Episode 4 of "English Teacher" commences with a rather unconventional dawn for Evan, as he awakens amidst the familiar confines of Malcolm's bed, yet another night spent under the same roof. With a trace of concern etched on his face, Evan suggests they should put a halt to their nocturnal reunions, lest they inadvertently rekindle their former romantic bond. Malcolm, however, brushes it off with a playful smirk and a few jests, defusing the tension with his usual charm.
As Evan ventures into the school's hallowed halls, the abrupt cacophony of gunfire-like sounds pierces the tranquility, sending him into a flurry of action. Without hesitation, he shepherds students into a nearby classroom, seeking shelter from what he initially feared was a dire emergency. To his relief, the commotion transpires to be the inaugural salvo of the newly formed Gun Club, spearheaded by the enigmatic Markie.
During a subsequent teachers' assembly, Evan voices his disapproval of the club, his words laced with disquietude. Markie, unfazed, counters by elucidating that the Gun Club is, in essence, a firearm safety initiative, imparting invaluable lessons on responsible gun handling to the youth. Principal Grant, his stance unwavering, affirms the legality of the club and Evan's pleas fall on deaf ears. Undaunted, Evan resolves to take matters into his own hands.
Meanwhile, Gwen, immersed in a flurry of feminist fervor (albeit with a subtle ulterior motive), finds herself embroiled in a quest. She stumbles upon a controversial list circulating on Reddit, ranking the school's hottest teachers, and her curiosity is piqued—particularly as to why she finds herself languishing at the 26th spot. Her mission now: to uncover the enigmatic author of this ranking, cloaked in the guise of advocating for gender equality.
In the confines of his book club, Evan shares his grievances about the gun club, stirring a sense of indignation among the young minds. They collectively decide that enough is enough, and plot a protest to voice their dissent. The very next morning, the school's grounds are transformed into a ghostly spectacle, as students arrive draped in sheets, their silent protest a haunting reminder of the dangers they perceive in the Gun Club's presence. But Markie, ever the strategic thinker, has anticipated their move and counter-protests with his own cohort, turning the schoolyard into a battlefield of ideologies.
Evan and Markie find themselves in the unenviable position of facing Principal Grant, where Markie passionately argues that since guns are an inevitable part of the world our children inhabit, they must be prepared to confront them. Evan, on the contrary, vehemently declares that guns have no place at all, ultimately resorting to a derogatory remark that prompts Markie to storm out in disgust. Inadvertently, Principal Grant reveals a loophole: an active threat would be the sole catalyst for the club's dissolution.
Meanwhile, Gwen undergoes a transformation, adopting a more alluring attire, driven by the influence of a controversial Reddit list. Evan, cunningly exploiting this revelation, assigns his English class a creative writing exercise inspired by Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment,' tasking them with imagining the unthinkable—committing a heinous act without fear of reprisal.
As the teachers gather at Gwen's, Malcolm unexpectedly joins the mix, courtesy of Gwen's invitation based on his assertion of a rekindled relationship with Evan. Amidst grading his students' submissions, Evan stumbles upon a chilling essay, its words dripping with blood and the cold calculus of life's price. This unintended masterpiece triggers the very mechanism that Principal Grant had unwittingly disclosed, leading to the club's closure.
What Evan fails to anticipate, however, is the unexpected consequence: teachers are now mandated to undergo firearm training, and classrooms will be equipped with guns, a precautionary measure against unforeseen circumstances. Gwen, uncovering the identity of the Reddit list's creator—a student named Jeff—confronts him, learning that he'd manipulated her fashion choices based on her ranking. Though she threatens detention, she ironically adopts his styling advice.
Evan extends an apology to Pablo, the unwitting author of the essay that sealed the club's fate, but quips that the silver lining is Pablo's access to complimentary therapy sessions. As the teachers assemble for their training session, under Markie's seasoned guidance, a surprising camaraderie emerges. Markie reminds Evan that, despite their differences, they share a common goal.
Evan remains steadfast in his conviction against guns, yet his initial aversion softens as he scores a bullseye on his first shot during the training. This pivotal moment marks a subtle shift in his stance, as he eagerly continues firing, closing out Episode 4 of English Teacher on a note of unexpected growth and understanding.
