Representation in the media is a crucial goal for Hollywood to achieve. Some TV shows and movies simply omit representation of marginalized identities, while others attempt to show historically underrepresented groups in their production, but rarely ever hit the mark. The presence of traditionally absent groups in media does not immediately translate into representation. Many groups are misrepresented or underrepresented, and their depictions on the screen are riddled with stereotypes and assumptions. This type of inclusion in film and television is simply baseline visibility. However, a show that goes the extra mile for accurate, accepting and broad representation is “Sex Education.”
The Netflix show released its fourth and most inclusive season on Sept. 21, 2023. The season follows suit of the rest of the show, incorporating themes of sexuality, gender and familial disputes, but also including discussions of disability, race, religion, mental health and privilege associated with certain identities. Throughout the eight episodes, the viewer watches the main character, Otis, attempt to continue his legacy as his high school’s sex therapist at his university. However, he faces competition from another student named O. The two go back and forth for clients, a battle that ultimately leads to Otis and O degrading one another on a personal level.
Besides the two sex therapists’ ongoing brawl, we see the evolution of characters near and dear to the plot of the show. Maeve, Otis’ long time love interest, is away in America at a university to pursue writing. Her development is very admirable, as she was raised in a broken home and was still able to make her way toward stability and fulfillment in her life. Season four throws its share of obstacles at Maeve, but her strength never falters. Her storyline calls attention to systems of power associated with class and privilege, similar to the relationship between Otis and his best friend, Eric. The two have always been tied at the hip, but with the new environment of their university, tension builds in their relationship. Eric’s frustration eventually comes out, and he encourages Otis to acknowledge his privilege as a straight white man of a high social status. I found this plot point to be crucial, as these privilege checks should be commonplace in real life. As a culture, we are moving more toward a reality that empowers marginalized voices and recognizes the power associated with historically privileged identities. However, seeing these privileges analyzed in the media is imperative to continue moving towards a more inclusive world.
Fans of “Sex Education” were introduced to an array of new characters and saw some secondary characters become more central to the plot. We meet Aisha, who is known for her witty humor and loving affection, while Issac establishes a more central role this season. The two characters have disabilities, Issac being paralyzed and Aisha being deaf. Each character has dealt with problems of inaccessibility in and out of the university. Toward the end of season four, they take a stand against the lack of measures taken to ensure their needs and the needs of other disabled students are met. The powerful string of scenes gave me chills as I watched their dedication to inclusivity and strength to call out those in power. This plotline is another encouragement to call attention to what we, as a society, chose not to see. Those who experience these systems of oppression and microaggression will be more equipped to instill change with the support of allies that inherently have access to the privilege and power necessary for reform.
“Sex Education” is one of the only television shows I have seen that thoroughly analyzes societal inequalities. I encourage everyone to watch all four seasons and think about how the mentioned issues operate in our society. Awareness is the first step of change, and “Sex Education” serves as a wake-up call to instill unrest in its viewership.
