Sex Education, Season 3 Review – Not just cheap thrills
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already binged the latest season of fan favourite Sex Education. A rare feat for a Netflix original series, season three debuted at #1 on the trending chart, surpassing cult status and firmly cementing itself in the mainstream. Left on a painful cliff-hanger, Isaac’s (George Robinson) cruel deletion of that voicemail, it’s no wonder that audiences were particularly excited to catch up with the beloved Moordale teens. But did the third instalment manage to quench our thirst, or was there a lot left to be desired?
The opening scene saw another stylised, raunchy warm-up, this time showing cross-generational bonking from every corner of Moordale. Not quite trumping the iconic masturbation montage of season two, it still promised yet another thrilling eight episode-run. And there was certainly a fair share of fun to be had in season three. The snappy back and forth between Otis (Asa Butterfield) and Eric (Ncuti Gatwa), Adam’s (Connor Swindells) hilarious one liners and the dazzling Aimee’s (Aimee Lou Wood) goat bit - all notable mentions when it comes to comical moments. However, this time round, episodes were more focused on the drama element of the comedy-drama hybrid, making for a heavier watch than seasons gone by.
With the sex clinic retired, there’s less sexy time and more deep-dives on characters, old and new. From Ruby’s (Mimi Keene) struggles with caring for her father, to Maeve’s (Emma Mackey) battle between her circumstances vs. her ambition, many of the storylines and topics were more serious in tone, culminating in the shattering separation of favourite couple Adam and Eric. However, once again, writer and creator Laurie Nunn’s nuanced character development was authentic and fascinating enough to make season three a thoroughly compelling, moving watch, even if at a slightly slower pace than usual.
Before the release of season three, most fans were chomping at the bit to discover whether deceptive Isaac got his comeuppance, following his sabotage of star-crossed lovers Otis and Maeve. It’s commendable that Nunn swerved the cookie-cutter inspirational or tragic arc for a visibly disabled character – instead, Isaac is divisive and problematic. Although initially presented as more of a villain than a hero, pigeonholing is not characteristic of a show as dynamic as Sex Education. Predictability is always beaten by depth and complexity of character (just look at what our beloved Eric unexpectedly did to poor Adam during his trip to Nigeria). Viewers were given insight into Isaac’s background, personal struggles, the pragmatic realities of being a wheelchair user, all the while letting him flourish as a quick-witted, leading man - perfectly portrayed by a stellar casting choice. And we can’t discuss Isaac without paying homage to one of the most poignant intimacy scenes in the show’s history, between him and Maeve, described by actor George Robinson as “an important cultural moment”.
Speaking of Maeve, this season saw her academic talents and savviness land her a place on a gifted and talented study programme in the US – an opportunity almost curtailed by lack of funds. By this point, we’ve seen so much of the world through Maeve’s eyes, making each rejection and challenge that much more potent. And despite the friends-to-lovers narrative between her and Otis not quite reaching its fruition, Maeve driving away into the sunset was one of the season’s most moving and joyous moments. Amongst the other OG’s, the blossoming relationship between Eric and Adam proved to be the beating heart of the season. The revelation of Eric’s infidelity at the end of the season was stunningly acted by the two performers and made for a heart-breaking watch. Aside from the regulars, the most notable debut was Cal (Dua Saleh), the shows first non-binary character. As always, their experience and perspective was portrayed respectfully, with no pandering to audiences. The beautiful slow-burn of their relationship with former head boy Jackson (Kedar Williams-Stirling) was undoubtedly a season highlight.
Whilst character growth was as the fore-front, there was perhaps too much growth to keep track of, making the viewing experience less effortless than previous seasons. Ruby and Otis, Otis and Maeve, Maeve and Isaac, Jackson and Cal, Jackson and Viv (Chinenye Ezeudu), Eric and Adam, Adam and Rahim (Sami Outalbali) – there’s a lot to unpack, which meant characters and opportunities, like the increasingly troubled Lily (Tanya Reynolds), were sadly overlooked. And don’t get me started on the parents of the students, who’s own narratives, as compelling as they were, could have been a spin-off series in themselves. The season certainly spread itself a little thin. And let’s never mention the headmistress again, deal?
Flaws and all, season three ultimately didn’t disappoint. Characters continue to be diverse and charismatic in their own right - a huge reason behind the shows enduring success. A slower rhythm didn’t make season three less entertaining, it was just a different type of entertaining that was perhaps a little jarring to loyal Sex Education fans. Ending with Maeve’s departure to America and the news that Moordale Secondary will be closed due to lack of funding and investment, it will be interesting to catch up with the gang in season four, which was confirmed by Netflix at the TUDUM event. With the actors getting older, will it skip to three years later? Will Adam and Rahim get together? If Moordale Secondary is no more, how will the characters growth in the past three seasons help them navigate life independently? I, for one, can’t wait to find out.
