In the third episode of "The Sex Lives of College Girls," titled "Le Tuteur," the series delves further into the lives of its four protagonists as they navigate the challenges and adventures of their freshman year at Essex College. This episode, much like the others, moves at a deliberate pace, allowing for a deeper exploration of each character's personality and the complexities they face in their newfound environment.
The episode opens with a significant milestone: an actual sex scene, a bold move for a show about college girls' sexual experiences. This scene is a Thanksgiving miracle, a moment of action in an episode that otherwise unfolds at a snail's pace. The sex scene is a testament to the show's commitment to exploring the realities of college life without resorting to clichéd portrayals.
Leighton's (Renée Rapp) character takes a turn in this episode as she begins her community service at the Essex College Women's Center. The center is portrayed as an "inclusive collective for females and people of all genders," but quickly reveals itself to be a space for individuals with daddy issues, songs about ovaries, and a love for nature. Leighton's initial reaction to the center's activities is one of amusement and mockery, which leads to a conflict with the volunteer leader Alicia (Midori Francis). This sets the stage for Leighton's character development, as she is forced to confront her own biases and begin a journey of self-awareness and growth.
Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet) struggles in her French class, a situation that highlights the socioeconomic disparities that can affect academic performance. Her determination to succeed, despite her inadequate public-school education, is both inspiring and frustrating. Her tutoring sessions with Nico become a significant plot point, as they provide a backdrop for their blossoming relationship. However, the episode also reveals Nico's frat boy nature, as he invites Kimberly over to watch French Betty White only to forget and watch basketball with his brothers instead.
Bela's (Amrit Kaur) narrative thread in this episode revolves around her bold quest for physical intimacy, a refreshing shift from the cultural stigma often attached to South Asian personas. However, the series seems to trivialize her cultural heritage, using it merely as a comical device for the amusement of the white male characters she desires or as a lazy shorthand to encapsulate her identity without delving into its depths. Despite this flaw, her intimate encounter with a man whom she describes as possessing "washboard abs" marks a pivotal moment in her character's journey, symbolizing her proactive pursuit of personal bliss.
Whitney's (Alyah Chanelle Scott) storyline persists as a tension-laden arc, with her entanglement with her married soccer coach, Dalton, at its core. This episode delves into the manipulative dynamics of their affair, with Dalton's deceitful alias of "Steven Kim Accountant" in his phone serving as a clear indication of his dishonesty. Whitney's complicity in Dalton's infidelity is both irritating and intriguing, highlighting the intricate webs of teenage relationships and the moral quandaries confronting young adults in college.
The episode also addresses the girls' collective experience of dealing with a malodorous mini-fridge, a seemingly mundane issue that brings them together in shared annoyance. Initially, the blame for the fridge's offensive odor falls on Bela, an accusation she rejects as racially charged. The eventual revelation that the smell stems from Bela unplugging the fridge to spray-paint her abs adds a humorous twist to the situation.
In summary, "Le Tuteur" is an episode that, despite its leisurely pace, provides a profound glimpse into the characters' lives and the challenges they confront. It tackles themes of sexuality, socioeconomic disparities, and personal growth with a blend of humor and authenticity. The episode's exploration of the girls' sexual endeavors, particularly Bela's, represents a significant stride in portraying college life with realism. While there are stumbles in character development, particularly concerning Bela's cultural background, the episode remains an engaging installment in the series, offering a vivid insight into the lives of these college women as they navigate the complexities of their nascent world.
