The students and educators of Abbott Elementary might have hailed the expedition to Smith Memorial Playground as the ultimate field trip, yet this installment fell short of its storied predecessors. The narrative arc, while heartwarmingly nostalgic—a trivial playground rivalry unleashing the teachers' inner children—wasn't inherently flawed for "Abbott," a series that cherishes its sincerity. Nonetheless, it lacked the punchline prowess to counterbalance its predictability. Coupled with the towering expectations set by earlier field trip episodes (and a stark contrast to last week's episode, where every scene sparkled with wit), tonight's offering fell a tad flat.
This year, Jacob orchestrated a complimentary expedition to Smith Playground, a historic oasis conceived at the dawn of the 20th century by the behest of a wealthy Philadelphian who, fascinating trivia, invented several typefaces (a whimsical yet intriguing detail). Richard Smith and his spouse Sarah envisioned this park as a tribute to their deceased son and a haven for young revelers. Boasting a sprawling 16,000-square-foot Playhouse and a blend of modern and vintage playground equipment, most notably a colossal 60-foot wooden slide, it stands as a magnificent tribute to Philadelphia. Yet, in comparison to the zoo and Franklin Institute outings, this episode seemed somewhat lackluster.
The season one zoo escapade aired amidst the buzz surrounding the fledgling series, bestowing upon us timeless "Abbott" gems (Tariq was in top form) and substantial character evolution. It also significantly advanced the slow-burning romance between Janine and Gregory, much like the Franklin Institute episode in season two. Granted, those were season finales, but with this being the penultimate episode, the standards remain sky-high.
Despite not hitting the comedy jackpot, we witnessed some developments in the lovebirds' and classroom neighbors' sagas. However, it wasn't quite the progression that their ardent shippers had envisioned. Yet, remember, this is a marathon, and in the realm of sitcom slow burns, it's not about if Gregory and Janine will couple up—we're virtually certain they will, somehow, someway—but rather how and when. Spoiler warning: it won't unfold on the slide at Smith Memorial Playground. Similar to the catalyst that sparked Janine and Jacob's season two pact to ease off, Jacob is the one who initiates the first ripple tonight, though it wouldn't take much to set things in motion.
Early in the episode, Gregory and Janine exchanged flirtatious glances as he helped drape her jacket over her shoulders. Gregory confided in Jacob his intentions to confess his true feelings to Janine but was awaiting the opportune moment. Clearly, this wasn't sufficient to deter Jacob's meddling. So, aboard the bus to the playground, he subtly revealed to Janine that Gregory still harbors feelings for her.
After Janine sought Jacob's confirmation that Gregory's words were genuine and assurance that she wouldn't face rejection again, she gracefully settled next to Gregory on the bus seat. During their casual chat, Janine remarked on their field trips' usual disaster-prone endings, to which Gregory replied, hoping this trip would buck the trend—a statement that, in retrospect, served more as a harbinger than a prophecy for their relationship. Since last season, they've engaged in a game of emotional tennis, never fully synchronized in their affections. Now, they court each other openly, mutually acknowledging their romantic spark. Their height difference provides the perfect stage for Janine to gaze up coquettishly and Gregory to look down adoringly, separated by nearly a foot of space. The stakes soared when Gregory, using Janine's phone to snap a picture of her with her class, noticed a text from Manny inviting her to dinner.
Manny’s text serves merely as a minor obstacle in the road—it could have been a definitive halt had Janine intended the risqué connotation of being a “swinger,” rather than the innocent version that momentarily crossed Manny’s mind. Oblivious to Gregory’s fleeting interpretation, Janine innocently invites him to join her in a swing. The imagery conjures up a quaint scene of Janine and Gregory swaying gently, only to be interrupted by playful children before they reach the kissing part of their imagined fairy tale. As they rejoin the teachers, Gregory confides in Jacob, revealing that the text, far from deterring him, actually ignited his desire to confess his feelings. It seems we’re inching closer to some real drama as Gregory and Janine head towards the colossal wooden slide.
While Gregory and Janine frolic joyfully around the park, the other characters find themselves entangled in a feud with their rival school, Liberty, whose leader is Ava’s archnemesis and sorority sister, Crystal. The spark that ignites “The Soror War” (Jacob’s humorous moniker for it) is struck when one of Melissa’s students accuses a Liberty student of pushing her on the playground. Melissa steps in to mediate, approaching Miss Bronco, the Liberty student’s teacher, played with impeccable precision by Michaela Watkins. Miss Bronco, armed with her trademark quick wit and dry humor, retorts sarcastically, claiming that the Abbott student was the aggressor. Melissa tries to defuse the tension by suggesting both girls apologize. Miss Bronco, with a faux smile and a sardonic tone, agrees, adding a dash of salt to her words: “It’s the right thing to do, regardless of who initiated the altercation…”
The passive-aggressiveness between the two schools transcends Melissa’s interaction with Miss Bronco. Witnessing Liberty students cutting in front of Abbott students, Barbara, Melissa, and Jacob step in to defend their kids. They politely ask the Liberty teachers to ensure fairness, only to ignite a full-scale war when Miss Bronco responds, “Life isn’t fair. Teach your kids that at Abbott.” The rivalry escalates further as Liberty teachers taunt them, with one teacher deliberately hogging the water fountain from Jacob, who holds a gallon-sized water bottle. Then, the Liberty teachers move the Abbott students’ lunches to the scorching sun and usurp their shaded picnic spot, prompting Abbott to contemplate all-out war.
Abbott attempts one final gesture of magnanimity, proposing a no-contact pact as they lead their students to the slide. Miss Bronco retorts sharply, insisting that it’s Liberty’s turn to enjoy the slide. Ava tries to remain unperturbed, asserting that the situation doesn’t concern her directly; she’s more engrossed in an oral history podcast. However, her demeanor changes instantly upon Crystal’s appearance (until now, Ava was unaware that Liberty was under her sorority sister’s jurisdiction). Crystal’s arrival ignites Ava’s combative spirit, and she’s ready to “take on these bitches.” To resolve the Abbott vs. Liberty beef, Ava suggests a relay race between the teachers to decide who gets first dibs on the slide. Abbott desperately needs all the help they can muster to defeat Liberty, leading Ava to seek out Janine and Gregory, drawing us back into their rose-tinged romantic comedy.
They’re giggling as they glide down the beloved Philadelphia attraction, their bubbly energy giving way to a more serious tone at the bottom. Gregory starts to open up as they lie on the ground, gazing into each other’s eyes. Just as he’s about to speak, Ava interrupts, perturbed by the intimate scene she’s stumbled upon.
