#29 - Burning the Jeans: Aimee Gibbs Finds Artistic and Sexual Healing in ‘Sex Education’ Season 4 - Leftist Teen Drama

Episode Transcript
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Hey. I'm Maria. I work at a labor union by day and write and watch too much TV by night. I like to say I've been firmly in The CW's clutches since it was The WB. As the great Seth Cohen on The OC once said about the fictional teen drama The Valley, TV teen dramas are mind numbing escapism.

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They exist in a fantasy world where 20 something hot actors are usually cosplaying high schoolers in melodramatic depictions of adolescents. But that's honestly why I love teen dramas so much. I love the tropes and the ships and the not at all subtle product placement. I love the early offs theme songs and the cameo performances by pop punk bands. I love the newer generation of shows that are more diverse and representative of the vastness of teenage girldom.
And I especially love the moments when TV teen dramas get political. You guys, we can organize, stand together, speak with one voice. Karl Marx has come alive for me today. Now it just seems so obviously wrong that those who control capital should make their fortunes off the labor of the working class. Well, since you've fired us, you've given us plenty of time to pick in.
Workers of the world, you're not profiting. Long live the revolution. Welcome to another episode of leftist teen drama, and specifically to our second and final installment on Amy Gibbs in Sex Education. And I'm welcoming back to the podcast the same people who we started this whole journey with, which is my friends Nikki and Kelly. So I was gonna say for anyone who hasn't listened before, but, like, if you haven't listened to the first installment, like, you should go back and listen to it before you listen to this.
But I will still say do y'all wanna introduce yourselves briefly? My name is Kelly. I met Maria through the union semester program in New York City. If you're interested in labor unions at all, you should check it out, union semester. Oh, true.
Now we're just friends. It was it was such a long time ago, and now Maria is a union professional. Hi, everyone. I'm Nikki. I met Maria at college, and we started working on organizing stuff together to support the workers on our campus.
And from there, I've continued working in in labor, and now I do union communications work for a PR firm that works with unions and nonprofits. So, yeah, excited to be here. So as usual, all of the guests are usually connected by movement work. Yeah. As I was saying before, so this is our part 2 of our, like, deep dive into Amy Gibbs' healing journey on sex education after her traumatic sexual assault infamously occurred on the bus to school in season 2.
And since then, I feel like that's kind of ended up being kind of, like, the defining plot line of Amy's journey is, you know, both the, like, just general mental health healing, but also the, like, sexual healing, which we talked about a bit in our last installment as well. So, yeah, as I was saying, definitely go back and listen to our first installment if you haven't. We talked about the actual we're all getting the best moment, and I'll definitely cry while we were watching it. We bowed down to queen Jean Milburn as Amy went to therapy. It's really a delight.
And now we're gonna, you know, talk about this final season, season 4 of Sex Education. Yeah. I thought that before we got into Amy specifically, since I haven't talked either of you about this season yet, I have discussed the Eric Etheon of it all already with Dondre and Abeer. So I've talked a lot about season 4 already. So I wanna start with y'all and, like, what did you think of season 4, like, as a whole?
Like, you know, separate of the Amy of it all, because we're obviously gonna talk about all of our thoughts. Yeah. I I think this season was tough. Yeah. That's okay if that's your answer because that was our answer too.
It it was really heavy, like, crazy heavy throughout. And I know they talk about difficult issues, but there was just so much happening this season. Like, obviously, spoiler spoilers ahead. Oh, yeah. Yeah.
There was a death of a parent. There was, like, the truth of learning I'm forgetting his name, but about his father, like, not wanting him. Like, there it just, like obviously, there was Amy's journey that we're gonna go over, but trigger warning, like, there was, you know, everything around trans health care and, like, that journey. It was just it was it was crazy, and it like, I appreciate them going over everything. I think something that was I don't know.
Maybe it was just they covered less territory or they covered more, like, fun sexual territory Right. The other seasons that the levity was not there. And it made it a lot harder to watch because it's just it's really important issues, but it's so emotionally draining that I wish they had, like, 10, 11 episodes, and they had, like, more time to have a little bit more fun with it. Mhmm. I don't know.
I don't know if that makes sense, but that was my feeling. I was, like, like, rewatching. I'm like, this was this was not their best season. I agree. I think it was their worst season for sure.
Yeah. I agree. I agree. I don't know. And I feel like a lot of shows do this where, like, you kind of start watching it and it's a lot of fun, and then there's, like, a dark period.
And I'm thinking about, like, certain seasons of community got really dark or even, like, BoJack Horseman. I was like, am I really watching a cartoon cat, like, have a miscarriage right now? It's just like it's like a lot. And then, like, I think I don't know. It's just like, oh, I started watching Science Education because I was like, this is a funny little show about young and, I mean, sometimes it got a little heavy.
You know? And that's why we we do the podcast about it because they talk about real shit, but, like, it's just a little much. But maybe that's also about, like, where I am mentally, where I'm like, I I watch TV to escape. You know? Some people want Totally.
Some people wanna get into, like, their darkness when they're watching TV, but I don't not me these days. But, yeah, I also think that's, like, a thing with, like, British TV. It's, like, the TV show seasons are not very long, and they'll, like, stop a show after, like, 4 or 5 seasons. And so there's, like, a lot of territory to cover. But, yeah, I 100% agree, Vicky.
I was, like, this is really, really heavy. I don't yeah. Yeah. I don't know. And I'd also like to sorry, Kel.
And I'd like to also second that that is also how I watch TV. So, again, since I last saw this season, it's been a minute since I've, like, delved into some really heavy topics while watching. So there might be people who are like, this is real life. This is TV. You know what I mean?
So I totally understand if someone else's experience is like, this is great drama, and it's like, I feel you. I totally feel that too. Totally. That's really interesting because that's like I feel like a very different perspective than my like, I feel like me and Abir and Donjar were just, like, all these new fucking characters. Like, we were just being petty ass, like, little whiners.
You guys have such, like, deep, like, reactions to the season. But yeah. No. A lot of new characters, so that is true. That is also true.

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I just hated like, I was a little bitter about some of the characters they cut and then, like, expect I feel like they expected me to be, like, super invested in these characters who we had, like, fucking just met, who honestly were, like, kind like, the all of the, like, Cavendish kids were just who were, like, the, like, popular kids of the school or whatever who Eric becomes friends with. They were just, like, at at times, it felt like a caricature of what, like, millennials think that Gen z, like, queer young people are. Like, I'm just like, this is insane. Like like, that like, the toxic positivity and, like, the fucking no gossip jar and, like, just it was wild. Yeah.
I also I didn't I didn't quite understand that either. I was like, well, that's good that they're making a point about that, but, also, do they need to make that point? Like, I'm not sure if they actually needed it. You know? Yeah.
It's like is this a real like, I don't know. I just sometimes I'm watching and I'm like, oh, this is like the cultural anxieties of the people in the writer's room and not like, yeah. I know. True. Absolutely.
Yeah. No. That definitely felt true, especially since I kinda feel like the whole show up until this point has already kinda made the point that, like, you know, like, gossiping about people to the point where you're, like, spreading around a vagina picture, for example, to reference the, like, earlier season plot line, you know, or whatever. Like, it that sucks. I feel like they've kind of already illustrated that.
Like, I feel like I needed, you know, Abby with her little jar or whatever. I'm like, chill out, Abby. We can gossip a little bit. I guess, Kathy, you know, I a treat. Yeah.
Do you ever, like, think back to, like, your high school? I'm like, that the the nude thing did happen at my school, school, and we were all, like, 15. And this was before smartphones. Oh my god. I don't know.
Things change, but they stay the same. Absolutely. What a nightmare. Yep. It's bad.
But at least on this show, like, it's always, like, actually, like, seen as, like, if something like that happens, like, that is bad, I feel like. But I feel like on shows that were a little more, like, art era, it was just kinda like, oh, no. This happened. Yeah. They're like, I can't believe that girl took a picture.
Yeah. They weren't like, this is child pornography. Yeah. I'm sorry. Missing the bigger picture.
Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. And then, obviously, I also like, if you haven't listened to our Eric F. Young episodes, Eric is my favorite character.
I would say Amy is, like, my second favorite and, like, close second. And so, like, Eric and Amy's journeys were honestly my favorite part of season 4. And so I'm really glad that I already had started talking about both of their journeys, so I had an excuse to, like, podcast about that. And then, also, I will say on the record, and I'll probably say it again when we get to that part of the plot line, we are planning on doing a whole disability justice episode about season 4 about, like, that new character Ayesha and Isaac, obviously, journey with the lift and the collective action that the students end up taking. We're gonna do a whole separate episode about that.
So even though it kind of intersects with Amy's journey, we're only gonna, like, lightly touch on it today, and we will eventually do that episode in a future episode of Leftisteen Drama. So, yeah, I feel like those were the highlights for me. All the things that I, like, want a podcast about are the highlights, and everything else was kinda like, alright. I just have to second the the storylines you brought up as, like, being the favorites. I think, like, honestly, like, seeing Eric's journey was probably, like, the reason to get through this whole show is for that.
It was really special, and I liked I liked where it ended too as, like, I'm going to create, you know, that space within that community. Yeah. That was awesome. I'm gonna be the the light for, you know, LGBT folks who want, you know, some religious backing in their lives. I think that's cool.
And hasn't been said a lot in TV. Right? Like so I think that's cool. So to get into Amy's journey, I first wanted to say that I listened back to our first installment while I was getting ready for this episode. And so I jotted down all of our season 4 hopes and dreams from the end of the first episode, and they actually were, like, not that far off from what happened.
So I feel like we could have been in the writer's room, honestly. So I'm just gonna Okay. Go through some of them. So I said that I was excited to see Amy be solo for a little bit as I've never really seen that. And, that I hope that she either finds another passion she loves or continues to evolve with her baking and want her to find herself.
Nikki said, I think there's a tendency to show survivors of sexual assault as either Amy's story where she's not having sex and doesn't feel comfortable with sex, or some people deal with being hypersexual. She said, I would love to see that she works through this and not necessarily another relationship of being touched, and it feels good and healthy with another person. And Nikki said, I think it's important to show that people who deal with this aren't broken. It doesn't mean they can't have fulfilling sex lives after this. And then Kelly said that she wants to see Amy explore herself and have a ton of fun and try new things.
That's what being 18 or 19 is all about. There was a bump in the road, but that doesn't mean she doesn't get to just enjoy her young adulthood. And we also hope that she has some sexual healing. That's fun and healthy and safe for her, and that nothing else bad happens with the end of Cali. Yeah.
Which honestly, for specifically people who Amy loves, that thing happens. But for her, that actually pretty much she did nothing really that bad externally happened to her this season. So and then I also said that I hope she continued to see Jean in season 4, and we'll talk about why that didn't happen, which was a sad disappointment, to be real. Yeah. Oh, and then Kelly this is gonna come back later, so I'll mention it now, but we'll get back to it.
But Kelly said she wanted Amy to kick somebody's ass or something in season 4 and said she wants someone to get what's coming to them through Amy. Yeah. I wanted to see her feminine rage realized. And we love that. Yeah.
So, yeah, I think we got a lot of the things we wanted, so I think this is gonna be a a really fun conversation. So we're gonna get into the first episode of season 4. We're kinda just gonna trace the journey chronologically. Basically, the season opener has one of their kind of classic sex montage kinda situations where you kinda catch up with all the characters via some sort of sexual or sexual adjacent thing. And Amy is introduced to us in season 4 exploring her sexuality solo.
So she's, like, masturbating amid a sea of brightly colored sex toys. Like, this is when you remember that she is definitely, like, a wealthy child, and it's like can I could not like, I could not imagine owning a sex toy as a teenager because masturbation was such a, like, taboo, like, secret thing I did that I didn't want anyone to know I did? But, like, having that many, like, I'm just like, girl, I'm jealous now. It's adult meat. Yeah.

