Sex Education is a Netflix original series that took fans by surprise on its debut in early 2019. The show explored sexual intimacy and education through the experiences of teenagers. Sex is a huge commitment to enter into, especially while in high school and even as an adult. As the characters navigate the social constructs of high school, they're also dealing with the drama that comes along with intimacy, relationships, and friendships. The show tackles the life lessons that go along with the adult choices made and the characters' navigation of the consequences they face.
Throughout the show's 3 seasons, fans were introduced to a multitude of characters. Some of these characters have presented some well-liked personas, however, every great character possesses traits that go against who they are and what makes them undesirable.
Sofia Marchetti
One of Jackson Marchetti’s mothers and a true dictator in her parenting, Sofia Marchetti made fans of the show truly dislike her. Sofia’s strict parenting of Jackson never involved what he wanted or any care in her relationship with Jackson. She can be ranked as one of the worst parents from the Netflix show, alongside some other parents of Moordale. What she wanted mattered more to her, and she would make sure that it mattered to Jackson as well.
This only pushed Jackson further away from her, and to get from under her thumb, he even went as far as to break his arm so it would prevent him from competing in at swim meets. Her character is stuck in her ways, however, this doesn't mean there is no room for a redemption arc down the line.
Ola
Coming into the show, the character Ola seemed to be levelheaded and a character of compassion and understanding. However, some of Ola’s actions began to contradict this. In her relationship with Otis, she seemed to be an uninterested party, forcing herself to be with and like him. This would ultimately lead her to the realization that she was interested in girls by the end of season 2, and began a relationship with Lily.
At times, Ola seems to be judgmental and dismissive of those closest to her when she feels like their problems aren't her own. This was the case with Lily when she was being forced to change and tone down who she was by the new headmaster Hope Haddon, Ola didn't see the problem with this and wanted Lily to compromise. With season 4 greenlit on Netflix, fans are eager to see the storylines that Ola could have based on her character and the way season 3 ended.
Maeve Wiley
Never truly knowing what she wants, education and romantic wise, Maeve is a complicated character. She chooses to ignore making decisions that would complicate her life, however, this indecision only serves to complicate her life even more. Maeve knows she has feelings for Otis and possibly wants a relationship with him, however, she begins dating Isaac instead.
This choice leads Isaac to compromise himself and his integrity because of Maeve’s inability to communicate her feelings and decisions. She ultimately breaks Isaac and Otis’s heart when she decides she wants to pursue an educational opportunity in America. Her actions only seemed to cater to herself when she felt she was overwhelmed with any situation and needed a break.
Eric Effiong
A fun and supportive friend to Otis, Eric is, or was, a fan-favorite character on the show. His subsequent relationship with Adam had fans hoping and praying he didn't leave the relationship heartbroken, however, fans were left stunned and disappointed when it was Eric who broke Adams's heart by cheating. Fans were rooting for the two and began to rate the couple as one of the best in the Netflix show based on compatibility.
After pressuring and commenting that he was essentially all in with Adam, in the presence of a shiny new man and a little bit of attention, Eric's actions said otherwise and showcased a villainous side to Eric in the end. He presented himself as someone ready for a commitment, and when he received this commitment, he couldn't hold up his end of the relationship with staying faithful. It's sad in a way because fans were able to see Adam’s character development and growth over seasons 2 and 3, and Eric’s cheating was a slap in the face.
Otis Milburn
A character that struggles in his own life shouldn’t be handing out adult advice to his peers. Otis is a character in Sex Education that contributes to a small amount of detriment to the teen psyche and sexual relationships at Moordale Secondary School. Although his mother is a sex therapist, Otis is not.
His unfounded advice could have led to much worse consequences than what happened. Although Otis could be inspiring in some situations, he was selfish in others. Otis must figure out who he is before he can go around telling others who they are and the deeper issues that they may be facing.