When the first season of this series came out three years ago, my first reaction was; wait, what? That was my reaction to the name. I didn't watch immediately. People were talking about it, different reviews both good and bad. I ignored because I dislike waiting for months for the episode of a series to come out, and of course having to wait for weeks to have all of them together. But Netflix made that easier. I started watching after the release of season two. And I have to say, I don't regret it.
What is it about?
Sex Education is a British comedy-drama streaming television series created by Laurie Nunn for Netflix. The series follows the lives of the students, staff and parents of the fictitious Moordale Secondary School as they contend with various personal dilemmas, often related to sexual intimacy.
Season 1
The first season follows Otis Milburn played by Asa Butterfield. He is the son of a sex therapist Jean Milburn played by Gillian Anderson. Otis sets up a sex therapy clinic with Maeve Wiley played by the lovely Emma Mackey to help the students of Moordale with their sexual problems. Their business becomes a success but conflict arises when Otis finds himself becoming attracted to Maeve.
Season 2
New students arrive and challenge the status quo at Moordale, including Ola Nyman played by Patricia Allison who becomes Otis' first girlfriend. Eric Effiong played by Ncuti Gatwa helps his former bully Adam Groff played by Connor Swindells come to terms with his sexuality. Jean becomes the school's resident sex therapist as a chlamydia outbreak causes the teens to question and struggle with topical issues.
Season 3
New school year begins as Otis enters a relationship with Ruby Matthews played by Mimi Keene. Jean expects a baby in the near future, Eric and Adam are made official, and a new headmistress named. Hope Haddon player by Jemima Kirke is introduced whose plans for a major revamp at Moordale cause an extra set of complications for the students.
The Plot & Characters
I like season 1, especially how it started and how the characters are introduced. Otis, just like his mum started out helping other students before things backfired. I like the gentle nature of his character. That's actually the only way he could have pulled that off. The way he sits and have personal conservations with his mum is something parents and their teenage children can pick from. No teenager actually want to talk to their parents ever. Perhaps because she's a therapist.
Maeve is another character that got to me. She knows what she wants and goes for it. Smart but hardly let people see it. Her relationship with the head boy, Jackson in season 1 is a perfect example of how we run from things when we believe that they're too much for us. Jackson's relationship with his parents also shows the same thing, but a little more intense. I'm happy they let him find his path in the end.
Oh, and I won't forget Eric. He's the life of the party. His friendship with Otis is a very good combination. Otis needs spontaneous once in a while and Eric gives it to him.. If you want to learn what's it's like to love yourself and be comfortable in your own skin, Eric is your teacher. Nothing keeps him down. His wings are always present and he flies with them. You would think that a boy who is constantly bullied in school would hate himself and everyone, but no. Not Eric.
Ruby is another interesting character. I saw a little of myself there. She masks her vulnerability so much it's hard to believe she would have genuine feelings for anyone. But beneath that strong exterior is a girl who would do anything to have someone care. I hoped a little that her thing with Otis would work out but I like him with Maeve more. LOL. People like Ruby have no idea how to guard their heart and they fall hard. That's exactly what happened to her.
General Thoughts
Let's start with the parts I don't like;
The first is Eric falling in love with his bully, Adam. Like what the heck? Why do people end up staying with their abusers? Let the abuser get help but that should be done far away from the victim. Eric didn't have to teach him how to be a human being. It wasn't his job!
The second is when Ola and Cal had to deal with their issues alone. In Ola's case, Lily was completely oblivious of what was happening. Ola was supposed to be the friend and girlfriend and had always been there for Lily. Cal's was more complicated but again, the person who should have paid attention didn't. If there's a thing to pick, it's that listening is one of the most important things.
The parts I like;
Eric again. I love the transformation when he came back from Nigeria. He learned that he could actually be and want the things he thought he shouldn't. He learned that boxes aren't for him. He grew more wings. I especially like when he broke up with Adam. Understand that I didn't like that relationship from the beginning. I hope the writers do something really beautiful with his character in season 4.
Maeve. I love her growth in season 3. She became more accepting and more open to change. I also like that she's letting people who genuinely care about her help her out. The best part for me was when she chose herself and got on that bus to America. You have to find yourself and be whole before you can give back to anyone.
It's a good series to watch. The casts did justice to their character. You should check it out of you haven't.
