We've arrived at the winter climax of America's beloved sitcom, "Abbott Elementary" (has anyone encountered a soul who remains uncharmed by its endearing charm?), inching ever so delicately towards a narrative beyond fleeting glances and hallway whispers shared between Janine and Gregory. In an era where instant satisfaction reigns, I confess, I've harbored a secret wish for their romance to bloom more swiftly, envisioning Gregory seizing her by the shoulders and sealing their fate with a kiss amidst the cafeteria hustle to the classroom. Yet, such a move would not only defy workplace decorum but also run counter to a cherished sitcom convention: the tantalizing "will they/won't they" saga.
Their undeniable chemistry ignites the romantic in me, yet I must remind myself to savor the journey. How many "Gossip Girl" episodes did I eagerly await, solely for those fleeting Chuck and Blair moments? How many years did I pine for Carrie and Big's nuptials? And how many episodes of Pam and Roy did I endure before Jim finally stepped in to claim his rightful place? We're merely on episode ten of season two; I can relax and savor every twist and turn. Did Quinta's pre-episode tweet perhaps raise my expectations a tad too high? Perhaps. But all is forgiven when Miss Mamas brings back the heartwarming essence of classic network television. And what better way to celebrate than with holiday-themed episodes? "Abbott" knocked it out of the park with its inaugural Halloween special, and this Christmas-winter installment presented us with a charming, albeit slightly underwhelming, gem.
This gem is nothing short of the purest scene of the night: after their tender slow dance in the bar, Janine and Gregory step outside, where snowflakes gently cascade from the sky. Janine gazes in awe at the celestial spectacle, while Gregory, mesmerized by her, whispers, "Beautiful." Subtle head tilts and tender glances ensue, creating a scene so sweet it borders on cloying. Just when we think we've reached utopia, reality slaps us in the face as Amber texts Gregory, threatening to extinguish the burgeoning moment. Allow me a moment to compose myself, for upon reflection, the scene remains a treasure, even if it unfolded differently from my fantasies. All great TV narratives thrive on conflict, motivation, and anticipation. Without these elements, what would be the point of tuning in? Janine and Gregory's progress provides all three—after tonight, their feelings are so raw and exposed that they're bound to spark numerous episodes' worth of content. Brunson and the "Abbott" writers are meticulously orchestrating this slow burn. She revealed to E! News that Janine and Gregory are "two individuals in desperate need of growth. Janine needs to mature, Gregory needs to humble himself, and however long it takes...we aim to portray the contemporary experiences of these mid-30s individuals and the true essence of growth on network television." We must let the pot simmer on the stove for a flavorful, well-crafted conclusion.
Our hesitant potential lovebirds find themselves in a precarious position after both seeking to kickstart their winter breaks with a bang. Erika entices Janine out for a night at the hookah bar, treating her to a Kamala-approved silk press, urging her to shed the constraints of "teacher Janine." Donning their sexiest attire, they head out, only to bump into Gregory, resplendent in a crisp white shirt paired with a gold chain, accompanied by the incredibly talented Vince Staples. Stunned by their unexpected encounter, they spend the early part of the evening nursing drinks while their eyes dart awkwardly around the bar, accompanied by DMX's rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Adding to the tension, Ava is also present. Gregory eventually invites Janine to the dancefloor, and soon, they grow comfortably close, cranking up the heat of their simmering romance a few degrees. Ava catches sight of this and delivers the epic line, "Not my work husband grinding on my work nemesis!"
At the hookah bar, Janine, Gregory, and Ava unwind, while across town, Melissa and Barbara host their annual Christmas lounge dinner, savoring a precious respite amidst the school hustle and familial frenzy with culinary delights and a liberal pour of wine. Traditionally, this gathering has been an intimate affair for the duo, but this year, Mr. Johnson and Jacob crash the party uninvited. To everyone's astonishment, Jacob adopts the guise of Abbott's very own Grinch, declining to participate in caroling with his boyfriend's family due to his self-proclaimed tone-deafness and spending the eveningranting about Christmas as a capitalistic spectacle that appropriates pagan rituals, transforming them into a "materialistic orgy." Melissa, jesting, labels him the specter of NPR's bygone era as she and Barbara slip outside for some fresh air.
Mr. Johnson confronts Jacob about his sour disposition, prompting Jacob to confess that his bitter memories of Christmas have left a lingering unpleasant aftertaste. However, he undergoes a transformation, acquiring scratch-off tickets and room-temperature Yoo-hoo (his quirky substitute for hot chocolate) in an attempt to spread festive cheer. Ultimately, he decides to reconcile with his boyfriend and join in the holiday festivities.
But let's steer clear of that tangential tale and refocus on the core narrative: Janine and Gregory. Although their moment is interrupted by an intrusive text from Amber, and further derailed when Vince Staples expresses interest in Janine, these plot twists are crucial to their will-they-won't-they saga. As Clair McNear of The Ringer eloquently put it, such detours are all part of the journey. Moreover, rushing into a relationship would diminish the impact of their shared moments. Gregory seizing the umbrella as Janine storms out of school or Janine's laughter at Gregory's dry wit lacks the heartwarming charm without the underlying tension and mystery. Just as Jim and Pam's conversations at the reception desk would lose their spark without the simmering tension beneath the surface.
The evening concludes with Ava exhibiting a glimpse of her softer side as she notices Janine waiting alone on the curb, forsaken by Gregory who has left to join Amber, while Erika is engrossed in a passionate lip-lock with another patron. Clad in her stunning white fur, Ava transforms into Janine's fairy godmother, inviting her to accompany her to another venue with her boyfriend—none other than Andre Iguodala! It turns out they've been an item for five years, albeit Ava has only been dating him for two. That woman, and indeed this show, never fail to amuse and astound.
