Netflix's Sex Education - Episode 2.05 "Episode 5"
Otis and Eric get away from romance and retreat to the woods with Remi. But parents aren't perfect, as Maeve knows. Later, Ola follows her heart.
In 2019, the television industry aired 532 scripted shows across numerous outlets. The way people consume content now is different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, it's less necessary to provide ample coverage of each episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site provides shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of Netflix's Sex Education.
"Episode 5" was written by Laurie Nunn & Richard Gadd and directed by Alice Seabright
The narrative presented the characters with a number of serious choices that they needed to make. And now, this episode features them all definitively making them. Some of them are insanely rewarding. Others may just be temporary in order to create the most amount of drama in the remaining episodes of the season. However, they all feel natural for where these characters currently are in their lives. Every single member of the Milburn family struggles when it comes to being in a relationship. Remi can say with complete clarity that he and Jean weren't good together. Of course, he is still more than willing to have sex with her. That underlines his most significant problem. He is a sex addict who constantly ruins every relationship he has as a result. He has been reluctant to get help for his problem. And now, it leads to disappointing Otis once more. His son hoped that he could have a solid bonding experience with his father and his best friend during a camping retreat. He could escape the problems of the world and hopefully find some clarity on his life. He does make a decision. He texts Maeve that he can't see her anymore. He also tells Ola that he loves her. However, that may just be him doing what he thinks he has to do in order to keep this relationship viable. Ola goes on her own completely separate journey of discovery here. It's powerful to watch as she gains clarity about her pansexuality alongside Adam who still feels immense pressure to appear as straight as possible all the time. When she reads about it, her life suddenly makes sense. This matches up completely with how she experiences the world. As such, it isn't strange for her to be having sex dreams about Lily. That may just be a natural extension of her feelings growing. But it too could highlight how she potentially ruins strong friendships by building up some kind of romantic interest. She works with Otis as friends. She wants to remain as such even though she breaks up with him here. Otis may not be able to handle that though. He feels devastated because he feels all alone after the decisions he has made. That is the risk of being vulnerable and putting oneself out there. Everything with Maeve is a mess that he doesn't know how to process. He reacts upon seeing his father repeat the same mistakes as before. He wants to be a stable person in a relationship. He doesn't want to destroy everything for the idea of something potentially better with Maeve. Ola believes she has this newfound clarity. But it's a story that plays out in her dreams instead of an actual conversation she has with Lily. They do kiss. However, it's awkward afterwards which may make her wonder if she has just made a mistake as well. People should stick to their convictions and remain strong with the choices they make. But it can also be difficult when it comes to matters of the heart. Mrs. Groff understands that she should no longer have to settle for what she has with her husband. She deserves her own personal agency in the world. As such, it only takes a couple dismissive remarks from him in order for her to solidify her plans for divorce. It ensures Adam's home life remains in turmoil. But it may be a salvation to have his father out of the house. And yet, Eric commits to his relationship with Rahim because he isn't afraid to be open about it. Eric tells Otis about everything that has happened with Adam. He feels excited about it. Otis is the one who connects it all back to a sense of self-loathing and intimidation though. Eric should feel proud about the man he is with. There is nothing to hide or be ashamed about. He can't get that from Adam right now. Adam is still too conflicted internally about his sexuality. He too feels strongly about this connection with Eric. He is devastated when he refuses to smash things once more. But the viewer should feel happy for Eric as well because he is making a choice that is absolutely healthy for him at this moment in time. Plus, these relationships are constantly changing. It wasn't too long ago that Jean and Jakob presented as a stable couple. And now, they implode simply because she is overwhelmed by his presence in her house. She remains strong and independent in her profession. However, she fears what it's like to be in a longterm relationship with someone because she has gotten hurt before. As such, she creates issues out of things that shouldn't be problematic in the slightest. Meanwhile, Maeve works on welcoming her mother back into her life and accepting her flaws as she tries to be better. Sure, it's obvious the show is introducing a new love interest for her at a time when Otis is conflicted about his feelings for her once more. That is somewhat forced and lame. But it's all about the personal clarity it brings to her in this maternal relationship. Erin hasn't been there for her. Now, she needs her daughter for support. But it's also better to keep hope alive that change is possible if everyone is willing to make it so. That optimism may be uncharacteristic for Maeve. But it may be the quality she has to embrace right now in order to expand her ambitions and desires in life.
