Summary
Maeve Wiley says goodbye to Otis in an emotional conversation, promising that their friendship is just on pause.
Maeve is deeply wounded by Otis' nonchalant approach to their relationship and sarcastically undermines the notion of lacking emotions.
Acknowledging her struggle to seek assistance and repel others, Maeve displays a significant development in her character as she apologizes to Aimee following an altercation.
Maeve Wiley, a character known for her intelligence and wit, always has something clever to say in Sex Education. This British teen comedy, which premiered on Netflix in January 2019, portrays the lives of students, faculty, and their families as they navigate personal dramas revolving around romance and intimacy. Maeve Wiley, portrayed by Emma Mackey, is a sarcastic, pessimistic, and highly knowledgeable student. Despite her outward confidence, she harbors deep fears about her life and future. Living independently in a trailer park, Maeve occasionally receives visits from unreliable relatives.
In the third season of Sex Education, Maeve Wiley departs for the United States but is expected to make a return. Emma Mackey's announcement that Season 4 would be her last raised concerns about Maeve's character not receiving a proper conclusion. However, these worries were dispelled when it was revealed that Season 4 would be the final season of the show. With Maeve's future rapidly approaching, she is determined to make something significant out of her life. While she maintains her snarky demeanor, she also shares words of wisdom.
Maeve Says Goodbye To Otis
"It's See You Soon."
Throughout Sex Education, Maeve Wiley has yearned to break free from the constraints of her life and pursue her education. However, when she finally decides to embark on this journey, Maeve is faced with the challenging task of bidding farewell to her friends. Among all the characters in Sex Education, Maeve shares the closest bond with Otis, making it an exceptionally difficult conversation to say goodbye. Uncharacteristically, Maeve chooses sincerity and vulnerability over her usual sarcasm and flippancy, tearfully assuring Otis that this separation is not a permanent farewell, but merely a temporary pause in their friendship.
Otis Hurts Maeve's Feelings
"No Feelings. Sounds Cool."
Maeve's response to Otis upon discovering his encounter with Ruby is chillingly nonchalant. Both Otis and Maeve have struggled to convey their true emotions, often inadvertently hurting each other in the process. Otis confesses that his involvement with Ruby lacks any genuine sentiments, prompting Maeve's biting remark that not having feelings must be a desirable quality. However, her sarcasm reveals her own deep-seated hurt and disdain for Otis' carefree demeanor.
Maeve Apologizes To Aimee After Their Fight
"I'm S**t At Asking For Help And I Push People Away."
Following a heated argument regarding Aimee secretly funding Maeve's trip to France, the duo find themselves at odds throughout an entire episode. However, in a heartfelt and poignant scene, the best friends finally extend apologies to one another. Notably, Maeve discloses a truth that Aimee had already sensed and even accused her of during their disagreement: Maeve's pride prevents her from accepting assistance, leading to the alienation of those around her. This admission not only facilitates the reconciliation between Maeve and her friend but also signifies a crucial moment of personal growth for Maeve Wiley.
Maeve Says Goodbye To Isaac
"I Still Want You In My Life If You Do. As Friends, Maybe."
In season 2 of Sex Education, Isaac Goodwin is introduced and develops feelings for Maeve Wiley. However, Maeve's emotions towards both Isaac and Otis become a source of confusion for her, leading her to keep them at a distance. Despite starting a fragile relationship with Isaac, Maeve quickly realizes that her heart belongs to Otis. When she departs for America, her farewell to Isaac is unusually sincere and without any hidden intentions. While Maeve does love Isaac, it is not reciprocated in the same way, yet she still wants him to remain a part of her life, even if it poses challenges for their relationship.
Aimee Helps Maeve Decide To Go To America
"Thanks, Mum."
Both Maeve and Aimee lack positive relationships with their mothers, leading them to take on the role of a mother for each other. Although it may sometimes be seen as a playful joke, there are moments when the intention becomes more sincere. Maeve faces difficulties when deciding whether to pursue her dream in America, and it is Aimee who provides the much-needed encouragement. When Maeve expresses her gratitude by saying, "Thanks, Mum," she genuinely means it. Since she lacks a true maternal figure in her life, Maeve depends on Aimee to guide her with the right advice. Aimee's support empowers Maeve to take the leap towards the United States, and Maeve's appreciation towards her is heartfelt.
Maeve Teases Isaac When They First Meet
"All Of Our Brains Are Slowly Dying. You're Not Unique."
When Maeve Wiley and Isaac first meet in season 2, their initial encounter is a bit rocky. However, as they spend more time together, they discover that they share several commonalities, including their dark sense of humor. Isaac often makes self-deprecating jokes, but Maeve swiftly puts him in his place. She reminds him that everyone, including their brains, is slowly deteriorating, thereby implying that Isaac's disability does not make him unique in that aspect. Consequently, she refuses to treat him differently because of it.
Maeve Admits The Rumors About Her Hurt
"Do You Know How Long I've Been Called 'Cock Biter'? Four Years."
Maeve Wiley, known as a "slag" on campus, suffers from the judgmental rumors surrounding her without anyone bothering to investigate their validity. Despite being a social outcast, Maeve reveals to Otis during their investigation into Ruby's leaked photo that these rumors do bother her. Otis fails to comprehend why Maeve empathizes with Ruby, as he perceives Ruby as an unpleasant individual. Maeve enlightens him, recounting her own experiences of enduring malicious gossip since the age of 14, and expresses her desire for nobody to endure such torment, not even Ruby. "This kind of thing sticks," she cautions.
