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Starting point: Apology Tour

Since the stans and Vivziepop consider Stolass and Blitzø as equally wrong, I do believe it's necessary to glance at how the narrative portrays Blitzø's fault, so we'd have something to compare with later.

In the mentioned episode Stolass is allowed to:

say a few incriminating lines toward Blitzø ("...It's rather concerning you have an entire party devoted to hating you..." and "So you're used to being the one who crushed others' feelings, hm?");

get mad and ghost Blitzø (ignoring his messages);

tell Blitzø to get out;

sit on his rich ass chilling near the pool and not caring about where's Via and what's up with her whoops, sorry, this is discussion for another time!

claim he never looked down on Blitzø and was "supporting"' him;

equate Blitzø with Striker (who's named a supremacist for hating rich) and call him out for not saving his scrawny ass personally (while ignoring the fact Blitzø was taking his daughter to the hospital that day, so he has sent his employees to Stolass' rescue instead);

be an hypocritical jerk;

publicly sing his woes calling Blitzø a motherfucker;

receive Verosika's support, Blitzø's apology (after his realization moment) and hookup with a handsome incubus.

Is Blitzø allowed to object in response? Maybe express his own point of view? No! The most he's been given - a consolation cake for his intention to be a better person. But he's not allowed to be right in comparison to Stolass, not in the slightest. In fact, during their argument Blitzø digs his own grave by reminding about Striker's first assassination attempt from the S1. Suuure... Perhaps, somebody would like to remind us how "supportive" Stolass was when he covered his face in the Ozzie's? Or how he called Blitzø "[his] impish little plaything"? Or how he carelessly negotiated the deal hearing Blitzø being shot at? No?!? Wow, I wonder what's the reason behind this. These characters are both in the wrong, though they're recalling mistakes of the one, while diligently overlooking mistakes of the other.

The most interesting thing is Stolass being invited on the anti-Blitzø party as his "freshest ex". So basically the show reframes the whole arrangement as some kind of romance instead of... ya know, the arrangement it always has been!? And while Stolass suggests there might be his own fault and that Blitzø didn't mean to hurt him, this line: "...cause I don't think it meant a thing at all... to you," implies that the "break up" is principally Blitzø's guilt, since he couldn't recognize owl's fee fees. As if it meant so much to Stolass himself all along. Why, of course, if you wanted to start a genuine relationship, you'd sexually coerce somebody into monthly banging sessions too! (Nope, you wouldn't.) These characters are both in the wrong, though they're maintaining the delusions of one of them.

For the whole episode Blitzø has been apologizing to everyone he ever hurt. At the end of the day he appears on the event where a bunch of his exes are hating on him, burning the dummy of him, buying the "Blitzø KYS" merch... applauding Stolass who insults him right from the stage. After all, Blitzø is a stupid egoistical jerk who breaks everyone's heart, and Stolass is just another victim of his who deserves unconditional love and support. These characters are both in the wrong, by the way.

At a certain point Blitzø was attempting to justify himself:

And right in the next second Verosika did this:

Woah! I wonder if we'll see the same attitude toward the owlboy? How somebody harshly puts Stolass in his place (without being framed as an unreasonable/ bigoted / stupid / irredeemable jerk in the process)? Spoiler: nope. These characters are both in the wrong - I hope you haven't forgotten that!

In general, the entire Apology Tour is straight out scolding Blitzø and coddling Stolass. Nothing new, duh. Now, when we've established this, let's move on to the main topic.

The evidences of Stolass NOT facing the consequences

1. Blitzø is charged, not Stolass

Stolass was the one who offered the Full Moon deal. He knew it's illegal but offered it regardless. Himself. Willingly. So the prince shall appear before the court for that, right? RIGHT?!

Well, Vivziepop doesn't think so!

Initially, it wasn't about Stolass being accused for irresponsible lending the grimoire to Lucifer knows who. It was about Blitzø being accused for stealing the grimoire. This is illogical not only 1) in the narrative terms, but also 2) plotwise:

As I told, the writers should held Stolass accountable, but in fact they're doing this to Blitzø. AGAIN! Like, come on, the dude had the whole Apology Tour, could you give him a break and finally pay some attention to Stolass' misdeeds? HELLO?!?

