Teachers (2001–2004)
7/10
Stop After Series 2
30 January 2021
Series 1-2 A great and refreshing series following the lives of a few close-knit teachers. The main characters have great chemistry which keeps the storylines interesting and the arcs progressive. These are supplemented with a decent backdrop of context, setting, and supporting characters, but most of all a brilliant soundtrack that really sets the scene of the early-2000s.

Characters are diverse whilst having a single tie bringing with it a multitude of stories to follow. Whilst not side-splittingly hilarious it is witty and occasionally there are big laughs.

Rating: 8/10

Series 3 Although the general quality of the show lessens, the real downfall is what happens off-screen. The main character leaves a few episodes prior to the end of series 2, but this is fine as the finale follows arcs following the remaining characters, keeping a similar vibe, and weening you off Andrew Lincoln. What isn't fine is then dropping half of the main cast between series without any explanation. Seemingly half of the school's staff either drop dead of move away, and the result is being left with just two of the former main characters and a supporting cast that no-one really cares about.

Matt, the new English teacher, has the personality of a spoon, Penny continues to be annoying without the foil of the previous characters, Lindsay doesn't really do anything wrong but doesn't have a strong enough chemistry with anyone to be a compelling character. Kurt and Brian continue with their juvenile conversations, but it doesn't really come off without others there to call them up on it. Carol is shoehorned with a new circumstance but again with no explanation nor purpose.

The likes of Liz and Bob get a bit more screen time, but they were never anyone's favourites, they added well to the first two series as side characters, on their own they're just boring. And that's the thing, series 3 has no progression, no interest, no actual funny moments really, it's just a bit dull.

Rating: 5/10

Series 4 It gets worse, particularly at the beginning. The only remaining main characters are killed off-screen, which isn't really a spoiler because it isn't part of any story, the actors are just suddenly replaced by graves. This leaves a few dwindling supporting characters fully taking the lead for the series and this being a pathetic continuation of what was originally a good series. New characters are supplemented in with similar traits, but most are dislikeable, bar Matthew Horne's neurotic addition, and Bob becomes a lead role, much to the joy of no one. The latter half of the series is far better than the opening episodes, but still it isn't particularly funny at any point, not engaging to the new storylines. By this time you just feel cheated, the draw to Teachers wasn't the particular school they were in, it was the original cast. This is way off.

Rating: 5/10.
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