Abbott Elementary
Writers: Quinta Brunson, Brian Rubenstein, Jordan Temple, Brittani Nichols, Ava Coleman, Kate Peterman, Justin Tan, Joya McCroy, Garrett Werner, Morgan Murphy, Riley Dufurrena
Director: Randall Einhorn, Matt Sohn, Justin Tan, Patrick Schumacker, Randall Keenan Winston, Jennifer Celotta
Cast: Quinta Brunson, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James
Spoiler alert through Season 4, Episode 11 Abbott Elementary
We are 11 episodes into the 22 slotted for ABC's fan-favorite sitcom, Abbott Elementary — a perfect halfway point to review the most recent season. If episodes follow their current trend, we're in for the best season yet from Janine and her colleagues. This season brought a lot of firsts to the series: the first white student, the first TV-14 rated episodes and the "headass-ery" they brought to screen, a crossover episode with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and more.
On top of the new elements, the main cast is still sensational and dressed for the occasion. Barbara's outfits and makeup are second to none. Mrs. Howard, immaculately played by Sheryl Lee Ralph, has always been one of my favorites. I still catch myself saying "Gregory, lower that roof" every now and again. Barbara isn't the only impeccably dressed teacher. Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) and Ava (Janelle James) have plenty of heat to offer in their own right.
Season 4 is also the first time we see Janine and Gregory together as an official couple. The "will they/won't they" slow burn of the three seasons prior finally rewarded viewers. But at this point in the season, their relationship isn't as much of a focal point as the initial build up. Mind you, I still think they're cute together and I'm glad to have been along for the journey, but I want to see more scenes of them together. The Christmas episode with Ava was a nice example of what I'd want to see more of.
Speaking of exes, Janine and Gregory's relationship puts me — a Tariq lover (played by Zack Fox) — in an awkward spot. Without Janine to enable his bummier tendencies, we have less reason to see our favorite F.A.D.E. rapper doing his thing. I hope they can find a way to fit him and Mr. Hill's (Chris Perfetti) ex-boyfriend Zach (Larry Owens) back into the mix for no reason other than because I miss seeing them on screen.
I've always felt the show's writers do a good job of handling episode themes with care and nuance. They're able to show the characters being culturally aware and inclusive without feeling performative. A prime example of this is Episode 7, "Winter Show" — my favorite episode of the season so far.
In "Winter Show," Barbara is excited to run the annual Christmas show again, but she learns there's a student who doesn't celebrate Christmas. It's important that Barbara be the one to deal with this. She's the most experienced teacher at Abbott; she's seen it all. In spite of this, she finds her love of traditions at odds with her need to make her students happy. She learns to adapt — something particularly hard for such a seasoned educator and Christian woman. This ends up showing viewers that there are no lengths these teachers won't go to for their kids. It's an episode that feels especially timely when terms like inclusion and diversity are being weaponized by those acting in bad faith. These writers showed that an empathetic story can be told without feeling trope-y or relegating minority characters to the background.
Another highlight of this season is Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis). The custodian who mopped his way into our hearts from his first scene hasn't lost any momentum. He exudes a confidence and ease that could veer into magical negro territory, but never does. Mr. Johnson knows his stuff, but he's very aware of where his problems begin and end. There are several moments where he leaves the teachers to figure things out on their own. This opting out allows for some hilarious A and B plots to fully develop.
Thematically, Season 4 is ambitious. It opens by critiquing gentrification when a new golf course begins construction near the school. I thought the commentary was interesting, but that plot thread takes a backseat after the first few episodes. It seems to be picking back up, if Episode 12 is any indication.
Some other topics that stood out to me: disease outbreaks in schools, the pitfalls of remote learning for teachers and students, labor and transportation difficulties, and parents with something to prove. If you want to show someone who's never watched Abbott Elementary what the show is like, put on Episode 5, "Dad Fight," and don't explain anything. That episode has some great moments with Tariq and Gregory too.
For a show that had some great cameos in prior seasons, Cree Summer as a librarian is top of mind. I was a bit underwhelmed by the crossover episode with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia — not to say it was bad. The learning-to-read subplot with Charlie (Charlie Day) and seeing Mr. Johnson and Frank (Danny DeVito) argue about how to trap raccoons was fun, but I just enjoyed the other episodes more.
From what I've seen so far, the second half of the season is setting up to be a great time. The writers have been showcasing their range this season. I want to see where this golf course plot leads, more Janine and Gregory scenes, and an episode or two of Ava dating the finest IT specialist in the district, O'Shon (Matthew Law). I need that last one, actually.
This midway review is Part 1 of 2. I'll have my full thoughts and scoring once the finale drops. Abbott fans will be pleased to hear the show was already approved for a fifth season.
You can catch new episodes of Abbott Elementary on ABC Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET or streaming Thursdays on Hulu.