Many critics have already said this, but I shall repeat their statements. Andre's plan... is a huge pile of horseshit! It's stupid, and precarious, and devoid of logic, and based on coincidence. Like, he craves Stolass' power and then accuses his booty call while doing everything possible to prevent the prince from finding out about the trial... Uh, if there was no plot armor, why this plan should've worked in the first place? Plus, Blitzø hasn't been holding the grimoire since the Full Moon deal ended. So it seems like you're accusing the imp for nothing.

The reason of this questionable writing decision is simple. We'll get to the bottom of it eventually, I promise.

Besides, Stolass' punishment is pure mercy - one hundred years without status and powers. One hundred years is literally nothing for an immortal demon. Somebody might argue the punishment being so lenient because classism. In my opinion, the fact Stolass wasn't executed for the exact same thing that an ordinary imp would've been - is a convincing manifestation of classism.

2. Stolass doesn't confess why exactly he did what he did

Stolass' about to start his another song, intending to explain everything. And the first half of it is a typical Disney villain dickriding themself (e.g., Dr.Facilier or Gaston). The glory, the lights, the dynamic poses, the epic soundtrack.

But the lyrics is just complete nonsense.

Where the fuck is your explanation, Stolass?!

What was your great, brilliant, super masterplan, huh, mastermind? Wasn't it about lending the grimoire to an imp as an exchange for the "night of passionate fornication" since nobody wants to fuck you willingly? You're about to DIE for Blitzø! So why wouldn't you stop lying and confess properly at the end? Satan has called you a disgrace (which was ​justified) anyway, so what is there to be ashamed of?

The stans keep saying that Stolass acted like a villain to convince the court about his blame... But shouldn't his confession leave even more questions for all those present? Like, he's the mastermind, he has plotted everything, he would escaped the punishment by simply staying quiet... So why is he confessing now? To make sure his "plot so sublime" wouldn't be attributed to an imp?! Does a bruised ego really worth taking a punishment that could've been avoided?? Frankly speaking, Stolass passed not as a villain but as a cheap attention whore. Sorry not sorry.

On the other hand, the second half of the song... oh...

3. "I have (no) regrets!"

When I watched the episode for the first time, this line caught me off guard...

Just to make my eyes rolling instantly.

Right, Stolass has regrets. Not because he has been using a valuable magical artifact irresponsibly. Not because he offered the deal and exploited Blitzø for his lustful desires. Not because he wasn't able to stop Andre and Stella. Not because he has let Octavia down. No!

Stolass has regrets because he's forced to throw his precious freedom away "for this idiot"! Yeah, bitch, ain't no way there might be some other things you should regret!

By the way, he insults Blitzø for the entire song. That wasn't the one and done case.

And then Vivienne tries to convince us of Stolass' self-esteem problems! I must agree, it's too high, lol.

4. Blitzø turns 180 degrees on Stolass

Do you remember how Blitzø had been furious with Stolass for mistreating him and messing with his feelings? Well, now forget that! It's not important! It never has been, since Blitzø was just prejudiced against Stolass because Striker the Ultimate Supremacist got him brainwashed with his richphobic agenda.

A few episodes later Blitzø obediently and enthusiastically fulfills any needs of the prince, becomes his glorified butler + babysitter + cheerleader + knight in shining armor. Blitzø selflessly protects him from other imps, washes him in the bath, holds his hands, prepares a breakfast for him, hunts rats for him, steals expensive clothes for him, saves him from the icy twink, gives him a job, gives him the sofa, gives him a lovey-dovey eyes, kisses him, dances him, hugs him... Geez, that was so corny and tooth-rooting I almost puked!

Basically this guy has been coddling Stolass non-stop during the episode. I simply can't name a SINGLE moment when he hasn't.

Some stans would say that Blitzø is just grateful to Stolass for saving his life (we'll come back to this soon, we're halfway there), but let's be real: if you were used to think somebody mistreats you and then that somebody has done something very nice to you, would you just forget EVERYTHING?! Like, wouldn't you be left with any kind of awkwardness, or confusion, or... anything?

