Week after week, FX’s “English Teacher” has shown that it refuses to slow down. The changing dynamics between Evan (Brian Jordan Alvarez) and Malcolm (Jordan Firstman) keep viewers engaged, while Sean Patton’s character, Markie, keeps revealing more layers.
Each episode challenges the teachers in new ways, but one of the most intriguing developments is the relationship between Gwen (Stephanie Koenig) and Markie. This budding connection has been quietly evolving over the past few weeks and might lead to one of the best character arcs in the series.
Gwen and Markie: A Unique Connection
At first glance, the idea of Gwen and Markie being in a relationship seems far-fetched. Their initial interactions are filled with misunderstandings and unexpected events. For example, during a school field trip, Gwen suffers a severe allergic reaction after coming into contact with Markie’s goggles.
This incident initially makes it seem like their relationship could be doomed. Additionally, in the episode titled “Linda,” Gwen is confused by what seems to be Markie’s flirtation. Despite these rocky moments, there is a deeper emotional connection between them that suggests their relationship is more than just a passing fancy.
Actions often speak louder than words, and this is evident in Gwen and Markie’s interactions. As the show progresses, it becomes clear that they have begun to influence each other positively. Gwen is currently in a relationship that, at first, appears to work for her.
However, in the latest episode titled “Conference,” she confides in Markie about her doubts regarding her relationship. This admission is significant for Gwen, as she has not even considered discussing her feelings with Evan. Her honesty with Markie indicates how connected she has become to him.
Similarly, Markie has opened up to Gwen in ways that viewers find surprising. He shares his unique knowledge and interests with her, and most importantly, he reveals his biggest secret: he cannot swim. This confession adds depth to his character and highlights the growing bond between them.
Gwen and Markie have started to share wisdom with one another. Markie reveals some of the school’s secrets to help Gwen show her challenges, while Gwen offers to teach him how to swim.
Still from English Teacher (Credit: NBC)
Their interactions are not only adorable but also show how they are positively affecting each other. As viewers watch them grow closer, it is easy to imagine them as an iconic sitcom couple, despite their apparent differences.
Contrasting Personalities Create Depth
What makes Gwen and Markie’s relationship interesting is their contrasting qualities. Gwen is an intelligent, professional, and successful educator, but her current relationship situation is beneath her. Her maturity plays a key role in her friendship with Evan.
On the other hand, Markie may come off as immature, often speaking his mind in inappropriate ways. However, he is deeply dedicated to his profession and is willing to take risks, even blackmailing the school to demonstrate his value. After being trapped in a relationship characterized by immaturity and lack of motivation, Markie’s boldness is exactly what Gwen needs in a partner.
Gwen’s wit and modern thinking help Markie become a better person. Although he means well, he sometimes struggles to keep up with current social norms and can come off as offensive. However, Gwen has already demonstrated her ability to break through Markie’s tough exterior.
She can help him improve as an educator and as an individual. Their strong personalities allow them to maintain their uniqueness while growing together. This balance could lead to a healthy, supportive, and funny relationship.
Initially, the idea of a romance between Gwen and Markie may not seem plausible in “English Teacher.” However, the past few weeks have shown that they might be a perfect match.
Their chemistry, highlighted by their differences, makes their interactions engaging. While the future of their relationship remains uncertain, viewers can’t help but root for them, quirks and all.
The Power of Connection
The growing connection between Gwen and Markie also emphasizes the importance of relationships in personal growth. Both characters are learning from each other, which is a central theme in the series. Their interactions demonstrate how friendships and potential romances can lead to self-discovery and transformation.
As Gwen becomes more honest about her feelings, she learns what she truly wants in a relationship. Markie, on the other hand, is challenged to confront his shortcomings and embrace change.
This mutual growth is essential for both characters. It shows that relationships can be a powerful force for positive change. When people connect with others, they often find the encouragement and support needed to overcome their struggles. This aspect of their relationship adds depth to their story and makes it relatable for viewers.
The Role of Humor in Relationships
Another appealing aspect of Gwen and Markie’s budding relationship is the humor that comes from their interactions. Their differences lead to funny moments that lighten the mood of the show.
