The Netflix series pretty much has it all.
The layered and clever plotlines are only part of the reason for the show's popularity; the characters and their relationships are the most compelling aspects to enjoy. Aimee and Maeve are two of the leading girls in the series, and their friendship is portrayed in a very positive light. They never argue, and always each other. But the differences between these two characters can't be ignored.
NOT FRIENDS: Aimee's Advice Is Terrible
She always has Maeve's best interests at heart, but if Maeve actually followed her advice they would be in a lot of trouble. When Maeve asks for advice before meeting Jackson's parents for the first time, Aimee isn't very helpful. She tells Maeve not to dress like herself, which leads to the Marchettis' approval of her, but it also means Maeve isn't being herself - so they're not really seeing her.
Aimee tries to help Maeve when the Quiz Heads compete at the nationals. She signals to Maeve that the most commonly used drug in the UK is marijuana, but Maeve trusts Viv and answers Paracetamol, the correct answer. Aimee's most disastrous piece of advice is pushing Maeve to tell Otis how she feels. This sounds like decent advice but ends up creating a huge rift in Maeve and Otis's relationship.
FRIENDS: Aimee Chooses Maeve
Despite Aimee's flaws, she truly cares about Maeve and wants to her even if her other friends don't like her. In season 1, Aimee and Maeve meet up in secret because Aimee doesn't want the Untouchables to know that they're friends.
At the end of the season, Ruby calls Maeve a slag, so Aimee finally dumps the Untouchables up for Maeve. Aimee proudly announces that she's also a slag. As they walk away arm in arm Maeve says she's not a slag. Aimee tells her she only said it because it sounded good. Whatever the case, she would rather be with only Maeve than three popular kids.
NOT FRIENDS: Intellectual Difference
Aimee isn't dumb by any stretch, but she's somewhat clueless to certain things. She isn't nearly as perceptive as Maeve, and especially in the first season, she's portrayed as a bit of a ditz. She mixes up words and decides to be a baker (which turns out disastrously on multiple levels) because she likes toast.
Maeve, on the other hand, is one of the brightest minds in her year. Her teachers see this in her and encourage her to think about university scholarships. She's also a key member of the Moordale Quiz Heads and her contribution helps them win the national championships. She and Aimee can't very well have meaningful conversations if they're on totally different intellectual levels.
FRIENDS: They Each Other
Though they may not be matched in intellect, they still love each other for their other qualities. Maeve s Aimee even if she is sometimes shallow. When Aimee is assaulted, Maeve insists that they report the incident.
And even though Aimee might not understand much of what Maeve and the other Quiz Heads are talking about, she attends every round of the competition with a fresh batch of cupcakes every time.
NOT FRIENDS: Aimee Is Fickle
Aimee moves on from person to person very quickly and doesn't seem too affected by it in the longterm. She goes through a few boyfriends in season 1 before finally settling on Steve, though their relationship hangs in the balance at the end of season 2.
Aimee is also quick to completely move on from the Untouchables, so who's to say she won't get bored of Maeve? At the moment, this seems unlikely, and fans would be sad to see their friendship break up, but it's a possibility further down the line.
FRIENDS: Aren't Afraid Of Judgement
These two characters come from totally different backgrounds - socially and economically. Aimee's friends and family would never approve of Maeve, and the Untouchables openly express their distaste of her.
Similarly, Maeve's brother or mother might have some things to say about Aimee, the way Sean teased her about Jackson. But neither girl is afraid of what others will think of their friendship. They spend a lot of time together in season 2 without hiding their friendship like they do in season 1.
NOT FRIENDS: Emotionally Incompatible
When Aimee experiences a breakup, she doesn't dwell on it at all, while Maeve feels guilty and awkward for a long time afterward. Also, Aimee's emotional response to her assault is very delayed.
Maeve acts tough much of the time, but she's actually highly sensitive. Aimee tells her to come clean to Otis because she wouldn't be so affected herself if someone didn't reciprocate her feelings; she'd just move on. But Maeve instantly regrets speaking out and torments herself for the rest of the season.
FRIENDS: Know Each Other Better Than Anyone
Even though Aimee's advice isn't the best, she can tell that Maeve loves Otis and thinks they should be together. The pair also shares a very intimate back-and-forth, as seen in their secret meetups in the first season. They greet and part with each other using nicknames reserved only for each other.
The two girls share all of their secrets. Maeve always goes to Aimee first when she needs help with something, like deciding whether or not she should date Jackson. Likewise, Maeve knows that Aimee still loves Steve at the end of season 2.
NOT FRIENDS: Different Interests
Aimee is into fashion, boys, and parties, but Maeve would rather spend her nights in, reading a book. These girls may find it difficult to sustain conversations about ... well, anything, since they have so little in common.
Aimee is the lighter of the two, while Maeve is dark and mysterious. This does make their friendship interesting and unique, but their lack of shared interests could make it hard for them to see eye-to-eye and connect.
FRIENDS: Want The Best For Each Other
When Aimee is assaulted, she doesn't see the point in making a "bid deal" out of it. But Maeve presses on about reporting Aimee's assault because she knows it's the right thing to do and that Aimee will thank her in the long-run.
She wants Aimee to do the right thing and make sure the man on the bus is found and convicted so that he doesn't hurt anyone else. Maeve doesn't want Aimee to live with the guilt of knowing she could have helped but didn't. Similarly, Aimee encourages Maeve to tell Otis she loves him because she wants her to be happy.