**Caution: Spoilers ahead for season 4 of Sex Education**
Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield) imparts his pearls of wisdom to his eager classmates for the final time in Sex Education, after four seasons of therapizing, fascinating sexual challenges that are too odd to recount.
I was intrigued to see what would be in store for the Moordale bunch when half of the cast dropped like flies before season four was guaranteed to be the final, especially after season three saw their secondary close due to a lack of financing.
Although some may find the idea of actors in their late twenties and thirties playing bewildered teens tiring, the unexpected plotlines compensate as the gang seeks a new home at New Cavendish College.
While season three left us with many unanswered issues, the final installment will undoubtedly leave you satisfied. For the most part, that is.
Those acquainted with the programme will notice that the opening montage in episode one has an unseen ‘watch at your own risk’ caution. And this time is no exception, as we find Otis and Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey) trying a long-distance romance as Maeve attends a bright and talented writing programme overseas, with Schitt’s Creek fave Dan Levy portraying her has-been tutor.
While things appear to be going well for the couple, a sexting accident results in one person being ghosted and the other being publically humiliated.
Ruby Matthews (Mimi Keene), our fave Moordale cruel girl, was clearly Queen B for three seasons, but she finds herself at the bottom of the social pyramid when an excessively upbeat version of the Untouchables takes control.
Ruby isn’t the only one having issues, as Otis is involved in a protracted struggle with Sarah ‘O’ Owen, dubbed Cavendish’s answer to Emily Ratajkowski, who makes it plain that only one clinic will reign.
But it’s not all bad news for our beloved fashionista Eric Effiong (Ncuti Gatwa) as the popular three (Roman, Abbi, and Aisha) take him under their wing, which unavoidably impacts his connection with Otis. Then there’s Adam Groff (Connor Swindells), who understands that traditional schooling isn’t for him and seeks a new job working on a farm. A farm, really.
Acceptance is a reoccurring subject in the final installment, with OG sex therapist Jean Milburn (Gillian Anderson) seeking assistance from an unusual source as she juggles motherhood and works on a sex-positive radio show.
Meanwhile, Aimee Gibb (Aimee Lou Wood) has been on a recovery path after her sexual assault, which is based on series creator Laurie Nunn’s personal experiences, and witnessing her confront her pain is one of the most dramatic and uplifting sequences you’ll see.
While most of the characters had a lot going on in season three, which made for a perplexing watch at times, viewers will find it simpler to interact with the pandemonium this time around.
Eric’s healthy spiritual journey, for example, involves the one and only Jodie Turner-Smith as his guardian angel, a brilliant stroke of casting for this Netflix behemoth swansong.
Despite its many strengths, there are certain narratives that might have used a neater resolution. Former head boy Jackson Marchetti (Kedar Williams-Stirling) is seen becoming interested in his family history, but I was shortly saddened to discover that Otis’ characteristic three-block jacket received more screen time than Jackson’s narrative.
However, showrunner Laurie just suggested that she is not totally closing the door for spin-offs, so there is still hope for those endings to be resolved.
Sex Education has always been a programme that refuses to comply to viewer expectations, so Motis shippers, prepare for a different type of happily ever after for Otis and Maeve.
Particularly at the conclusion of episode seven (wink wink nudge nudge.)
Furthermore, once the fates of several characters are ultimately disclosed, the conclusion for two of the film’s greatest heroes is very murky. A five-year time leap may have been an effective way to conclude this highly anticipated final season.
Nonetheless, the seamless, genuine, and visceral depiction of ordinary interactions has been at the heart of Sex Education’s popularity. The ease with which the programme portrays the lives of young, gay people has always been refreshingly honest and not overblown.
Season four demonstrates that the Netflix drama will be remembered for confronting taboos in rib-tickling way and delivering cringe-free inclusive stories.
Thank you Sex Education… it’s been our pleasure!
Sex Education is available to stream on Netflix.