And considering Blitzø's character, that looks extremely ridiculous. I'm not saying Blitzø is incapable of love but the narrative had established that he has a certain problems with expressing it. And then all of this is straight out erased in the blink of an eye! Just because Vivziepop wants her yaoi and she wants it right fucking now!

5. "I'M POOR!" is the only lesson Stolass has learnt

Stolass' classist. This is bad. This should be fixed (if he claims to the "good guy" title). Now, when the prince has lost all of his powers, wealth and status, it's a perfect time to start self-reflection, asking questions, breaking old patterns.

Imagine how great it would be if at some point Stolass asked Blitzø, "Why are these imps hating me so much? What harm have I done to them?" And then Blitzø hesitantly explained to him, thus the prince came to his big realization moment. Or if Stolass was surprised, "I never thought your life is so difficult!" and then felt bad for Blitzø and other imps.

But no! Stolass feels bad only for himself. Just as usual. He's poor now, so he's forced to eat cheap plebeian food, celebrate stupid plebeian holidays and - which is the worst - work!!! When thousands/millions of imps have been living in poverty for centuries, this is completely fine. However, when Stolass ended up here, this is the greatest tragedy!

Plus, the 'Stolass being selfish privileged prick' montage is framed as cute romcom shenanigans. Like "Awww, look! Stolass is unaware of social rules and proceeds treating imps like a trash. Isn't he an adorable quirky dork?"

Oh, by the way, he also crashed IMP's office! And nobody has ever called him out for that.

Wow, what an wholesome well-meaning character, I'm rooting for him so badly! /s

If any of the stans say that was an anxiety/panic attack... guys, just google what an anxiety/panic attack really is, or go watch "Inside Out 2" / "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" at least. Please stop throwing psychological terms around cluelessly! If any of the stans say that Stolass just got too worried about his separation with Via... The thing he has never worried about nearly for the whole S2! Even after discovering Stella's malicious intentions! So his potential "worries" doesn't seems that believable nor impactful anyway.

6. Stolass gets what he wanted and not what he deserved

In the moral-driven stories we can see the simple pattern: when a character does something good/right, the narrative praises them and gives what they wanted/needed; and when a character does something bad/wrong, the narrative punishes them.

And here's a thing: Stolass has been doing wrong things all along. However, the narrative praises him for that!!! I'm not joking, this is literally what's happening here!

Do you remember what Stolass had been craving all this damn time? What is almost every one of his songs about? About how badly he desires love and care from Blitzø! Sure, that's obvious. Guess what he's receiving during Sinsmas? Love and care from Blitzø!!!

This is not a punishment. This is a REWARD. And even the stans do understand this:

7. The endless woobification

This is the main point of his arc for now. Stolass' pity party has been a huge topic of Helluva Boss since the very start of S2. Mastermind and Sinsmas were no exceptions for this.

Maybe I should've got used to that and just closed my eyes long time ago. But you know, I can't do so when Octavia justifiably disowns her deadbeat father because of him breaking promises (not once), refusing to speak the truth about their family and neglecting her most of the time, and then we get a close-up of Stolass ugly crying for half a minute, while his tears dripping onto a jar of his antidepressants, Blitzø throwing his jacket over him in a comforting manner and the IMP employees watch all of this sympathetically.

The creators are so desperate to make us feel sorry for this bird. Even when this is done at the expense of his daughter. Even when this has little to no sense. I mean, if that was all about Stolass taking responsibility, then why should we even pity him in the first place? Why are we supposed to pity the dude who saw off the branch he was sitting on? Why??? I think we're getting close to the answer.

8. Blitzø THANKS (!) Stolass for RESCUING (!!!) him

Now here we are! The most doubtful thing about Stolass' "facing the consequences" is the fact Blitzø thanks the owl for saving his life. That has been said more than once. (This aspect is so significant, it literally was monumentalized by the official merch!)

And how does Stolass answer this? Do you think he objects Blitzø? Maybe says "I've simply taken responsibility for misdeeds of mine, that wasn't a feat," or something like this? Nope!

Stolass acknowledges that he has saved Blitzø indeed. Moreover, the knightly moment of our helluva boss was framed as some kind of justice, "a favor for a favor". As if Blitzø is obligated to repay Stolass for his "selfless sacrifice" (aka him being held accountable, if you haven't forgotten yet).