Still from English Teacher (Credit: NBC)
Viewers appreciate that, while there are serious moments of growth and connection, there is also a lightheartedness that makes the show enjoyable. The balance of comedy and character development creates a well-rounded narrative that keeps audiences engaged.
Final Thoughts on “English Teacher”
As “English Teacher” continues to air, the evolving relationship between Gwen and Markie remains a highlight of the show. The way they influence each other and grow together is attractive. Their differences make them an interesting pair, and their shared experiences allow for moments of humor and warmth.
The show’s ability to show complex relationships while keeping the tone light is commendable. It reminds viewers that love and friendship come in many forms and that growth often happens in unexpected ways.
The chemistry between Gwen and Markie is undeniable, and fans of the show eagerly anticipate what will happen next in their story.
“English Teacher” is available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. and continues to entertain audiences with its unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments.
In 2022, Parker Finn’s Smile made a big impact when it was released in theaters. Originally, it was supposed to come out on Paramount+, but the decision to show it in theaters turned out to be wise. The film featured Sosie Bacon as Rose Cotter, a therapist who witnesses one of her patients die by suicide in a violent way.
This event starts a series of intense and frightening encounters for Rose. She sees people smiling in a scary way and finds herself in strange and dangerous situations. The film leads to a dramatic showdown with a creepy smiling creature that feeds on trauma and tries to spread it.
The creature is frightening to look at, and its effects are personal and evil. The movie includes some very scary scenes and introduces a new supernatural being that can keep viewers awake at night. However, the film is not without its flaws. While it is effective in delivering scares, it is also predictable. The creature is clever and creates solid frightening moments, but its connection between smiles and trauma feels underdeveloped.
Parker Finn is back in charge as the writer and director for Smile 2. This time, he has a bigger and bolder vision for the story. He keeps the main mysteries from the first movie but shows much more about what the smiling creature can do. The sequel is an excellent follow-up that improves on almost every part of the original movie. As a result, Smile 2 easily ranks as one of the best horror films of the year.
The film introduces Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott, who is a famous pop singer. A year ago, Skye’s career was at its peak, but she faced substance abuse issues that led to a tragic event. Her boyfriend, who was also a celebrity, died in a car crash that left Skye traumatized. Now, one year later, Skye is trying to get her career back on track and prepare for a big concert tour. However, the pressure of the upcoming tour becomes overwhelming for her, both emotionally and physically.
One night, Skye seeks out an old friend and drug dealer named Lewis, played by Lukas Gage, to buy painkillers. She still suffers from physical pain due to the crash. Lewis has plenty of drugs, but he surprises Skye by violently killing himself right in front of her, while he is smiling. This horrifying event haunts her, and soon she begins to see more people with eerie smiles. This heightens her paranoia and makes her mental state even worse.
Still from the movie (Paramount Pictures)
Now, Skye faces the challenge of stopping this strange phenomenon before it drives her to the brink of insanity or worse. On a technical level, Smile 2 is much better than the first film. The story has a much larger scope, allowing for bigger and more intense scenes. The cinematographer, Charlie Sarroff, uses creative camera angles that float over the action, turn upside down, and apply unique shots to create a sense of unease. The camera work is smartly composed and effectively sets the film’s tone.
The script for Smile 2 is not only frightening but also has funny moments that complement the tension without taking away from it. One moment that stands out is when Lewis, while being attacked by the entity’s smile, says, “I’m having the worst week,” while using more drugs. This line adds a humorous touch to a tense situation, showcasing great comedic timing.
Naomi Scott delivers an outstanding performance in Smile 2. Her character, Skye Riley, feels isolated, confused, and terrified throughout the film. Scott portrays a protagonist who is sympathetic yet flawed, strong-willed but scared to death for most of the runtime. In a standout scene featuring a group of dancers, Scott showcases her talent, creating one of the best horror sequences of the year.
Rosemarie DeWitt plays Skye’s protective mother, and Kyle Gallner makes a memorable return as Joel from the first film. Ray Nicholson brings a haunting quality to his character, mimicking his father’s famous “Kubrick Stare” as a “Kubrick Smile.” Despite the supporting cast’s talent, the film truly shines as a showcase for Naomi Scott, establishing her as a scream queen to watch in the future.