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And they're expensive. She has, like, the nice ones. They're, like, made of, like, silicone. Okay. This is when I was a teenager, somebody in my life went to the store and bought us all vibrators.
Nice. But mine was literally, like like, plastic. Oh my god. It had, like, a little dial to make it work, and the box had, like, a big titty lady on it. It was just, like I think it had been on the shelf since, like, 1985.
But my group of friends is a little liberated about that stuff. But That's nice. That's nice. I would have loved that. Also, at college, I felt that way, but not in high school.
These were my summer camp friends. In your hometown, it was always like, that's disgusting. Like, women should never masturbate. It was horrible. But, yeah, I don't know.
But, yeah, she's she's on babe land.com or something. I'm I'm shocked at the quality of these vibrators. I was also shocked by the fact that they were all over her room and the idea of things that are so visible. It's just like, what if someone walks in? Like, I don't I don't quite understand the freeness of that.
You know, when you're part of the household and when With, like, parents and siblings, it's like, what what is happening? But I loved it. I did love it. Even better than that is the fact that she has, like, this diary that she's, like, writing in with this, like, fluffy pink pen, a la, like, Clueless vibes, where it's like there's literally, like, a pink pom pom on the end of the the pen. And she rates the one that she had been using when we, like, see her first as 3 and a half stars with the note had better, which is honestly pretty iconic.
Like, wow. And then at the end of the episode, Maeve in America actually receives a care package from Amy that includes a vibrator with a note, highly recommend. So she's sharing her knowledge with, you know, her her fellow vagina owners. Yeah. She should make a YouTube channel.
You're so right. You're amazing. So then we get into the plot of the, you know, the first episode and the Mooredale secondary kids or the ex Mooredale secondary kids that have arrived at their new school, Cavendish College, which is, like, not like, I know that none of these places are real, but this place is, like, extra extra not a real place. So Amy actually finds Otis and Eric in the parking lot by the bike rack, and she's, like, sporting this adorable pink bicycle and, like, spotted helmet. And, like, Eric and Otter said, like, don't you usually have a car?
And she's like, yeah. But I let a family of squirrels live in it, and now it's having loads of repairs. We do see her car later. So it's like the beginning of the season. She doesn't have her car, canonically, because there are squirrels living in it or there were.
That's so gross, man. I don't know. Like, bless your heart, but ew. That's really Bless her heart. Yeah.
They could go anywhere. You they don't need your car. I will say on this note that in our first installment, one thing that we noted was that Amy is one of the most comedic characters in the show, and that was why it hit so hard that, like, she got such a heavy storyline, like, right in the second season. And I do love that she maintains her humor. She's just fucking hilarious in season 4.
I just wanted to say that, like, I love that that is consistent even as she's on her journey. And then the other thing that I noted as I was doing this outline is that Amy I don't know if this is, like, intentional or not, but Amy has literally had a new mode of transportation to school at the beginning of every season. So, like, in the first episode, you know, when we first see them go to school. Because, like, in the first season, she's still friends with Ruby, so she gets a ride with her. Then in season 2, she takes the bus, obviously.
And then season 3, she has her own car because her mom found out that she got assaulted and got to her car. And then season 4, on the 1st day, she has a bike. So I was like, that's interesting, all the different phases of Amy getting to school. But, yeah, so Amy's arc is pretty consistently this season about art and sexual healing through, like, finding a sexual partner she's willing to be intimate with again. I mean, they don't obviously get all the way that we see to, like, the level of sex she'd been having before, but, like, beginning to have intimacy again.
And so both of these, like, arcs that interfect begin in the first episode when Amy is on her way to her art class, and she sneaks into the elevator with Isaac at, like, the last second before the doors are closing. And she's like, oh, god. Sorry. And then the lift stops suddenly, which begins, you know, the the plotline with the lift not working at the school. And, you know, they're talking about Isaac obviously complaining because access issues are something that he deals with all the time.
And he clearly recognizes Amy, but she doesn't recognize him as, like, Maeve friend and sort of ex. And he says, like, you don't remember me, do you, Isaac Maeve, sort of ex? And she's like, Isaac, oh, sorry. I'm good with names, not faces. And and they realized they're both on their way to art class.
And Amy says, I switched from history. I've never done art before, but I'm reading this book that says art can help process trauma, and I'm on a healing journey. I do think it's amazing that they actually had her say that in dialogue. Because I feel like whenever I was like, oh, Amy's on a healing journey. I was like, I feel like I'm being so, like, abstract about it, but, like, they literally had her say it in the dialogue of the show.
So confirmed. Yeah. And I feel like people do kind of talk like that now. You know? They're like, I'm on my own journey.
I don't like healing journey. I love it. I do also like that, like, it's very intentional why she starts doing art. Like, it's not like, oh, I'm just gonna take art this semester, and then she happens to realize it can help her process her trauma. Like, she's very in control of this journey and her coming back to herself.
She's, like, you know, methodically tracking her, like, sexual pleasure via these fucking vibrator ratings in her diary. And now she's like, okay. It says in this book that art helps, so I'm gonna try that next. Like, I don't know. It's cool.
Very in touch with her mental health and stuff. So then she has kind of this, like, weird little, I don't know, I guess, like, gaffe with faux pas, if you will, with Isaac where she says, oh, is that why you do art? To process trauma because you're disabled? And it's like, oh, you could have said that very different way. Maybe not said it at all and let it just come out naturally.
I don't know why he does art, but, yeah, he, like, says something sarcastic back, and he then eventually says, like, I'm actually very happy with my life. I do art because I love painting, but thank you very much for your ableist projection. And Amy is like, did I just say the wrong thing? And he smiles, and she kinda whispers, like, kind of wish I'd taken the stairs. And he's like, me too.

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After that interaction on the elevator, Amy actually texts Maeve, who as we know is in America now. I think he's at school. I think he hates me. And Maeve replies, he pretends to be a dick, but he's not. I think you guys would get along.
So then we see Amy in art class for the first time. And one of the additions to the cast on the adult end is the extremely horny and stereotypical art teacher who then later fucks Adam's dad. She is kind of a riot, in my opinion. And she comes around looking at everyone's, like, evils or whatever, and she's like, interesting. What is it?
And it's, like, very obviously boobs, and she's just like, it's boobs. And she's like, so it is. Remember, you don't have to be so literal. That was so good. Yeah.
That got me good. Yeah. I really do love how, like, that's really an artistic journey from the beginning. We get to see her really doing baby steps at the beginning here. And and Isaac kind of observed this.
And so then the next two episodes, the second and third episodes of the 4th season, I would say, is Amy kind of, like, actually finding her medium that she wants to, like, express herself through. So in the second episode, she takes the elevator with Isaac again, and there's a very funny moment where she's like, god, is the lift broken again? And he's like, you need to press the button. Like, she hadn't pressed the button. She's like, oh.
And so then she takes the the opportunity to apologize, and she says, like, sometimes I say the first thing that pops into my head. What I said the other day was really, really stupid. I'm sorry. Maeve thinks we'd really get on, and I don't have many friends now that she's gone. So I was hoping maybe we could start again, and he agrees and says they can start again.
Seemingly later that day, Amy looks she's drawing is supposed to look like. And so I think it's like, what's it meant to look like? And she says it's supposed to be my melon. And then she explains that she had this friend called Melon when she was a kid. She took him everywhere with her.
It doesn't look anything like him, so the picture doesn't mean anything. And then she says, I don't think I understand this art stuff. And this is there's a lot of hilarious Amy as a child lore this season. Yeah. And so she continues to explain because Isaac's like, why did you call your child a teddy bear, Melon?
And she's like, no. It wasn't a teddy bear. It was an actual melon. I loved him so much, but he went all moldy and trunk, and he smelled so bad. It was my first experience of death.
Oh my god. Amazing. What a queen. Yeah. She's so grossing.
Forever. Like Yeah. She's always been a little gross. She's beautiful, but she's kinda gnarly. No.
You're so right. That's, like, representation of a certain type of yeah. Because she's always, like, talked about, like, things that make her fart and shit like that. Like, she'll, like, say that kind of stuff out loud. So that's actually, yeah, very in line with what we've known her to be as this whole time.
And I think rightly replies, Amy, that's really weird. And she's like, is it? And it's just so funny how she, like, doesn't realize that, like she just, like, thinks her thoughts are her thoughts and, like, doesn't think about what other people are gonna think about them. It's, like, lovely, but just weird. Anyway, he kinda diagnoses the problem with her art frustration.
And it's like, do you like drawing? And she says, it hurts my wrist having to hold a pencil so long. And then he says, well, you don't have to draw. There's loads of different ways to make art. I can show you this weekend if you like.
And she agrees. As funny as the eclectic art teacher is, like, I think it's, like, straight up doing her job. Like Yeah. Literally. Like, somebody help Amy.
Like, she's just like, you don't have to be so literal and then just kinda, like, side eyes her and walks away. You know? Yeah. But that's one thing on the mind, and it's not art. So Amy kinda has, like, private art lessons with Isaac.
And in the 3rd episode, she arrives at Isaac's trailer, and then his brother answers the door, and she brings cakes, which I think is important to stop and note here that I love and this is related to what I said last season. I love that her baking has gotten consistently better throughout the season. Like, it started out of her being like, I really like toast, and now we have her, like, literally walking in with these cakes with, like, intricate squirrel designs on them. Yeah. No.
She's gotten way more, like, self efficacious. Like, I also think that's, like, the bike metaphor too. It's, like, you have to pedal the bike. Like, it's all you. I don't know.
And and it's hers. Her mom didn't buy it for her. Like, I love Amy. She's the best. So, yeah, she literally comes bearing squirrel cakes.
And iFix brother, Joe, is like, what's on them? And she says, oh, my squirrels. I miss them so much. And Sadie, Simone, Selena, and Bruce because he looks like his stepdad. And so I think I also wrote my notes that I just, like, love how Amy has, like, not lost her childlike innocence in a lot of ways.
And just, like, even when she's, like, you know, in a place she always seems to, like, have these little moments of joy in her life even at the times when she's going through it. Like, she's making squirrel cakes because she misses her squirrels. Like, I I don't know. That's I would just, like, fucking, out of teenager, probably just would've, like, watched one of my teen drama DVDs or something and wallowed. Same.

