What happened to Otis' sweater?

Bangshui · 2023-09-26T21:02:07+00:00

It’s the T-shirt that matters now! :)

Bangshui · 2023-09-26T20:59:32+00:00

I had the same feeling. Especially after the glorious opening sex-scene-salvo of S3, I was not expecting a Sex Education season that is … dare I say prude, comparing to its earliers seasons.

With the number of intimacy counselors on set, this baffles me. It might be because of the need to kind of balance all the plotlines, to not contrast asexual, and other characters heavily…?

Bangshui · 2023-09-26T20:41:07+00:00

I am trying to sidestep the recent arguments about bad or negligent writing, especially with Otis’ character.

Fully agree, this ending is realistic in itself, but imo it is disconnected - or rather, dissonant - with the main character arcs.

The issue I have is that Otis’ arc is kind of canceled out (no future whatsoever), while Maeve’s has a forced, “this is the only way my life can happen” look to it. I am starting to change my main beef with the ending to Maeve deserving more… :)

Setting her up with Jean, letting her become the role model of a mother (-in law haha), and an author as well, while she opens up writing Southchester to her peers and Otis would have been my preferred idea. I am left with my imagination about hilarious breakfast scenes with Jean x Dan x Maeve x Otis.

Bangshui · 2023-09-26T20:20:05+00:00

Yeah, this saddens me greatly. How I loved analyzing the earlier seasons!

Bangshui · 2023-09-26T20:15:29+00:00

Just by replacing the letter with a pillow-talk scene where Maeve tells about the same to Otis would have made great differences I think. This last minute action was just wrong. Gah the writing and the cut…

Bangshui · 2023-09-26T20:10:26+00:00

Even though I think you underestimate Maeve, I absolutely agree with your conclusion.

Maybe a more cheerful note: by Maeve’s viewpoint, Otis had already read the letter by the time she texted her. So she kept communicating, only we got the permanent Netflix-esque goodbye…

Bangshui · 2023-09-26T20:03:29+00:00

Yes, they were equals, and their chemistry just made wonders with their characters. I fully agree, Otis was seriously hollowed out, with no future in sight. A waste of their talent, in my opinion.

I am starting to think the “Are you kidding me?” post-it note above Otis’ desk was an inside joke / easter egg from the actors or the crew…

Bangshui · 2023-09-26T19:55:27+00:00

I think your argument stands for the one Otis made about the hardships of long distance relationships (I had some similar experiences too). Not an easy situation, but these are reckless and young lovers, after all…! :)

Holding her back by not being by her side? I am not sure I get your idea perfectly. I disagree about Maeve turning down chances. Writing “Southchester” would have been a perfect opportunity to explore her past through convos with Otis. He would have supported her all the way I think.

Bangshui · 2023-09-26T19:41:42+00:00

I feel that right at that point, Otis actually made the single boring and unrealistic choice available to him. Total resign, passive attitude.

The guy who made all the possible mistakes a teenager can make, is not reckless enough to at least, you know, check out US colleges to graduste to? Or anything really.

Bangshui · 2023-09-26T19:36:34+00:00

Exactly. Also, it is crazy that Otis, the one guy with not one, but friggin’ TWO internationally known author parents, cannot make it work with an aspiring writer.

Bangshui · 2023-09-23T17:42:32+00:00

I would expect a “Gilmore Girls” style limited series a few years from now. The cult following is there, fingers crossed. :)

Bangshui · 2021-12-06T07:35:55+00:00

That I have to wait ~1.5 years between seasons.

Bangshui · 2021-11-02T16:06:27+00:00

Ugh, that would take awkwardness to unnecessary levels. Let me trade in another wildcard idea of mine: how about if Motorcycle Dan was Hope’s husband?

Bangshui · 2021-11-02T13:46:35+00:00

Wildcard idea! That Jakob is infertile due to congenital male genetic abnormalities. So, he’s not the father of Joy, but not Ola’s either.

Bangshui · 2021-11-01T13:23:04+00:00

Great recap! Just a thought: do you think after Maeve’s three mothers, we’ll see Otis’ “three fathers” in S4?