Why is this so important?

Because facing the consequences of your misdeeds and performing a heroic act are mutually exclusive concepts! They're opposite in the narrative terms. When a character faces the consequences, this is framed as a tough lesson, a character get called out for their mistakes, they finds themself at the very bottom, realizing they were wrong all along, the narrative criticizes their former beliefs/goals, etc. On the contrary, when a character performs a heroic act, the narrative glorifies them, praises and rewards for selflessness and courage - this is their triumph.

Granted, a flawed hero is capable of experiencing both of these, but that should happen at different times. At first, a protagonist faces the consequences, goes through a crisis, realizes their mistakes, tries to fix everything. Then, after all of that, they're allowed to save the day. There are good examples of this: Megamind, Ralph, Shrek (in the 4th movie)... damn, even Blitzø himself! I mean, his character arc isn't perfect (e.g., everyone forgives him too quickly) but at least the narrative isn't afraid of portraying him in the wrong.

Meanwhile Stolass' heroism literally PRECEDES the consequences! First he comes to Blitzø's rescue, and then everything is taken away from him. This changes the context completely and breaks our perception of the show in general.

Basically this is the root of evil everything:

Blitzø is accused instead of Stolass since the latter couldn't appear in a heroic light otherwise;

Shameful details of the deal are hushed up because it would paint Stolass in a very non-heroic light;

Stolass has no regrets outside of throwing his freedom away since this is the ONLY negative outcome of his heroic act (everything else is either Stella and Andre's schemes, or the famous MISUNDERSTANDING);

We don't go deep into reasons of imps hating Stolass because they're stupid haters who can't see that Stolass is a true hero;

Blitzø has turned 180 degrees on Stolass because the latter has saved him by sacrificing everything for him, so now Blitzø owes him a favor;

Stolass has gotten what he wanted because "saving [Blitzø] was the right thing to do", so the narrative rewards him;

the creators are trying to make us pity Stolass because he's a hero, hence he didn't deserve all those troubles.

However, as Mrs. Mayberry would say: "SHE'S NOT A HEROOO!" The standom won't hear these words though. At least you will, my dear followers!

Conclusion

Stolass isn't portrayed as a flawed character whose fatal mistakes lead him to his inevitable, expectable downfall. Instead, he's portrayed as a tragic hero, a pure victim of his own virtue, whose suffering is undeserved, so the viewers must pity him and protect at all costs.

Stolass didn't face the consequences of his own actions. He has sacrificed everything to save an "innocent" person. This context messes the narrative up to the degree where I doubt it could be fixed in the future. Any attempts would likely just increase the inconsistency that the show's already suffering from. The creators simply shall not have put themselves in such an awkward position in the first place. But they have. And this makes me sad.

Classicists who look down on the lower class (especially imps). It's expressed differently but the fact still remains. While Stella contemns imps in more direct and explicit way, Stollas uses micro-aggression and fetishization. This is about derogative nicknames, like "impish little plaything" or "big-dicked Blitzy". This is about reading the "Imps in Sheets" book at the dinner table (in the presence of his underaged daughter, btw!). This is about condescending talk, "My grimoire is too important, and it isn't supposed to be lent out to itty-bitty imps like you." This is about sexual objectification and harassment (in the Loo loo land park, at the Harvest Moon festival, even during Blitzø's panic attack!). This is about exploiting Blitzø as a glorified prostitute (even though the writers have been trying to tell us Stollas' in love with him). If none of this seems like discrimination to you, then I don't know... Really, I don't know. I guess nothing can convince you otherwise…

Mistreating their staff. I won't say anything. Just look at these and tell me they're not the same picture. YOU CAN'T.

Using their status and wealth to exploit commoners. Besides having servants, they hire imps for special tasks. Stella hires Striker so he'd kill Stollas in exchange for money. Stollas hires Blitzø so he'd sexually please him in exchange for the grimoire (which stands for Blitzø's business, which stands for money).

