This review was made possible by screeners for Sex Education (Season 4). The new season is now streaming on Netflix. This review will have minor spoilers.
Sex Education finally finishes this week on Netflix, and what a pleasurable four seasons it has been. It’s safe to say the show definitely ends with a bang. Whilst nowhere near the show’s best, the season features another memorable roster of moments with some of the best-written characters of all time.
Finishing on Top?
If you’re unfamiliar, I absolutely loved Season 3 of Sex Education, which was released this time two years ago and reintroduced audiences to the students of Moordale as it faced chaos as the school ultimately closed, leaving our beloved ensemble with no future prospects. Season 4 picks up a few weeks after the end of Season 3 and sees the remaining students (after a hefty purge of the cast) settling into life at the new school, Cavendish.
For me, my final ranking of the show goes Season 1 > 3 > 4 > 2. I think Season 4’s overall aesthetic is the boldest it’s ever been, but some storylines in other seasons are far more favourable for me. This isn’t necessarily discrediting the show, but there have been moments far better in other seasons.
I think as always, the season’s sex-positive storylines all work really well, with barely any really being boring or uninteresting. A lot of the smaller, cold-open ones meant for comedic effect, like pouring hot sauce down on your privates or random kinds of finger business, are incredibly hilarious.
Otis and The Gang
Asa Butterfield and Ncuti Gatwa once again reprise their roles as Otis and Eric, two of the best on-screen pairings in a teen series, ever. Despite the natural separation the pair follows throughout the season, when the two are screen partners, the connection is electric and there is such joy to be had. Cavendish offers new opportunities for the pair, with Otis looking to become Cavendish’s campus sex therapist, whilst Eric becomes involved with the college’s “it” group, comprised of Abbi, Roman and Asha.
I cannot express how excited I am for Ncuti to play the Doctor in next year’s upcoming season of Doctor Who, with him being an incredible performer. Eric goes on a spiritual journey this season as he comes to terms with his relationship with God (in quite a way, too). It is a delightful storyline, which also sees Jodie Turner-Smith join the series along the way, giving a truly iconic performance.
Thaddea Graham, last seen in Doctor Who for the Flux season as Bel, joins the cast as O, Cavendish’s current sex therapist. O is very outgoing, and initially appears very friendly towards the students before her history with Ruby is revealed. Graham’s O is a great, late addition to the ensemble, who goes through her own sexual journey in the season, with the help of Otis, when they’re not competing with one another for the top spot.
As mentioned, Ruby returns this season and what a season she has. Fresh from getting her heart broken, Ruby sets out to make a new start at Cavendish as she faces issues when she comes to realise she has very little to no friends, with only Otis to fall back on. Mimi Keene’s portrayal of the lonely Ruby is just as good this time around, and she slowly became one of my favourite characters in the show. Her ending is one I was pleased with the most, with her character becoming less of a bitch and embracing the people around her.
Seeing Connor Swindells‘ Adam Groff reconnect with his dad, former headteacher Mr Groff touched me the most, and I was so glad that Adam was finally happy again, after struggling for a lot of past episodes – especially following his breakup with Ncuti Gatwa’s Eric.
Hard To Say Goodbye
I must admit, I did become emotional on a number of occasions whilst watching the final season, both from a “this scene is very sad” perspective, but also because this season is a farewell to characters that have been with us for over 4 years now.
I think one of my biggest draws to this show has always been that sometimes I do find myself relating to some of the characters and their wider lives. Not necessarily the explicit nature, but the human relationships and journeys that characters have been on. Seeing things, like friends losing touch or family issues play out on-screen really hit home at times, but that only made the show so much better.
The show’s writing masterfully explores the emotional spectrum, allowing a truly heart-wrenching experience when it is intended to be sad the most. The show’s exploration of LGBTQ culture, addiction and abuse, death, mental health and so much more are all found when the show’s writing is at its best. Even in such a harrowing scene, the show can still bring so much joy and laughter despite what is happening at the forefront of the story. It’s this perfect blend that has been maintained throughout four seasons and will be so dearly missed.
‘Sex Education’ Season 4 – Final Thoughts
While not the show’s strongest season overall, Sex Education Season 4 is still a funny, heartfelt, and emotionally satisfying farewell. Its imperfections are outweighed by powerful character payoffs and standout performances, especially from Ncuti Gatwa, Mimi Keene, and Connor Swindells.
All episodes of Sex Education are now streaming on Netflix. Check out a trailer for the show below:
The Review
Sex Education - Season 4
While not the show’s strongest season overall, Sex Education Season 4 is still a funny, heartfelt, and emotionally satisfying farewell. Its imperfections are outweighed by powerful character payoffs and standout performances, especially from Ncuti Gatwa, Mimi Keene, and Connor Swindells.