<em>The Sex Lives of College Girls</em> has kicked off its exciting third season, and fans are already bidding farewell to the cherished character Leighton Murray. Following the announcement that actress Reneé Rapp would be taking on a recurring role in Season 3 before departing to focus on her music career, viewers speculated about how her character would exit the series. In Episode 2, Leighton received a poignant send-off that truly honored her journey. Arriving at Essex as a initially pretentious, closeted lesbian with aspirations of joining her mother’s former sorority, Leighton experienced profound character development throughout the series, ultimately embracing her identity as she prepared to leave Essex behind. Transferring to MIT to further pursue her passion for mathematics and to be with her girlfriend Alicia (Midori Francis) in Boston, Leighton is stepping into a promising future. While it’s heartbreaking for her to part ways with Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott), Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet), and Bela (Amrit Kaur), Rapp’s portrayal will be missed. However, fans can find comfort in knowing that Leighton’s character arc concluded satisfyingly, highlighting her acceptance of her sexuality and her decision to chase the life she desires.

Explore Leighton’s Remarkable Character Development in ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’

When Leighton first stepped onto the college scene, she had a meticulously crafted plan to follow in her family’s footsteps by attending Essex and rushing Kappa. Initially, she viewed her roommates as unworthy of her time and was reluctant to build connections. However, after her two high school best friends deserted her within the first week, she began to form bonds with Whitney, Kimberly, and Bela. An unexpected incident involving a tequila bottle and a campus statue led to her community service at Essex’s Women’s Center, where she met Alicia. This meeting was pivotal, as Alicia would play a significant role in Leighton’s journey of self-discovery. Unlike her roommates, Leighton kept her romantic life under wraps, secretly dating older women while maintaining a façade of heterosexuality. Following a tumultuous breakup with Alicia—who refused to continue dating someone still in the closet—Leighton had an emotional coming out moment to Kimberly in the Season 1 finale. Season 2 witnessed her embracing her identity more openly, culminating in her coming out to her parents.

Rapp, who identifies as a lesbian, expressed the profound impact of portraying Leighton when her departure was announced in July 2023. She shared her sentiments on X, stating, “A lot of queer work gets belittled—but playing Leighton has changed my life. I love who I am 10x more than I did before knowing her. I hope she gave y’all a little bit of that too.” This heartfelt message underscores the significance of her role in not just her life but also in the lives of those who resonated with her character.

Leighton’s journey was largely defined by her path to coming out, which facilitated her transformation into her authentic self. Initially, she resisted being categorized by her sexuality, suppressing a crucial part of her identity to conform to societal expectations. Her relationship and subsequent breakup with Alicia served as a wake-up call, prompting her to confront her internalized homophobia and the pressures of heteronormativity. A brief romance with her lookalike Tatum (Gracie Dzienny) further illuminated Leighton’s growth, as she realized the narrow-mindedness she had once harbored towards the queer community, a realization prompted by Alicia’s criticism in Season 1. Although she retained some of her snobby traits, Leighton’s choice to leave Kappa and rekindle her relationship with Alicia in the Season 2 finale showcased her significant character development as she moved into Rapp’s final season.

Celebrate Leighton’s Bittersweet Departure in Season 3

To facilitate Rapp’s exit from the show, The Sex Lives of College Girls showrunner Justin Noble ensured that Leighton’s future aligned with her character’s aspirations. Recognized for her exceptional mathematical skills since Season 1, Leighton learns in the Season 3 premiere that the math department at Essex lacks the advanced curriculum she seeks, prompting her professor to recommend a transfer to MIT. This move dovetails with Alicia’s plans to leave Essex for an exciting new job opportunity in Boston. Yet, despite this incredible opportunity, Leighton is heartbroken about leaving her close friends behind. Known for her struggles with communication, Leighton delays telling Whitney, Kimberly, and Bela about her transfer until the last moment, only for Jocelyn (Lauren Spencer) to inadvertently reveal the news first. As Leighton tearfully explains her decision to the group, the emotional weight of her departure becomes palpable. However, after a heartfelt group hug, Bela insists they make the most of their final night together before Leighton embarks on her new adventure.

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“It Really Was a Goodbye”: ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ Showrunner on Reneé Rapp’s Final Scene

Season 3 premiered on November 21.

Leighton’s final episode brilliantly encapsulates her character’s evolution, demonstrating how she has grown into the person she aspires to be. Notably, the physical transformations in her hair and wardrobe during Season 3 symbolize her newfound confidence and comfort in her identity as she approaches her next chapter at MIT. Classic Leighton moments are still present, such as her reaction to discovering Whitney’s new boyfriend’s wealth and her signature bluntness when she points out to her oblivious straight friends that Kimberly’s love interest identifies as bisexual. While her relationship with Alicia and her friendships with the girls are central to her character, Episode 2 also features a touching exchange between Leighton and her father (Rob Huebel). Their relationship has evolved into a more open and supportive dynamic, with her father encouraging her to pursue her dreams.

As Season 3, Episode 2 wraps up, viewers are left with a tantalizing cliffhanger regarding Leighton’s replacement. The lovable, sharp-witted character will certainly be missed. Rapp’s humor, empathy, and emotional depth in her portrayal of Leighton have made her a standout character and fan favorite. While her absence will be profoundly felt, Rapp’s final episode provided a heartbreaking yet fulfilling conclusion to Leighton’s journey.

The Sex Lives of College Girls is now available for streaming on Max in the United States, with new episodes of Season 3 premiering every Thursday at 9 PM EST.

WATCH ON MAX

Release Date

November 18, 2021

Cast

Pauline Chalamet , Amrit Kaur , Alyah Chanelle Scott , Renika Williams , Christopher Meyer , Ilia Isorelýs Paulino , Reneé Rapp , Mekki Leeper , Betti , Lauren Spencer , Sierra Katow , Isabella Roland , Gracie Lawrence , Mia Rodgers , Midori Francis , Gavin Leatherwood , Cheyenne Perez , Mitchell Slaggert , Conor Donnally , Scott Lipman , Maya Rose , Charlie Hall , Rob Huebel , James Morosini , Sherri Shepherd , Amanda Ripley

Main Genre

Comedy

Seasons

3

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