Maeve Muses On The Ridiculousness Of Birthdays
"Why Celebrate The Day I Got Pushed Out Of Some Random Vagina Against My Will?"
Maeve's perspective on her birthday is filled with sarcasm. When Otis questions her aversion to celebrating it, she dismisses it as a pointless occasion. While Maeve Wiley's relationship with her mother is not ideal, Aimee and Otis manage to make her feel special on this particular birthday. In a truly heartfelt gesture, Otis presents her with a five-year diary, deliberately excluding the pages dedicated to her birthdays. Maeve is deeply touched by this gift, to the point where she almost confesses her affection for him.
Maeve Loves To Be The Cynic
"Funfairs Are Simply A Distraction From The Inevitability Of Death."
Once again, Maeve's sarcasm reveals her dark outlook on life. In the second season of Sex Education, when Otis asks her if she'll go to the fair, she dismisses it as not being her thing. Otis shares her perspective to some extent, but is taken aback by its gloomy nature. Having witnessed the collapse of her own family and constantly faced with life's difficulties, Maeve Wiley finds it hard to be optimistic about her own future. To her, something as trivial and insignificant as a fair only serves as a distraction from the true struggles of life, as she perceives them.
Maeve Inspires The School To Stand Up For Each Other
"No, It's My Vagina."
One of the most impactful moments in Sex Education occurs when Olivia takes responsibility for her actions. Throughout the day, Ruby has been going along with the Untouchables, discussing the explicit photo that has been circulated. However, it is revealed that the photo is actually Ruby's, and Olivia shared it as a means of getting back at her. During the assembly the following morning, Mr. Groff delivers a speech addressing the realities of digital culture. Olivia redeems herself by boldly declaring that it is her own vagina in the photo. Inspired by her bravery, Maeve stands up as well, recalling her own speech about the derogatory names she has been called. This courageous act leads to a wave of students throughout the hall joining them, resulting in a direct and comical tribute to the famous Spartacus scene.
Maeve Encourages Aimee To Face Her Fears
"It's Just A Stupid Bus."
In Sex Education season 2, Aimee, Maeve's closest companion, faces numerous challenges. Throughout it all, Maeve remains a strong support for her. However, it takes Maeve a while to fully comprehend the extent of Aimee's trauma. The season concludes with a powerful speech from Aimee, where she vulnerably admits her inability to board the bus due to her emotional struggles. The following morning, Maeve and the other girls gather at Aimee's bus stop. Maeve reaches out her hand, allowing Aimee the space and time needed to overcome her fears and board the bus at her own pace.
Maeve Likes Books More Than Anything Else
"Complex Female Characters."
In the first season of Sex Education, Maeve Wiley and Jackson have a flirtatious relationship, but they are hesitant to take it to the next level. Jackson tries to get to know her better, but she remains mysterious and vague. At Aimee's party, Jackson asks Maeve to join him in the hot tub, but she declines, saying that hot tubs are not really her thing. When asked about her interests, Maeve responds with "Complex female characters." This answer confuses Jackson, but it is true. Maeve enjoys reading classic feminist texts and rejects societal stereotypes concerning women's roles in romance and society as a whole.
Maeve Is Observant And Clever
"I Can Also Gauge The Depths Of Mr. Hendricks' Personal Despair Based On His Choice Of Hawaiian Shirt."
Maeve Wiley, a character in the popular TV series Sex Education, stands out for her intelligence and knowledge. She acquires her education through extensive reading and possesses a natural ability to absorb new information. Additionally, Maeve's quick wit and sharp tongue contribute to her persona. Despite facing expulsion from school due to her brother's involvement in a drug ring, Maeve remains determined to reclaim her place. In a bold move, she sneaks into Mr. Groff's office and cleverly utilizes his announcer's microphone to read aloud A-level essays that she has written for fellow students. When Groff discovers her, Maeve defends herself in her typical fashion, employing her vast knowledge of feminist literature and maintaining her sardonic sense of humor.
Maeve Doesn't Hold Men In High Regard
"... Selective Castration Is Our Only Hope."
After unintentionally advising Jackson on how to impress Maeve Wiley, Otis tries to catch her attention by reading Virginia Woolf out loud in front of her. In another scene, during a P.E. class, he jogs while holding A Room Of One's Own. Curious about Woolf's famous quote, "The history of men's opposition to women's emancipation is more interesting perhaps than the story of that emancipation itself," Jackson asks Maeve for her interpretation. Maeve humorously responds, "That men are d**ks and selective castration is our only hope." Though said in jest, there may be some truth behind her words.
Maeve Is Not The Sentimental Type
"Yeah, That Makes Me Sick."
Maeve's disdain for rom-com love stories is evident in one of her most memorable moments. She candidly expresses her disgust, stating, "You know those cliché scenes in rom-coms where the guy shows up at the girl's doorstep with a boom box playing her favorite song, and everyone goes weak at the knees? Well, that just makes me feel nauseous."
Otis chuckles in agreement, but upon leaving school, he unexpectedly encounters Jackson and conceives a scheme. Jackson, in need of further guidance on impressing Maeve, is misled with deceitful information and advises him to make a magnificent gesture. To Otis's dismay, the plan surprisingly succeeds. Notably, despite expressing her firm decision not to attend, Maeve later revels in dressing up for the dance in Sex Education. This serves as proof that being a feminist does not entail despising all men or rejecting societal conventions of femininity and girlhood.