Sex Education discussed a variety of important topics such as sexual assault, sexuality, family relationships and so much more (this review would end up far too long for me to fully discuss everything). I feel as though the show managed to explore and develop these themes with the attention it deserved. Perhaps this is a bold statement, but it's one of the most engaging teen dramas right now. It's not afraid to talk about subjects of controversial nature.. obviously - hence the title of the show. This season brought out a special kind of charm; it balanced a comedic tone while not loosing sight of its themes and handling them with such care.
Obviously, no show is perfect, but I honestly don't have a single complaint about this season.Arguably, the media is more proactive (to an extent) in making sure TV and movies are more representative to a wider audience, and Sex Education (though season two specifically) excels in the amount of diversity it has it almost feels unreal in some way. Not to say that a show can only be good if it fills the representation quota, but it's so refreshing to see under represented groups with screen time without condescending and often negative stereotypes. Towards the end or so of season two, I noticed that there were many LGBTQ+ characters/relationships. I can only remember a handful from memory i.e Lily (Tanya Reynolds), Ola, Adam (Connor Swindells), Eric (Ncuti Gatwa), Jackson's mum's, Rahim (Sami Outalbali) and two other recurring characters who were in a relationship. Most of these characters mentioned were quite open with their sexuality in the previous season though there has definitely been a strong emphasis on that, though the writers approach the theme in an interesting and flexible manner - not all characters explore/react to their sexuality in the same way which adds to the reality Sex Education was trying to portray; Eric and Lily are very accepting of their sexuality and are very open about it, whereas others such as Ola are - at first - apprehensive about how they feel but then are willing to explore their sexuality... Then you have Adam who for most of their season who attempts to repress his emotions. All in all though, complexity of how this particular theme has been shown makes me appreciate Sex Education even more.
(The show is also diverse in its casting and characters' family dynamics, too which should not go
uncredited)
This season, Eric begins dating Rahim - the new boy at school. Their relationship escalates very quickly to the point of saying they love each other, but it was clear that Eric still had feelings for Adam. Most viewers either preferred Eric with Rahim or him with Adam, but honestly it's hard to like either couple. As decent a guy Rahim is, him and Eric clearly have a personality clash and their interests (such as religion) are just too different. Obviously you don't have to be of the same religion to date someone (or even believe in religion), but Rahim was quite disrespectful towards Eric's religion purely because he doesn't support it. (Eric however could've been respectful towards Rahim as well - he should've ended the relationship with Rahim instead of leading him on) From that point, their relationship looked like it was the beginning of the end for them. Also, their on screen chemistry isn't there; I just don't see it. Atleast Adam and Eric have that. Though (as much as this is an unpopular opinion) it's hard to support them as a couple when Adam used to bully Eric.
The argument against this is that 'people can change', and that is true. Adam is a complex character and although I'm indifferent towards him, I have some sympathy towards him, given his relationship with his father and his family life. He clearly does and is trying to change undoubtedly, though it doesn't necessarily mean it's right for Eric and him to date. It just doesn't feel right.
Sex Education is probably one of the few shows were I like and/or I'm interested in the majority of the characters, but Otis is definitely one who isn't likeable in the slightest. He was quite selfish last season but clearly he hasn't changed much. Despite him being drunk, watching Otis expose his true feelings to Maeve and Ola at the party honestly hurt to watch and he truly ruined it for himself from that point. Any sympathy I had for him (very little) went out the window the minute he tried to call both of the girls out. He only slightly redeems himself when he apologises to them and others he's been selfish towards, but barely. Unlike most of the characters, Otis appears to not have much character growth - Is he honestly any different to how he was in the first season? Not really
Though Otis' behaviour at the party wasn't nearly as cringe as his relationship with Ola. I don't really even know where to begin in describing my dislike for them as a couple; from the fact that they had little to no chemistry, to the fact that their parents are also dating yet they continued to date... it's a very odd trope I hoped not to see again after Serena and Dan's (Gossip Girl) and Betty and Jughead (Riverdale)'s relationships. Otis is the central character of the show yet the relationship seemed to only serve in Ola's favour in terms of character growth when she realises she also is interested in girls.
Otis and Maeve's relationship however is what I'm interested in. Initially, it may have been thought to be obvious that they would be in a relationship by the end of the season, though clearly the writers are making them to be slowburn. As infuriating as it is for a watcher (Isaac in the final episode was beyond annoying...), perhaps is a good idea in the long run - Otis and Maeve should be together at some point (one can only hope) and can continue to grow and develop into a potential strong relationship.
Speaking of Maeve, she is by far one of the best characters, if not the best. Her storyline this season was so heartbreaking. Her mum comes back into her life is supposedly recovering from her drug addiction, and tries to be a good mother to Maeve and her younger sister by getting a job. Though we learn that her mother had hid her drug addiction and lied about it essentially. Maeve was brave enough to call child protection services to help her sister and her mum get better in the long run. I really admire how strong Maeve is as a person and as a character; she doesn't take shit from anyone. This season though we were definitely shown more of an emotional side to Maeve. She has a tough exterior but its clear that she is hurting. I really appreciate how the writers gave that kind of insight into her character.
For eight episodes, the writers wasted no time whatsoever. This season was very enjoyable and I was genuinely engaged with every episode. This review would end up far too long if I wrote any more but underrated friendships like Otis and Ruby (Mimi Keene) and Viv (Chinenye Ezeude) and Jackson (Kedar William-Stirling) definitely can't go unnoticed. Both were very supportive of each other which was enjoyable to watch. Hopefully Viv and Jackson remain friends in the next season (and however long Sex Education continues for) as the show could fall into the pattern where two people date mainly for being the only people of that race on the show. Sex Education: Season 2 overall was such a strong season with complex character driven plots and amazing acting - it truly balanced its comedic tone while remaining grounded and realistic.
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- Edna
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