Over the past few days, my wife and watched an eleven-episode Japanese television drama from 1993 called "Ko-Ko Kyoushi" (High School Teacher.)

While watching, it was hard to find a place to stop because we got really involved in the characters and their problems.  It is really fun to get involved in characters and stories.  It gives us something to think of as we go to sleep at night.

The first few episodes are a bit sweet.  The focus is on a high school student who has a crush on her Biology teacher.  From that point, the storyline becomes increasingly shocking. 

In the story there is: a murder, a rape (and an attempted one), suicides, an abortion, incest, inappropriate relationships between high school teachers and students, and hints at high school-aged lesbianism.  It seemed like the writers of the series went out of the way to add as many shocking elements to the story as possible.

Once we finished watching the last episode, I was a bit sad and disturbed.  It is one of those series that makes a lasting impression.  I liken it to "Twin Peaks."  "Twin Peaks" was light and happy in the beginning; but by the end it was really crazy, bordering on disturbing.

Did I enjoy it?  In the final analysis, I'd say "Yes.  I liked it a lot."  I really like shows that impact my mood or feeling.  There were lots of memorable moments in that series that will stick with me for a long time. 

I think that I would "pitch" this series as: Twin Peaks + Crime and Punishment + Lolita.  (Incidently my favorite TV series, one of my favorite books, and possibly my favorite movie.)  If you're able to watch and understand it, I'd feel that it is worth your time.