As the curtains draw to a close on our heart-wrenchingly abbreviated third season of "Abbott Elementary" with tonight's poignant finale, it's evident that, despite our collective yearning for more episodes, the cast and crew deserve accolades for pulling off another magnificent season amidst the tumultuous backdrop of last year's WGA strike. In my humble opinion, even a subpar episode of "Abbott" remains a joyous cinematic feast, a testament to its preeminent status in today's television landscape. My occasional lower ratings during this season's recaps must be seen within the context of it being a five-star series par excellence.
Granted, certain narratives felt hastily stitched together or abandoned at the eleventh hour, and the balance between humor and heartfelt moments occasionally teetered into overly sentimental territory. Yet, against all the odds, the show has retained its crown as the supreme gem of network television. The finale exuded a sense of levity, a triumphant emergence from both on-screen and off-screen chaos, with the characters converging after a year marked by personal transformations and reconciliations. This mirrored what I'm sure was an eventful year for the talented souls behind "Abbott Elementary," who, despite an unexpected roadblock during the show's peak, have secured a fourth season.
Within the narrative realm, each character navigated life's hurdles: Ava (to her utmost ability) striving to become a qualified principal, Barbara discovering her unique rhythm, Melissa remaining steadfast in her refusal to remarry, Janine returning to Abbott enriched by her fellowship experiences, Jacob finding the courage to sever a dead-end relationship, and Gregory passionately embracing his role as a full-time educator. And so, it's time to revel in their achievements.
Janine's end-of-the-year bash serves as the perfect fictional and genuine farewell for this season; "Abbott" shines brightest when its ensemble comes together, and for the first time in recent memory, the main cast is united under one roof for the bulk of the episode. Before Janine's handpicked friends and colleagues fill her cozy 350-square-foot apartment, they conclude the academic year with light-hearted last-day-of-school antics, such as Jacob screening "Remember the Titans" for his students and parents blatantly disregarding Ava's instructions to reserve applause until the kindergarten graduation ceremony's climax (after all, who could resist those adorable tiny faces adorned with caps and gowns). Yet, we linger within Abbott's halls for but a fleeting five minutes before the teachers let loose and bid farewell to their charges, at least for now.
Though Janine has undergone perhaps the most profound character development, some constants remain, evident in her meticulous planning of the party. She thoughtfully partitions her apartment into distinct zones catering to every personality type, from the "antisocials" to gamers, dancers, and the "socially awkward but endearingly trying," a.k.a., Gregory. She even transforms her bedroom into a cinema for a screening of "We're the Millers" (or, as avid "Vanderpump Rules" fans know it, Laura Leigh's cinematic debut and escape from SUR). However, her newfound maturity manifests in a micromanagement style that anticipates behavior rather than enforces it. To her, this is the key to ensuring everyone has a memorable time. Anticipating Barbara and Melissa's early arrival, she leaves her apartment in a state of deliberate disarray, knowing they'll revel in their maternal instincts and cleanliness. She tells Ava the party commences an hour later, ensuring her punctuality. And when Jacob and Avi knock on her door, she has their beloved raspberry stout ready and waiting.
As the party commences, Janine gracefully guides her guests into their assigned nooks, gliding through her apartment with the ease of a seasoned hostess, every detail unfolding according to her meticulously crafted plan. Among the invitees are her mesmerizingly handsome cousin Kwame, strategically positioned to entice Ava and deter her early departure, Mr. Morton, Mr. Johnson, her buddy Erika, Jacob’s former flame Zac, and Simon and Emily from the district. To Gregory’s chagrin, Manny has also made an appearance. Janine not only orchestrates a love connection between Kwame and Ava but also hilariously pairs Erika with Simon, affectionately dubbed the "ethnic Adam Sandler" of their district, and brokers a truce between Zac and Jacob. While she takes pride in seamlessly facilitating the dynamics of others to keep the festivities afloat, she resolutely keeps her romantic entanglements with Gregory on hold, wary of mirroring Mr. Morton’s fate, whose office romance culminated in a divorce decree adorned with the words, "Go where you’re wanted."
