Season 4 of “Sex Education” Brings Depth and Representation to Black Characters
The highly anticipated Season 4 of the beloved British dramedy “Sex Education” premiered on Netflix, marking the end of our journey with the students of Moordale Secondary. This coming-of-age series, led by teen sex therapist Otis Milburn (played by Asa Butterfield), explores themes of love, life, and personal relationships. Notably, the show beautifully highlights the sexual and emotional health, identity, and other significant issues faced by its Black characters.
One of the remarkable aspects of this series is how it portrays the lives of Black students without solely associating their adolescence with trauma. Through joy, comedy, and grief, characters like Eric, Jackson, Vivienne, and Cal become prisms through which the diverse, nuanced experiences of Black youth are told.
Vivienne Odusanya, an intelligent and determined Black academic, develops a friendship with star athlete Jackson Marchetti. Their relationship reveals the importance of looking beyond external success and prioritizing personal connections and values. While the show could have done better in presenting a darker-skinned Black woman in a healthy romantic storyline, it still serves a purpose in highlighting the complexities of adolescence.
In Season 3, Jackson explores his sexuality and develops feelings for Cal, a nonbinary student. As they navigate their relationship, the show delves into the challenges of understanding queerness and the responsibility one has within a queer relationship. Ultimately, the two part ways amicably, allowing Jackson to further explore his own needs and heal from heartbreak.
Meanwhile, Eric Effiong, the show’s first out and proud Black gay character, experiences the intersection of his queerness and religious beliefs. As a devout Nigerian mother tries to reconcile Eric’s sexuality with her faith, he makes a resolute stand proclaiming that he can be both gay and a child of God. This pivotal moment leads Eric to discover his calling as a pastor, leading an inclusive church.
The care and depth with which these characters are written embody the maturity that Black youth often possess while maintaining their joy and integrity. “Sex Education” proves that Black characters deserve more than supporting narratives; they are the driving force behind the plot. As we bid farewell to Eric, Jackson, Vivienne, and Cal, their impact and representation will be sorely missed.
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