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Yeah. Isaac comes in and it's like, it's I said it's for me, and it's very much like, Joe, get out of here. And he said he needed the caravan today. The brother takes a cake and and and goes. So I thought that the first clip we'd watch is Isaac kind of walking Amy through all the different options and her starting to realize that maybe photography will be her medium.
So you could do sculpture or there's printmaking as well here, but it's about finding what's the right expression for you. Yeah. I don't think I get art. What makes you decide how to decorate your cakes? Don't know.
Just what I feel on the day. Well, that's basically art. Is that someone's bed? Yeah. Yeah.
That's Tracy Emmons. It's what her bed looked like after she'd had a depressive episode, and then she put it in a gallery. How badass is that? And this over here is Anna Mendieta. She took loads of photographs with herself.
A lot of female artists like to use self portraiture. Maybe it's because other people don't see them how they really are. Yeah. Do you have a camera? He does have a camera.
I'm just gonna cut straight to her. Starting to alert. It's very funny. Like, her, like, whole lens cap thing makes me laugh because, like, me, I've definitely been there. Can't see anything.
The lens cap's that long. Oh. If you move that front dial to the left, then it will focus. And then the numbers behind that are the aperture. The lower the number, the more light you lay.
And there's a self timer that you can use as well. Alright. Okay. Are these for your portfolio? Yeah.
Can I? Yeah. Sure. We moved around a lot when we were younger. Have you always lived with your brother?
Yeah. I wanna move out on my own soon though. Maybe get a teaching degree and earn a bit of money that way. But I just don't know how to talk to him about it yet. I thought you did art just because you liked painting.
This looks very personal. Yeah. I I suppose I've had a lot of anger growing up in care, and painting helped me feel less, sad. Yeah. When I got sad as a kid, I'd bury all my mom's jewelry in the garden so she couldn't find it.
She's probably still there. You're a maverick. What does that mean? It means that you don't think like other people. I thought that was being stupid.
No. No. It means that you're your own person. Mom. Oh.
Do you have any of those cakes there? Yeah. Loads. Have them all. I've gotta go.
So right now, have a nice evening. Don't forget the camera. Oh, thank you. Bit of a strange fish, that one. Okay.
So we'll pause there. So, yeah, a lot happens in that scene. As I think I was saying before, like, the the the, like, starting to feel like you can be intimate with someone of it all and the art of it all are kinda, like, happening simultaneously, which is kinda cute. And, obviously, if you're gonna go the teach art teacher angle, I'm glad that you had her do this with an actual other student and didn't, like, you know, repeat the awful trope that we've seen way too many times in in teen shows and movies. Oh my god.
Yeah. You know? Like, I don't know. I really I really love that they went this this direction with this, especially the art of it all. I mean, I I have mixed feelings about Isaac, I think, but I like that she finds someone who can help her understand, like, art.
Yeah. Can we talk about that for a moment? Yeah. I actually thought it would be I thought it would be a really good place to talk about it actually, like, because the other thing that happens after this is that he texts her, I had fun yesterday, and she looks, like, super fucking conflicted the next day. I felt like this is a good place to pause and kind of discuss, like, our opinions on the fact that Amy has, like, this burgeoning romance of Isaac, like, very shortly after she said that she wanted to break up with her boyfriend to be alone.
Yeah. I it's maybe I just hold a grudge, but I feel like I have problems with Isaac as a character that she, like, ends up with based on, like, past seasons. And it's almost like I wish it either happened with someone new or it was, like, a different, I don't know, a different kind of thing that happened with him that maybe wasn't romantic. I I don't know, but he I don't love him. I don't love him and the past stuff that he's done.
So it's it's hard. Maybe I just am like a Taurus and, like, hold a grudge, but, like, I just can't I don't know. I do like the the, like, love story and how it went. It's just I don't love him because of his past actions. That's totally fair.
I mean, especially, like, the whole the one deleting the voice mail. Is that what I'm thinking of when he deleted, yeah, Otis' voice mail for me? Like, that's obviously the thing that that sticks the most in my mind up because it does feel like it was such a, like, vindictive in a relationship kind of vibe. Yeah. I get that, why that would linger.

(01:46):
And I feel like the general vibe on the show that I get is like, oh, like me forgave forgave him, so they expect the audience to forgive him as well. And, like, whether or not that's valid, I think it's up for debate. But, yeah, I feel like that's kinda what happens here. Yeah. They're definitely, like, you know, it's in the past, whatever.
And Yeah. Yeah. I I get that too. But No. I, I agree.
I don't know. It's tough. I I don't love men in general. Something I'm working on. But I think, also, I feel like, you know, it is also hard to have, like, an actor with eyes like that and, like, a demeanor like that and have him not do romantic things, especially when he's, like, helping her, like, explore her emotions through art.
I'm like, it's like that's so intimate. So I don't know. I was like I was, like, really enjoying the scene, and I was like, god. These 2 together, it's, like, very hot. But he was a little dick before, and that's very true to life, I guess, is a lot of people yeah.
Just, like, have you ever, like god. I don't know. It's hard to explain, but just, like especially because these characters are supposed to be, like, very young adults. I'm, like, yeah. Their behavior is accurate, I think, for, like, a 20 19, 20 year old person.
And, like, hopefully, he becomes a nice art teacher and never does that sort of stuff again. But I don't know. I think about, like, I mean, just the way that people I dated, how we treated each other during that phase in our lives, and I'm like, oh my god. I was a monster. They were monsters.
But yeah. Yeah. I don't know. Yeah. I think I think you're right, Kelly.
I think it's more of a personal thing for me. I think that's definitely I think that's definitely, like, how teenagers are, and it's it totally makes sense. And I a 100% agree. The actor is too, like, stunning for it not to turn into this thing. Like, they can't, like, you know it's like leaving filet mignon in the kitchen.
You know? Like, you have to put it on the stove. You have to, like, make it work. So Uh-huh. They they did the right thing.
The Chekhov a hot artist. He has to kiss someone once he enters the the play. Oh, so funny. Yeah. No.
Totally. They have really good chemistry, the actors, for sure. And, I mean, I think that I think that this is the kind of show where, like, because it's about sex also, it's, like, almost every time we see 2 people on the show, like, get into some sort of a friendship. Like, I feel like there's, like, at least more than a 50% chance that it's gonna become sexual or romantic. There's so much tension.
There's so much tension. And then, like, you know, this guy is being a dick now too because he's, like, inviting Amy over to talk about art. That is so romantic. And I'm, like, you know that's your, like, ex girlfriend's best friend. But Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah. But she's also real cute. She's so cute, and she's so cute. Look at this.
Exactly. I really liked that she was, like, inspired by the other women doing self portraiture. So it ended up kinda being what brought her to, like, all these photographs, was seeing those self portraits that that he shows. I also do think it's cool that, literally, she ends up finding out from Isaac, like, what his art is about in order to, like, understand how one could actually make art that's, like, meaningful and not just, like, here's my melon that I had when I was growing up. Even though, you know, arguably, that could be meaningful.
It also just reminds me of, like so I took AP art history in my sophomore year of high school and then, like, wasn't me and my friend Charles, who, like, became friends while we were, like, art history TAs together the next year as juniors. We got, like, credit for it and everything. Yeah. Oh. So Amazing.
And, yeah, we were very unprofessional. We used to get into, like, oil pastel flights and stuff. But So weird. But what I what it made me think of from my AP art history days was the fact that, like, before the class, like, there was, like, some you know, like, how you would usually have, like, summer homework for APs. The summer before, yeah.
You know, then your nerd your nerd homework. And so we had to do an essay that was, like, literally, like, you putting forth a definition of what is art. Like, just what it yeah. Just what is art, which it actually really is a good exercise to start to learn how to write about art, which is what you really have to do in art history and for the art history AP exam. But, like, it made me think of this whole, like, introduction to art and her being like, I don't really understand art, and him being like, well, like, you deciding you wanna decorate your cakes to be squirrels is kind of art already.
Was kind of an interesting, like it made me think of that argument. And, like, you know, the summer I had to, like, write that essay, which was a huge fucking undertaking. Oh my god. Yeah. That reminds me of, like, on 30 Rock when Alec Baldwin is, like, that's not art.
Art is paintings of horses. This is but, no. I yeah. I don't know. I'm finding it funny that, like, you know, when we're when we're children, we're kind of, like you know, we all take art class and they make us paint and stuff, but we don't really critically talk about, like, what what do we think art is until, like, later, even though I feel like, like, the drive to be creative is kind of, like, innate a little bit.
Like, I don't know. But okay. I think it's cool that he talked about Anna Vendieta. Am I saying her name right? Oh, no.
I wasn't actually familiar with that artist. I remember hearing about her a long time ago, I don't know, on, like, one of my Internet wormholes, and she was very cool. She did kind of, like, gnarly self portraits with blood. She's, like, a feminist artist. She died young.

(02:07):
I think her husband murdered her. Fuck. Right? Yeah. Yeah.
She, like, fell out of a window, and it's just, like, not clear if it was a suicide or not. Yikes. Oh my god. I wonder I wonder if they brought her up partly to, like as kind of, like, a a touch on, like, you know, there is this, like, violence against women. But, yeah, I don't know too much about her art, unfortunately, like, mostly about, like, the circumstances around her death, which is fucked up, and I should learn more about her as a person.
But I don't know how it came up. Maybe it was, like, the anniversary of her death or something, and it was, like, all over the Internet. But her art is very cool and kind of, like, raw and gnarly. Yeah. It seems like intentional to me, for sure.
Like, it definitely parallels the art. Wow. It parallels the art that Amy makes ends up making, for sure. Yeah. Let me I was hold on.
I don't know. Maybe I should have Googled her before this, but I was like, that means No. I didn't even think to do that because it didn't sound familiar to me. And there's also Tracy Eman Eman. I don't know how her last name was spelled, but Yeah.
That was also name dropped. Yeah. I think it's also interesting the the juxtaposition between, like, the way Isaac and Amy are, like, talking about art and creation and everything that, you know, May goes through this season in terms of, like, how when you get to a certain level, everything is, like, critiqued so much and so, like, brutalized that you can, like, lose the the, like, joy in it and the, like, drive to even create at all. And it's just kinda interesting to be, like, seeing both of those. So it's it is nice that Isaac's being so supportive.
Do you find anything going? Art teacher. I mean, yeah, I'm finding I mean, this is like so it's a podcast, so no one's gonna see this, but it's a lot of, like, self portraits, like, in in different, like, natural places or, like k. Kind of, like, sculptures of, like, dead looking women with, like, plants growing on them. And I think she had, like, a controversy about working with blood.
It was, like, was it her blood? Where is this blood coming from? I don't know. She's very cool. I'll do I'll do another deep dive later.
And then I guess maybe you know what? I was, like, a teenager when I learned about her. There was a symposium at NYU that was, like, where is Ana Mendieta? And it was about, like, how did she die exactly? Because I I think her husband was, like, a big suspect and people heard them fighting before she fell out of a window.
And and I it's really, really dark. But, yeah, I think they probably mentioned that in the show because, like, she's, like, using art to deal with her experience of, like, patriarchal violence. Really heavy. Absolutely. Yeah.
And, I mean, Amy is obviously trying to process her own really heavy trauma, which I don't necessarily think Isaac knows, or does he already know? I don't know. Is it, like, common knowledge at this point that she was because, like, obviously, at least 6 of the girls who they went to school with knew, but, like, I don't know if it would be common knowledge that she was assaulted on the bus, like, last year or 2 years ago, whatever it was at this point. Yeah. I was like, those girls were cool about it and, like, didn't go telling people, but Right.
But also me Yeah. One of those people, so it's like, there's any way that me Oh, yeah. Right? You know? Like, I don't know.
But at some point, he clearly knows, but I don't know what if that's something that happens off screen. I mean, and she's so explicit in the elevator, like, I'm on a healing journey or whatever. That's true. The other thing that happens at the end of that episode is that we cut to Amy in her own room taking photos of herself for the first time with the camera. It has a self timer as was pointed out with her sex toys.
So that was, like, her first self portrait idea, which, you know, is really fun. So then we move into the 4th and 5th episodes of 4th Season. And I would say that, like, the headline is that Amy is just, like, an amazing friend to me at this time because this is when Maeve's mom passes away. And, you know, it's just Maeve and her brother trying to figure out how to do this as, like, very young adults. And this arc doesn't put Amy's artistic journey on hold at all.
She's still, like, taking photos and such. And then there's also the fact that the jeans resurface, which are obviously gonna be a huge part of the conclusion of the plotline and have honestly always been a big part of the plotline. I noted that in the first installment, we talked in-depth about the genes Amy got assaulted in and how right after the assault, she was really, really harping on the fact they were ruined to perhaps avoid the actual reason they were ruined. I think it's, like, super powerful that they kind of bring the genes back. Also just speaks to why I love Sex Education as a show in that they, like, have such attention to detail like that.
I feel like in a lesser show, those genes wouldn't have been in anyone's mind anymore. Like, they wouldn't even be thinking, does Amy still have the jeans? Did she throw the jeans out? They might not even be asking that question. So I think it's really cool that what ends up happening is the jeans resurface in the 4th episode.
Amy is just moving clothes around her room when the jeans fall to the ground from her wardrobe, and she, like, picks them up and sort of, like, contemplated as they looks at them, like, should I throw these out? But then ends up putting them back and shutting the door, like, definitively behind her to, like, kinda be like, okay. I'm not gonna deal with that right now. So then we kinda, like, get a little break from directly dealing with that when Amy picks Maeve and Otis up to bring them to the hospital, where Maeve actually finds out that her mom, who she knew had an overdose, has, like, passed, and they weren't able to save her. So Amy has her car back at this point.
The the squirrel repairs have clearly been made. And so she drives them, and she is such a fucking bad driver. And it's so funny, like, Otis literally hanging on to, like, the, like, the side of the car as she, like, rips around corners. And then when they get to the hospital, Amy asks if Maeve wants them to come in, and she says no and that she won't be long, which is unfortunately a lie. But who could know what she was about to walk into?
And so Amy looks very emotional throughout this episode. It felt she's just a very empathetic friend and, like, she kinda looks like she's gonna cry as she, like, you know, holds Maeve's hand before she goes in. And Otis says, I hope she's alright. And Amy says, I know. Me too.
And then she's like, okay. Do you know how to play scabby queen? Which is clearly, like, her favorite card game. Do you really know of this game? Do you think it's British?
Gotta be British. Right? Well You never heard of it. Yeah. Okay.

