ENGLISH TEACHER is an acquired taste. It is incredibly quirky and full of dry, sarcastic one-liners. As a former teacher for decades, I do have issues with how the writers portray teachers and even the students. I realize it is all for laughs, but the punchlines didn’t work in season two.
ENGLISH TEACHER was created by Brian Jordan Alvarez. The stories mostly center around his angst and turmoil as to how to present himself as a teacher who is gay. He has way too many rules for his character. It is tough to relax while watching him. The writing is supposed to emphasize his good intentions, but it comes across as very lame, forced, and insincere. This is ironic, since Alvarez is one of the leading writers. I found myself often bored with the same-old, same-old. There was too much cussing in the classroom, along with plots that really didn’t elevate teachers, students, or go anywhere.
Alvarez is surrounded by strong actors who also appear very inept at their jobs. It is unnerving to watch. I wish audiences could see a more rounded insight into what goes on behind school doors. Perhaps what this series is lacking is balance between the good, the bad, and the ugly teaching moments. ABBOTT ELEMENTARY is having this same problem.
It was a chore to get through this latest season of ENGLISH TEACHER. Their first season was much stronger. It’s a shame because the series ended with a cliffhanger. I am hoping it will not be renewed. Quite frankly, I just don’t give a damn. It’s like that song from A CHORUS LINE… I FEEL NOTHING.Â
ENGLISH TEACHER is streaming on Hulu.
