Published by Mason Oldridge, 30 September 2023
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
One of Netflix’s biggest shows is back for its fourth and final run.
The season introduces us to the new Cavendish College following the closure of Moordale, along with new students: trans couple Abbi and Roman and their deaf friend Aisha, a friendship group dubbed the Coven. The new college is extraordinarily liberal, with everyone being inclusive, environmentally-friendly and polite, with the Coven even having a gossip jar. It feels like this groundbreaking series that highlighted issues surrounding sexual liberation and body positivity has now conformed to being as woke as possible.
As the final season, the main priority is to provide closure to the storylines of the existing characters. At the forefront of this is the love triangle between Otis, Maeve and Ruby. Otis and Meave are in a long-distance relationship with Maeve studying in the US while Ruby still has feelings for Otis. Despite being the focal storyline, the series concludes with Otis and Maeve broken up due to Maeve studying abroad. This seems ridiculous as the whole story arc focused on the duo developing a relationship, which now doesn’t come to fruition even though Maeve could simply study and be just as successful locally. Furthermore, Ruby’s feelings aren’t resolved either and, despite finding her new self, doesn’t get what she deserved. Another storyline left somewhat unresolved is Cal’s body dysmorphia, despite the fundraiser in aid of top surgery.
However, many storylines did get a worthy resolution such as Otis’ competition for sex therapist against O, Jean’s postnatal depression and her sister’s acceptance of childhood abuse, Eric’s conflict with his church and subsequently Otis, Aimee’s blossoming relationship with Isaac, her artwork and moving on from her past assault, Adam’s turbulent relationship with his father, Jackson’s cancer scare leading to the truth surrounding his biological father and Viv’s relationship with her new coercive controlling boyfriend.
Counteracting any shortcomings are some notably beautiful moments. The standout of the season is the funeral episode. There are high emotions as the community attend to support Maeve with both touching moments such as Mr Hendrick’s rendition of With or Without You and hilarious moments such as the lads backing up over Colin’s foot while struggling to manoeuvre the coffin. Additionally, it is particularly joyous to see Adam grow in his new role working with horses and find both comfort with his dad and new hope with his co-worker.
Despite the forced wokeism casting a dark cloud over the season, for the most part the season wraps up the journey rather satisfactory for a series that is simply revolutionary in changing attitudes towards sex, love and relationships.
6/10