(02:28):
That's what I figured. British versions of words are always, like, weird and cute. Like, the lift, the fin. Even, like, when he's talking about foster care, growing up in care, like, I know it's just ominous because it sounds really sweet, but it's not. I don't know.
That's so true. But, yeah, I'm assuming this is a British card game that clearly Aimee is very good at. The entire Aimee and Otis waiting for Maeve side plot is honestly quite delightful, in my opinion. They are extremely good, you know, friend slash partner, depending on the person, to Maeve, and they just really stick it out waiting in the hospital parking lot while Maeve and Sean are told that their mom has passed away. And then Maeve becomes extremely fixated on finishing a crossword puzzle and, like, will not leave the waiting room until she has finished it.
So they are just in the front seats of the car playing cards, Amy and Otis waiting it out. And then Amy gets a text from Isaac that's like, hey. Where are you? Because it's a school day, and they, like, both skipped, and so she's obviously not in class. And, like, she texts back that she's not in today, and Otis clocks, you know, her expression and everything because she's feeling very conflicted, obviously, about Isaac at this point since they almost kissed.
He's like, is everything alright? And she says, yeah. It's just Isaac. Otis obviously has a previous, like, kind of enemy kinda relationship with this dude. So he's like, I didn't know you were friends with Isaac.
And she's like, we're not. I just do art class with him. It's not like I like him or anything, which is, like, so funny. They're like, okay. Sure, Jan.
Yes. And he's like, alright. Sure. And she's like, not everything's therapy, Otis. And then Otis gasps as Amy takes a card and says, you're the scabby queen.
And then he says, you're a mind reader? I still don't understand this game at all. And she, like, mimics, like, hitting a fig to be like, yeah. I'm badass. I'm good at this game, which was really cute.
And then they're like, okay. We finished the game. What shall we do now? And that's when Amy is like, can I take your photo? You know, she's clearly doing the thing that is the best thing I've ever heard that you should do if you wanna get into photography, which is take your camera everywhere and take pictures, like, all the fucking time.
She almost forgets to take the lens cap off, muttering it gets me every time, which I totally fucking relate to. I definitely have, like, a photography face as a teenager, which is also part of why I, like, love this plotline. Like, I did some darkroom photography. I did some digital whatever that meant at the time. I have, like, a DSLR that I got for my birthday 1 year.
So I used to never remember to take the fucking lens off that thing. Like, the first shot would always be, like, you know, nothing. So it's a really funny scene when Amy is, like, taking the photo of Otis because he, like, keeps on being, like, shall I look at you? And she's, like, whatever you want. Just, like, relax.
And then she, like, pauses and, like, what is, like, what's that? And he's, like, I don't know. I was, like, trying to pose. And she's, like, maybe just do nothing. It's just, like, Otis is so awkward.
It's, like, so funny. And then, like, she starts to take it again and then and then pauses. And it's, like, I feel like you're still doing something. And he's just, like, been distracted because he got a text from Ruby. And then Amy, like, snaps a photo of him again, and it's, like, weird.
Not bad. Just weird. And Otis asked if these photos are going into her portfolio. And she's like, no. I'm just practicing.
I actually think I wanna take photos of myself. Isaac showed me these amazing self portraits that I really like. And then Otis is like, I thought you weren't friends with Isaac. And Amy's eyes kinda widened, and she's like, I'm not. I'm not.
Yeah. I don't really know what I'm trying to say yet for self portraits, which is annoying. Like, say with Isaac's work, for example. It really means something. And Otis says, maybe you're thinking about it too much.
Just trust your instincts. And she says, that's exactly what Isaac says and then pauses. And it's like, after all of her, like, hull of blue about how Otis can't therapy her, she, like, then directly asks him to therapy her. And she's like, hey. You thought I know.
It's so funny. You thought you were getting feelings for someone who your best friend used to have a thing with. Do you think you would have to tell your best friend that you were getting feelings for the person they used to have the thing with? And he's like, I think if the feelings are real and you wanna act on them, then you should be upfront with your friend. And then she's like, I wasn't talking about Isaac, by the way.
Oh my god. So good. Yeah. But the timing oh my god. I'd be freaking out.
I know. The timing is awful. And it's like Otis Otis and Amy are in a very similar situation because Otis had that, like, weird thing where hap happened where he fell asleep with Ruby. And even though nothing happened, it's still not, like, great. And so they both have, like, something they should tell Maeve that, like, is absolutely the worst time to tell Maeve.
Yeah. And so then we eventually cut to Amy and Otis in the car with the radio on with Jean's show. I thought that it would be important to talk about this moment because it's kind of the only Jean Amy interaction we get in this season, which is that, like, she's, you know, talking. And as soon as they hear her voice, Amy's like, I love your mom, which is just, like, a very common reaction to, you know, Jillian Anderson. Yeah.
Yeah. I hate that she's not seeing her this season. Like, I have to say it. I did say in the last installment that I was really hoping she would continue her therapy sessions. But it also seems like that, like, Jane isn't seeing anyone, so I can excuse that.

(02:49):
Is Jillian Anderson, like, booked and busy? Like, what happened? I don't know. I mean, she was just doing her radio show. For some reason, they decided to have her plot line be about that radio show this season.
And, you know baby. She baby sort of took over everything. Yeah. It's just interesting because you would think that doing therapy out of your own home would be a more flexible way to work go back to work with a baby than, like, going to a studio to do a new thing. Like Yeah.
I don't know. I'm just like, they could film those scenes of her, like, being on the radio, like, by herself. Like, I'm like, what was Julian Anderson up to? Oh, no. Okay.
This is a total diversion, but, like, a a couple months ago, I was like, I wanna start watching The X Files. And I didn't realize that it was the same person, that that was Gillian Anderson. Oh my god. I love Gillian Anderson. Been hot for decades.
She's been hot for decades. I love Dana Scully. I I mean, like, I don't know. The X Files, it kinda moves a little slow, but I really love it. And Yeah.
And aliens are real. Yeah. It's definitely been on my, like, I would love to eventually watch that list, but it's also, like, a 1000000 episodes. Right? There are a 1000000 episodes.
Also, in, like, literally every other episode, Dana Scully, Gillian Anderson is, like, we have to be, like, this is an alien. There's a logical explanation for this. And I'm, like, they do literally got abducted by aliens yesterday. Like, there are aliens. Yeah.
That's the whole trope. Right? Is she's, like, the one who doesn't believe and he's the one who does. Yeah. Yeah.
Even though she should because she literally got abduct she got abducted by then. They did surgery on her. It was, oh, whatever. I guess the injection didn't faze her. I don't know.
No. Yeah. I don't know. That's Exhausting. Exhausting.
But, anyway, yeah, we definitely endorse people going back through more of Gillian Anderson's work. Yeah. She She's incredible. You know, Sex Education was your real introduction to how much of a goddess she is. Mhmm.
So Maeve then finally finishes her crossword and has this, like, weird, sad, happy moment when she finishes it. And she exits the hospital to find Otis and Amy in the car. We're both kinda slumped over asleep in the in the front feet. And they both, you know, jerk awake. And Amy says, love, are you alright?
And it's just so heartbreaking that Maeve says, yeah. I finished the crossword. And they're like, okay. That's good. And she's like, yeah.
Mom died. So and Otis is like, we're here for you, and Amy adds whatever you need. And Maeve is like, we should probably head back and tell Anna, who is the legal guardian of the youngest Wiley daughter, and they head on home. The really cute thing is that Amy and Otis being there for Maeve really continues. Anna lets them sleep over.
Maeve and Amy share a bed, and they have, like, a little cot set up for Otis. And this is okay. Back to Amy being disgusting. There's that, like, disgusting moment where she's under the covers eating something as they're all getting ready to go to bed. Otis is like, what are you eating?
And she says, I always eat a pepperoni before bed. And, like, Maeve said, Ames, that is disgusting. And, like, she was like, oh, sorry. It's nearly done. And I just, like, looked it up to make sure that I was right about what I assumed that was.
And it is a pork jerky snack manufactured by Jack Links, and it is sold in the United Kingdom, Mexico, and the Republic of Ireland. And that is disgusting. Oh, man. It's like a thick slim jim. Yeah.
And so Maeve, like, has kinda snorts like typical Amy as she gets into bed, and they all are like, night love you, and the light switches off. And then in the 5th episode, at the top of the episode, this dynamic continues. We open on Amy, Maeve, and Otis in Anna's kitchen, and Amy and Otis are kinda, like, playfully tossing breakfast items at each other as they make breakfast to, like, cheer Maeve up. And Amy has a hilarious line just like her one liners are so funny where she's like, guys, eggs are chicken period, aren't they? Okay.
But this is a real debate I had as a teen because I was, like, going vegetarian, and the girl was like, well, you shouldn't eat eggs because that's their babies. And I was like, bitch. No. It's not. It's something worse.
We find out when Anna comes into the room and she said says that she's taking Elfie to school that it's been 3 days since apparently Otis and Amy went to college. And so she's kinda like, unless your parents tell me it's okay, I think you need to go to college today. And this is where Amy says, yeah. My mom's been asking, but rock and roll. I don't care.
I'm not scared. And then Mavis is like, no. But, like, I have to go to the funeral home of Sean today anyway. Like, you guys should go back to college. Then Amy's immediately like, okay.

