In the season finale of English Teacher, Evan is still Evan; saying and doing all the wrong things. At the start of the episode, a student comes up to Evan after class wanting some advice on coming out.
-You’d think, as an out gay man, Evan would be able to offer some solid advice, right? Wrong! Evan’s advice about coming out in 2024 was insane! Yes, it’s more accepting now, but why would you brush off a student like that? Also, can you imagine how hard that might’ve been for him to ask for help? Evan practically makes fun of him for not being able to come out and get this, he tells him to “just go and get advice from kids your age”. Excuse me? We’re not even going to discuss him going off on a tangent describing the other students at the school who could be a better help than he is.
If that wasn’t enough to make me sick, he calls Malcolm, his ex-boyfriend. Again? Why? Why is he always calling this man? Their situationship irks my spirit and I feel physically ill whenever he’s mentioned. It’s Evan’s birthday and Malcolm takes him out and (surprise!) it’s actually a surprise party and all of Evan’s friends/colleagues are there (it’s actually pretty funny because he was just saying he wanted to do something not work related). I can understand Malcolm wanting to celebrate Evan, but why would he think hosting this party at a gay bar would be okay?
-Principal Moretti is so uncomfortable in this environment (which is okay because a gay club isn’t for everyone) but it’s making me laugh uncontrollably. I mean, seriously Malcolm, read the room - that’s Evan’s boss.
Pictured: Brian Jordan Alvarez as Evan Marquez © FX 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Speaking of not being able to read the room, Markie runs into an old teammate, Chuck, at the bar. He’s trying to catch up and he’s bringing up his past relationship with a woman. It isn’t until Chuck tells it out to him that Markie understands that Chuck is gay. Loved his reaction to it though; he kept the conversation going like it wasn’t a big deal because it isn’t (still doesn’t mean Evan’s comment earlier was okay).
Harry was invited (Malcolm, seriously?). If the goal was to make Evan as uncomfortable as possible – mission complete! Now he’s trying to get Harry and Evan together. Is this meant to be a full circle moment? I picked up on a vibe at the start of the season between Harry and Evan but then they fell off.
-The night is coming to an end with Gwen singing karaoke (it isn’t a karaoke bar) but that quickly ends and Malcolm takes over singing to Evan. He invites Evan on stage but he refuses and he brings Harry up instead. They’re both singing and having a good time and Markie points out to Evan that he needs to make a decision between the two men.
Pictured: Brian Jordan Alvarez as Evan Marquez © FX 2024. All Rights Reserved.
I was hoping Evan made the right decision and if I learned anything throughout this entire season is that I should never trust Evan to do that. He picks Malcolm. Evan, are you joking? Malcolm has “a special place in your heart”? Do you enjoy pain that much?
Overall, this show is not what I expected it to be. Despite having a few funny moments, who is this show’s target audience? I fear they’ve lost the plot completely. What’d you think of the season finale of English Teacher? Share your thoughts below or connect with me on Twitter/X @chenfordhugs
