The latest FX series may feel like previous teacher/school-related sitcoms, but this might feel different. Here's my review.
FX's English Teacher feels different, with the perspective of a single high school teacher trying to learn and teach how the world works these days. The series stars Brian Jordan Alvarez (also the creator of the series) as Even Marquez, an English teacher who, in the pilot, has to deal with an investigation after a parent made an issue of him kissing his colleague/boyfriend at school in front of the students. While writing an apology, Marquez tries to figure out how to express his apology, only to learn that the investigation was dropped after the gym teacher, Markie Hillridge (played by Sean Patton), spoke with the parent.
In the second episode, "Powderpuff," Marquez deals with the school's refusal to allow the football team to dress up like cheerleaders and perform during the girls' flag football. After talking to his book club students about the issue, Marquez brings in a friend and teaches the football players how to represent drag.
After watching the first two episodes, Patton's character might be one of the best-supporting characters in the series, who doesn't care how he expresses his views. Even in the second episode, when he helps teacher Gwen Sanders (played by Stephanie Koenig) teach the girls how to play football, they go from playing flag football to flag football extreme survival.
While there have been other teacher/school-related sitcoms from the past, like AP Bio, The Steve Harvey Show, and even Abbott Elementary, FX's English Teacher feels different that had a heart with natural uplifting moments from Marquez and team feel like they have accomplished like in the second episode when participating with the football team during their drag performances.
This series has some relatable, likable characters; even the dynamics of Alvarez, Koeng, and Patton sharing screen time together are delightful. Not to mention, watching a teacher have honest conversations with students about the topics in the episodes has been something that I've enjoyed, and it reminds me of what I've had during my time in school.
Overall, I give the series premiere an 8/10.
Have you seen English Teacher? What did you think of the premiere? Leave a comment below.
You can catch new episodes of FX's English Teacher on Mondays at 10/9c on FX and stream the next day on Hulu.
No comments:
Post a Comment