(03:10):
Yeah. I'm actually really scared. I'll go get ready. And I also thought this would be, in addition to a funny moment, a good time to talk a little bit about Amy's mother, who we had hoped she might work through some of her feelings about, but that did not happen. And she's barely like, we never see her.
She's one of those, like, unnamed, faceless characters who we just know is her mom. I think maybe she, like, one time we hear her say something awful Yeah. Where she's like, you didn't get too fat, did you? When Amy is, like, in the sweatpants that the police gave her, which is like. Waffle.
So we know that her mom at least cares enough to ask if she's going to school, and, no, she's not going to school. I just thought it was interesting that she, like, barely comes up this season. Yeah. I mean, Amy's got a lot of fish to fry. That's true.
Well, you you have your whole life to deal with your relatives and your mother. Yeah. Yeah. I don't know. That could be in the, I don't know, grad school seek sequel to sex education or whatever.
Yeah. The university era of therapy. Yeah. Or maybe Everything's a little different in in England. Everything's a little wrong.
Yeah. Yeah. Because everything we do in America is right, and everything they do is just a little wrong. Yep. Yeah.
Everything over on Turf Island. Oh my god. I know. Okay. Oh my god.
England turf stuff bad. Yes. Exactly. So then Amy returns to school. And as she does so, her artistic and sexual healing journeys continue.
So the disability justice plotline kinda continues to progress. And while Amy's in class, I have to cast a texter asking if she can bring his canvas downstairs because the lift is broken, and the man a mechanic can't come till tomorrow, so he, like, actually can't get to art class. Brings his I know. It's so fucked. And she brings his stuff down, and he says thank you and asks how Mave is doing.
And she says, I'm so worried about her. And Isaac says, it's awful. Her mom was complicated, but, yeah, I really liked her. And then he asks how her photos are going, and she says, good, I think. And she takes out her film canister, and it's like, how do I get them out of this?
He's like, we need to use a dark room, which luckily for you is on the ground floor. Duh. Also, dark rooms are the horniest places on Earth. Totally. And, yeah, as I said, I had dark room photography fave as a teenager, so this felt very, like, yes.
Every cute girl needs her dark room photography moment. And so we kinda cut to, like, the red hued environment of the darkroom. As you said, very horny. And they they develop Amy's first roll of film, and she says, like, I feel like a wizard in this bit as it, like, reveals the photo. And And, like, as she uses the tongs to grab one of the photos and reveal the developed image, she's like, abracadabra.
Hey. I think it's quite good. And then he said, yeah. That's great. And so then they continue talking about Isaac's art, and she said, what made you wanna paint your foster homes?
And he said, I lived with 9 different families, which is a wild that's a wild number. Like and he said every time we'd get settled, they just move us on to the next one. There was one family that did actually want to adopt my brother and me, but that fell through. The whole system is just broken, and it makes me angry, so I paint about it. And Amy said, I still don't know what I wanna say with my photos.
And he says, you literally never stop talking. And she's like, what? And he's like, you've got definitely got plenty to say. Stop underestimating yourself. That's all I'd say.
And then there's, like, this pause and an intense moment in, again, the horny dark room. And then he starts to say, Amy, I, and Amy, like, literally plugs her ears with her fingers, and it's, like, please stop talking because I know what you're going to say. And he says, I think I like you. And then Amy's fingers kinda, like, slowly move away from her ears, and she admits that she thinks she likes him too. And then she's like, shit.
This is really terrible. What do we do? And then Amy says, I need to talk to Maeve. So later in the episode, she does go to Maeve's room as she's getting ready, actually, for her date with Otis. And, yeah, it's, debatable whether this was the time for this conversation, I would say.
But they have it. Basically, Amy asked Maeve to sit down for a couple minutes and is like, you know how you thought me and Isaac would get along? She's like, we've been doing art class together and we've kinda become friends. And Maeve is kinda like, oh, I knew it. And then she's like, yeah.
This is really hard to say. And then finally, he comes out and says, like, I think we might like each other more than that. And Maeve literally laughed, and she's like, sorry. What? And Amy's kind of offended and is like, wait.
Why are you laughing? And she's like, I'm not. I sorry. It's been a weird day. I wasn't expecting you to say that.
Sorry. Do you actually like Isaac now? And Amy says, yeah. I mean, he's grumpy. He's a bit rude, but he gets me.

(03:31):
And hanging out on him has made me realize that I'm actually quite smart. And Maeve immediately is like, Ames, you are smart. And then says, I thought you wanted to be single, which is, I think, Maeve saying the question that was kind of on my mind. Yeah. Same.
But I don't know. Ugh. And when you're whenever I have been like, I just seem to be single for a while, that is when I am the most booed up with someone. That's true. I mean, you can't you also can't predict when you meet the person who you actually have, like, a deep connection with.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah? It's almost like you're willing the universe to bring you a deep connection when you say you don't want one. Oh, yeah.
And I have also tried to hack the universe by being, like, I'm not looking. But That's funny. Yeah. You know, her saying I thought you wanted to be single, I it seems to me like it's probably something that it was also on Amy's mind, and that maybe it wasn't just the Maeve of it all that was on her mind. Because she says, I know it's shit.
I'm a shit person, and I'm a shit friend. So she's kinda like No. You're not. Right. And I feel like there, she's not just saying that she's shit because she likes Maeve's ex, but, like, also because she said she was gonna be a single woman, and now she, like, likes somebody.
And it's like, no. That's allowed. Like, invalid. It it's valid to, like, want to be alone for a while or to have not had your relationship with Steve, be the right fit, and then find someone who feels more like the right fit, and, like, go for it, obviously. But I do think it's interesting that she's clearly having so much internal conflict about this for all the reasons.
She's clearly having so much internal conflict about this for all the reasons. Mhmm. And it is obviously a really good sign that he makes her feel like she's smart because some boys are the opposite, and those boys suck. They do. They do suck.
Ugh. She says you're not shit, Amy. You're not shit. And she says, no. I am.
How do you feel about it? And, like, tears are literally, like, welling Amy's eyes. She clearly cares so much about her friendship with Maeve. Right? And, like, Maeve honestly says something that I think is real.
Like, she's just like, I can't really deal with this right now. It's just like, yeah, you literally spent your day planning your mom's funeral. Like, I get it. And so and then she's like, I gotta go, and they said they can talk another time. And Amy clearly feels terrible, and it's like, of course, complete wrong moment.
I'm really sorry. And they still say, like, I love you to each other before they, like, part. Even though, clearly, they're kind of in a weird place now. Can I ask a quick question of the group? Like Yeah.
So in terms of, like, getting out that information, both Amy and and Otis, right, like, say things at the wrong time, do you think, like, it's better to, like, say something or, like, really, like, wait and, like, it's technically, like, too late and, like, you've done something, like, wrong in that way, but you've spared them the emotional, like, pain and let them, like, deal with the thing at hand. That's so hard, which is why this is such a good conflict I've created in this show. Yeah. Yeah. It's hard because, like, part of me understands the philosophy of, like, just pile the fucking pain on and deal with it all at once.
You know? But, also, maybe that pushes someone over the edge. So, like, I don't know. Like No. Right?
And then it's, like, when is the good when is a good time? You know? Right. Like and you don't wanna be dishonest. So, yeah, I guess, maybe I think it really depends on the vibe.
Like, if somebody was sobbing in front of me, maybe I wouldn't be, like, by the way, I'm, like, really hitting it off with your ex. So what but, yeah, I I don't know. I think that, like, in my life, I've always, like, planned to, like, hold it in, you know, and, like, wait until the proper moment, and then there's never a proper moment. And I and it all just kind of comes out. Yeah.
I don't know. This show kind of just reminds me of how messy I was when I was that age too. Yeah. For sure. Yeah.
Yeah. I know. It does a really good job of showing the genuine messiness of teenagers. Yeah. And just so, like, you can kind of remain friends through it through a lot of it.
I don't know. My big messy thing I did when I was in my early twenties was I, like, hooked up with a friend's ex. And now we're all still really close. We love each other. It worked out for the best, but, whoo, that was not the smartest thing I've ever done.
Yeah. Totally. But, yeah, then the 6th episode is, like, the funeral episode, which is, again, a very heavy episode given the situation with Maeve's mom. Having been an addict and the very sad revelation in this season that clearly her brother is also an addict, which is obviously very common because of, I think, a combination of genetics and yeah. It's like genetics and, like, honestly, like, I'm sure that, like, if your parent is a drug addict, I'm sure growing up amongst that isn't helping on the nurture end either.
So just bad times. Yeah. You're so traumatized. Yeah. Yeah.
Like but anyway, in this episode, Amy continues to be a really badass best friend to Maeve, despite the kind of weirdness from the revelation about the, you know, Isaac love interest situation. So Amy helps Maeve get ready for her mom's funeral, and she's like, isn't very you. And so, like, looking at the black dress she's wearing, and she's like, yeah. But it is a proper funeral dress, which means mom would have loved it. And then they talk about Maeve's eye, which was hurt when she and Otis broke into Mooredale and tried to have sex in the drain swimming pool.

(03:52):
So she is like, what happened? And she's like, Otis and I tried to have sex, and it was a disaster. Bit of a long story. I was gonna text you about it, but and then, like, she kinda trails off. And Amy's like, yeah.
Well, I know we're not in a very good place right now. I get it. And then Maeve takes that opportunity to say, I think the Isaac thing makes me uncomfortable. Do you reckon you 2 could be friends? And Amy immediately agrees and says nothing happened and nothing ever will happen, and then says she should never have brought it up.
And then Maeve and Amy hug, and Amy says a hilarious line that makes them both giggle, which is, I cannot believe you're going to a funeral with a sex injury. So then Amy accompanies Maeve to the funeral home, and in comes the complete character of Samantha the celebrant, who's like, what a lovely picture of Elaine. And they're like, Erin? Her name was Erin. And it's really cute as a celebrant goes through the little checklist that, like, Amy was on order of service duty, and she was like, oh, that was my job.
Tick. And then she keeps saying, like, tick. Tickety tick tick. And it's clearly just, like, really, like, nervous and, like it's just, like, you know, no one knows how to fucking act in a funeral home. Like like Yeah.
No one's had a parent die before. They're just like, we've never done this. Yeah. And I yeah. I think they did a really good job of showing that.
Yeah. Yeah. Where it's just like, okay. This is super fucking awkward. This person is about to lead the ceremony.
He doesn't even know the woman's name. Man, something similar happened at my grandfather's funeral, which is like Really? He was, like, in the army. So, like, the VFW people came, and they, like, said the wrong name when they were, like, doing their tribute. And I was like, oop.
Luckily, you know, like, he's dead, so, he can't get offended. But it it was awkward. It was awkward as hell. Yeah. It was awkward for the living.
So awkward for the living. Oh my god. I went to the whole entire side. I think, oh my god. Oh, man.
And so Amy also contributes to the day by bringing cupcakes that are, like, beautiful. And she starts putting them out, like, on the chairs, which is kind of a weird choice. Because, like, what if somebody doesn't notice and, like, sits in a cupcake? But but Samantha's me in choice. Yeah.
Samantha, the celebrant is like, we don't normally allow food during the service. And Amy's like, oh. And then Samantha's like, I mean, they look delicious. May I? And she just, like, eats 1 and walks away talking about how it's so good.
Like, what a fucking weirdo. And so then there's, like, the the drama of, like, the fact that no one's there, and they're, like, waiting. And, like, Samantha's like, are you waiting on some people? And Maeve keeps insisting, like, this is everyone. No one's coming.
Shall we get it over with? And Amy is, like, actually and there's, like, the sound of all these car doors closing, and a bunch of the friends and teachers from Mooredale start walking over. And we find out that Amy invited them because she knew that Maeve was worried about her mom being alone. And she says, I hope I didn't do the wrong thing. And Maeve says, it's a really nice thing to do bank fames.
So they start the ceremony with, like, a lot of our, you know, usual cast of characters in the pews. And when Sean fucking ruins everything, Amy kinda holds down the fort inside while, like, Isaac goes and looks for Maeve. And he does eventually convince her to go back in there, and he says, like, tell everyone about your mom. And she, like, she does her eulogy. That was really beautiful and heartfelt and honest.
After Sean oh, man. That was that was really hard to sit through, honestly. That was definitely that was definitely difficult. However, I do think, like, at least as, like, showrunners, it was a good it was a good thing to show, like, both sides of, like, how it would feel to, like, be, you know, at a funeral for, you know, someone who's caused so much, like, trauma in your life. You know?
Like, so I did I did appreciate that even as, like, terrible as it was. It actually reminded me a lot of a funeral I went to a couple years back. It wasn't someone in in my family, but it was, a close friend of the former, like, union I I worked with. Mhmm. And it was actually incredibly powerful because it was, like, what I would consider, like, an honest funeral.
It just wasn't, like, your standard, like, he was a great guy. It actually talked about the issues he had and, like, some of the problems that were there in terms of how he treated, you know, some of the LGBT folks in his family and lee leaving some of his family to go to a different church and, you know, like, all these things. And even though it was it was hard and you could tell it was hard for the people in the room, I actually found it quite powerful that it wasn't just like, there it is. It was actually like a space for, like, healing and, like, to get to, like, the meat of everything, you know. And and even though it's painful, it was kind of, like, powerful because at the at the end, they they were also saying how much they love this person for all, you know, all these issues and sort of, like, I don't I don't know.
You know what can be powerful when it's not just, you know, daisies and butterflies, but I'd I still appreciated Maeve, obviously, talking about her mom and and telling her, you know, her full story of her mom. I thought that was that was great. But Yeah. Yeah. I really made the point that no one is all bad or all good.
I think one of the characters says that at one point. Yeah. And I think they just generally, like, obviously, we don't see her mom this season, but they generally did a really good job of, like, showing that with their depiction of that character throughout the show. You know, like, how much she, like, loves her her kids clearly even though she just, like, cannot stop doing drugs. Mhmm.
And then, oh, the moment that fucking got me that I just had to shout out from the funeral is when, like, the music teacher from Wardale, who I always had a soft spot for because he would, like, sing all those crazy sex songs with the kids, which is, like, hilarious. He, like, goes and plays Maeve's mom's favorite song on the piano because the speaker isn't working, and then everyone, like, sings along to, like, the YouTube song with you or without you, and it's so fucking beautiful. And Amy very enthusiastically sings along. Then as everyone's leaving, there is this cute little line where Maeve is, like, kinda proudly, like, enjoy the cupcakes. Amy Gibbs special.
So it is cute how it's, like, her thing now, and everyone's, like, you know yeah. Amy makes, like, beautiful and tasty, like, cakes all the time for, like, no reason, and it's awesome. Yeah. And so after the funeral, we actually get the moment that we all were waiting for and that Kelly specifically wished for, which is that she wanted Amy to kick somebody's ass or something. I would say this is an or something.

