Sex Education is back as the students of Moordale Secondary face new challenges. Spoilers for the third season ahead!
Known for raising awareness for teenage sexual health and “exploring teen sexuality”, Netflix’s Sex Education returned for a third season, September 17. The latest season saw the students of Moordale Secondary navigate through the new school year. New relationships began to form, whilst others deteriorated, leaving the characters and viewers alike brokenhearted.
Following its release, fans of the show took to Twitter to express their opinions on their favorite ships. From its queer relationships to its heterosexual ones, fans went wild over the display of love explored within the show.
However, one student’s relationship status sparked a massive Twitter debate over who they should end up with. As leading man Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield) attempted to move on from best friend and love interest Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey), he redirected his affections towards “queen bee” Ruby Matthews (Mimi Keene). The affair between the two began through “casual sex” but quickly progressed to official relationship status.
As the season progressed, the characterization of Matthews did too. Due to the blossoming relationship between Milburn and herself, a softer, more genuine side to the popular girl was explored. This caused many fans to increasingly support not only the character but also the relationship between the school’s “it girl” and the nerdy junior sex therapist.
Fans of the show became divided on who the “endgame pairing” should be. Prior to season three, many were die-hard supporters of the Wiley and Milburn star-crossed relationship.
Many took to Twitter to debate the matter. For example, one Matthews and Milburn supporter wrote, “Unpopular opinion, but Ruby and Otis felt like a better pairing than season 3 Maeve and Otis. Just feels like too much has gone on, plus they showed layers and that Ruby has a heart of gold (plus the best bras and outfits of the season) #SexEducation.”
Whilst another added, “Been watching the new season and I honestly think that Otis and Ruby are a much better couple than Otis and Meave. The way the storyline is going is really upsetting #SexEducation.”
However, others stood by the Wiley and Milburn pairing. They pointed out how the pair were far better suited to each other, as they claimed they were "meant to be together."
One fan wrote, “You are all crazy for wanting Otis with Ruby, dosent sit right with me. 2 seasons of character development for Maeve and Otis, but you all forget it after she started to be nice to him halfway through. I,ll forever be team Maeve and Otis. #sexeducation.”
Whilst another attacked the Matthews and Milburn ship. They highlighted Matthews' awful behavior towards Milburn, stating: “ruby is so horrid to otis in S3, legit makes him change everything about himself and constantly puts him down??? why are people so desperate for them to be together #sexeducation”.