With the announcement that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will be leaving the series after season 4, it seems an appropriate time for Netflix's beloved British comedy to end. Gatwa's Eric Effiong is a major character on the show, not only as Otis' best friend but also as an integral member of the Moordale crew and a carrier of important plot lines and themes. Without Eric's romantic endeavors and supportive banter, it's hard to see how Sex Education can continue in the same way it has before.
Sex Education premiered on Netflix in 2019 and has released three seasons. The series follows Otis Millburn, an awkward teen and the son of a sex therapist, as he begins offering sex advice to his eccentric classmates. Ncuti Gatwa's character, Eric Effiong, is Otis' best friend and maintains various relationships throughout the series including a romance with the school bully, Adam Groff. At the end of Sex Education season 3, Eric breaks up with Adam and Moordale shuts down, leaving the students separated and scrambling.
Ncuti Gatwa's Exit Makes Sex Education Ending With Season 4 Inevitable, Right?
Without Ncuti Gatwa, it seems unrealistic that Sex Education would continue past season 4. Though Otis is technically the main character of the series, it truly is an ensemble show and Eric's perspective is unique and significant. As the principal gay character and a person of color, Eric brings a diverse opinion to the show, specifically when it comes to sex and relationships. Though other supporting characters like Adam and Rahim can also contribute to this perspective, Eric being a gay, non-white lead character makes him indispensable.
Ncuti Gatwa's exit also complicates the general plot of Sex Education. Eric often moved between characters, acting as an intermediary and voice of reason. In particular, where Otis portrayed tension and fear about sex and identity, Eric represented freedom of expression and confidence in one's desires. He also played an important role in Adam's character transformation. Without Eric, an entire set of relationships and beloved plotlines would disappear completely.
Sex Education Has Already Lost Major Stars (Before Gatwa)
Another reason Ncuti Gatwa's departure means Sex Education should end is that he has become one of many major actors to leave the show. Characters like Ola (Patricia Allison), Lily (Tanya Reynolds), Olivia (Simone Ashley), and Ms. Sands (Rakhee Thakrar) will not be appearing in Sex Education season 4 at all. Like Eric, these characters bring a sense of diversity and unique outlooks that make the show what it is. Sex Education has a particularly creative and open-minded take on sexuality which is very much rooted in its characters and their stories.
With the loss of so many actors like Ncuti Gatwa and the end of season 3 splitting the characters up, it would make sense that Sex Education's season 4 changes would ultimately lead to the conclusion of the series. Since Gatwa won't be leaving until after the season, there's an opportunity for characters to reunite, plot lines to be given satisfying endings, and overarching loose ends to be tied up. Gatwa's exit is definitely upsetting, but the change may be a welcome one as it gives Sex Education a chance to end happily with its main cast intact.