English Teacher Has the Most Genuine Gay Romance on TV

As a film enthusiast who has spent decades navigating through the labyrinth of television shows and films, I must say that “English Teacher” is a breath of fresh air in the sea of predictable narratives. Having witnessed the evolution of queer representation on screen, it’s refreshing to see a show that doesn’t shy away from the messiness, anxiety, and free thinking that characterize many current relationships.

In a departure from the sentimental portrayal common in many shows, “English Teacher,” crafted by Brian Jordan Alvarez, presents an unconventional perspective. For instance, the initial scene of the season finale “Birthday” deviates from the usual tender and emotional depiction of coming out. A student confides in Evan (the title character), hoping for guidance as a gay teacher. However, instead of providing wisdom, Evan expresses bewilderment at being asked such a question. His response is far from nurturing; rather, he encourages the student to simply announce his sexuality boldly, suggesting that he seek advice from peers of similar age. This approach contrasts with the typical on-screen representation of coming out, as seen in series like “Sex Education,” “Atypical,” “Bojack Horseman,” “Never Have I Ever,” “Glee,” “Schitt’s Creek,” and “Heartstopper.” Unlike these shows that cater to our expectations, “English Teacher” focuses on the reality of the moment.

The tumultuous and unexpected dynamism propels not just the series “English Teacher” but also Evan’s rollercoaster romance with Malcolm (Jordan Firstman), his intermittent boyfriend. Currently, it’s the most gripping relationship portrayed on television, irrespective of sexual orientation, due to its strikingly modern and authentic feel.

In many television shows featuring queer relationships, the emphasis on acceptance overshadows the realities of being queer, resulting in portrayals that appear overly optimistic and unrealistic. Shows like Schitt’s Creek and Heartstopper are delightful, yet they present an idealized version of contemporary homosexuality designed to appeal to straight audiences and serve as a dream for queer people who could not openly express their relationships in the past. These shows offer a sugary but limited perspective on what constitutes a healthy, modern, gay relationship, lacking the sexual tension, anxiety, and free-thinking that often characterize current relationships. English Teacher, however, starts from a world where such dreams have already been realized. Although homophobia persists and ugly anti-LGBTQ legislation remains, it is possible to be openly gay in America today. For this show, being openly gay means being foolish, being mistaken, and being messy. Life isn’t always easy, and neither is English Teacher.

Malcolm and Evan display a range of unique qualities. The initial episode of “English Teacher” showcases Evan facing trouble due to a romantic incident with Malcolm, who left his teaching position for a higher-paying job. Since then, their bond has been somewhat undefined, and they’ve chosen to remain friends. Their relationship is not confined to traditional expressions of love, instead, it’s characterized by intense discussions, passionate encounters, and mutual interest in other men. Their romance is dynamic and flexible, yet there’s an undercurrent of discomfort due to Evan’s ongoing career dilemmas and financial instability, as well as his uncertainties about his relationship with Malcolm.

In “Birthday,” the final episode of the season, Evan reaches the age of 35 and Malcolm organizes a surprise party for him at a local gay bar. However, things take an unexpected turn when Evan finds himself surrounded by his colleagues, who are dressed in tight leather outfits – he’s wearing a snug leather t-shirt and bright yellow short shorts. The bar happens to be hosting a ‘leather night,’ with explicit content playing on the TV screens. As Evan moves towards the midpoint of this decade, he faces a significant choice: will he commit to Malcolm or Harry (played by Langston Kerman), another gay teacher from his school who’s in an open relationship? This decision unfolds dramatically during a grand karaoke performance.

This scene in “Schitt’s Creek” is similar to the heartfelt declaration of love when David Levy lip-synced Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” for his boyfriend Patrick, a moment filled with beauty, emotion, and an undeniable tug at the heartstrings. It follows a more traditional narrative structure often associated with heterosexual relationships. In contrast, the scene in “English Teacher” is less sentimental but equally impactful. Evan watches Malcolm drunkenly sing Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” during a party. Initially, Malcolm ridicules Evan for not joining him on stage, but then brings another man, Harry, into the performance to provoke Evan’s jealousy. Despite Evan claiming they were just friends, Markie, another friend, suggests there’s no such thing as ‘just friends’. Inspired by this, Evan joins Malcolm on stage and kisses him passionately. When Malcolm asks if he’s in love with him now, Evan replies that it’s a possibility. The raw emotion portrayed by Alvarez and Firstman during this pivotal scene adds significant weight to the moment.

Following Malcolm’s selection, Evan departs the bar accompanied by his friends, with no sign of Malcolm. It later transpires that someone within the bar had extended an invitation to Malcolm for a group event. This revelation takes Evan’s associates aback, but not Evan himself. “I embrace him as he is,” Evan states sincerely. Later in the evening, when Malcolm reappears among their group in the backyard, Evan genuinely inquires about the success of the event, even asking if it was held at a warehouse or an apartment (it was actually in a Home Depot stock room). They eventually settle on a deck chair, sharing a kiss to conclude the series. The dialogue exhibits a genuine frankness, and indeed, the entire series, English Teacher, is raw, audacious, startling, intricate, and controversial. Yet it rings true—it’s human.

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2024-10-15 06:06