By Luis Mila
Teens get to experience new things throughout high school: complex feelings, their sexuality, and most importantly, their bodies. As teens grow and yearn for independence, not only are there heated arguments between parent and child, but there’s also a realm of confusion and uncertainty within themselves. These are the experiences Netflix’s original series Sex Education captures perfectly.
Over the span of eight episodes, Netflix touched upon hypersensitive issues surrounding teenagers: how uncomfortable it is to get familiar with their own bodies, using sex and pleasure as a coping mechanism, accidental pregnancies, drug and alcohol abuse, how to treat friends properly and love them unconditionally, and last but not least, allowing oneself to explore their own fantasies and joys.
With a cast that portrays every teen stereotype with a slight twist, Sex Education guarantees a glimpse into the complex life of just about any teenager – the socially awkward underdeveloped geek, the punk feminist who “wasn’t so lucky in the family department”, the vivacious and effervescent homosexual, the jock with daddy issues, the weird girl who’s oddly into aliens and role-play, and the star athlete with social anxiety.
We follow the life of a teenage boy, Otis Milburn, who has a chronic fear of masturbation and delves into the realm of sex therapy. His partner, Maeve Wiley, uses Otis’s natural gift of being an excellent counselor to treat hormonal pubescents around the school for extra cash to maintain herself.
The two find themselves caught in several obstacles asides from their growing feelings for each other. Otis has trouble overcoming his fear of talking to girls without getting an erection, and being a better person to his childhood best friend, Eric; Maeve finds it difficult to commit herself to her “golden boy” boyfriend.
Sex Education is not only about sexually aroused teens; it’s about self-discovery, acceptance, and love. It inspires teens not only to put themselves before others, but to learn when to care and comfort those they love – where communication is key, and necessary to a blossoming connection.
Sex Education has been confirmed for a Season 2 renewal.