Abusing their partners. Again, it's expressed differently. If Stella mostly uses physical abuse, insults and screaming, Stollas' prone to emotional/psychological abuse. Stella's cruelty is blunt and obvious. However, Stollas' abuse toward Blitzø is more subtle, so this requires clarification. Mostly it resembles my first point about the classism. For example, derogatory nicknames that make Blitzø clearly uncomfortable which he's been very vocal about, but Stollas didn't give a flying fuck. Isn't that verbal abuse for you? The Full Moon deal is an example of economical abuse and sexual coercion. Stollas has the resource that is critically important to Blitzø and he uses it to force him into a sex deal, doing this in such circumstances when Blitzø can't even think it over, so he just blurts out, "Fine, whatever!" If it seems like a proper consent to you, then... I don't know, guys! I don't! fucking! know!.. By the way, let's not forget about guilt-tripping and gaslighting. This is the phrases like: "I think so very highly of you, I didn't realize you think so low of me", "Your first instinct that it's always about sex", "I don't look down on you", etc.. Psychological abuse, generally speaking.

Turning their daughter against her other parent. It's funny enough the stans have been accusing Stella of this long before she has even interacted with her daughter on-screen. Yet no one seemed to notice how Stollas had done the same thing much - MUCH! - earlier. I'm speaking about the "Your mother is being a real B-I-T-C-H" line. And no, you can't assume he was arguing with his abuser and that wasn't intentional. No, that WAS. Stollas speaks to Via directly. He turns towards her. He takes a phone away from his face (even covers it with his butler). He spells expecting that Stella won't understand (he thinks she can't read) and seems genuinely surprised when she actually does. That was VERY much intentional. No doubts. And then this dumbass has a nerve to say, "I'm not turning her against you!" Stop fucking lying, you moron!

Pursuing selfish motives. They want to receive, not to give. For Stella it's carefree rich life, and for Stollas - his romantic fantasies. "But Stollas craves LOVE!!! Are you trying to say this is bad?!" No, I'm not. Desire for love is pretty natural thing but it's not a sign of selflessness. You may want to be loved, while not being ready to put some effort in. This is most clearly demonstrated in Stollas' monologue in Apology tour. "I want this, I want that..." And what are YOU willing to give in return, darling? Grand gestures seasoned with manipulations? Well, sorry, that's complete horse shit.

Forgetting about their daughter's needs and neglecting her. Stella tries to kill her husband not thinking how this will affect Octavia. Stollas chases Blitzø forgetting about Octavia. The girl has been suffering from her parents' actions because she isn't their top priority.

Not thinking about the consequences of their own actions. Many stans would say that Stella is a "stupid cow" and Stollas' smart. Jokes on you! They both are dumbasses! She put a hit on her husband, risking to be left with nothing; he has survived an assassination attempt and then does NOTHING to protect himself and his daughter! Gosh, I hate this shitty writing!

Attending the hate-parties dedicated to their partners. I think there's no need to remind you about Verosika's party from Apology Tour. Stella, however, organized the "Not Divorced" party that's apparently linked with the wedding anniversary. Also the narrative emphasizes how she's verbally abusing Stollas. Although there was no burning the dummy or the "Stol-ass KYS" type of merch, I still count this as a hate-party.

Complaining about their partners on the said parties. Stella humiliates Stollas for his skills in bed, and Stollas publicly performs an insulting song about Blitzø because the latter doesn't love him. Before that the prince had been singing similar songs alone though.

Whining or throwing tantrums when don't get what they want. These two are grown ass adults, and yet they're very childish which is shown not only in their actions, but also in the emotional expressions. They don't want to solve anything, they want their silly whims to be fulfilled. Now!

Breaking others' property. Wow, I didn't see that coming but here we are. With Stella this has been clear since the Loo Loo Land episode, but Stollas... He showed the first signs in the Full Moon when he made a mess around the fridge (which his butler had to clean up, duh). However, at Sinsmas he's thrown a huge tantrum and crashed IMP's office.

(I know Sinstagram isn't canon, but I've took the screenshot from there since I couldn't find more representable shots in the show.)

