[Review] Sex Education Season 2: Honesty
Sex Education was my favorite new comedy last year. Its second season premiered last week, and I immediately binged it, finding that the series is still excellent and finishing it in two days.
Before watching the new season, I specifically revisited my review of the first season to see if the new season repeated the previous season's plot or themes. One of the themes of the first season was self-acceptance, encouraging viewers to accept their physiological and psychological characteristics and needs, reminding everyone that there's no need to feel ashamed for being different from others. The theme of this season seems to be a continuation of the previous season's theme, but it places more emphasis on interpersonal connections, encouraging viewers to be honest with themselves and those around them. Whether it's romantic feelings with a partner or sexual interactions, friction will always arise, and there will always be a discrepancy with the other person's expectations. We often find these things difficult to talk about, fearing that it will harm the relationship. At this time, if the two continue to keep these conflicts in their hearts, it will only deepen the rift between them; only by being honest with each other can they truly understand each other's needs and unspoken difficulties, and healthily continue the relationship. This applies not only to romantic relationships but also to the affection between family and friends, which also requires honesty.
As a teen comedy, this series naturally cannot avoid the love stories of teenagers. Several protagonists in this season, including Otis (Asa Butterfield), Eric (Ncuti Gatwa), and Ola (Patricia Allison), have to face love triangles. Eric's storyline, in particular, is very delicate, brilliantly depicting the complex and contradictory feelings and struggles of teenagers in this situation. Even though the process is full of twists and turns, they ultimately have to honestly face their feelings and make important life choices. Even if we are not caught in a love triangle, we must honestly face our other needs. The first season already discussed many LGBT-related themes through Eric's storyline; this season, in addition to continuing these themes, it also touches on pansexuality, asexuality, and sex addiction. Viewers who were originally full of doubts about themselves can also learn through these plots that they are not alone or strange and do not need to feel ashamed of their characteristics. I especially appreciate this season's exploration of these themes through some minor characters, including Otis's father, which allows us to understand these characters more deeply while broadening the series' perspective.
One of the most successful aspects of Sex Education is its cast of lovable characters. We may not have the same experiences or troubles as them, or even agree with some of their decisions, but we still love these characters and care about their future. The boys and girls in the show will always make some stupid decisions that we may not fully understand or accept, but that's youth! Who hasn't done something foolish? Although this series has many characters, it still manages to balance the storylines of each character within eight episodes. Some mainly revolve around relationships with partners, while others revolve around conflicts with family, and each has significant character development. Among them, Aimee's (Aimee Lou Wood) storyline further aligns with the female treatment that Hollywood has been paying close attention to in recent years, deeply exploring the trauma and after-effects of women being assaulted/harassed. Ultimately, this series reminds viewers that they don't have to and shouldn't face these traumas alone because women generally understand these feelings and support each other. This storyline shows the power of women uniting. Moreover, this storyline occurs when Ola and Otis's relationship breaks down, and Ola and Maeve (Emma Mackey) are suspicious of each other. This reminds viewers that if women don't have to argue because of others, they will find they have many things in common with each other and don't need to be enemies.
Beyond the plot, the production of this series is still very outstanding, especially the music, costumes (Eric!!), and art design, which are full of youthful energy. Among them, this season's adaptation of Shakespeare's famous work Romeo and Juliet into an alien adult musical not only fits Lily's (Tanya Reynolds) whimsical nature but also fully demonstrates the creativity and humor of the creative team. The stage set design is truly amazing. This season continues the plot of the previous season, depicting Otis learning to masturbate and becoming addicted to it. The opening montage combined with music looks very smooth, and without any dialogue or explanation, it is enough for the audience to understand and is very memorable.
Sex Education Season 2 continues the themes of the previous season while also developing new ones. At the end of this season, Jane (Gillian Anderson) and Eric's lives both usher in new changes, while Otis encounters a small setback, and his relationship with Maeve seems to have another person interfering. How will the plot develop? Netflix recently announced the third season of this series, so let us look forward to what changes and new themes the next season will explore.
Trailer:
Synopsis:
Otis finally loosens up -- often and epically -- but the pressure’s on to perform as chlamydia hits the school and mates struggle with new issues.
Photo and Source: Netflix