actors missing from the Sex Education cast, such as Simone Ashley's Olivia and Patricia Allison's Ola, Sex Education season 4 will surely be different from the previous seasons. With the pressure to end the central cast character's stories, Sex Education writers must give closure to some key characters in Sex Education season four.
With a strong ensemble cast and sharp dialogue, Sex Education charmed audiences around the world with its release on Netflix in 2019. While Sex Education moves away from central character Otis (Asa Butterfield) in later seasons, the first two seasons focused on the relationship between Otis and Maeve (Emma Mackey) as it turned from a mutual respect to a romance. However, Otis' behavior in Sex Education season 2 showed his immaturity and his inability to see Maeve's point of view. Despite their flawed relationship, fans were eager to see the two get together at the end of Sex Education season 2.
Sex Education's Season 2 Alternate Ending Explained
After Sex Education season 2's finale premiered in 2020, fans were upset with how the season left things with Otis and Maeve. While creator Laurie Nunn did say she always had a happy ending between Otis and Maeve for the end of season 2, the actual ending shows Otis leaving Maeve a detailed message expressing his love for her and apologizing for being a jerk. Before Maeve can listen to the message, Issac who has feelings for Maeve, deletes the message, which sets Otis and Maeve on separate paths.
An alternate ending was shot by director Ben Taylor who wanted to see what would happen if they took the ending in a different direction. The alternate ending features Otis and Maeve smiling at each other, hinting at a possible happy ending for the two. According to BT, Ben Taylor believed it was the right decision from the writers to keep the audience hanging. Moved by Butterfield and Mackey's performances in the original ending, Taylor and Nunn it they were pleased with season 2's finale.
Sex Education's Series Finale Can Use The Cut S2 Ending
Since fans were upset with the original Sex Education season 2 ending, it would be a smart move for the show to end happily. While Sex Education season 2 showed how Otis and Maeve have their own personal struggles to overcome, Sex Education season 4 can show the two growing and evolving into the people they want to be. With this character development and reflection, Otis and Maeve can finally be good partners to each other.
On the one hand, some fans may rather see an explicitly happy ending with Otis and Maeve embracing in a ionate kiss. On the other, to match Sex Education's tone, it would make more sense to show a glimmer of hope for the two characters, rather than an unrealistic depiction of teenage love. Leaving the relationship somewhat ambiguous in Sex Education season 4 will provide a satisfying ending without relying too much on declarations of undying love.
Sex Education (Probably) Won't End Otis & Maeve's Story Ambiguously
While the ambiguous ending would fit Sex Education's realistic tone, the backlash against Sex Education season 2 indicates that the creators may not want to risk leaving the audiences with a frustratingly vague ending. With Otis and Maeve's significant character development throughout the three seasons, it seems fitting to let the two end up together. Yet, even within the fans of the relationship, there are some who believe Otis and Maeve should not get together.
Not only do Otis and Maeve have very different upbringings and values, but in real life, Otis and Maeve likely would not have a successful relationship. With Otis projecting onto Maeve throughout the series and Maeve navigating her own issues, the two may be better off going their separate ways. Regardless, like with many popular series, it is very hard to end a series in a way that pleases everyone.
Whether Laurie Nunn and the writers decide to follow through with the original idea that Otis and Maeve should get a happy ending or not, Sex Education season 4 will benefit from having a series finale that ties up all loose ends. Otis and Maeve very well could have their happy ending, but on the other hand, the two could go their separate ways. Without an official trailer or release date for Sex Education season 4, fans will have to wait to find out more about Otis and Maeve.