(04:13):
Lovely. Yes. She wants someone to get what's coming to them through Amy, and I would say that that happened. The facts. Yes.
And so we have this really awesome scene. I'm gonna, like, set it up a little bit before we watch it because there's some visual elements, which is that Amy is, you know, driving along in her her red convertible home from the funeral because Otis has walked Maeve home, so she doesn't have to give anyone a ride. And she is going along quite fast and then, like, stop very suddenly as she sees this, like, one house in the area that has this, like, insane, intricate gnome display. And we'll hear that there's an amazing gnome related song playing in the background, And she's like, I gotta take pictures of this shit. You know?
And so we'll see what happens when she gets out of the car and takes pictures near a construction site. My god. She felt funny. He wore a scarlet tunic, a blue green hood. It looked Cheer up, darling.
Things aren't so bad. I'll kill them. Oh, won't you? Here she comes. I'm not smiling because I've just been to a fucking funeral.
I'm also not smiling because it's your fucking cocky to me. You fucking fucks. Sorry for your loss. Yeah. Yeah.
Love the photo at the end. Love the that she gets in touch with her. Yeah. Oh my god. Oh my god.
Yeah. But, also, like, I just feel like the Amy we have seen in the past would have just been, like, again, like, walked away and, like, maybe gotten back in her car and not said anything. Because, like, think about how getting comfortable. Exactly. And so I just I love that scene.
It's so cathartic. It's obviously also just, like, very relatable for anyone who has been the subject of, you know, patriarchal harassment and such in their life, which is pretty much anyone who's not a straight man, and maybe even straight men too because sometimes they get harassed too. So Mhmm. I feel like that was, like, a really relatable scene in general. Remember in the Barbie movie when Barbie gets to the real world and the men cat call her and she goes, they're complimenting me, but there's an undertone of violence.
Yes. And I'm, like, yeah. Like, there is. And I'm like, she's alone with these 3 guys. Like, oh my god.
Oh, I I'm I don't know. It really did something for me when she screamed at them. I would love to do that one day. Yeah. And the youth the repetitive youth of fuck speaks to me personally.
So yeah. Like, you fucking fucks. Like, I love that. I will totally use that. Too.
Incredible. Too. So, yeah, that was a really good one. And then, also, I'd say I love that, you know, the gnome part of it all. It's just that I love that she's just letting her, like, her art like, she's just letting herself see the world around her and be inspired by whatever, like, catches her eye.
You know? Yeah. Which is, like, a very artistic she's becoming an artist, you know? Mhmm. And just, like, the joy she I don't know.
I love it. You know what? This is kinda but, like, lately, I've been feeling, like, oh, I wanna take a picture of that. Like, I don't know. Just, like, feel like, walking around and kind of, like, sharing what you see is so cool.
And then to have these guys challenge her subjectivity and try to make her an object, and she's like, fuck you. No. I love it. Yep. And then takes a picture of them.
Mhmm. Amazing. Yeah. No. It's it is really great that she did that last little, like, click.
Yeah. Amazing, amazing moment. And I've really like feels like a moment that kinda gives her a bit of an epiphany as well. Because after that scene, the next time we see Amy, she's at home in her bedroom, and she grabs her fluffy pink pen, which we then find out lights up. It lights up in this scene.
It's amazing. Yeah. I did. She already had in the notebook, like, what I want my art to say, and she is writing things that make me angry, men telling me to smile. And then she writes, women shouldn't feel scared, and she underlines scared.
And that is the moment when Amy goes back to her closet and pulls out the jeans she was assaulted in. And this time, she smiles at them, and when she closes the closet, she still has the jeans in her hands this time. So that's, like, the last we see of her in the 6th episode. In the 7th episode, we immediately come to her being, like, I have figured out what I want my art to say, essentially. So she comes running into college wearing this, like, really cute matching red jumpsuit and hat ensemble.
We're gonna see it when we watch the scene in a minute. But, yeah, it's it's definitely a look. She has a lot of looks in general, but also in the season, I would say. Her fashion is always on point. Absolutely.
And so she says to Isaac when she finds him, I figured it out. And he's like, the meaning of life? And she said, no. What I wanna take photos of, I've taken my first ones. Can I show you?

(04:34):
And he says, aren't we not supposed to be talking? And she was like, no. Maeve says we can be friends. And so they go to dark room, and Maeve is actually this is the, like, slight moment when Maeve thinks she won't go back to America and will enroll at this college with, like, her friends. And so she actually sees Amy and Isaac kinda, like, you know, headed down the hallway to the to the dark room together, like, laughing and smiling.
And I think this starts to maybe shift Maeve's thinking around this relationship as a result. So we're gonna watch the scene of Amy and Isaac in the dark room, where Amy really, like, outlines for both Isaac and the viewers what her, like, artistic vision is now that she's had her epiphany. So these are the jeans I was wearing on that day when I was assaulted on the bus. I keep meaning to throw them away, but for some reason, I can't. Every day, I feel more like myself, and, like, that's great.
But sometimes, it feels like, even when I'm doing something I love, like eating ice cream. Feels like I'm still wearing them, like it never goes away. So, yeah, this is my idea. These are brilliant. Well, you've helped so much.
You're gonna be such a great teacher. Thank you, but this is all you. Yeah. And I think just to, like, quickly describe a couple of the photos that we were shown for the listeners, there's, like, a photo of her in the bathtub with the jeans, like, kinda hanging off the side of the bathtub. There was her actually wearing the jeans, doing a couple of different activities, like eating ice cream and doing karaoke, it looks like, or, you know, singing into something.
I don't know if it was actually a microphone, but, yeah, I love it. Yeah. I love it too. I think that the point she's making that every now and then, it just that that, like, trauma is still there for her, and it's and it's in the genes. And to I don't know.
I feel like we always sometimes people think clothes are, like, trivial or something, but they're really not. And, like, yeah. I don't know. I I don't know. I really love the photograph she took with the jeans, and I I know what she does next with them, which I'm also really excited about, but I won't.
I'll let I'll let us get there naturally. Yeah. I particularly love the bathtub photo. I don't know. Something about that one spoke to me.
Something this season of the show really got me thinking about too was, like, different types of therapy for, like, dealing with trauma. Like, I know there's the stuff with, oh, Adam, and he's, like, trying to figure out his stuff, and he's, like, using a horse, right, and, like, horse therapy, which is, like, I think So cool. One of the harder therapies to get because you have to have a freaking horse. Right? And that's, like Yeah.
Not as accessible for people. So I thought it was cool, but still, like, if you're watching the show as, like, a person who's dealt with trauma, they're like, I have to get a horse to deal with my trauma. You know what I mean? It's it's a lot harder than some other ones, you know, but it is interesting that so much of this show centers around, like, talk therapy, right, in terms of, like, sex therapy. Where for me, like, dealing with my trauma, the best thing so far has been EMDR.
Right? And that has nothing to do with talking. For those that don't know, that's about rapid eye movement and sort of talking through things and sort of reprogramming your traumatic incidents through that. And I think that's something in, like, you know, future kind of things that go into this subject around, like, sex education or whatever, dealing with trauma and stories. Like, it'd be interesting if there was more discussions on, like, other therapies too because sometimes talking actually doesn't help.
Yeah. And it's not enough. And you've done all the talking in the world and you need medicine or you need, you know, another type of therapy. Right? So something about all this made me made me think of that too.
Yeah. Yeah. I mean, there's so many different types, and I I don't know. I feel like I've been learning about, like, even, like, psychedelic therapy, ketamine infusions. I mean, the horse stuff.
I I mean, yeah, it's hard to get to a horse, but I do think it's really cool. Yeah. I'm like No. It is really cool too. Yeah.
Because I don't know. I mean, like, maybe this is just because I'm a girl, but I'm like, oh my god. Yeah. A horse could heal me. I I love them.
I feel like maybe it's just because, like, it's easiest to film, like, a talk therapy session or something. Mhmm. But things like AMDR and yeah. Even even different types of talk therapy. Like, there's CBT.
There's dialectic behavioral therapy. There's psychoanalysis. It's, like, gaining traction now. I don't know. It is it is really interesting to, like, think about all the different ways that people can go about kind of, like, working.
We're all working through our shit, and, like, it is not a one size fits all process at all. Exactly. Yeah. That's a phrase that came to my mind too. And, yeah, sometimes media is the kind of thing that normalizes, like, therapy as a concept.
I feel like we're starting to get there, but it's like yeah. Like, I feel like everybody now is just like therapy means talk therapy when, like, therapy could actually mean a lot of different things. So it would be cool to see that represented more. So, you know, obviously, Amy and Isaac, as with everyone, has to go take their finals, and they are waiting at the elevator. It isn't working.
As the viewer knows, Otis and O are stuck in the elevator. And Isaac is telling Amy she'll be late, take the stairs, and she's, like, all this client move, like, I'm waiting with you. And that's what the impetus is for the the big collective action that Isaac and Amy start. And, again, we'll discuss that into the next season of Lost of Screen Drama. So after all of that is resolved, at the end of the 7th episode, Maeve asks Amy and Isaac to meet her at, you know, Isaac's current caravan park, but Maeve's former one.
And she says, I'm going back to America, but I have to put something right before I leave. And she says that she owes Isaac and Amy an apology. She says, I've been acting like a tiny baby child for the past couple of weeks. And I realized I wasn't upset at the no. I don't think she needed to say that.
And I realized I wasn't upset at the thought of you 2 being together at all. I was more upset at the idea of losing you both. I kind of realized that you're the only family I have left, which was really sweet. Yeah. And so they both assure her that they could never be lost.