Ironically, Janine confides to the cameras, "Relationships can descend into chaos, but they needn’t remain so. You merely need to discern where individuals fit in your life anew and build upon that foundation…like playing Jenga." Following the abrupt halt in her love saga with Gregory the previous week, this revelation seems to underscore her commitment to platonic boundaries, a sentiment seemingly echoed by Olivia, Gregory’s former flame, who arrives unannounced after receiving an invitation from Avi. Yet, Janine learns firsthand that no matter how meticulously one plans, life has a knack for veering off course.
The cascade of unforeseen events begins with Mr. Johnson, who deserts his domino-playing post to assume the role of an unofficial bouncer, imposing a $20 cover charge on Olivia (a fee she would never recoup). As Janine scrambles to quell this initial disturbance, she discovers her carefully curated party in disarray. Emily deserts the Jenga corner to seize the DJ booth from Ava, while Barbara and Melissa stumble upon a stash of dark liquor, unleashing the notorious Sea Barbara. Meanwhile, Janine’s two romantic interests abandon We’re The Millers in favor of a screening of Wakanda Forever, together.
When Janine thinks the night couldn’t deteriorate further, she blows a fuse while attempting to charge Olivia’s phone. Gregory comes to her aid as they search for a flashlight, consoling her about the party’s unraveling and reminding her that spontaneity can be just as enjoyable. His words resonate deeply, mirroring the unfettered nature of their relationship. Their heartfelt conversation continues, extolling each other’s achievements and personal growth, culminating in Gregory leaning in for a kiss, only to have the moment shattered by the abrupt restoration of power. Despite this interruption, the longing glances exchanged between them hint that perhaps this tumultuous relationship fits into Janine’s life in an unexpected yet perfect manner.
As Mr. Johnson demonstrates how he mended the fuse, he morphs into Janine’s fairy godmother when she seeks guidance on embracing life without the fear of failure. He imparts wisdom, asserting that mishaps are inevitable but regrets weigh heavier than consequences, playfully inquiring if she’s committed any homicides. Janine reassures him of her innocence, revealing her true fear—losing her job. Mr. Johnson, a career nomad, cannot relate, pointing out that jobs are fleeting. Noticing Janine’s glances toward Gregory throughout their discussion, he connects the dots, reassuring her that everything will eventually fall into place.
With the party once again in full swing—Zac showcasing his DJ prowess, spinning a beloved Kaytranada track—Janine and Gregory share flirtatious glances across the room, though nothing more transpires. As the night winds down, guests depart contentedly, Sea Barbara making off with Janine’s Allen Iverson cardboard cutout (used to deter intruders), while a few linger. Janine harbors hope that Gregory will be among them, but Manny’s persistence leads Gregory to mistakenly believe he’s been relegated to the friend zone.
The text message Gregory glimpsed from Manny on Janine's phone during their field trip lingered at the fringes of his mind throughout the night, serving as the ultimate affirmation he had been seeking. With Jacob and Avi by his side, Gregory began to step away, but Jacob halted him, scolding his hesitation. It was evident that Janine desired his presence, and Jacob urged him to disregard the conventions, exhorting, "Go get the girl!" Gregory resisted, digging in his heels, until Avi drew his attention to Manny's impending departure, visible through the cameras as he jovially high-fived his colleagues while strolling down the street, blissfully unaware. Erika then revealed that Janine had politely declined Manny's invitation, specifically informing him that her affections lay elsewhere.
Spurred by this revelation, Gregory promptly pivoted, heading straight for Janine's door. En route, he couldn't resist fixing the malfunctioning light fixture that eluded her grasp due to her petite stature. Meanwhile, inside, Janine was mustering the courage to boldly pursue her desires. As she reached the front door, Gregory's knock sounded, and for the very first time, their hearts beat in unison.
Before the door could swing open, Gregory cast a defiant glare at the camera, his intentions clear. With the door closing behind them, he passionately kissed Janine, their connection igniting. The cameras, still capturing their moments through the window, were met with Gregory's decisive gesture as he drew the blinds, shielding their burgeoning love story from prying eyes, teasing the audience with the promise of unfolding chapters in the next season.
