Sex Education season 4 missing several cast members shouldn't be a cause for concern. Netflix's British series is gearing up to return with new episodes continuing Otis (Asa Butterfield), Maeve (Emma Mackey), and Eric's (Ncuti Gatwa) stories. Over the years, however, Sex Education expanded its storytelling to also focus on other characters, most of them are either students or faculty members at Moordale Secondary School.
When Sex Education returns for season 4, however, it will be significantly different. For starters, considering the closure of Moordale Secondary School at the end of season 3, the series' usual backdrop will be barely featured moving forward, if at all. The students of the academic institution were advised to find other alternatives to finish the school year in light of this. On top of this change, Sex Education season 4 will feature a smaller cast with several actors already confirming their non-involvement in the show's upcoming outing. The list includes Bridgerton's Simone Ashley who won't be back as Olivia. Both Patricia Allison's Ola and Tanya Reynolds' Lily will be missing in the upcoming season as well. Finally, Rakhee Thakkar who plays Moordale Secondary School's English teacher, Emily Sands won't also be in season 4.
All of the aforementioned characters have had their respective Sex Education narratives, so understandably, their absence in season 4 is disappointing, but the show never really focused on them. Ashley was merely a supporting cast member, while the show struggled to navigate Ola and Lilly's relationship. The core cast of Sex Education is still intact, and that's a great sign, proving that the show can thrive into the future.
Sex Education's Moordale Change Can Explain Its Missing Cast
The worst thing to happen to Moordale Secondary School may just be the best set-up for Sex Education season 4. At the end of season 3, the institution was shut down forcing a significant change in the show. Netflix could use this to explain the absence of several cast members coming into its new year. Since all of them are tied to Moordale Secondary School, Sex Education season 4 can simply reveal that they have moved out of town to find alternative academic institutions as they were advised. The writers may have to come up with a better explanation for Ola's absence, however, considering that her dad is seeing Jean Milburn (Gillian Anderson) and she lives with Otis, but that shouldn't be a major hurdle overall.
Why Sex Education Season 4 Is Still Exciting Despite Lost Cast Members
Explaining the Sex Education season 4 missing cast members is one thing, justifying it is another. Luckily, Netflix can focus on its core players instead. Sex Education season 3 finally brought Maeve and Otis together. Granted that the show pulled them apart again just before they can properly start their romance, it's an indication that after three years, Netflix is finally ready to deliver on their love story. They will benefit from the smaller cast coming to Sex Education season 4 as it frees up valuable screen time that can be funneled to the couple's arc. Meanwhile, despite being cast as the new Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa is confirmed to reprise his role as Eric in the forthcoming season. Not only does this mean that the series can address his personal cliffhanger after he cheated on Adam (Connor Swindells) in Sex Education season 3, but the Netflix project can also continue to explore his evolving relationship with his best friend, Otis. As they transfer to a different school after the closure of Moordale Secondary School, Sex Education season 4 can once again put their friendship at the front of its storytelling.
How Sex Education Season 4 Can End The Show
From the get-go, Sex Education has been a critical success for Netflix. The show is also fairly popular, which should be more than enough reason for the streaming giant to continue the series. That being said, considering the way that its story is crafted, Sex Education has a natural end. After Otis and Maeve's underground sex therapy business was shut down, it has barely tackled its original premise again. This worked as the writers were able to find a way to tell new and compelling stories. As it moves forward, however, it risks totally losing its identity amidst all these changes. So, Sex Education season 4 should focus on wrapping up the lingering collective and individual arcs in the project instead of setting up new ones. Given the involvement of Otis, Maeve, and Eric, it has the opportunity to tackle all significant plot lines and come up with a satisfying finale. Sex Education season 4 should finally actively deal with Maeve and Otis' love affair — regardless of whether or not they have a chance to actually work. As for Eric, the series needs to address his divisive relationship with Adam. Just to cover all bases, Sex Education season 4 needs to resolve the mystery surrounding the identity of Jean Milburn's baby's father as well.