English Teacher (2x5) ⁞⁞ Episode Spotlight

Episode 5 of the second season of the FX Network/Hulu comedy English Teacher, appropriately titled "Evan's Mom," began with leading man Evan (Brian Jordan Alvarez) ignoring calls from his overbearing mother Elena. The perpetually late title character tried his best to make it out the door for school while chatting with his boyfriend Malcolm (Jordan Firstman). He finally arrived at school where he learned the reason behind his mother's calls when his boss, Principal Moretti (Enrico Colantoni), revealed that Evan was chosen as teacher of the month. Evan was surprised to learn that his mother had been in contact with Moretti and knew about the honor. Evan remarked that they both knew it doesn't mean anything, and usually goes to his best friend and fellow teacher Gwen (Stephanie Koenig). However, with his mother making a big deal out of the announcement, she planned to attend the ceremony, leaving Evan dreading it, given his mother's overwhelming presence and quirks. Evan & Gwen picked up Elena from the airport, where Gwen was greeted by the woman's usual dislike of her, which she became determined to fix. Elena got settled in at Evan's house, only for Malcolm to arrive, looking to have some drinks and get some couple's time together. Evan kept his mother's presence a secret, not wanting to have the two of them meet and conflict, knowing his mother would hate Malcolm. This led him to get rid of Malcolm, only for his mother to imply that Evan was ashamed of her, not wanting her to meet his boyfriend. 

At the school the next day, Moretti gathered the faculty to put on a makeshift ceremony for Evan's teacher of the month honor, with his mother sitting with them recording the event, which included Evan being presented with a gift card. Elena continued to ignore Gwen while getting distracted by messages on her phone. After venting to his students, Evan was further annoyed to learn that his mother had invited his co-workers to dinner with them that evening after she began giving them advice on their side business. The group gathered at a Mexican restaurant, only for his mother to attempt to order Domino's pizza. When Malcolm showed up, he revealed that Elena had called him, shocking Evan. Elena confronted Evan over his attitude and behavior, calling him out as the problem in their relationship. Malcolm showered Elena with attention and the two got along wonderfully, as Evan began to understand that he was actually causing more drama than his mother with his reactions to her behavior. In the end, the group enjoyed their dinner, which included the pizza and dancing in the restaurant.