Love was in the air in the English Teacher season finale… it just didn’t quite land where we thought it would.
Monday’s finale of the FX freshman comedy saw Evan celebrate his 35th birthday at a leather daddy bar with all of his school friends in attendance, including his old crush Harry. But by episode’s end, he decided to lock lips with his ex Malcolm instead, giving their relationship another shot. Meanwhile, Gwen announced she had broken up with her boyfriend Nick and went on a drunken quest to find a new man, sloppy karaoke included. But just when Markie thought he might have a shot with her, his words of encouragement inspired Gwen to get back together with Nick after all. ( Read our full finale recap here .)
That was a lot to sort out, so TVLine reached out to Stephanie Koenig, who plays Gwen and wrote a Season 1 episode as well, to give her a pop quiz on Evan and Gwen’s romantic decisions, how aware Gwen is of Markie’s unrequited feelings — and what could be on tap for a possible Season 2. (As of press time, FX has not yet officially renewed the series.)
TVLINE | The season finale hit us with a couple of surprising romantic twists: Evan got back together with Malcolm, and Gwen reunited with her boyfriend Nick after a brief breakup. Did [star and creator] Brian [Jordan Alvarez] and the other writers toss around any other options, like Evan hooking up with Harry, perhaps? There was a lot of back and forth in the writers’ room about whether he would hook up with Harry or Malcolm. They’re both such great characters and actors, but ultimately, we went with Malcolm. He is actively doing all these nice things and romantic gestures for Evan, so I believe it was the right choice and a nice twist that keeps people on their toes for the next season.
TVLINE | What made Gwen go back to Nick? Her criticisms of him during their breakup were pretty valid. Hey, I don’t know. You have to ask Gwen, I’ll have a talk with her. Maybe because she wants a pool? Maybe because she doesn’t want to be alone. Maybe she went back because he’s so darn hot? (I can say that because the actor who plays Nick is my husband.) Overall, it’s tough to break up with someone, and in my experience, you have to go through several fake break-ups before it’s real.
TVLINE | Markie is in love with Gwen, but she seems to be totally oblivious to it. How aware is she of Markie’s feelings? And is a fling with him something she’d ever entertain if she were available? I think Markie is crushing on her, but I don’t think he has really been clear with her. Since she has a boyfriend, he’s trying to be respectful, so is it love yet? I think we would have to really build out Gwen and Markie’s relationship, how they work together as friends, how they solve things together, what they need each other for. We need to build a foundation and see a lot more of Gwen and what makes her tick before we put their characters in a fling.
TVLINE | You and Brian have collaborated for years, and you wrote an episode this season as well. Have you two already started compiling ideas for a possible Season 2? I absolutely loved writing an episode this season. I believe “Powderpuff” (Episode 2) is a really powerful one, and I was honored to tell that story. There are so many ideas that have been tossed around for a potential Season 2, so if it does happen, I guarantee it will be funny and an even better season.
Grade the finale — and the season — of English Teacher in our polls, and tell us in the comments what you’d like to see in a Season 2.
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