Man, I think I might actually be the only one who enjoyed Eric's arc this season, huh? Apparently, I'm that person, now. I'm that full-blown Eric apologist who writes really long post where I try to convince people that Eric's arc this season was very in character and was an important story to tell.
Because, listen, the writers were definitely trying to tell a very specific story with Eric, and I think most people are missing it. I mean, he practically got a whole episode to himself this season and it's like no one even paid attention to it, beyond the fact that he cheated. Like, did no one else see him grow? Was no one else proud? Because I was proud. See, I really connected to Eric's journey of self-discovery and confidence while I watched this season, so it kinda sucks that whenever anyone talks about his arc, it’s with confusion and hurt, some even calling Eric a biphobic villainous asshole. And I guess that just makes me sad... I got to watch a character fall in love with his crush and then realize that their personalities didn't exactly mesh. I got to watch a character and his best friend drift apart since they were both focused on relationships with different people. And then I got to watch them inevitably drift back together like they hadn’t spent a single day apart, because that’s how some best friends work. I got to watch a character travel to a whole other world only to find a part of himself there. And I got to watch that character return home with the realization that his high school relationship with Adam might no longer be what he wants or what would make him most... fulfilled. (And I got to watch all that performed by a very talented actor who was able to make me feel all of these incredible emotions in the limited number of scenes Eric’s character got this season. I mean, Ncuti Gatwa's performance was *chef's kiss*.)
And I'm not saying you have to like Eric's arc this season, because if you don't like something, you don't like something. It's as simple as that. I guess I just wish someone else enjoyed Eric's story this season as much as I did. Because, like I said before, I felt connected to Eric this season. His arc was actually super comforting, in a weird way, because he felt very... human. He did something selfish, and humans, as a species, are selfish sometimes. I’m selfish sometimes. And maybe... that’s not a bad thing??? Perhaps I'm completely wrong, but I think this show, through Eric's arc, was trying to tell us something about how we treat people who make mistakes and how we treat ourselves after we make a mistake. Listen, it's your life and it is absolutely okay to be a little selfish sometimes and to seek what will make you most fulfilled, even if that might ruin a good thing. Just because you're told that you should be grateful for what you have, doesn't mean that you can’t strive for more. Love comes and goes, relationships blossom and wilt. That is the nature of things. The only constant in your life is... yourself. So do what you want. Try new things. And when you make mistakes, learn from them. That's what life should be about.
*sigh* I'm not sure if I managed to explain my point, but I can't read this over again or I'll go mad. So, I'll leave you with this. If you've made it this far, I would like to suggest that you maybe go back and watch Eric’s last few scenes at the end of this season, and just notice how his character is portrayed after his breakup. He's happy and thriving, isn't he? He's in full makeup, and fancy garb, and he can't stop smiling, and he's hanging out with his best friend in the whole world. He's outside in nature, building a freaking treehouse! He almost looks taller, too, standing up straighter. He's more sure of himself and looks like he’s more certain of his role in the universe. And I say: Good. For. Him!
Maybe this is a controversial opinion, but I think people who mess up deserve to be happy too. And I'm glad that the writers of Sex Education portrayed this idea in their show for teenagers, and that it was portrayed by an openly gay, poc character who was so recently beloved by the masses. I have always loved Eric Effiong, but he officially made my list of most favorite characters of all time because of his arc this season. And I'm sad that for most people Eric actually lost his spot on their favorites list for the very same reason. It's actually a little fascinating... I’d love to hear other people’s thoughts on this.
So... thanks for reading if you've made it this far, and let me know if anyone out there agrees with me even just a little... Please??? lol