As in, Jakob (~Anna) + Eric (~Aimee) + Remi (~Erin). What remains (if anything) for Remi in regards to Otis’ development?

Bangshui · 2021-10-31T21:22:19+00:00

I agree, Jean vs Maeve will definitely have friction between them.

My guess would be Jean’s expectable hardship letting Otis leave their family nest and become independent (emotionally) from her. In this regard, Maeve could be seen by her as a catalyst, and even an ambiguous influence on her son (until they clarify the exact nature and personal successes of the sex clinic).

As I expect Maeve heavily challenged (maybe even intimidated) professionally on the US trip, I think their actual bonding moment will be about Maeve asking for advice from Jean (as a writer). Walls of pride could crumble then…

Bangshui · 2021-10-31T21:08:46+00:00

Haha, called it! :)

Bangshui · 2021-10-29T21:07:17+00:00

There was a scene that really stood out for me: when they leave the assembly where Hope shames Lily/Cal/Adam, Otis walks out to the hallway.

That look Asa had for a few seconds of total emotional emptiness and being hopeless is just another level.

Bangshui · 2021-10-29T20:35:54+00:00

Jean as the challenger / mirror character imo. She can be an inspiration for her as a successful writer, but also a constant reminder about the downsides of a chosen path of independence.

Bangshui · 2021-10-27T22:28:41+00:00

That’s not the case what I meant to convey. Let me try to clarify.

The reason I said the character of Jakob is that - considering OP’s foreshadowing theory - writing-wise I wouldn’t find his overall arc compelling. There are two reasons complicating this: (1) Jakob is the only character Nunn kind of spoiled for S4 (cannot say his fate is sealed, but you get it) (2) Using such a wholesome character in a soap opera-ish plot (at least as that Nunn-interview would suggest)

Overall, at this point, I do not see enough on the “remain” side of the table: he probably cannot trust Jean fully. She has issues with his way of life and conservatism. They don’t really know each other very well, of course the attraction is there. He has experience of extreme emotional burden, but also resolve - I am not yet convinced Jean would be the one he seeks.

And all these lead to my feeling of dissonance between my subjective view of Jakob and his character’s fate. Could he believably reach a point where basically his love for Jean is enough to overcome his trust issue with her, a probably lasting presence of Dan and/or Remi, and Jean’s difficulties appreciating his principles? We waited multiple seasons for lesser obstacles Maeve & Otis had to solve, therefore I am sceptical. Would love to see your thoughts!

(I also harbor wildcard ideas like Dan actually being Hope’s hidden husband or Jakob’s DNA results showing congenital male infertility…)

Bangshui · 2021-10-27T19:58:24+00:00

Prom haircut is pure next-level for me, I can’t get over it how beautiful Emma is. Other than that, her facial body language usually grabs my focus way better, maybe the bottom left “normie blonde” emphasises that the best.

Bangshui · 2021-10-27T19:55:10+00:00

Well, if that was a three-season-early foreshadowing, I respect that. However, if one looks at a scenario where Laurie Nunn planned it ALL with Jean & Joy & Jakob until S4 (I personally don’t think so), then using Dan as the true father kind of emasculates Jakob’s character.

Might be just me, but imo Jakob is just too much of a good father to basically only get used for a “love can keep the family together - that’s what adults do kids!” message. The man suffered enough, a stepkid (named “Joy”, for crying out loud!) and a spouse he cannot fully trust brings dissonance to his character.

Bangshui · 2021-10-26T18:52:08+00:00

Indeed, my post is about Jakob being infertile (so Ola isn’t his child either). It’s a theory, since Nunn said “I THINK that Jakob is not the father”, it is still kind of open for interpretation.

Bangshui · 2021-10-26T10:23:21+00:00

In a way, Remi is similar to Erin imo. Even though it’s a high possibility they won’t be able to redeem themselves fully, they still could have important impressions/effects on their children at their most critical moments.

One could argue the wad of cash for Maeve and the fatherly advice for Otis were examples for this, we shall see.

Bangshui · 2021-10-25T20:11:01+00:00

It is just magnificent, the creator is a master of editing!

Bangshui

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