(04:55):
And then she says, I think you 2 should definitely explore this. You don't need my permission, but it makes a lot of sense. And then she's like, and also, would you mind helping me scatter my mom's ashes today? And they're like, yeah. And they're like, oh my god.
Of course. Yeah. Yeah. And then she's like, okay. We can stop being weird now.
And they're like, morning, by the way. Morning. Hello. And it's cute. But, yeah, she's not being a baby.
She's going through it. She's going through it. She was having valid emotions, and I don't think she was, like, extra mean about it or anything. She was f So Everybody was so kind and a class act through that entire situation, I feel. Yeah.
Like, I don't know. It just life is complicated. Absolutely. Absolutely. And so then you get, like, this beautiful shot of, like, the 3 of them standing on the hill that overlooks the caravan park, and I have, like, the ashes.
And Isaac says, like, you didn't want anything a bit more scenic? And Maeve says, no. I've got great memories of mom here, and it'll give me an excuse to visit you too. And so they, like, let the ashes out into the wind and all say, bye, Aaron, or in Maeve's case, bye, mom. And it's a really beautiful moment.
And, you know, you're really glad that Amy and Isaac are there for Maeve in that moment. Yeah. So that's the second to last episode of the show. We now move into the final episode, which has Amy's journey really concluding in a really beautiful way, where as we were saying, the artistic healing and the sexual healing really converge. As we first come upon Amy and Isaac, they're now kinda, like, dating or whatever and radically involved now that they've gotten the blessing from Maeve.
And so they're in Isaac's caravan surrounded by his art supplies and paintings, and she's feeding him chips as they help mark art for the auction for the big fundraiser that is happening at the school. And they're excited. It's their first art auction. And then Isaac says, like, can I kiss you? And she's like, we've been eating cheese and onion.
And he's like, I don't mind. And so she leans in to kiss him, and you think she's actually gonna do it? And then she kinda, like, pulls back at the last minute and kisses him on the sheet. And then she, like, feeds him another chip, and then she's kinda saved by the bell, and they get a hanging on their little, like, school issued iPads or whatever the fuck. The school is very high-tech.
Yeah. And there's an alert that Cal has gone missing, and everyone is, like, gonna converge to the school and look for Cal. So Amy and Isaac are both part of a search party, which brings them to the shopping center where Cal was last seen. And it's a very funny Amy moment where she comes up to Jackson, Viv, and Isaac holding several shopping bags, and she's like, I haven't seen Cal. And they're like, games.
And she's like, what? Yeah. She's like, what? It's 50% off. I shop when I'm stressed, Jackson.
Honestly, relatable. Love that. Relatable. Very, very relatable. And so then, there's this really beautiful moment that I wanted to mention with Viv, and Viv's plotline this season is also heavier than you expect it's gonna be.
And they're basically, like, Viv, Jackson, Amy, and Isaac are all sitting at a table in, like, the food court, and Amy is feeding Isaac food as they are waiting for Ruby to check out the security tapes that have Cal on them. And Viv's phone is, like, blowing the fuck up with messages from her abusive fucking, probably, ex at this point. Boo. Yeah. And she says he gets jealous, but he has low self esteem.
It's not his fault. And Amy is like, it's not your fault. How do you feel when you're with him? And then Viv says, sometimes I feel happy, and then sometimes he makes me feel like I've done something wrong. It's really confusing.
I don't know when he's gonna get upset next. Which sounds kind of reminds me of, like, the graph y dialogue a little bit. Yeah. Not in a bad not in a bad way, but, like, it just yeah. It's very enrich.
Yes. Exactly. Exactly. Yes. That's what it reminded me of for sure.
And then Amy says and I just really love this line where she says, like, I've been reading a lot of stuff about abuse for my art, and it does sound like he could maybe be emotionally coercive. And, like, Jackson already kind of, like, was trying to say that. So he's, like, yeah. She's so controlling, like and Amy says, love should make you feel safe. It should make you feel braver because you can be totally yourself around that person.
It shouldn't be confusing, and it shouldn't be scary. And I thought it was cool, like, how far Amy has come. It was a cool insight also to find out that she's kinda, like, reading up on the topics she's trying to make art about. Like, obviously, she doesn't need to because her lived experience is enough, but, like, it's kind of interesting that she's approaching her profile that way. Yeah.
Because people think Amy is just this little girly girl, but she's an intellectual. Exactly. Really smart. Yeah. I don't know.
And I do I don't know. I also feel like, you know, it's a little after school especially because they're kind of, like, hitting you over the head with, like, these are signs of abuse. But I feel like a lot of our, like, I don't know, like, I don't know how to say it, I guess. But just, like, when you think of an abusive relationship, you think of, like, a man beating a woman up, and it's, like, it's, like, not accurate. Like, there's, like, a slippery slope.
And and, you know, the person who is doing the abuse is often, like, also in a lot of pain, and, like, that's why they're doing that stuff. But it's just, like, just because somebody is suffering doesn't mean that you need to stick around to be a casualty of that. Right. You know? Like, you're not the only one who can help them out.

(05:16):
Yeah. And I think especially with young people, like, really young people, you know, like teenagers in in these relationships where they're, like, texting all day. Like, you're the only thing that's keeping me from, like, hurting my like, oh my god. I don't know. Yeah.
It's just it's it's super common. And even though I felt like, damn, this is, like, really on the nose, I think it was really, really positive that they talked about it. Yeah. I agree. I think it was good they talked about it.
I will say the one I mean, there were several things that were not very believable, but the biggest thing where I would just like, oh, this doesn't happen that way is when she just, like, tells him off in such, like, an intense way. Yeah. It's like women fear too much for their lives to do anything like that. Like, I just I haven't seen something where it's, like, that straight where most women, I I think, are, like, just too on edge about, like, this person could actually, like, not only be mad at me, but fucking kill me. Yeah.
Right? Especially my life. Seem relatable. Like, that that bit was, like that's not actually what would what would happen there. Yeah.
Yeah. But besides besides that and, like, couple other things, it was still, like, powerful to see. Yeah. For sure. Yeah.
I don't know. Oh my god. I mean, I feel, like, lucky that I've never personally experienced that. But, like, I know that, like, the when you first leave is, like, the most dangerous time and, you know, we've come a long way. But women I mean, people in general, but especially women are still getting fucking murdered by their angry boyfriends.
So Yep. Ugh. Yep. Yeah. And I also think that's something that I really enjoyed about Amy and Viv having that connection over this, which is, like, it's kind of, like, you know, Amy has been assaulted, so she maybe, like, understands abuse in a way.
It's also, like, Viv was there for her when she was trying to get back on the bus, so it's kinda, like, beautiful to then see, like, Amy being there for Viv. In that episode, they all were, like, we all have men being awful to us in common. Yeah. Viv deals with the next iteration of that in her life. Yeah.
Yeah. Isn't that the sad truth, though? It is. It, like Yeah. That just happens over and over again where women can relate to dealing with really awful men, and we have to, like, stick together to deal with that.
But I don't know. It's it's both powerful and that we, like, support each other, but also, like, oh god. Like, it's almost like you you pray that the next generation doesn't have to have this problem at all. Like, you don't Yeah. It's not like women supporting women.
It's like men not assaulting us. Yeah. Yeah. I don't know. I feel like it's, like, the silver lining of the oppression is, like, commiserating with each other and, like, be like, sticking together.
Like, I don't know. I you know, I'm, like, I wish that we didn't have to obviously wish that nobody ever had to deal with abuse or, like, I don't oppression in general. But I also am, like, I I do, like, love coming together to protect each other. It's beautiful. We shouldn't have to, but I'm glad that we can.
Yeah. Yeah. They really support each other well. Yeah. Beautiful.
And I I just, like, love that, like, even if they're not all friends the same level that, like, Amy and Maeve are friends. I do think that, like, after the, like, we're all getting the bus scene, you kind of, like, would here and there see the connection that remains between those girls, and, like, that was, like, a nice version of that here. Yeah. Like, they don't have to be besties, but they have to take it back. Right.
And that is really cool. And, also, this feels really realistic. Like, I think I mean, Andrea have talked about this about Sex Education before on this podcast. It's just the fact that they do a really good job on this show of showing the different levels of friends you have in high school, where, like, there's someone you might just have a class with, and they're your acquaintance. And, like, may you probably aren't gonna keep up with them after high school, but, like, they were there for a couple of moments in your life, and it was nice.
And, like, you know, like, those kinds of passing friendships and relationships, I feel like they depict on the show a lot more than the typical teen drama where it's like every character is, like, we're all just friends even when we, like, do awful things to each other. You know, like, all the characters in Riverdale are somehow friends even though they've all, like Yeah. Have each other in the back a million times, you know. So, like yeah. I just think that sex ed is a little more realistic with it.
But then, like, you know, I think about I'm, like, the majority of my interactions every day are just with, like, random people who I, like, am running through similar loops with. Yes. You know? Like Yes. I don't know.
And it's like, you know, if there's, like, someone who I see at work all the time and we say hi and they're not there, like, oh, I noticed that. Yeah. They're absent even though we're not close. I might not even know what their name is, but I'm like, where is that guy? Like, what happened?
Yep. Yeah. Really? Those people are important too. In the moment that that Amy says that love should make you feel braver and, like, her whole little speech about that, she also kinda, like, looks fondly at Isaac for a moment.
And then and then Jackson also has, like, a fucking revelation that he thinks he knows where Cal is. And so he, like, gets up and, like, runs off. And I just, like, love and, like, ensemble show moment where, like, everything clicks and, like, multiple plot lines are converging. Like, it was a very good, like, finale vibe with all the especially just, like, the whole thing of everyone and, like, kinda being together, trying to trying to help their friends and stuff. So the next Amy theme we're gonna watch is so everyone finds out that Cal has been found by Eric, and Amy and Isaac kind of have a little moment where they talk about the moment from the morning where Amy kind of swerved them kissing.
And, like, it's, kind of the first time this season that we've seen her actually well, I guess, like, the first time ever we've seen her talk to, like, a love interest about this rather than just, like, Jean or her diary. I wanna explain about this morning. I've still got some stuff with intimacy since the assault, and I guess I was scared to tell you because I thought it might put you off. Amy, you could never put me off. I'm really glad that you told me.

