Episode 1 of "English Teacher" kicks off with a poignant glimpse into Evan Marquez's dawn rituals, preceding his stride towards the hallowed halls of his high school English classroom. Amidst the bustle of lunchtime, we're introduced to the tapestry of educators: Gwen, Rick, and Mark, the athletic guru, as they weave tales of the new physics teacher who's recently woven into their academic fabric.
However, the tranquility of the meal is abruptly shattered when Principal Grant intercepts Evan. It seems Linda Harrisson, a parent, has lodged a grievance against Evan for locking lips with his former beau—a fellow educator—in the presence of her son, now an alumnus. Evan finds himself at the center of an inquiry, compelled to pen a defense that could sway public opinion.
Evan, cognizant that the student in question has embraced his own homosexuality, surmises that Linda blames him for her son's sexual awakening. In a heart-to-heart with Malcolm, his erstwhile lover, Malcolm urges Evan to flee the fray, much like he did. But Evan's heart is set on staying, determined to effect change in this bastion of conservatism. Their conversation unexpectedly blossoms into a passionate reunion.
As night descends, Evan toils over his investigative statement, when Gwen's call interjects, bringing news of Nick's job loss and his subsequent plunge into culinary DIY endeavors. A fleeting memory flickers, replaying the kiss that sparked the controversy—a tender moment transcending a mere peck, with the watchful eyes of the student a somber backdrop.
Back at school, Mark presides over his book club, where students, aware of Evan's predicament, mischievously suggest he leverage his mixed Hispanic heritage and LGBTQ+ identity as an escape hatch. The discourse spirals into a maze of identity politics, ultimately prompting a poignant query: Why does Evan persist in this vocation?
Evan's response resonates with warmth and purpose: "I thrive on witnessing these young minds blossom."
After the leisurely lunch hour, Mark dials Evan's number with the intention of addressing his students' curiosity about non-binary identities. Little does he know, it's all part of a mischievous ploy orchestrated by the students, eager to capture him uttering potentially controversial remarks on tape. However, the tables turn abruptly when Evan submits his defense statement, only to discover that Linda Harrison, unexpectedly, has withdrawn the case. Principal Grant sheds light on the matter, revealing that Mark's intervention with Linda had swayed her decision. But there's a twist: Evan finds himself bound by a strict rule prohibiting romantic entanglements with fellow faculty members.
Evan, intrigued, seeks clarification from Mark, who casually discloses that he leveraged Linda's secret—her son's homosexuality—as leverage within her exclusive circle, thus compelling her to drop the charges. Evan's righteous indignation surfaces, railing against ideals and ethics, but Mark counters with pragmatism, emphasizing he preserved Evan's job out of friendship. Evan, momentarily taken aback, ultimately acknowledges Mark's act as a favor.
Later, the day takes an unexpected turn as Rick introduces Evan to Harry, the fresh-faced physics instructor hailing from Louisiana. Their initial encounter blossoms into a pleasant exchange, punctuated by smiles and camaraderie. As the conversation winds down, Harry compliments Evan's shirt, leaving a subtle yet palpable hint that someone might soon find themselves in a delicate predicament. The stage is set for an intriguing entanglement in the aftermath of English Teacher Episode 1.
