This show operates in almost a strange parallel universe. It is shot and set in Britain, but it visually looks and the story plays out as though it is an American high school. The technology implies it is set in modern day, but the fashion of the students are timeless. This could be an issue, but it all just adds to the shows wide ranging appeal.
It is firstly important to say this is a very funny show. As much as it does many other things, it is still very funny, and this is the funniest season yet, with Asa Butterfield and Aimee Lou Wood being the comedic stand outs.
The whole cast is spectacular and essentially every character has their moment and storyline. There are too many to name, but no one lets the side down and every storyline has its importance.
The show tackles so many important topics in a non judgemental and non preachy way; with strong LGBT representation, explorations of Asexual/Pansexual people, disability, abortion, revenge porn, and sexual assault.
Aimee’s sexual assault story was so delicately and brilliant handled, and seeing her gradual downfall was heartbreaking. However, the episode 7 sequence where all the girls detail the different types of harassment they have received and then take their anger out together is such an impressive scene. The group all getting on the bus to support Aimee was incredible and one of the best representations of this subject I have ever seen.
Emma Mackey’s Maeve Wiley is one of my favourite TV characters in recent time, a truly great and multi-faceted creation, who Mackey plays brilliantly. I know the show wants to continue the ‘will they/won’t they’ but I can’t wait for Otis and Maeve to get together as they are clearly ‘Endgame’.
Bring on Season 3!
Rating = 4/5
Howe's World of Film and TV 