(05:37):
There you go. Thank you. I'm in love with him. Sorry. There's something I have to do.
And then she runs back and feeds him, like, a bite of whatever the fuck they just ordered. That was a really beautiful, honest conversation. Shows so much growth for Amy to have gotten there where she can, like, know that's what's happening and then, like, open up about it. And yeah. I'm so happy proud of her.
Good for her. I also just Isaac, like, the concern and, like, love. He's, like, showing just on his face. That guy can act. But, like, I don't know.
It's just like, oh my god. That was so sweet. Yeah. I loved it. Yeah.
No. We've literally said on the I think it's it's maybe it was actually Body Scoop for Rugged where we went on, like, a really long rant, me and Kelly, about how much, like, men showing concern is, like, sexy and how Yeah. It's honestly kinda sad. I know. Like, take Like, a low bar.
Yeah. I know. Baseline concern. Yeah. For sure.
Yeah. Just, like, really giving when I see a man really give a shit, I'm like, oh my god. To be I just I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea, though. My boyfriend is a king, and he does care. But it's just, like, early hurts that have made me this way.
Yeah. No. Of course. Of course. Of course.
But make sure to get that on the record. Yeah. Yeah. On the record, Evan is a king, and I love him. But, Amy just had another epiphany.
She's just having epiphanies left and right here. We're gonna watch the scene of her being, like, I have to go do something and, like, what she had to go do. Even though it's, like, very visual, I think that, like, for us to watch it again for our reactions is is worth it. Well, we can also describe it afterwards and a little bit before just to set it up. Amy is going to revisit this literal, like, scene of a crime, I guess Yeah.
Ish, because it was on a moving bus. But, like, you know, the bus stop where she used to get on every morning and where she then had trouble getting on after the assault. She's returning there with her tripod, her camera, and she's wearing a fabulous outfit of, like, a sequined jacket and, like, black top, and then, like, the the jeans are obviously also making appearance. And she will eventually set the jeans on fire in front of the bus stop, which is truly beautiful. So, yeah, we're gonna watch that real quick.
Yeah. Definitely gonna include some of these photos in the in the show notes so people can go look at them. I still love that she's the one taking the photos of herself. You know? It's like I love to see her power play dancing.
Lensing fire. Ritual. But, yeah, I mean, to describe the process, it's kinda like she starts with them on, taking pictures of herself at the stop, and then she takes them off and allows herself to fucking burn those motherfuckers once and for all Mhmm. And dances literally, like, on the ashes of the of the genes in which she was assaulted, and it's clearly such a cathartic experience for her. She looks so, like, relieved and, like, proud of herself and happy at the end when she's kinda, like, smiling with her tears in her eyes.
And, yeah, I just I love it. Yeah. She seems really free. I love it. Ugh.
Those were great jeans. It is a shame that that happened to those. Yeah. It's like and she said those were my favorite jeans, and it's like, I don't know, a wheel of body image hang ups. Buying jeans is so hard.
It is. And how and it's just insult to injury. You know what I mean? Her burning the symbol of this, like, horrible pain she went through and dancing and crying and screaming. I'm like, fuck yes, man.
Let it out. Let it rip. Yeah. I'm I'm quite happy whoever decided on the show that they needed to be set on fire. I think a lot of us really need to see that.
So, yeah, beautiful, beautiful moment. And I think that it was really, like, a good choice to have them, like, keep on reappearing earlier in the season too. So you kind of, like, you got the feeling that, like she explained to the audience that she feels like they're always on her, but, like, you even got her going to her closet and looking at them a couple times. Like, they were on her mind so much. And, like, obviously, you know, the moments after the assault when she even went and reported to the police, it was such a big part of it, was the genes.
And so, yeah, I just it's so powerful. They ended up ending up being burned up in front of the bus stop of all of us. That bus stop has seen a lot of iconic moments in sex education history. And, also, what you said that the jeans are legitimately, like, great jeans. Like, whoever does the production design on that, you know, whoever takes those jeans did an amazing job.
They did. Yeah. So, yeah, as I said, I'm gonna definitely include some of the, like, stills of the photos. Because basically, the way it was is every time it, like, clicked, it, like, it went from being a color to black and white and kinda, like it kinda show you what the photos look like in a way, which is cool. Yeah.
So I'll definitely do that for so that folks can, like, you know, be reminded of of what those look like. Yeah. Beautiful moment. So then we later see Amy talking to you about the fundraiser, which is now for Cal's top surgery fund, which was so beautiful. And she says to Viv, do you like auctions?

(05:58):
And Viv is like, I've never been to one before. And she's like, have you not? Last one I went to, my mom won us a year supply of ham. So another piece of weird Amy Gibbs lore, and she says it was way too much ham. I love that.
The thing about, like, the top surgery. Right? Did you guys think that the entire time? You're just like, just use it for the top surgery. Just use it.
Like, I just kept my the whole time, as soon as we knew that it couldn't go to the church, I'm like, duh, top surgery. Hello. Hello. That's why I was very happy that they did that because it's Yeah. No.
You're so right. You're so right. And so, yeah, then, like, the next thing that happens is the scene that Nikki was just talking about where Beau, like, confronts Viv at the fundraiser because he knows she's gonna be there or some sneaky ass motherfucker abusive shit. And she tells him off in a pretty you know, it's supposed to be very empowering moment. But, again, I I agree with your your take that it's pretty unrealistic because he had put his hands on her already.
So, like, I don't know. And he's come into places where he knows she's gonna be, like, I don't know. Terrifying. Yeah. Yeah.
Some stalker behavior. But that happens, and Amy is like, oh my god. And she, like, hugs Viv, and she's like, you are amazing, and kinda, like, validates her yes, queen moment. And Mhmm. And Amy goes and leaves Jackson and Viv to it.
And so then the other really cute thing that happens at the auction is the fact that they auction off Mellon, the painting by Amy Gibbs, and people are fighting over it. It's fucking amazing, including the art teacher who ends up being the one who wins it for a £175. And she says, I've seen your photographic pieces, and they're very good. Who knows how much melon will be worth in a few years? And I'm like, that is such a compliment.
Yeah. And it's true. Yeah. And then Amy looks so delighted and, like, pleased of herself. Not that you need external validation, but, like, you didn't only find a way to, like, deal with your trauma.
You also found, like, a legitimate passion and talent that you have, and, like, other people see that. Yeah. You know? And she then bids on the next painting herself and is like, come on for cow, like, loudly with her, like, paddle in the air, which was really nice. And I also noted that, like, there's a big RWBY moment in this finale where she kinda, like, publicly forgives and tells everyone to, like, stop bullying her and give her a second chance and stuff.
And I've noted, you know, Amy used to be friends of Ruby, and, like, it was a really mean relationship. And I I kind of like, there's a moment where you see Amy, like, kind of, like, looking I think a little proud of Ruby, and, like, it's not to the extent where they're gonna ever be friends again, and they don't, like, have dialogue with each other. But, like, the camera does go to her, and I sort of felt like that might have been, like, kind of intentional. I just think this show is good at, like, remembering where they've all come from and, like, the relationships they have with each other. So that brings us to the final final final Amy scene that ever existed.
And I think something that, as I was getting ready today, I realized is that Amy opened the show having sex with Adam, literally first scene of the whole show. And we get to see her, slowly wade her way back into intimacy of somebody who actually gets her. And the last time we see her, she's also engaged in an intimate action with a partner, but she's actually, like, fulfilled and, like yeah. I just thought that was a really cool juxtaposition. That's so oh my god.
Galaxy brain. Yeah. You're so right. So yeah. Well, we're just gonna watch this last scene, which is Amy and Isaac sneaking away to the horny dark room and make it out for the first time.
Did you want to develop some photos? No. I just wanted to piss you. Are you sure? We can go at Yeah.
Whatever pace do you want. Mhmm. Woah. Love that. Oops.
I love it. That's the last time we see Amy. Yeah. It's very much her in control, which is cool to see, like yeah. Her terms, when it happens, where it happens, and she's on top once, you know yeah.
She's Yes. She is. I see that. I see that for her. You go, Amy.
I love I love that it's like a inter I don't know the right maybe this is wrong with the inter ability relationship. Like Yeah. That's, like, not shown very often on television at all, and I thought it was really, really cool that they did that. Yeah. I mean, I think that disabled people are generally just not shown to us at all.
So we don't get to see them in those kinds of relationships because we just generally don't get to see them. Yeah. Yeah. That's pretty awesome. Shame because Isaac is hot.
Literally. And we deserve make out scenes with Isaac and Amy. Oh my god. That's Amy Gibbs' journey. I thought that as we, you know, conclude, one question that came out of me listening to our first installment that I thought might kinda kick start our, like, final, like, how we leave Amy discussion is the fact that Amy saw herself as an inconvenience and a bother so much in season 2.
Yeah. And I just wanted to discuss, like, how do we feel like that compares to what Amy is like in season 4 when we leave her? Like, I feel like she's taking up more space and, like, not worrying about that stuff anymore. Like, when I heard us talking about that in the episode, I was like, wow. I feel like that doesn't really square with season 4 Amy.
And, like, they really have shown her grow, like, a lot. Yeah. I feel like she's still kind of hard on herself sometimes. Yeah. But then she's like, I'm a shit friend.

(06:19):
I was like, oh, I don't know. But, yeah, she's grown so much. She's in her power, you know? And it's it's so delightful to see. For me to get even a little bit in my power, it took years of therapy.
Yeah. But, yeah, I don't know. It's just really awesome to see this, like, representation of a young woman, like, healing a little bit and having fun. And I think I talked about this, like, last time, but her arc reminds me a little bit of, like, Chanel Miller's book, Know My Name. If anybody wants to read about, like, an experience of assault and kind of, like, taking your power back, and it's a fabulous book, and I think that this is a similar kind of arc.
You know, Chanel Miller writes and and I think Amy Gibbs, like, both show that, like, part of it is, like, you know, somebody just tried to take away your ability to enjoy sex, which is one of the greatest parts of life, and it should be. And for that to be, like, tainted, that's, like, really hard to come back from, but not impossible. And it's beautiful to see Amy having fun and and hooking up with a really nice guy. That's great. I think that I personally would have been content with her ending the series alone if that had been the choice they'd made.
Yeah. But at the same time, I'm glad that they explored her getting more intimate with a partner. And I kind of agree with their choice, and that I don't think I could've seen her making her way there in this short of a time without it being, like, an emotional connection. Like, I just I don't think that it would've been realistic for her to have just, like, met someone and been like, oh, I'm gonna you know. I'm gonna, like, trust myself to, like, get back into being intimate with someone without it being someone of who she is exposing so much of herself.
Yeah. You know? Yeah. I agree. I don't know.
Just, like, the way they begin with, like, talking about how they're expressing their deepest pain through art. Like, that's more that's more intimate than any, like, sex act. I don't know. True. Yeah.
It was definitely, like, an emotional bond before anything else, so it makes a lot of sense. And, yeah, the scene is hot. So, you know Mhmm. There is that. She gets her hot moment again.
Hot moment in the dark room, which is honestly pretty pretty thick. That's some, like, shit that, you know, 20 I'm trying to think of what the year would be. 2011, like, Tumblr girl me would have been fucking dying for a while. Like, oh my god. That.
Not that I'm not still on Tumblr now, but 2011 Tumblr aesthetic. Oh, the good old days. Yeah. And then I also wanted to just say before we wrap up that I love the way that they did the Maeve, Amy relationship. Like, how they kept the friendship going and and strengthening this season was great.
That's been one of my favorite friendships on the show the whole time, so I'm glad that they ended that on a high note as well with the, like, spreading of the ashes and all of that. And so, yeah, the final two questions, I wanted to say, like, what do we see of Amy's future post canon, and what do we think that her legacy is gonna be as a character in teen drama history? Those are the final questions I have, which I will say for the second one. I think that she is forever gonna be on the level of, like, Paige from Degrafi now of, like, having one of the most, like, iconic, like, dealing with assaults teen show long lines of all time. But, yeah, I will open it up now.
I would agree. I'm gonna go with the second one first as well. I just think it was acted so well, and I just can't wait to see what other things that actress is in. She's just Yeah. So fascinating to watch.
Her comedic timing is impeccable. The story is so powerful. There's just so much to love, and I would agree it's nothing it's nothing short of iconic. And may we have, you know, many more Yeah. Stories like that.
Let's leave it at our post canon dreams. I see her going to art school, and I would like to believe that Melon is a valuable piece of art one day. I don't know how she gets there, but that's what I would love to believe. That's what they're foreshadowing. Amen.
Yeah. Amen. I think she'll go to art school, and I think she'll, she'll shred and she'll hate everyone there, but she'll be correct. You know? You know what?
Yeah. That sounds right. That sounds amazing. So thank you guys so much for starting and finishing Amy Gibbs' journey with me. I am so happy with how her arc ended, even if I'm not necessarily happy with the entirety of how the show ended.
And Oh, yeah. With that, I'm very grateful because she's one of my favorite characters ever. And, yeah, shout out to Amy Lou Lou Wood who that's the name of the actor who plays her. They have the same first name. I don't know how that happened or how it came to be, but it's true.
And The very I look forward to seeing what she continues to do. She's been a really big pro Palestine advocate throughout the genocide so far. Oh, yeah. Yeah. So big.
Shouts out to her for doing the right thing of her platform. Thanks for listening to leftist teen drama. Follow us on social media for updates. Links to our Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and TikTok are in the show notes along with links to suggested additional reading on the topics discussed. And don't forget to rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Solidarity forever, free Palestine, and abolish the PIC. Signing off, Maria.

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#29 - Burning the Jeans: Aimee Gibbs Finds Artistic and Sexual Healing in ‘Sex Education’ Season 4

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.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}#29 - Burning the Jeans: Aimee Gibbs Finds Artistic and Sexual Healing in ‘Sex Education’ Season 4