‘English Teacher’ makes the grade with a sweet, funny look at high school educators

As a lifelong educator and avid television enthusiast, I found “English Teacher” to be a refreshing and relatable addition to the genre of teacher-centric sitcoms. The show manages to strike a delicate balance between humor and sincerity, making it both entertaining and heartwarming.

Shows featuring teachers have been a staple of television since the early days, starting with “Our Miss Brooks” and excluding numerous teen series where teachers played various roles. In the current era of the 21st century, “Abbott Elementary,” a show that has reminded us that broadcast TV is still relevant and even won an Emmy, continues this tradition. Interestingly, it has also managed to elevate the often stereotyped profession, restoring its respectability without compromising on humor.

The new TV show titled “English Teacher,” starring Brian Jordan Alvarez and airing on FX from Monday, will also be available for streaming on Hulu starting Tuesday. Unlike its previous setting in a struggling inner-city school, this series is set in a well-off suburban high school in Austin, Texas. Although Jonathan Krisel, who has co-created “Portlandia” with Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, directs several episodes of this show, the city of Austin has no significant connection to it, other than one casual mention that there are tech jobs available.

In this story, Alvarez embodies Evan Marquez, a passionate English teacher with a habit of overthinking that often leads him into turmoil. This trait can wreak havoc on his personal life, but it also drives his strong sense of righteousness. Alongside him are a few fellow educators: Gwen (Stephanie Koenig), a history teacher and friend whose husband is manually excavating a pool; Markie (Sean Patton), who resembles a human buffalo and possesses an impressive grasp of teen culture; Rick (Carmen Christopher), a guidance counselor who appears to be more of a spectator rather than a guide; and Grant Moretti (Enrico Colantoni), the principal, who seeks tranquility within and outside the school walls.

Evan has a complicated relationship history. His ex-colleague Malcolm (Jordan Firstman), who they still share intimate moments with, could be a potential love interest, but there’s a complication – Evan is forbidden from dating colleagues following an incident where he kissed Malcolm in front of a student, although this happened years ago and was reported by the student’s mother. The new teacher, Harry (Langston Kerman), presents a fresh romantic prospect, but Evan is filled with awkward anxiety about him because of these workplace dating rules.

Where in some series Evan being gay would be incidental, here it’s integral to the stories and comedy. Preparing for the traditional powderpuff game, in which cheerleaders play football and football players dress as cheerleaders, the players come to Evan for advice; he enlists the help of a college friend who works as a drag queen, whom he introduces as the star of a “long-running show in Austin called ‘Woman of La Mancha.’” (“It actually got canceled,” says the friend. “The show is now called ‘Drink Ticket Tuesday.’”)

When some of Markie’s pupils query the term “nonbinary,” he invites Evan to clarify it for them, referring to him as a “unique guest who identifies as gay.”

Markie: “Hey, Froot Loops!”

Evan: “You can’t call me ‘Froot Loops,’ Markie.”

“It’s just the name of a cereal, buddy.”

“Then why didn’t you say Cheerios?”

“’Cause there ain’t nothing gay about Cheerios.”

Regarding the students, they’re a unique assortment of characters – I was about to say “categories,” but they each have their own distinct flair – who exhibit an attitude towards their elders that leans more toward respect mingled with a touch of compassion. When Evan declares that they will delve into “Love in the Time of Cholera,” a student named Kayla speaks up.

Kayla is finding it particularly distressing to read a book about a disease at this moment, given her current circumstances.

Evan: “What are you going through, Kayla?”

Kayla: “Recently I was successfully diagnosed with something called asymptomatic Tourette’s.”

Evan: “Someone actually diagnosed you?”

Chelsea, Kayla’s friend: “It’s disrespectful to ask that.”

“Chelsea, it’s understandable that individuals might commit big errors if they haven’t been taught proper manners.”

In simpler terms, I didn’t provide deep analysis or find fault with details, but rather, I greatly appreciated the characters, both main and minor, and how their quirks were set against a backdrop of realism. The unconventional humor, such as a ball suddenly hitting someone on the head, always makes me laugh. The scene where Colantoni dropped Alka-Seltzers into a glass, pressed it to his cheek, and murmured “Purr,” was an exceptional source of inspiration this year. A waiter saying “I literally have COVID” out of nowhere is my kind of unexpected twist or nonsensical statement.

What elements cause something to be humorous? Although we can recognize it when it appears, it’s important to remember that not everyone shares the same sense of humor. In fact, some might argue that we understand its humor only after we have reacted to it – whether by laughing, chuckling, or nodding approvingly. I found myself doing this frequently while teaching English.

What truly sets this series apart is its heartwarming bond between characters, and an underlying theme amidst comedic scenarios – people, young and old, striving for significance. Occasionally, they find unity in what seems like progress or resolution. For instance, the Powderpuff episode, penned by Koenig and helmed by Alvarez, left me with tears of joy. In essence, this comedy series wraps up happily ever after.

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2024-09-02 13:32