Amber Lawrence

I love how the writers tapped into the nostalgia of the original series. The build up of what triggers Dexter’s dark passenger was very well done, and having Deb be his new conscious was a perfect way to bring back that dynamic that made the original so great and really gave the viewers what we want and have been missing for so long. Also love the new characters. The way they tie the into his life is very much how they original characters did. Especially everyone at the police station. Again genius writing. And putting Dex in a relationship with a cop so he can stay connected to that life, was perfect! I can’t wait to see what else this season brings. Side note: I was so excited for this show I had to call and add/pay more to have showtime added to my cable package. Totally worth it!

As a mother of a teenage boy, I have found this show difficult to watch, and on more than one occasion said aloud how sad I feel for Eric’s character. It is definitely not and easy watch. That said though, I think that is the point: You are supposed to be uncomfortable, and you are supposed to feel for the character bc the topic of Grooming is uncomfortable and heart tugging. Right from the beginning, when Claire steals the lipstick, the writers are giving us signs into her psyche, and providing foreshadowing that she is clearly damaged and has a repressed “bad girl” inside of her screaming to get out. Which is made more and more clear as the show goes on and signs of Grooming Eric start to unfold. She knows it is wrong, but she can’t stop herself; she longs for that desire and intrigue that has been lacking her whole life: From taking care of her alcoholic father in her youth, to being a virgin till she met her husband in college, and then straight to a housewife. She is screaming inside, and tutoring this young attractive, popular boy is her escape from that life and her “in” to begin the grooming process and to finally feel in control of something. A Teacher is not based on a true story, but it does depict actual events related to this topic that happen all the time. Grooming is a very real thing, and the writers and actors of this show do a phenomenal job of bringing awareness to the issues, and the emotional build up and long term effects that this type of relationship can have on all parties involved. If you can sit through a show that moves pretty slow to start, and also stomach the awkwardness of an adult taking advantage of a child, and really appreciate the show for what it is meant to do: bring awareness to Grooming, then you should definitely add A Teacher to your watch list. The writing truly pulls you in, and the acting is amazing. Kate Mara is at her best and her and Nick Robinson are magic together.