Sex Education is Netflix's latest original offering and it seems like everyone is talking about it, so I'm going to do just that. This show is wild, it's relatable, and it's really fucking funny. Since season 1 dropped a few weeks back it has been streamed by millions worldwide, and after watching it it's easy to see why. The series follows Otis, the sexually stunted son of sex therapist Jean (played by everyone's fave Gillian Anderson), as he navigates the world of sixth form and, you guessed it, sex.
Perceived bad girl Maeve (Emma Mackey) notices Otis's knowledge of all things sex and relationships, due to many hilariously awkward conversations he's endured with his less than subtle mother, and she comes up with an ingenious plan to cash in on his expertise by appointing him as Moordale's resident sex therapist. Throughout the season Otis and Maeve deal with the student bodies various sex based issues, from inability to climax to unwillingness to communicate, and through this they create a connection - leading to the classic “will they, won’t they” scenario.
It's not just the outrageously original plot that has made Sex Education a hit amongst audiences, and it's not what I want to focus on; instead I want to talk about the shows effortless diversity. There are countless characters of differing genders, sexual orientations, religions, and races featured in Sex Education and it doesn't feel even remotely forced. Otis's best friend Eric (Ncuti Gatwa) is an eccentrically dressed proud, gay, black man from a Christian family and his personal journey as the series progresses makes for some harrowing, touching, and ultimately triumphant moments. This show proves, just as Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians have, that diversity sells; there are so many people out there who want to see themselves reflected in the media they consume.
The most popular boy in school is champion swimmer Jackson. He's the smitten love interest of Maeve, and he's also a black man who is the son of multi-racial lesbian parents. This isn't a statement and there is no huge revelation, it just is what it is. Jackson's parents go through marital problems just as most married couples do, and they conform to the classic embarrassing parent trope that pretty much any parents in comedy do. Sex Education also portrays an important relationship through Otis and Eric - a straight white man and a gay black man is not a best friend relationship you see in the media, ever! And just like Jackson's parents, it is what it is. There is no “look how controversial and brave we are!” during this, it's just a beautiful relationship that includes the ups, downs, banter and hilarity of any teenage friendship.
Sex Education is a show packed to the rafters with diversity and loveable characters. It is also not ashamed to tackle the ins an outs of human sexuality and social issues from female masturbation and asexuality to feminsism and homophobia. Incredible performances from the cast paired with a brilliant storyline makes for an easy eight episode binge watch, I can’t wait for Season 2.
-Sara
Sex Education is available to binge watch on Netflix.
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