Warning! Spoiler ahead for Sex Education season 4.
Summary
Sex Education season 4 provided satisfying conclusions for each of the main characters, although some storylines had more successful outcomes than others. Nonetheless, even with the departure of certain cast members, the show managed to maintain its strongest characters and tie up their narratives in a coherent manner.
Several characters had unresolved storylines, resulting in loose ends and unanswered questions about their futures. However, Sex Education season 4 provided each major character with a farewell, varying in quality. Netflix has officially concluded its highly praised British coming-of-age TV series. As Otis and his friends began their college journey, it felt like the perfect moment to bring the show to a satisfying close, particularly considering that some cast members would be departing after season 4. The advantage of knowing in advance that Sex Education was coming to an end is that the creators of the series were able to give a proper send-off to the beloved individuals at Moordale.
10 Jackson
With the approach of its final year, Sex Education experienced a significant exodus of cast members, necessitating the show to employ creativity in explaining their absences. The sale of Moordale Secondary and the introduction of Cavendish College served as the perfect justification for these departures. Despite the numerous exits, Sex Education season 4 managed to retain arguably its finest characters, affording them the opportunity for a fitting farewell. While each character's conclusion aligned with their respective storylines, some farewells stood out as particularly exceptional.
Maeve's original romantic partner had faced numerous challenges in the course of Sex Education, but season 4 intensified his struggles. Motivated by a cancer scare, he embarked on a quest to find his biological father, whom he eventually located. However, instead of a joyous reunion, Jackson experienced rejection. Subsequently, his biological mother divulged the truth about his ancestry. As Sex Education season 4 concluded, he still grappled with this revelation, leaving unresolved loose ends in his story arc.
9 Cal
Introduced in season 3 of Sex Education, they joined Otis and Eric in transferring to Cavendish College after the closure of Moordale Secondary. Season 4 showcased their struggle during the transition, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals undergoing such a process. Undoubtedly, Cal's storyline in Sex Education season 4 emerged as one of the most significant narratives. Despite receiving unwavering support from their peers at Cavendish College and their mother, the British dramedy chose to leave their story unfinished, offering no insight into the future progression of Cal's transition.
8 Jean
The father of Jean's baby in Sex Education season 3 remained a mystery until season 4. Despite being in a relationship with Jakob, it was revealed that he was not the father. Instead, in a surprising revelation, Jean disclosed that Dan, her occasional sexual partner from the beginning of the series, was the father. The season finale left audiences curious as Jean invited Dan to her house, but their conversation was not shown. Despite Dan's response, Jean had already made the decision to raise Baby Joy on her own. Fortunately, she will have the support of her sister, Joana. However, it would have been interesting to witness Dan's reaction to Jean's news.
7 Otis
Despite being portrayed as the show's protagonist, Otis was the sole member of the main Sex Education cast whose future remained uncertain. While Maeve elected to pursue a career in writing in the United States, with the potential to achieve her long-held aspiration of becoming a successful published author, Eric had already discovered his life's purpose even before completing college. In contrast, Otis' destiny beyond attending Cavendish College for higher education remained unclear. This seemed fitting, considering his lack of ambitious goals. Nevertheless, it is disheartening to witness his narrative conclude in such a manner.
6 Viv
Viv and Jackson's friendship remained strong throughout season 4 of Sex Education. However, their bond faced a threat when Viv introduced a new love interest into the mix. Initially, Viv was enamored with her boyfriend, failing to notice the warning signs of his manipulative and abusive behavior. Eventually, she recognized the toxicity of their relationship and made the courageous decision to end things. Though Viv's story may have been straightforward compared to others in Sex Education season 4, her firm establishment of boundaries with her abusive ex-boyfriend serves as a valuable lesson for anyone confronted with a toxic partner.
5 Maeve
On the heels of her mom's funeral in Sex Education season 4, Maeve found herself ready to abandon her aspirations of becoming a writer. However, she ultimately made the decision to return to the US and chase after her dreams. Shortly thereafter, a publisher reached out to her, expressing interest in learning more about her upcoming novel, Southchester. Although it remains uncertain whether it will be published, this development serves as a promising sign that Maeve will eventually realize her ambitions. While it did come at the price of her relationship with Otis, it was high time for her to prioritize herself, considering all that she had endured.
4 Adam
Adam's storyline in Sex Education season 4 was a departure from the main plot, but it was expertly executed. Instead of attending school, he found employment at a ranch, a job that brought him genuine satisfaction. Additionally, he found himself developing feelings for the ranch keeper. However, the most significant and gratifying aspect of Adam's narrative was his reconciliation with his father. The season culminated with Adam, Mr. Groff, and Mrs. Groff sitting together in their home, joyfully watching TV.
3 Aimee
Sex Education season 4 introduced an unexpected love story between Aimee and Isaac. Attending Cavendish together, they gradually spent more time with each other, leading to the development of romantic feelings. However, their connection went beyond just being a couple; Isaac's friendship played a crucial role in Aimee's journey towards finding closure. Having struggled with unaddressed trauma after a sexual assault incident on a bus in Sex Education season 1, Aimee finally confronted and processed her emotions, ultimately leaving her in a much better place when the show concluded.
2 Eric
In Sex Education season 4, Ncuti Gatwa and Gbolahan Obisesan explore Eric's struggle with his religion and sexuality in a more liberated academic institution. Throughout the season, Eric quietly wrestles with the dilemma of being baptized in his church while staying true to his own identity. Encounters with god, played by Jodie Turner-Smith, empower him to confidently address his congregation and proudly embrace his gay identity. This moment marks the beginning of Eric's journey, as he realizes his calling is to spread a message of love and acceptance for all. Determined to become a more inclusive pastor, he sets out to let everyone know that they are loved by god, just as they are.
1 Ruby
Despite initially being a supporting character, Ruby emerged as the standout character in season 4 of Sex Education. While her significance began in season 3 when she started dating Otis, the series delved deeper into her character, going beyond her romantic involvement with him. Transitioning to Cavendish caused Ruby to lose her usual Moordale friends and face her troubling past with "O." The conclusion of Sex Education season 4 saw Ruby harnessing her popularity for positive purposes and earning genuine friendships, providing a fitting farewell for someone who once felt like an outsider.