by Mike Hilty, Contributing Writer
Sometimes I forget traditional network shows exist. Since they appeal to the masses, they tend to feel more risk-averse than shows on a streamer. Throughout the COVID-19 Era, Abbott Elementary has continued to be one of the most consistently good shows. Season Four is no exception.
When a show reaches episode counts comparable to those of Abbott Elementary, the formula can start to become stale. However, this one manages to find ways to keep everything fresh. Last season, they expanded the story’s reach to include the district. This season, they are making more efforts to develop the surrounding neighborhood and the impact it has on the school. Season Four features storylines that explore gentrification, business, and the effect of striking bus lines on the students. None of these arcs are forced, and their consequences have a lasting impact on the students and teachers.
While the show has always been student-centric, Season Four is a significant step in expanding that reach. No doubt that all these teachers are outstanding at their job. In this season, though, we see the impact they have as students move throughout their grade school journey. The finale features a moment when Jacob (Chris Perfetti) realizes he’s at the tail end of the students’ journey at Abbott, and that when this crop graduates, it’s a moment to reflect on how much each teacher has shaped each student in different ways, both inside and outside the classroom. It’s a beautiful moment about growing up, and the people who have the most significant impact on the development of young minds.
Beyond Jacob, every teacher experiences profound moments of self-reflection in their professional life. Janine (Quinta Brunson) has a storyline when she realizes the way she’s been teaching something for years doesn’t work for this year’s class. Some of the more tenured teachers rally and encourage her that it’s okay to change things up, which experience has taught them. Janine’s Season Three decision is still impacting everything in Season Four, but it’s not harming everything.
Barb (Sheryl Lee Ralph), the group’s older veteran teacher, has two moments that prompt self-reflection. During a party, her students fail to respond to a tradition she has observed for years. Similar to Janine, she has to adjust her thinking on how she has done things in the past. Yet unlike Janine, Barb just has to let this go. This decision prompts her to reflect on the next steps for her career. She was allowed to do something music-related that she loves, but a deeper discussion is coming moving forward when a teacher starts to feel like they are nearing the end.
Jacob is also dealing with this feeling, but he’s starting to think of the ways he can have the maximum impact on students. He has the opportunity to help students find their passion outside of the classroom. This causes him to think whether teaching can accomplish what he wants to do for the students. I love these storylines for Jacob and Barb, as they will have a lasting impact for years to come.
One character I’ve always had an issue with is Ava (Janelle James). I always thought she was funny, but that she doesn’t belong in her role within the school. Season Four fixes this in some fantastic ways. It gives Ava time to shine as principal in ways previous seasons haven’t: She’s trying to develop the teachers and put them in the best place to be successful. In addition, she gets called out multiple times, and she listens. Combine this with some much-needed context and backstory, and Ava is now a fully fleshed-out character that is integral to Abbott’s success as a school and the show as a whole.
Season Four is largely about relationships, both between students and teachers, as well as schools and districts. As the season focuses more on school and neighborhood, the relationships outside of the school are brought more into focus. Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) is so averse to being in a relationship that when she finds someone, she has to make a choice. Janine evolves more in her relationship so she can feel more comfortable. Even Ava has the opportunity to explore a relationship that causes her to lower her guard.
I’ve always appreciated how uniquely Philadelphia Abbott Elementary is. Between the way the city has an impact on the school (as seen when the Eagles won the Super Bowl this year), and how the town’s history has shaped the way each of the teachers works, the show’s roots in the city matter. That said, when a series crossover with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia was announced, I was skeptical about how the two very different shows could be integrated. But it ended up being one of my favorite episodes of the series, because it was a natural way for the shows to collide.
Thematically, Abbott Elementary continues to bring school-related issues to the forefront, as budget and resource constraints remain in the spotlight. Season Four raises some fascinating issues to the forefront, such as inclusivity in religion and book banning. I’ve always appreciated how Abbott Elementary can incorporate more issues within the education space, and it’s always exciting for them to expand their reach.
Abbott Elementary continues a long streak of consistently funny and beautiful television. The teachers and performances are all on point, and the way the show expands its story is fantastic. Brunson continues to demonstrate why she’s one of the best showrunners in television, and I’ll continue to watch as long as the series is produced.
Rating: Loved It
Abbott Elementary is currently streaming on Hulu
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