. I’ve tried it before (consensually, and with lube) and had to stop because the pain outweighed any pleasure. I would have…

I had a different reaction to watching Kwame and his date(s).  I actually turned to my husband and asked him “do guys ever fear other men because each man is larger than the last and my alarm bells are going off.”  I was bracing myself for something awful to happen, relaxed when I thought it was over, and then BAM.

OOF this episode was so fucking hard to watch. Worth the PTSD triggers, but goddamn.

I am 100% sure.

There was no penetration. I’m not sure how much you know about anal sex, but Kwame would’ve been bleeding/unable to walk if he’d been penetrated without lube in that moment. Also, I promise I’m right. 

I am pretty stunned by this show. I think you mentioned it in a previous review, but the pacing here is just so good. I especially like how the way the story is progressing is showing the realities of processing trauma. She is doing all of the steps she is “supposed” to do— go to therapy, be with her friends, reclaim…