Merlí (2015)

After his ex-wife moves to Rome, Merlí finds himself solo-parenting and working as a substitute philosophy teacher at his son Bruno’s school, where his unorthodox style intrigues the students, butts heads with faculty, and embarrasses his son.

Merlí encourages his class to participate in the literary contest by cheating, uses Plato to help Ivan, a student with agoraphobia, and takes an interest in the mother of another. Meanwhile, Bruno reveals a personal secret to his friend Tania.

After Merlí gives Gerard girl advice, his interest in Gerard’s mother, Gina, grows when he sees that she’s a fellow straight-talker. He also has a breakthrough with Ivan and steals a test copy that ends up in Bruno’s hands.

After Bruno invites Pol over to study, he lets his feelings slip and complicates their friendship. When they get perfect test scores, they’re accused of cheating and Merlí is also suspected in the scheme. Will it cost him his job?

In the spirit of Socrates, Merlí tells his students they must question the values imposed on them by their parents, which angers Joan’s strict father. He takes Ivan outside his comfort zone to disastrous consequences and gets closer to Gina.

Berta’s home life is revealed, which explains her need for sympathy and attention. Merlí and Gina have a bad fight after she finds out about his relationship with Laia. Merlí keeps pushing Ivan to step out and suggests a visit from Bruno.

Bruno’s fraught relationship with Pol causes resentment towards his father but the two end up having a warm heart-to-heart for the first time. When Pol loses a loved one, Bruno reaches out and breathes hope into their friendship.

After a student catches Merlí and Gina kissing, she wants to keep it from Gerard but he’s turned off by the secrecy. A viral video of Monica inspires Gerard to take a brave stand in support of her. Ivan makes a breakthrough.

The students throw Pol a birthday party, which leads to many revelations. Bruno and Pol grow closer than ever, Gerard learns about his mother and Merlí, and Joan ends up in the hospital after drinking too much. Merlí confesses his feelings for Gina.

Merlí tells Joan’s parents about the alcohol incident, which infuriates Joan but ultimately drives him out of his home and to Merlí. Feeling hopeful, Bruno approaches Pol but is rejected and takes his anger out on the Spanish teacher.

Merlí helps Berta and Pol find direction, encouraging the latter to work with Ivan. Bruno continues to make fun of Santi the Spanish teacher until he gets kicked out of class. A new student arrives who defies expectations.

Merlí encourages the students to boycott the school’s food collection campaign to protest corruption, prompting the principal to take it up with the review board. After Merlí confronts Bruno about bullying Santi, he receives news of a tragic death.

The unexpected death devastates the students, especially Bruno. To help them pay respects, Merlí breaks the rules once again and is on the verge of losing his job. His students make a grand gesture of support. Ivan is ready to return to class.

The new school year brings with it a provocative new female student. When Pol does not return due to family pressures, Merlí has a conversation with his father.

Merlí and Coralina, the new director, get off on the wrong foot. Marc tries to help his younger brother with his behavioral and academic problems.

Joan asks Merlí for relationship advice, but instead, Merlí receives good advice from Joan. Tensions between Oliver and his mother escalate.

Merlí tells her mother a shameful lie. Things quickly heat up between Gerard and Oksana. Attracted to her new boss, Pol confides in Bruno.

Millán tells Glòria a secret he has been hiding. Tània speaks bravely to defend Berta in Coralina’s class.

When Pau is punished for throwing a pen at a bad teacher, Tània’s help brings Marc closer to her. Pol and Miriam have a heated confrontation.

A substitute teacher comes to the school and causes a change of mind.

Mònica gets tired of Joan’s jealousy. Gerard discovers what Oksana is busy with every afternoon. Oliver reveals a painful memory to Merlí.

Three students decide to play a joke on Coralina, but this causes them and two of the girls to receive a punishment that ultimately results in a very rewarding experience.

Coralina casts suspicion in Ivan’s mind about his mother and encourages Bruno to move to Rome. Joan tries to convince Mònica to change her mind.

Gina forces Gerard to face the realities of dating Oksana. Pol apologizes to Ivan. Marc takes Pau to visit his mother at work and makes a plea.

Joan decides to stop being the "good guy" and try new things. Oliver makes an announcement to his parents. Bruno says goodbye to those closest to him.

Pol discovers that his brother is keeping a secret. The students sneak into the school at night and have a wild Christmas party. Karma reaches Coralina.