Smile 2 builds consistent tension as Skye Riley confronts the entity. However, there is a noticeable reliance on jump scares, which, while effective, lose their impact as the movie progresses. The ending introduces surprises that give the creature more intelligence and power than what was shown in the first film. Still, viewers learn very little more about the entity by the end of Smile 2. Certain twists in the final moments also make key parts of the film’s story seem puzzling, requiring viewers to think deeply about them.
The movie’s ending leaves many questions about the nature of the creature, which might disappoint some viewers. Even with this, Smile 2 is a thrilling and often funny horror film with an excellent central performance.
A lesson that people often hear, inspired by Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, is that viewers should not see the monster too often. While Jaws is a classic, its limited view of the creature was based on practical reasons rather than a rule. Unfortunately, many films misinterpret this lesson and fail to find their creatures fully, aiming for mystery but leaving viewers wanting more.
By the end of Smile 2, it feels like the nature of the entity is not thoroughly investigated. Nonetheless, Naomi Scott proves to be a scream queen to keep an eye on, while the film maintains a good mix of tension and humor. The final act may have too many twists, but it is still entertaining and leads to a conclusion that is enjoyable to watch, even if it is somewhat predictable. Smile 2 is an excellent horror film that improves on the original, hitting the mark where the first one only partially succeeded.
The movie captures Skye’s struggle as she deals with her haunting experiences. With its blend of humor and horror, Smile 2 successfully entertains and engages viewers, solidifying itself as a standout sequel in the genre.
As Smile 2 unfolds, viewers witness how Skye tries to reclaim her life and career. The narrative combines her past struggles with the pressures of fame, adding depth to her character. The film effectively portrays the fear and anxiety that come with dealing with trauma.
The balance between horror and humor keeps the audience on edge while allowing moments of relief. This balance is important for maintaining viewer interest and avoiding the feeling of relentless terror. The film skillfully uses moments of levity to enhance the experience.
As Skye encounters more instances of smiling individuals, her paranoia grows. This clever use of escalating tension keeps the audience engaged and invested in her journey. Skye’s descent into fear and uncertainty mirrors the struggles many face when dealing with their mental health.
Still from the movie (Paramount Pictures)
The supporting cast also adds richness to the story. Each character has a role in shaping Skye’s experience, from her mother’s protective instincts to her dealer’s ominous presence. These relationships enhance the narrative and provide additional layers to the protagonist’s journey.
Smile 2 does not shy away from addressing serious issues such as trauma, mental health, and the pressures of fame. By confronting these themes, the film resonates with viewers on a deeper level. The storytelling intertwines horror with real-life struggles, making it relatable and impactful.
As the film progresses, Skye’s determination to confront the smiling entity grows. This journey of self-discovery and resilience impresses audiences, as they root for her to overcome her challenges. Skye becomes a symbol of strength, demonstrating that it is possible to confront one’s fears.
The film’s climax showcases a thrilling confrontation with the creature. This moment is packed with tension, surprise, and excitement. The clever twists in the plot keep viewers guessing, making for a gripping conclusion that satisfies.
Despite its few flaws, Smile 2 stands out as a remarkable sequel in the horror genre. The combination of scares, humor, and strong performances contributes to its success. It builds on the foundation of the first film while taking the story to new heights.
In the end, Smile 2 leaves viewers eager for more. Its powerful messages, combined with thrilling entertainment, ensure that it will be remembered long after viewing. As fans of the genre look for quality horror films, Smile 2 sets a high standard for future releases.
With an engaging storyline and compelling characters, Smile 2 proves to be a must-see for horror enthusiasts. Its unique take on trauma and fear adds depth to the genre while providing exhilarating moments of suspense.
The success of Smile 2 lies in its ability to blend different elements. The film captures the essence of horror while also addressing relatable human experiences. This combination ensures that it resonates with a broad audience and creates a lasting impression.
Smile 2 represents a new chapter in horror films, showing that sequels can be just as effective as their predecessors. By continuing the story with passion and creativity, the film strengthens its place in the horror. Fans can look forward to what comes next in the series, as Smile 2 sets the bar high for future horror films
