Unpacking Jeremy Usborne: Sexuality, Relationships, and the "Jez Gay Episode" Myth

For fans of the iconic British sitcom Peep Show, the characters of Mark Corrigan and Jeremy Usborne are more than just flatmates; they're a lens through which we examine the awkward realities of modern life. While Mark's perpetual anxiety and social ineptitude are well-documented, Jeremy Usborne, often affectionately called Jez, presents a more complex and evolving narrative, particularly when it comes to his sexuality. The idea of a specific "Jez gay episode" might be a common search query, but the reality of Jez's journey is far more nuanced, highlighting a fascinating exploration of bisexuality and self-discovery within the show's uniquely intimate, observational style. At his core, Jeremy Usborne is the charismatic, albeit utterly unreliable, aspiring musician and the ever-present freeloader in Mark's spare room. He possesses a swagger and a confidence that Mark desperately lacks, often mistaking arrogance for actual talent and attractiveness. Yet, beneath this veneer of self-importance lies a character who, like many of us, grapples with identity and desire. While his primary romantic entanglements in Peep Show are with women, the show subtly and, at times, overtly, weaves in instances of bisexual exploration and genuine attraction to men.

Beyond the Labels: Jeremy's Evolving Sexuality

It's in Series 4 of Peep Show that Jez makes a rather candid revelation to Sophie, stating that he's had sex with more men than she has. This isn't presented as a shocking confession, but rather a casual, almost matter-of-fact statement that hints at a sexual history far more varied than initially perceived. This moment, often overlooked in favour of more explosive plot points, is crucial in understanding Jez's character arc. He isn't simply a straight man with a few dalliances; his sexuality is presented as fluid, something he navigates as he experiences life. The pivotal moments that truly bring this aspect of Jeremy's identity to the forefront occur later in the series. In the Series 9 episode, "Gregory's Beard," Jez takes on the role of a life coach, a venture that, like most of his endeavours, is met with mixed success. It's during this period that he becomes involved with Megan and, more significantly, her boyfriend, Joe. This relationship with Joe is particularly impactful. Unlike many of Jez's chaotic relationships with women, his connection with Joe appears more genuine, marked by a mutual commitment and a distinct lack of the ulterior motives that plague his heterosexual encounters.

The "Joe" Factor: A Turning Point for Jez?

The relationship with Joe leads Jez down a path of introspection. He begins to question his own sexuality, a process that is both awkward and, in true Peep Show fashion, hilariously exposed. His conversations with Mark about his evolving feelings towards Joe are a masterclass in the show's internal monologue style, revealing the messy, often contradictory nature of self-discovery. The humour, as always, stems from the relatable awkwardness and the characters' inability to articulate their feelings smoothly. Adding another layer of cringe-worthy comedy, Jez's personal revelations are, unbeknownst to him, already known by Mark, Dobby, Gregory, and Super Hans. The discovery of surveillance cameras in their flat means his most private moments are public knowledge amongst his closest (and often dysfunctional) circle. This comedic device highlights the invasive nature of their cohabitation and the constant lack of privacy, a running theme throughout the series.

"Neither Gay Nor Straight": Embracing Ambiguity

The episode "Threeism" offers a direct confrontation with Jez's evolving understanding of himself. He admits to Mark that he doesn't identify strictly as gay or straight, refusing to be confined by traditional labels. This embrace of ambiguity is perhaps Jez's most mature moment in the series. It signifies a departure from the easy categorizations society often imposes, a step towards accepting the multifaceted nature of his desires and attractions. What makes Jeremy's relationship with Joe so compelling is its relative health compared to his other romantic liaisons. While his relationships with women are often characterized by superficiality, manipulation, or his own immaturity, his connection with Joe seems grounded in a more authentic emotional space. This isn't to say it's without its complexities or eventual complications, but it offers a glimpse into a Jeremy who is capable of deeper, more stable connection when he allows himself to be vulnerable.

Who Played Jeremy Usborne? The Man Behind the Persona

The character of Jeremy Usborne, the complex and often contradictory heart of many of the show's explorations into relationships and self-identity, is masterfully portrayed by Robert Webb. Webb, alongside David Mitchell as Mark Corrigan, has cemented their place as comedic icons for their impeccable portrayal of these deeply flawed, yet incredibly human, characters. Their ability to convey inner turmoil and subtle emotions through their distinctive comedic timing is what makes Peep Show endure. The "Jez gay episode" isn't a singular event, but rather a thread woven throughout the later seasons, particularly Series 9. It's a testament to the show's commitment to character development, exploring the messy, non-linear path of understanding oneself. Jeremy's journey isn't about a dramatic coming out, but a more subtle, yet equally profound, process of self-acceptance and the realization that sexuality can be a spectrum.

What Did Jeremy Do in "Gregory's Beard"?

As mentioned, in "Gregory's Beard," Jeremy's foray into life coaching leads him to interact with Megan and her partner, Joe. It's during this period that Jeremy becomes sexually involved with Joe. This experience prompts Jeremy to re-evaluate his own sexual identity and desires. The episode showcases his internal struggle and his attempts to articulate these newfound feelings to Mark, leading to some of the show's most characteristically awkward and revealing conversations about sexuality and identity.

Mark and Jez: The Unlikely Duo

While the focus here is on Jeremy's personal journey, it's impossible to discuss him without acknowledging his dynamic with Mark Corrigan. Their codependent, often antagonistic, yet undeniably loyal relationship forms the bedrock of Peep Show. Mark's own anxieties and judgments often serve as a foil to Jez's more impulsive and hedonistic tendencies. They represent two sides of the same coin, both struggling to navigate adulthood, relationships, and their own insecurities in the unforgiving landscape of modern Britain. Ultimately, Jeremy Usborne's exploration of his sexuality in Peep Show is not about fitting into a neat box, but about embracing the complexities of human desire. The show, through its unique style and unflinching honesty, allows us to witness a character who, in his own awkward, often misguided way, is on a journey of self-discovery. The "Jez gay episode" isn't a definitive statement, but a chapter in a larger, ongoing narrative of a man learning to understand himself and his place in the world, even if that journey is often paved with social blunders and internal monologues.