The Unconventional Transformation of Ruby: How Sex Education Ushered in a New Era (& Raised Eyebrows)

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Sex Education season 4.

Summary

In Sex Education season 4, Ruby Matthews emerges as the standout character, outshining even the main trio of Otis, Maeve, and Eric. The series skillfully takes Ruby's character development to new heights, moving beyond her romantic involvement with Otis, and instead exploring her challenges as an outsider, which makes her highly relatable to the viewers.

Otis and Ruby's relationship has become a beloved favorite among fans, leading to debates about whether they are actually better suited for each other compared to Otis and Maeve. In the conclusion of Sex Education season 4, a new standout character, Ruby Matthews, emerges. Mimi Keene has been a part of the Netflix series since its debut in 2019, portraying the stereotypical popular mean girl at Moordale Secondary. While she previously had her own moments in earlier seasons, they weren't significant enough to truly shine. However, this changed in season 3 when she unexpectedly embarked on a romance with Otis Milburn. Despite their initial lack of compatibility, Netflix skillfully crafted their storyline to the point where Otis' supposed romance with Maeve Wiley was momentarily forgotten.

While Sex Education is technically an ensemble series, its main players have been clear from the start. The central trio of Otis, Maeve, and Eric Effiong have been at the center of every major storyline throughout the show's run on the platform. In addition to their collective plots, each of these characters has had compelling personal narratives. Nonetheless, Sex Education also excels at diversifying its storytelling by giving attention to lesser-known characters. This aspect showcases the brilliance of the show as it consistently delivers captivating stories even for supporting characters. However, in Sex Education season 4, the focus on Ruby has been taken to an extreme, making her the standout player.

How Ruby Became Sex Education's Best Character (Not Otis Or Maeve)

Throughout her time on the show, Ruby was often overlooked. However, in season 3 of Sex Education, her relationship with Otis brings her into the spotlight. Season 4 takes it a step further by expanding her character beyond her connection to Otis romantically. When Ruby transfers to Cavendish, she finds herself losing her usual friends from Moordale. This situation leads to significant growth for Ruby as she is forced to confront her past with O. Sex Education explores her struggles as an outcast, making it easier for the audience to empathize and support her.

Ruby Being Sex Education's Best Character Hurt Maeve & Otis' Romance

Sex Education dedicated most of its episodes to Otis and Maeve's individual storylines, although they were not as effectively executed as Ruby's in seasons 3 and 4. Besides their occasionally frustrating romance, Otis and Maeve's character arcs were also diluted by other subplots. On the other hand, since Ruby's personal journey unfolded only in the last two seasons, it is easier to appreciate the growth that her character experienced. In the finale of Sex Education season 4, Ruby not only learns how to utilize her popularity for positive purposes but also demonstrates her valuable lesson by publicly forgiving O.

Although Otis and Ruby were originally intended to just have a temporary relationship, Sex Education used it for shock value, especially as Otis continued to struggle with Maeve dating Isaac in season 3. Surprisingly, the pairing has become a fan-favorite, with supporters arguing that they are better suited for each other than Otis and Maeve. This is further reinforced in Sex Education season 4, where Otis's interactions with Ruby feel more authentic and effortless compared to his struggles with Maeve. With the show ending with Maeve and Otis's breakup, it's possible that being in the same school, Moordale, will give him the opportunity to reignite his romance with Ruby.