Overview:
When Barbara’s church choir uses the gym for rehearsals, Ava notices tensions in the group. Jacob’s eagerness for a full social calendar worries Gregory. Melissa and Janine investigate a new substitute.
Whoever thinks about keying a “church lady’s car” but if you watched this week’s episode of Abbott Elementary you know that Ava said this- but for just cause.
Every week I watch Abbott Elementary, I’m reminded of how schools are a microcosm of the world, and no matter how hard we try to ignore this the reality smacks us in the face.
Episode Plot
This week was about “breakups” and Jeanine, Barbara, Jacob, Ava, and Melissa did not disappoint.
First, there’s a new substitute in Jeanine’s class. Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) trying to be helpful, tries to help Mx. Geoffrey (Sabrina Wu) but due to how she pronounces words, Melissa is instantly on alert. She enlists the help of Jeanine to “investigate” who Mx. Geoffrey is and let’s just say this gets interesting. Jeanine leaves Central Office in a fury to find out who. Mx.Geoffrey.is. and.what.she.is.doing.in.her.class.
Barbara’s (Sheryl Lee Ralph) church choir is using the Abbott Elementary gym and Barbara is itching to sing a solo to Ava’s delight. But because Barbara is too “modern”- I know gasp- she’s denied which sends her into doubting herself.
The funniest parts of the episode belong to Jacob (Chris Perfetti) attempting to break up with Zach (Larry Owens) and Gregory (Tyler James Williams) attempting to be a voice of reason. Yes, that’s right instead of Jacob just admitting he wants to break up with Zach he starts to do annoying things (washing dishes the wrong way, not saying ‘bye’ when getting out of the car) with hopes that Zach will pull the plug on the relationship.
The line that took me out focused on Jacob not wanting to listen to Gregory and telling him, “Stay out of gay people’s business”. With Gregory’s stares into the camera thinking what the entire audience is thinking- just be mature- the laughs (and looks) were hysterical.
Ultimately, we found out that Mx. Geoffrey’s record can’t be found because Jeanine misspelled their name. Barbara can sing the solo due to Ava’s efforts (and shade) about her sorority and how the church choir isn’t any better. Zach ends up breaking up with Jacob and being petty so much so that Jacob is going to have to find another place to live.
Hint: Could he and Gregory become roommates?
The Lessons
In this episode we’re reminded of the lessons Abbott Elementary teaches us weekly about education and life:
- Everything/everyone is not what it seems in schools. All because you’ve been a student does not mean you know how to be a teacher.
- The people we seem to think are perfect (i.e. Barbara) all have struggles and the most imperfect people (Ava) can be the ones to help them.
- Honesty is the best policy. Jacob reminded us that it’s better to be honest with our loved ones or be subject to petty behavior.
Don’t forget to tune in to Abbott Elementary next Wednesday at 9 pm EST.
