The third season of anthology series The Teacher has sparked viewer backlash over its exploration of gender identity and pronouns. The show, which premieres on 5 on 30 March, follows a teacher who faces blackmail after a non-binary student dies by suicide following an argument.
Director Dominic Leclerc explained the series' approach: 'The story explores queer culture from the perspective of younger and older generations. The impact of words on representation and identity is a cultural conversation that is alive right now and we wanted to continue that in a sensitive way.' He added that they avoided 'pitting groups of characters against each other with a single point of view.'
In the plot, drama head Helen Simpson (Victoria Hamilton) repeatedly misgenders non-binary student Dee Rainford-Thomas during detention. After Dee takes her own life following a confrontation, another pupil, Cressida, blackmails Helen over her 'outdated' views. Leclerc described it as 'a really intense warfare and cat-and-mouse game between one student and one teacher.'
Hamilton said of her character: 'Helen knows she's a really good teacher... so when somebody then picks at that, and the students don't want to learn the texts she has set, it's like they're saying she has no understanding of the generation she used to be so brilliant at teaching... that's terrifying for her.'
The series airs over four consecutive nights from 30 March. Viewers seeking support can contact Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.
