Netflix's Sex Education creator teases what's next for Eric and Adam in season 2

21 January 2019, 17:35

By Sam Prance

Ncuti Gatwa also hints at Eric's future after the Adam twist split Sex Education fans...

There is no question that Sex Education is one of the standout shows of the year so far. Ever since it came out on Netflix earlier this month, the TV series has received critical acclaim from fans and critics alike. Not only does the new series take on important issues in hilarious and sensitive ways but it also has an amazing cast and some of the most loveable characters on screen right now.

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From awkward king Otis (Asa Butterfield) to feminist queen Maeve (Emma Mackey), it's impossible not to find someone to obsess over in Sex Education. However, no character is more popular than Otis' best friend Eric (Ncuti Gatwa). As well as stealing every scene, Eric gets his own moving, coming of age arc. What's next for Eric though and why are fans split over the Adam twist?

SEX EDUCATION SEASON 1 SPOILERS BELOW

Throughout all of season 1, Eric was bullied by the headmaster's son Adam (Connor Swindell). However, this all changed in the final episode of the season when they were put in detention together. They kissed and Adam gave Eric a blowjob. Then later in Biology class they intimately grazed hands before Adam's father sent him to military school seemingly ending their love story.

Fans were divided over Eric's shock love interest. While Adam's character was well-developed, and there were many signs that he may be attracted to Eric, the trope of seeing someone who is abused fall in love with their abuser can be triggering for those who've been bullied. Some fans loved the twist but others thought that Eric deserved a love interest who hasn't hurt him.

Here are just a few of the reactions.

Speaking to Thrillist about Adam and Eric's relationship in the show, Sex Education's creator Laurie Nunn said: "I think if you rewatch the series we very much were telling a love story through bullying with Eric and Adam. Even though in some ways in episode eight it feels like a twist it really is there throughout every episode, the feeling that they have with each other and how kind of confused that is."

Laurie then added: "Adam is just desperate for connection ... The fact that he bullies people and in particular Eric is his way of looking for intimacy in the world. It will be interesting to see where that takes him now that he's developed a new part of himself after episode eight. It's very sad and it's definitely a cliffhanger in terms what might happen in the future between those two characters."

Okay. That does makes sense ... kind of... but it is still easy to see why people find the Adam and Eric storyline problematic. Particularly, seeing as Adam hasn't even apologised to Eric. Still for the Adam and Eric shippers out there, that does sound like we could be getting more Eram content in season 2. Although we could also be getting a completely new love interest for Eric.

In an interview with Paper, Ncuti Gatwa seemed to hint that Eric could have a new man in his future: "I'd be quite exited for Eric to find love, because he's got a lot of love to give, and it would be quite nice for it to be returned." Amazing.

What do you think? Are Eric and Adam problematic and would you like to see Eric get a new man in season 2?