Ever since Sex Education debuted on Netflix in January 2019, it has been an addictive source of entertainment for its viewers. It started out as a small-scale raunchy teen comedy, but then quickly became and sensation, and it ended up becoming one of the biggest Netflix original series of all time. It is incredibly popular among the youth and the characters have become iconic over time. 4 years later, It returns for its fourth and final season with more sex and drama.
Created by Laurie Nunn, the show stars Asa Butterfield, Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa, Conor Swindells, Mimi Keene and Gillian Anderson among others. This season has major cast changes as several series regulars are not returning for this fourth and final season including Simone Ashley and Anne-Marie Duff. We also have a fresh setting as the kids are no longer in Moordale Secondary, and are now at Cavendish College, which is completely different from Moordale. The kids have complete freedom here, it’s a paper-free campus and there is absolutely no wild gossip or scandalous drama at this college.
The season starts with our leads struggling to adjust to their new college and their ways of conduct. Each character also has his own personal struggles as Otis and Meave try to navigate through long-distance dating, Aimee is trying to find her calling, Adam has left school and is looking for a purpose and Jean is trying to manage motherhood with her new job as a radio host.
The opening sequence is in line with the wild opening sequences we’ve had over the previous seasons and quickly sets the tone for what’s to come. It’s been 2 years since the last season premiered, but this opening lets you know that this show is still going to be as wild and raunchy as ever. Sex Education has been praised unanimously for being direct, explicit, and blunt with its subject matter and the themes that it explores. It has never been afraid to say anything, and this season is no different. Every character in it is going through something or the other which allows the show to explore a variety of themes such as sexuality, self-exploration, loss, etc.
The story is as heartwarming and engaging as ever. Otis finally has someone to go up against in the form of the charming ‘O’ (Thaddea Graham), who is also a sex therapist at Cavendish. The Love triangle between Otis, Meave, and Ruby is great to watch and it makes it hard to choose who should end up with Otis. Jean also finds it very difficult to manage everything in her life, even with the help of her sister Jo, who is chaotic, free-spirited, and sometimes careless. Adam’s story is the one that intrigued me the most as he is going through so much with his parents’ separation, breaking up with Eric, and leaving school. His character is so understated and subtle, but so sweet and charming at the same time, you can’t help but root for him.
The ending also gets it right for the most part, as it leaves most characters on a positive and hopeful note. Some fans may not love all the choices, but I certainly appreciate the writer’s choices. The pacing is a little slow at times this season, particularly in the first half. It is also due to the fact that they’re going for more mature storytelling and focusing on the emotional side. Some people might find this show’s tone to be too cringy or too over-the-top, but I consider it to be one of its greatest strengths. There are a lot of moments that will make you cry. The performances are also amazing from the entire cast, with Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa, and Conor Swindells standing out.
Sex Education season 4 is a hilariously raunchy and riotous rollercoaster ride of laughter and love. It maintains its uncensored humor and boundary-pushing narratives and leaves no stone unturned as it explores the complexities of sex, relationships, and intimacy. It may not be the best season, but it certainly satisfies both a comedic and emotional level and bows out with a bang. This show, in my opinion, is easily one of the best things Netflix has ever produced.
★★★★½
Sex Education season 4 releases on Netflix on September 21.
