After season 3 launched in September 2021, Sex Education fans have been waiting in anticipation for the fourth, and final, season.
This season follows some of the former Moordale students as they venture to Cavendish college. The colourfully queer institution that celebrates students like Abbi (Anthony Lexa) and Roman (Felix Mufti), the show’s first transgender characters who befriend our beloved Eric Effiong (Ncuti Gatwa).
The costumes don’t vary much from the other seasons, with the bright coloured wardrobes on full display, continuing with the 80s aesthetic. This is all except the case of Maeve Wiley, whose usual punk outfits meet academia as she attends Wallace University in the States. Ruby Matthews also returns with an iconic outfit this season, wearing an eye-catching denim jumpsuit in the first episode.
“The show continues to educate its viewers about various sexual experiences, even if they are sometimes delivered in the most cringe worthy manner possible.”
We are not short of entertainment this season as there are multiple storylines explored. From experiencing Jean re-entering motherhood with baby Joy, to the Groff family attempting to reconcile.
Eric continues his journey of self-discovery, this time exploring his relationship with God. This journey proves to be very emotional as he learns to balance being proud of his sexuality and the beliefs of his church and religion.
Of course, there is also Maeve and Otis’ relationship which proves as always to be quite tumultuous. Fans must ask the question of whether the will-they-won’t-they couple make it till the end of the season.
At times, the show’s attempt to juggle the various storylines can be quite frustrating, as we are left waiting 20 minutes to return to the same plot point. It seems that this is a cause of the show coming to the end, and the creators needing to finish off each character’s story.
Unfortunately, a lot of the show’s previous cast members have not returned for the final season, notably Tanya Reynolds, Patricia Allison and Simone Ashley, who play Lily, Ola and Olivia respectively. In the Sex Education universe, these characters have not joined the Cavendish crew, and have instead gone to a different college.
“It is a shame to see a show that has only ever shown us excellency not quite reach that point in its final series.”
Many fans have commented that while they enjoyed the new season, the lack of original characters has changed the tone of the show, and complain it doesn’t feel like Sex Education anymore. Some viewers believe that season 3 was a more fitting ending than that of season 4.
I would agree here that we have lost many valuable relationships that have been developed between characters over the course of the show, particularly Adam and Ola who joined forces in the previous season. It is a shame to see a show that has only ever shown us excellency not quite reach that point in its final series.
Despite this, the show is still able to maintain its unique sense of humour, with standout comedic performances from Ncuti Gatwa and Aimee Lou Wood. Potentially one of the most loveable, Lou Wood is a powerhouse this season. Aimee is someone you can’t wait to return to the screen.
The show continues to educate its viewers about various sexual experiences, even if they are sometimes delivered in the most cringe worthy manner possible. It’s because of this that we connect and relate to the characters on screen. No matter how much they infuriate us with their frequent miscommunications.
But sex is not the only source of education. Another factor is the relationship between friends. With the key case of Aimee and Maeve, the show proves that sometimes friends can be family, and they show the most support in troubling times.
Each of the actors in the show all have their own styles, and show great promise for their future careers.
There is a heavy focus of grief and change, and the tear-jerking performance of Emma Mackey is truly the most touching this season. She is particularly striking as Maeve and her ability to change between being comedic and dramatic in a matter of seconds is admirable.
Each of the actors in the show all have their own styles, and show great promise for their future careers. Over the duration of the show, they have displayed their acting ability, especially in the comedy and drama genre, and they allow us to really understand the characters they’re portraying, and watch them develop.
Although it is quite sad to say goodbye to this show, and in some areas appears rushed as the showrunners attempt to conclude the various plot points, season 4 is both heart-warming and intense, and a poignant send off.
Comedic, emotional and powerful, you can watch the final season of Sex Education on Netflix now.
Featured image credit: Netflix.
