If you are looking for your next binge, “Sex Education” is your fix. At only eight episodes, each around 45 minutes, it is entirely bingeable within 24 hours. Please exercise caution when hitting the nefarious play button on Netflix; I am uncertain of where this rabbit hole will lead you.
Set in the verdant English countryside, “Sex Education” follows sophomore Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield) as he navigates the social and sexual lives of students at Moordale Secondary. Thanks to his mother Jean (Gillian Anderson), a sex therapist, Otis understands sex to a greater extent than perhaps any of his peers.
When Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey) finds out, she proposes a side hustle where Otis helps students with their sex issues for a price. Their first client is the school bully, who in the opening scene fakes an orgasm to placate his girlfriend. Soon, Otis’ knowledge becomes a hot commodity for the students of Moordale Secondary.
Students’ issues range from gag reflexes preventing blow jobs, to lacking confidence in the bedroom, not loving themselves enough to be loved, and wrestling with virginity, masturbation, and much more. Through each of these, “Sex Education” seeks to demystify and reassure our generation of the confusing and beautifully complex nature of sex.
The show doesn’t stop at sex, though. It revels in twisting tropes. Jean, the classic non-committal bachelor, along with her long line of lovers and fear of commitment. “Sex Education” also explores the more negative aspects of how sex impacts people’s lives.
Eric (Ncuti Gatwa), Otis’ best friend, wrestles with self-expression while confronting homophobia. As he navigates what it means to be a gay black man in modern society, Eric begins to reconcile with his father.
The schoolmaster’s totalitarian relationship with his son, the school bully, provides a foil for Eric’s relationship with his father. Also, “Sex Education” explores the issues surrounding abortion and the hatred from both sides.
When a picture of a popular girl’s vagina is released to the whole school, the show tactfully deals with the topics of slut shaming and nude pictures.
These issues, among others, help round out the world of “Sex Education.” Perhaps its most redeeming quality is that no one plays the “bad guy.”
Yes, people harm others with words or actions, but they are never portrayed as being defined by their actions. Instead their narrative is complexified, and it becomes rather difficult to truly hate anyone.
While quite raunchy and irreverent, “Sex Education” explores questions and issues pertinent to teens, college students, and even adults. It won’t leave you wanting. There’s wisdom and humor for everyone.
Whether you binge it or practice self care by doing homework in between, “Sex Education” is a must watch!
Bingeability: 10/10
Social Awareness: 8.5/10
Procrastination Value: 9/10
Emotional Depth: 9.5/10
Romance: 8/10
Humor: 8.5/10
