The British comedy-drama series Sex Education, which just released its final season on Netflix, has garnered significant attention for its candid portrayal of teenage sexuality, relationships, and personal growth. At the heart of its intricate web of relationships lies the unexpected friendship between Vivian “Viv” Odesanya (Chinenye Ezeudu) and Jackson Marchetti (Kedar Williams-Stirling.) Their relationship, while not the central plot of the series, provides a nuanced exploration of support, vulnerability, and personal evolution. In contrast to Otis and Maeve’s will-they-or-won’t-they dynamic, Viv and Jackson defy the age-old “friends-to-lovers” trope that has dominated romcoms around the globe.
Let’s go back to the early days of our favorite platonic power couple who are changing the landscape of male/female friendships in popular media:
Flipping the ‘lovable jock and his nerdy sidekick’ trope on its head
Viv is a quintessential high-achieving student. She’s academically brilliant, ambitious, and often portrayed as somewhat socially awkward. Jackson, in contrast, is the school’s star swimmer, popular, charismatic, and burdened by the weight of external expectations, primarily from his two mothers who want him to excel in swimming. Their paths might never have converged were it not for the intense pressures both faced in their personal and academic lives.
The starting point of their relationship is practical and transactional. Jackson is struggling with his academics, and he needs a tutor to help him maintain his grades. Viv, always eager to top every class, is the natural choice. However, their initial interactions are rife with misconceptions. Jackson sees Viv as a mere means to an end, while Viv views Jackson as another one of the school’s shallow popular kids. Yet, as their tutoring sessions progress, the depth beneath the surface of both characters starts to emerge.
For Viv, beneath her academic prowess lies a longing for connection, understanding, and romantic experiences which she feels she’s missing out on due to her nerdy persona. For Jackson, behind his athletic stardom, lies anxiety, pressure, and the desperation to establish an identity outside of the pool. Their relationship takes a turning point when Jackson experiences panic attacks due to the immense stress from swimming. It is Viv who recognizes this as a sign of his deteriorating mental health. Despite their differences, a genuine, supportive bond begins to form. Viv helps Jackson find coping strategies and, in turn, Jackson aids Viv in navigating her personal struggles, especially regarding her crush on a fellow student.
Unexpected allies
As they spend more time together, Jackson and Viv’s interactions transcend mere academics. They share personal experiences, challenges, and dreams. This deepening bond is a testament to the series’ broader theme: true understanding and connection can emerge in the most unexpected places. Jackson’s own struggles with mental health, identity, and self-worth create a pathway for Viv to understand that even those who seem to have everything are not immune to personal struggles. She becomes a confidante, offering Jackson an understanding ear and helping him confront his anxieties. It’s Viv who encourages Jackson to find other outlets besides swimming, which is how Jackson lands the role of Romeo in the school play in Season 2.
Similarly, Jackson’s role in Viv’s life goes beyond academics. He encourages her to step out of her comfort zone, pursue her romantic interests, and understand that there’s more to her than just her academic achievements. They challenge each other’s preconceived notions and grow as individuals because of their shared experiences and mutual support. This isn’t to say that Viv and Jackson don’t clash from time to time, like when headmistress Hope Haddon replaced Jackson as Head Boy and appointed Viv in his place, or when Viv got jealous over Jackson and Cal’s relationship in Season 3. However, the bond between them is built on a foundation of compassion and accountability, which is perhaps why their relationship is one of the strongest in the series.
Trial by Gaslighting
Sex Education Season 4 tests Viv and Jackson’s friendship as they enter Cavendish College with the introduction of a new boyfriend, health scares, and a mysterious “love letter” from a man named Jerome. There is a plotline that deftly navigates toxic relationships and fear of abandonment while underscoring how vital it is to have friends who can recognize red flags when they see them.
Conclusion
While there are moments of potential romantic tension, the beauty of Viv and Jackson’s relationship is that it does not succumb to clichés. Instead, it emphasizes the value of platonic relationships and the deep, meaningful connections that can exist without romantic entanglement. It underscores the idea that beyond social labels and superficial perceptions, everyone is grappling with personal challenges. Their bond illustrates the beauty of finding understanding and support in the unlikeliest of places. The series masterfully highlights the transformative power of friendship, teaching viewers that sometimes, the most profound relationships are those that catch us by surprise.