This season follows the original gang in their own separate stories. It shows us the inevitable part of becoming an adult – change, as you try to find your own way in the world.
Following the closing of Moordale High School, we see some of the original characters continue their studies at Cavendish – a ‘woke’ and supposedly all-inclusive school. Life at Cavendish is what one hopes to be a parodical depiction of Gen Z. Everyone is positive, queer…and unbelievably annoying. It is almost as though these characters have just seen the world outside of the internet for the first time.
True to tradition, Otis (Asa Butterfield) plans to set up a sex clinic in school in order to continue helping people come to terms with their desires, insecurities and sexuality. This expectation is shattered when Otis realises that Cavendish already has a successful therapist named O (Thaddea Graham).
Meanwhile, Eric (Ncuti Gatwa) finds himself split between his identity as a Christian and a proud gay man. He tries to find acceptance in his community without losing the core of who he is. Eric finds support from Cavendish’s most popular group, especially its leader Abbi (Anthony Lexa), who understands and relates to his struggles. This, along with Otis’ rivalry and their clear differences, creates a rift between the two best friends.
Maeve (Emma Mackey) follows her dream of becoming a writer in the US, however she struggles being among highly privileged peers and a bitter mentor who is always ready to crush a young writer’s aspirations. This is while she tries to make it work long distance with Otis. Back at home, Aimee (Aimee Lou Wood) continues her journey of healing from her sexual trauma and Adam (Connor Swindells) slowly starts building a relationship with his father (Alistair Petrie).
"The fourth season introduces countless new characters with their own storylines, but fails to make them memorable or properly developed."
The fourth season introduces countless new characters with their own storylines, but fails to make them memorable or properly developed. This results in half-assed plots, rushed stories and surface-level coverage of every character’s struggles. The well-developed story was sacrificed in favour of unnecessary characters, which felt unnatural and performative. Even the original characters lost their essence, becoming simplified versions of themselves.
Still despite the lows, we can see the series end as it once was: on slightly anti-climatic, yet beautifully emotional note.
