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) storyline in this episode revolves around her pursuit of a physical relationship, a refreshing departure from the cultural shame often associated with South Asian characters. However, the show seems to reduce her culture to a punchline, using it as a party trick for the white guys she lusts after or as a lazy way to summarize her character without developing it further. Despite this, Bela's sex scene with a guy she describes as having "washboard abs" is a significant moment for her character, as it represents her active pursuit of personal happiness.
Whitney's (Alyah Chanelle Scott) storyline continues to be a source of tension, as she remains involved with her married soccer coach, Dalton. The episode explores the manipulative nature of their relationship, with Dalton saving Whitney as "Steven Kim Accountant" in his phone, a clear indication of his deceitful intentions. Whitney's willingness to help Dalton cheat on his wife is both frustrating and compelling, as it highlights the complexities of teenage relationships and the moral dilemmas faced by young adults in college.
The episode also touches on the girls' shared experience of dealing with a smelly mini-fridge, a seemingly trivial problem that serves to unite them in a common annoyance. The blame for the fridge's odor is initially placed on Bela, an accusation she refutes as racially motivated. The eventual revelation that the smell is due to Bela unplugging the fridge to spray paint her abs adds a layer of humor to the situation.
In conclusion, "Le Tuteur" is an episode that, while slow-paced, offers a deeper look into the characters' lives and the challenges they face. It tackles issues of sexuality, socioeconomic disparities, and personal growth with a mix of humor and sincerity. The episode's exploration of the girls' sexual experiences, particularly Bela's, is a significant step forward in portraying college life realistically. Despite some missteps in character development, particularly with Bela's cultural background, the episode remains a compelling part of the series, offering a glimpse into the lives of these college girls as they navigate the complexities of their new world.