Following a successful premiere episode of “Sex Education,” the second and third episodes of Netflix's hit series are excellent continuations to a strong start.
The carefree halls of Cavendish Sixth Form College are still as lavish as ever and continue to offer new sights and adventures for the lovable group of former Moordale students.
Episode 2
Where the premiere failed at capturing the true anarchy of previous “Sex Education” seasons, the second episode all but makes up for it through the eccentric and obsessive nature of Cavendish’s student population.
The episode’s central premise focuses on the mysterious tiff between two-thirds of the popular clique, Abbi and Roman. Nobody is allowed to gossip over the quarrel, leading to fellow students only offering their condolences over the two’s fight, and even Aisha is unaware of the reasoning behind it.
Eric, who has already begun to integrate himself well into the group, tries to investigate himself but manages to get closer to Abbi over their religious faiths instead. The series’ reliance on Eric’s religious background results in some of the series’ best moments, and the scene involving Abbi and Eric bonding over their religion offers a pleasant departure from the episode’s wackier moments.
Otis’ story in this episode blends itself well with Abbi and Roman’s struggles, as he is becoming jealous of Maeve’s strong connection with the muscular and handsome Tyrone. To get buff like him, Otis begins to go to Cavendish’s gym where he offers to spot Roman’s workout and uncovers the source of the two’s tiff. The two share an authentic conversation which results in Otis inviting Roman and Abbi into a session within his sex therapy clinic.
The episode quickly becomes a parody as the obsessive nature of Cavendish is revealed because of Roman and Abbi’s fixed relationship. As the two walk down the halls holding hands, the Cavendish students become egregiously excited and begin to flock to Otis’ clinic. The moment is reminiscent of Moordale near the end of season three, and it is a joy to witness.
Otis’ presence in the gym also catches the eye of Jackson, who comes to Otis after he begins to question his sexuality due to a pleasurable sexual experience. The show begins to paint Jackson’s continuing narrative of the season as he contemplates his past relationship with Cal.
It is another tender and aware moment from Jackson in an episode that is, thankfully, more centered on him. However, the joy I feel in the moment of Jackson’s thoughts transforms into worry once Jackson discovers a lump in his testicles.
Aimee continues to be the highlight of the season in this episode, especially when she discusses her first childhood friend, “Melon” (an actual melon). She would take the melon everywhere until it was shrunk and moldy, which resulted in her “first experience of death.” Aimee tells this story to Isaac, and the two begin to deepen their friendship in a believably natural manner.
The second episode furthers the pleasant atmosphere of season four’s premiere and continues to set up the main plots of the season. It is a relatively strong episode that is only weighed down by the slightest abrupt moments — including the sudden realization between Otis and Maeve that the two “need space.”
Rating: 4.5/5
Episode 3
Episode three is arguably the best episode of the season and is primarily propelled by the emotional arcs involving Ruby, Eric, Adam and Cal.
The episode begins with a glimpse into a younger Ruby’s summer, where she is attending camp and picked on for being “stinky.” There seems to be some upside when a younger O joins the camp and becomes Ruby’s friend, but she ultimately betrays her, reveals that she secretly wets the bed and participates in Ruby’s bullying.
It is the first glance behind the seemingly stoic nature of O, but it is not hard to see beyond the overly content facade she has built within Cavendish. The memory also sparks a subconscious tussle between Ruby and O, as the two fight on different sides in the election to become Cavendish’s sole sex therapist.
It must be mentioned that in the prior episode, Ruby became Otis’ campaign manager for the election after Otis failed to get her into the popular clique. The resulting reconnection between the two ex-lovers feels natural and offers the chance for the two to explore their maturity in circling on their ill-fated romance.
While the episode does explore the dynamics between them, it is Ruby who offers Otis support and counsel in the end. It is a rational and graceful moment that mirrors the first interaction between O and Otis in the premiere.
Eric is now further ingrained in the popular clique as the group travels to a queer dance together. Eric has seemingly found his community, a group of people that he can fully relate to on a much deeper level, and has seemingly placed Otis on the back burner. While this type of storyline is prevalent in many final seasons of television shows, the writers present a unique approach to the drifting friendship trope.
Cal’s story intertwines with Eric’s as the two cross paths while attending the dance together. Cal is seemingly led on by the dominant Aisha, but the reveal of Aisha's partner subverts that. Immediately afterward, Cal runs into Roman and the two discuss transitioning and gender identity. It is a comforting moment for Cal, who has seemingly found a new group of friends, since the avoidance by Jackson and subsequently Viv.
Speaking of Viv, it feels rewarding to see one part of the Jackson/Viv duo receive some positive romantic moments. Likewise, the emerging romantic tension between Aimee and Isaac is excellent.
Adam’s story continues to be emotional in this episode. He struggles to make a name for himself at the farm and live up to his dad’s expectations. However, his dad does make an effort to connect with him by offering him driving lessons and lunch.
Adam has had a rocky journey throughout the series, and I would love to see him happy in the finale. It seems like the show is slowly inching towards that resulting moment, but I hope it also includes a necessary reunion with Eric.
Jean’s continuing strife with her sister’s arrival at her home (which happened last episode) is much needed, despite the character’s reluctance. This episode, however, begins to explore more of Jean’s relationship with her sister in an excellent manner.
To close out the episode is a call to Otis from Maeve, who tells him that she is returning home because of her mother’s overdose. Throughout the season, Maeve has struggled to live up to the strict expectations of her American professor Mr. Molloy, despite the help of her friend Tyrone. After receiving harsh critiques from her professor and failing to win the internship with Molloy, Maeve has seemingly reached rock bottom. The phone call is a shocking revelation from Maeve in a manner that is not completely out of place.
Episode three leaves on a cliffhanger that encourages the viewer to press “play next episode” on Netflix. Unfortunately, the urge to continue must be subdued until next week, as I review episodes four and five.
Rating: 5/5
