We’re back at Moordale High with yet another long awaited season! To refresh our brains, below is a season 2 recap:
Some Questionable Relationships?
Now, Sex Education does not shy away from its themes. Straight into the first episode we see how sexually active each character is. This awkward series of shots collectively catches the audience up with each character and who they are in a relationship with, whilst bringing in the usual comedy that we expect.
One surprising but much loved relationship was Otis and Ruby’s. In pairing these opposites together, the writers provided us with a lot of comedy while also inviting us to see Ruby’s vulnerable side, creating a lot of depth and development to her character. Regardless of their amusing relationship, I think we can all agree that by the end of season two, we were all rooting for Maeve and Otis to finally get together. However, thanks to Isaac deleting Otis’ voicemail-his ultimate apology that could have brought them together- it didn’t happen. In this season, we did see Isaac admitting to Maeve that he deleted the text. Instead of this bringing her closer to Otis, it slowly brought her closer to Isaac… not what we wanted. Don’t get me wrong they had a good dynamic, however, I think we’ve all been waiting impatiently for Otis and Maeve to get together.
Ncuti Gatwa and Connor Swindells in Sex Education (2019). Image via Youtube.
Introducing New Characters
Post chlamydia outbreak and sex musical, the fate of Moordale High was not on the positive side. In fact, now that Mr. Groff had been fired, the students were in for a new headteacher, Hope. The use of bringing in a new headteacher created a lot of tension due to the headteacher having a traditional mindset, which ultimately took away from the students’ freedom. Whilst the writers cleverly set Hope as being the antagonist of the season, we were also able to see why she had this strict and somewhat abusive mentality. Clearly, Hope is struggling with her infertility and how this influences her to take control of the school. It was great how Otis advises her at the end. She lets her guard down and he doesn’t judge her despite her mistakes. It’s cute to see how Otis naturally takes on the therapy role, closely following on from his mother.
Another Sex Education newbie was Cal (played by Dua Saleh). I think this character was such an important edition to the show. Cal’s character explores the topic of being non-binary and issues around strict schooling (such as dress codes) and relationships. I think we can all agree that we really liked Cal’s character, particularly their relationship with Jackson. I am definitely keen to see more of Cal’s character and how they develop within future seasons.
Jemima Kirke in Sex Education (2019). Image via YouTube.
S0me Darker Tones?
Sex Education is a unique, fun and light show to watch both in its cinematography and writing. That is not to say that there are occasional serious topics that are addressed, but overall we are used to a show that is filled with quirky retro clothes and awkward sexual comedy.
Despite this, season 3 did seem a lot darker than usual. For starters, we see Maeve’s neighbours cat tragically die as a fault of them having sex. The fate of the cat was quite shocking, but it was entertaining to see the writers add some dark comedy. Secondly, on a more serious note, Jean Milburn’s struggle with labour. This was definitely an intense moment to watch, but I think it was good that they included it. As mentioned in the show, pregnancies at a later age do have a greater risk of issues during child birth. Sex Education has never shied away from the truth and it makes the show so unique. Yes it is entertaining, but it also discusses many things viewers may not have learned such as the risks of childbirth, non inclusive teaching and sexual assault.
Emma Mackey in Sex Education (2019). Image via Youtube.
Overall, this was a great season! Creator Laurie Nunn did well to address many topics such as non inclusive schooling, identity, sexual assault, PTSD and childbirth. In doing so, the writers also did well to develop characters further whilst also providing the audience with a whirlwind of emotions through tense moments, comedy and drama. Moreover, the acting never fails to impress me, specifically with the new characters in the show. I am looking forward to seeing more of the newer characters, whilst having a lot of questions answered in season four including:
- Will Otis and Maeve be endgame?
- Will we see more development for Ruby?
- Will Adam and Eric get back together?
- What will the students do now the school is closing?
Featured Image via YouTube.
