Four fictional college first-years returned to the majestic Essex College campus. The new season of ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ showed more sexy scenes. The show dived into each characters’ social, academic, and financial plights. The show created a feminist, sex-positive college experience.
On November 14, HBO’s ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ aired season two. Written by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, the show gave a feminist spin to a college series. The four protagonists— Kimberly, Bela, Leighton, and Whitney— became roommates. Each hailed from a different economic and cultural background. By season two, the roommates became supportive friends.
I loved Season Two for its representation, comedy, and empowerment. I liked Kimberly’s LGBTQIA+ allyship and secondary character Lila’s dry humor. I enjoyed Essex’s gorgeous greenery. I disliked Bella’s seeming disrespect for boundaries and her body. Read below to learn more about Season Two.
The Characters
Kimberly Finkle is a booksmart student from a small town. Her roommates helped her become less shy. I related to her introverted and hardworking nature. She had a work-study job at a campus coffee shop. In Season One, she cheated on a difficult final exam. As a result, she lost her scholarship. Season Two explored how she would pay for college
Bela Malhorta is an Indian-American student from New Jersey. She wanted to become a sex-positive feminist. She dreamed of comedy stardom. Season One detailed her negative experience at an established campus magazine. She decided to start her own feminist magazine. Season Two explored her new magazine’s trajectory and ego.
Leighton Murray hailed from an affluent, metropolitan family. Her parents both thrived at Essex College. Season One established her as a closeted lesbian. She succeeded in math and science classes. She came out to Kimberly, which created an unlikely, exciting friendship. Season Two explored her sex and academic lives.
Whitney Chase played soccer at the Division One college. Her mother became a high-profile senator. Season One established her as a sporty, chill student. She famously took introductory classes without knowing the subject. In Season Two, she challenged herself academically and declared an unlikely major.
Kimberly and Leighton
Kimberly’s plot arc became a season highlight. She dated a handsome transfer student named Jackson. The two started out as suite neighbors. Jackson and Kimberly attended study dates. He cares for her when she becomes ill. Season Two deepens her character via her thriving social life. Her character development inspires me to become more social.
Season Two builded Kimberly and Leighton’s unlikely friendship. Slowly, Leighton came out to friends and family. Kimberly supported her disclosure and romantic pursuits. The roommates accepted Leighton’s sexuality. During a family dinner, her father appreciated her honesty.
Kimberly represented good LGBTQIA+ allyship. She bought Leighton pride balloons, but she rejected the gift. At first, Leighton wished to keep her sexuality private. Hoping to not out Leighton, Kimberly returned the balloons. She did not tell her roommates. I appreciated Kimberly’s desire to learn and support her friend.
Whitney
In Season Two, Whitney made odd decisions that worked out for her. She suspected that her boyfriend, Canaan, cheated on her. She found evidence on his phone and confronted him. Canaan broke up with her at a party. He tells her that she has no future beyond soccer. Despite her romantic loss, a new opportunity approaches her.
Whitney and Bella took an introductory biochemistry class. Whitney’s mother suggested they drop the class. Determined to succeed, they stay enrolled in the class. Whitney found a newfound love for science. She declared a biochemistry major. Her academic side allowed for a more complex character.
Whitney became the second Black student enrolled in biochemistry. The TA confused her with the other Black girl. Whitney sought advice from her friends of color. She and the TA discussed the situation. This scene could empower other students of color in similar situations. The moment provides coping strategies and tangible solutions.
Bella
Surprisingly, Bella did not know what she wanted. Season One established her as an comical feminist who respects her body. Season Two spun Bela in a new direction. She betrayed her comedy magazine sisters. Then, characters critiqued her for not supporting other women. The different direction stifled her character development.
In Season One, Bella hooked up with various partners. She valued her body and boundaries above all else. Season Two presented her differently. She drove a comedian to Essex College. Meanwhile, she dated fellow student Eric. She slept with the entertainment personality to obtain an internship. This caused me to scream at my television. I understand that Bella desired the opportunity.
Season Two clearly defined Bella’s flaws. Eric broke up with Bella. She went to his apartment and hoped to win him back. He points out how she desired everyone’s approval. After receiving praise, she moved onto the next person. From Eric’s angle, Bella proves a flawed character with room to grow. Season Two simply showed necessary growth. In my ideal Season Three, she would gain positive character development.
