The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 3 Stumbles, But Stays True To Comedic Origins
The Sex Lives of College Girls is back for it’s highly anticipated third season. We’re reviewing the first seven episodes of the show that were available for press.
It is no secret that series regular Reneé Rapp would be ending her run with the show after this season in order to pursue music. While it was a large career change, it’s execution within the show felt rushed and a bit out of character. Her character Leighton decides to leave Essex and transfer to MIT in order to pursue a harder Mathematics program, which coincidently is located in Boston where her girlfriend is also moving. Her departure happens at the end of episode two making the start of the season feel more like the end of one. This location could be a nod to the singer’s song “I Hate Boston”, but regardless, her lack of presence is felt heavily.
While the show is known for its revolving door of characters, especially the male ones, it seems like this season has the most new faces. Along with Leighton’s departure, a new roommate comes into the picture. Kacey (Gracie Lawrence), a Southern transfer student, joins the trio in their new room after transferring to Essex for her boyfriend. The group is apprehensive to let the polished and seemingly nice girl into their group, but, after a public embarrassment, she is welcomed in with open arms.
Bella (Amrit Kaur) takes on some new responsibility this semester, taking the position as FAF where she meets struggling freshman Taylor (Mia Rodgers). Bella’s maturity and growth is shown through this budding relationship as she positions herself as a selfless mentor, a big departure from the sex and comedy crazed freshman she was.
Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott) starts to experience burnout from overloading on classwork and her commitment to soccer. This forces her into a “not so friends but with benefits” situation where she is teetering on reconnecting with an ex. The stress of her responsibilities leads her to questioning if her feelings are normal, or something to be concerned about.
Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet) seems to be coming into her own this school year by getting into an advanced seminar class where she must compete with a class dominated by men. Early in the year she gets involved with a bisexual man who pulls her out of her comfort zone and into the world of raves and drugs.
This show absolutely nails it when it comes to the friendship and relationships formed in college. Not everyone will stick around, but every experience during this time is pivotal in forming who you will become. The romantic situationships are as messy as they should be and the friendships are deeper than ever before. The season keeps things light and funny while occasionally departing from reality. While it takes a couple of episodes for the season to find its groove, it is clear that Mindy Kaling knows when to keep things rooted in reality and when to push the gas when it comes to the wild and raunchy.
The Sex Lives of College Girls is streaming on Max.
