Here at One Track Mind, we’re all about finding harmony between sex and positive mental health; and making sure we see this in TV and film is incredibly important. So in this series, we will be checking in on our favourite media, assessing the level of aftercare and continuous consent found in sexual scenes. And how could we forget the presence and importance given to LGBTQIA+ sex and relationships storylines; something woefully lacking in prevalent pop culture? Get ready for our take on how inclusive, diverse and honest your favourite films and programmes really are. There’s one question on our mind: how’s your head?
One of Netflix’s best originals, Special, dropped season 2 back in May, and we love it. Special follows protagonist Ryan who has cerebral palsy and is navigating the world of dating and relationships. The series shows sex, especially between two guys, in a refreshingly de-stigmatised way. When Ryan loses his virginity to a sex worker, it’s presented in a very realistic manner, with all the awkwardness and fumbling that comes with almost everyone’s first time. Special discusses themes of ableism, looks into polyamorous relationships and even the sex lives of older characters. The series was created by real-life Ryan O’Connell, who also plays the main protagonist, and it is very much a reflection of his own experiences.
As good as Special is, I’m afraid to say it does definitely fall into the same traps we hate when it comes to heterosexual sex scenes. In the second season, we see Kim having sex with her new fling; which involves being on top for a few seconds, orgasming and then simply hopping off and leaving for work – all while simply hitching up her dress. We wish we could look like her after sex, makeup perfectly unscathed, hair just as it was before the encounter. Not to mention her being able to avoid running to the toilet immediately after to prevent a UTI. Apart from this major let-down in all too familiar territory, I think Special has earned a decent amount of points due to the fact it challenges taboos in a fun and playful way. We’ll let them off: just this once.
Our verdict: (Just about) a pass!