Involving others in solving their problems (even when it's excessively). Stella calls Striker and Andrey, so they take it upon themselves to serve all the villain functions, while she only gets stans' hate boner. And Stollas occasionally gets Blitzø and IMP to do the work for him. And, okay, I get it, he's important for the main cast, so it makes sense that the plot brings them together but... Why the fuck did IMP come with the prince to look for Octavia in S2E2?! She ran away from HIM. So he's responsable and able to bring his daughter back. Remember, Stollas tracked down and rescued IMP in S1E6 WITHOUT the grimoire, so the heck he couldn't do the same for Via?! Why did IMP even follow him? They haven't even done anything in the end of the day (except for Loona who's done everything, lol)!

Supposed to be powerful but in fact they're pathetic incapable losers. Stella was meant to be a main antagonist, the big bad horrible abuser, but she runs away with her tail between her legs as soon as Stollas puts a little pressure on her and can do jackshit without her icy twink brother. Stollas was meant to be a powerful prince who does magical stuff and commands demonic legions, but suddenly - thanks to Viv's yaoi whim - he turned into "damsel in distress" waiting for her knight in shining armor. WTF?

Their charisma and power were amputated and transplanted to Elsa's ripoff bird. Well, at least I used to think that way before Sinsmas has happened. But then... Andrey turned into Stella 2.0 + ice powers + one and a half braincell (because women are brainless and can't scheme /s). So now the pointless of his existence is even more painfully obvious.

Had potential to be compelling villains or nuanced morally grey characters but ended up being horribly flanderized. So many critics speak about how the protagonist centered morality has assassinated Stella's character, but not so many mention how the same thing has destroyed Stollas as well. They could be so compelling, fascinating, complex characters! However, they both ended up like one-dimentional puppets. She's a nasty asshole from the day one and he's a pure sad lonely bean with lovely dreams. She's a hate-sink, he's a woobie. They were reduced to these primitive roles. That's all these characters are meant to be for now and forever. No complexity, no nuance, no unexpected twist in their conflict. Whatever happens, Stollas' always right and Stella's always wrong.

But what is the difference?

Why are these characters ultimately treated so differently? They both were engaged without their consent but people pity Stollas and Stollas only, while the impact of this circumstance on Stella is completely brushed off. When Stella acts classist that means she's irredeemable monster, but when Stollas does the same that means "he doesn't know any better". When Stella's crashing everything around that's awful, terrible, unacceptable, but when Stollas does the same that means he has "panic attack", depression, "show some mercy, you, critical jerks"?

Firstly, the emotional expression. They both were kids forced into the loveless arranged marriage. However, Stollas cries and sings his sappy ballads - he's a good victim, he deserves sympathy. Stella, on the other hand, behaves loudly and bitter - she's a bad victim or not a victim at all, we shouldn't feel sorry for her.

Secondary, the "good" intentions. They both cause harm to others. But Stollas does this unintentionally, he didn't mean it, he's trying his best! And Stella just enjoys tormenting him - that's it.

And last but not least, the portrayal of Stella as an abuser - extremely primitive and blatant. Plus, the narrative barely acknowledges any kind of abuse besides physical (and even the latter is perceived as a joke in 50% of cases). Hence Stollas' an innocent babyboy who craved love, and Stella's an evil incarnate, malicious from the day one, "she strangled puppies in her childhood, booo, what a filthy brat!"

It's kinda amusing how the fandom has such a polar opinion about the characters who actually aren't that different, and even when they are, it's usually not in the favor of public's favorite.

Stollas' a hypocrite. Stella isn't.

Stollas justifies himself constantly. Stella doesn't.

Stollas illegally had been lending a magical heirloom for a sex deal. Stella hadn't.

Stollas made sexual remarks in the presence of his underaged (!!!) daughter. Stella didn't.

Stollas made false promises to Octavia. Stella didn't.

Stollas had been cheating on his spouse. Stella hadn't. (At least this is the case currently. Won't be surprised if S3 "fix" this, so suddenly it turns out that Stella was a cheater all along and didn't even hide the fact, and we're finding this out only now because... well, you can never have too many excuses for Stollas, lol!)

Final thoughts

Stollas and Stella are surprisingly similar. These two egotistical, pompous, spoiled aristocrats are not only terrible individuals but also poorly written characters with wasted potential.