Sex Education returned for a third season, and many fans have likely already binged it. The show has become one of Netflix's top performers, and after a wait of more than a year, fans surely devoured the season's eight episodes and are now eagerly awaiting season four.
The show has become a bonafide ensemble over the years and, as such, it expertly juggled a myriad of compelling storylines while still managing to keep things fresh and entertaining. However, while fans would've loved to spend more time with many of these Sex Education plots, others overstayed their welcome and viewers couldn't wait for them to be over.
Too Much: Viv's Turn To The Dark Side
Viv was one of the best supporting characters in Sex Education's season 2. Her brazen ambition and focus made her a breath of fresh air, and her friendship with Jackson was equally compelling. Fans wanted to see more of her in season 3, but her story took a turn for the worse with Hope's arrival.
Indeed, Viv's need for her new Head Teacher's approval makes her do some very questionable things. She repents in the end, but the storyline still feels like an unnecessary way to create conflict. Hope's presence was more than enough threat for Moordale's students, and she hardly needed a student lackey to reinforce her policies.
Not Enough: Ruby's Home Life
Fans noted that Otis and Ruby made an unexpectedly charming couple in season 2 and hoped the relationship would get more screen time in season three. The two, indeed, go official for a few episodes, and they live up to expectations. After mentioning that her father has a severe case of MS, fans get to see more about Ruby's home life, and her loving relationship with her father, and her openness towards Otis presents a new side to her character that fans never expected.
Unfortunately, once she and Otis break up, the show moves on to the ongoing Otis/Maeve storyline. Ruby deserves more importance in season 4, especially because her dynamic with her father is refreshing and intriguing. Her friendship with Olivia and Anwar should also get the spotlight.
Too Much: Jakob's Trust Issues
Jakob and Jean's relationship is overly chaotic. They come from different worlds and have opposing views on almost everything, but their connection remains sweet and engaging.
Season 3 has Jakob deal with numerous trust issues stemming from Jean's betrayal in season 2. However, the show waits too long to explain them, so his choices and actions seem rude and even sexist. The storyline seemed to go on for too long, and that time could've gone to develop his relationship with Ola or connect him to other characters, like Michael.
Not Enough: Aimee's PTSD
Aimee is one of Sex Education's best characters and her compelling storyline about being sexually assaulted on the bus was a highlight of season 2. Season 3 continues the plot by exploring the stress and anxiety that Aimee is still experiencing. She even begins going to therapy with Jean, and their scenes together rank as some of the best moments in season three.
Still, such a crucial and relevant plot should've received more time. Aimee gets some unforgettable moments with Maeve and Maureen, but her personal life remains mostly obscure. Now that she's single, season 4 must go deeper into her life after the event and her efforts to overcome her trauma, perhaps exploring more about her passion for baking or having her connect with other friends besides Maeve.
Too Much: Erin's Kidnapping Of Elsie
Maeve has always dealt with issues that are big beyond her years, but season 3 seemed like the chance to give her a much-needed break. But instead, her troubled mother, Erin, returns and briefly kidnaps little Elsie, who's finally finding some stability with her foster mom, Anna.
Although the plot only lasts for an episode, it still feels like an unnecessary contrivance for Maeve. It also allows Otis and Isaac to show their worst behavior, further damaging their relationships with her. Maeve needs a break to be a teenager without all the drama -- hopefully, her trip to America will provide that chance.
Not Enough: Lily's Confusion
Sex Education has plenty of quirky characters, but Lily might be the most unique. She is a daring girl obsessed with aliens and has a talent for writing. Lily's creativity is overwhelming, and she expresses it through her clothing, makeup, and writing.
Season three has her suffer a crisis of faith, thanks to Hope's cruel punishments. She briefly re-considers her beliefs and even thinks about giving up her writing. Lily's struggle is something plenty of teenagers can relate to and it should've received more screen time. Her increasing feelings of alienation are one of the season's most endearing plots, and it's a shame she didn't get as much time as she deserved.
Too Much: Otis & Ola's Home Issues
Ola has never been a fan favorite. In fact, some fans wanted to see less of her in season 3 of Sex Education, and they got their wish. Ola wasn't as prominent as she was in season 2, and a lot of the time she received went to her antagonistic relationship with Otis, now that they are living together.
Otis and Ola's fight brought out the worst of both characters. He came across as petty and controlling, and she seemed invasive and careless. Worst of all, the plot went nowhere; it didn't break any new ground about step-siblings' relationships and seemed out of place, overall. Ola's mourning her mother's passing and her confusion about Jean's baby deserved more time, but the show instead chose to rehash the same cohabitation issues from last season.
Not Enough: Cal's Personal Life
Cal is the show's first non-binary character, a witty and artistic student who moved from Minneapolis with their family. Cal quickly develops a connection with Jackson, and most of their screen time in the season goes to their blossoming relationship.
However, Cal's personal life doesn't get much development. Audiences don't get to see their family life, and the show doesn't dive into Cal's interests or hobbies. Season 4 should focus more on Cal as an individual, outside of their relationship with Jackson. Cal's friendship with Layla, another non-binary student, should also receive some screen time.
Too Much: Otis' Overall Selfishness
As the awkward and clumsy but ultimately well-meaning star of the show, Otis gets plenty of screen time. He is a very engaging character for the most part, but he has become increasingly selfish over the years. Last season, his drunken behavior at his party and his treatment of Ola and Maeve were terrible, and season three makes matters worse.
The truth is, Otis is very unlikeable at times. He breaks Ruby's heart, behaves awfully towards his mother, and doesn't respect Maeve's space, especially when she's going through a crisis. Otis' good intentions shouldn't excuse his awful behavior, and season 3 spends a lot of time trying.
Not Enough: Adam's Emotional Issues
Adam might be one of Sex Education's funniest characters, but there's much more to him. Season three does a brilliant job exploring a new and gentler side to his persona but it falls short in depicting his emotional struggles. Growing up with an emotionally stunted father, Adam inherited the same communication issues. Season three sees him trying to overcome them, but more time was necessary to understand them fully.
Hopefully, season 4 will spend more time showing Adam's emotional development. His close bond with Ola and his possible new friendship with Rahim will be crucial, but the show also needs to address his relationship with his father.