“This man smiled at me, he had a kind face, he didn’t look like he was capable of that. How do I navigate in the world now, now that I know that I’m not safe? And now that I know when I smile at someone, it might invite that kind of behavior.” These words by Aimee (Sex Education) as she describes her disgusting experience on the bus is the simplest way to put things out there. 

She is traumatized by what happened to her, too scared to get on the bus again. The only thing that helps her move past it is the assurance that she isn’t alone, that she has a bunch of female companions who are there to fight with her instead of blaming and sidelining her. 

As Aimee breaks down while in detention with other girls, each of them opens up about the incidents they had to go through. Their personal experiences didn’t have to go as far and inhumane as rape to point out the horrors of sexual assault. It was the creepiest gaze and other filthy activities that gave them a nightmare. 

The stories they shared, the experiences that they encountered assured Aimee a safe harbor. Now she was not alone and had nothing to be scared of. With them by her side, she wins over her fear and steps onto the bus; the best scene on television in recent times.

Sex Education has a general openness and acceptance around gender identity issues and many types of sexual orientations, including asexuality. Women, including ones in their 50s, have strong roles, and their desires and sexuality are given equal importance. The show is fun, light-hearted, and touching but also very responsible, mature, and genuine.

The Otis-Maeve segment is just lovely. It’s a delight to watch these young actors burn the stage with their breathtaking chemistry. The scenes involving Otis and his mother, Jeanne, are also impressive. The arguments and the possessiveness are all relatable. Though socially awkward, we love how genuinely caring Otis is for his friends.

Eric and Otis give us some major friendship goals. I loved the idea of makers choosing a black gay best friend who is not just confined as a helpless sidekick. Eric is extremely confident and unapologetically himself. This is one of the reasons why we love him instantly. Eric’s relationships are confusing and unclear. We hope to get better clarity about this in the next season. 

Maeve, on the other hand, is someone who has been misinterpreted her whole life. She has never been acknowledged for the gem she is. As a homeless young girl, she tries to hide her childhood insecurities and fear by her bad-girl outlook.

Every character in the series has something deep to convey that makes you feel warm for them. To see them all, mature and grow with each passing episode brings a smile to your face. That is where the success of the series lies.

I must say that the second series ended in such a way that I’m restless and eager for the next season.