Far from griping, I must admit that this season has been an overflowing cauldron of child-centric delights, with events ranging from the science fair to the winter concert, each highlighting the endearing talents that epitomize the "elementary" essence of Abbott Elementary. Tonight, however, offers a much-needed reprieve from the often bleak reality of our woefully inadequate public education system that looms large over school-centric episodes. Our dedicated teachers deserve the odd moment to unwind, and it's Barbara who steps up to organize a karaoke night out for the staff, a brilliant choice befitting the show's vocal queen. Thank heavens she did, as this episode is brimming with hilarious performances and a plethora of after-hours antics.
Music has always served as a pivotal element in Abbott, setting the mood and paying homage to a specific cultural corner, with a soundtrack that boasts an eclectic mix of artists like Missy Elliot, Boyz II Men (Motownphilly, anyone?), Cardi B, The Jackson 5, and Jazmin Sullivan. Whether it's Ava grooving to "Back That Azz Up," the students deeming Lil Wayne's "A Milli" an "oldie," or the staff bonding over a "Wild Wild West" line dance in that now-iconic cold open, Abbott's music selection has almost become a co-star in its own right. The karaoke club outing elevates Abbott's love for musical storytelling, with song choices infusing the episode with ample comedy (Mr. Johnson, please release a full version of "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp"!) and sentimentality as the crew navigates their various romantic entanglements.
Without the kids around, the adults are free from the responsibility of holding everything together, allowing episodes sans students to showcase the more fragile side of the characters. For Ava, whose armor is often her fortified office and the knowledge that she's the commander-in-chief, this takes the form of her first date with O'Shon. After a season-long simmer, the couple finally ventures out for dinner, but once beyond the school walls, their chemistry fizzles as Ava's perpetual defensiveness erects an impenetrable barrier between them. At the restaurant, she deflects his attempts at connection with incessant sarcasm and cynicism, keeping the interaction coolly superficial, if not slightly adversarial (telling a man he "giggles a lot for a man" hardly qualifies as flirtatious).
O'Shon, a man confidently assured of his desires, asks for the check, curtly ending the date, stating he doesn't want to waste her time. Stunned, Ava attempts to save face, suggesting their snarky rapport was their "thing," but O'Shon expresses his yearning for a deeper bond. As they await her ride on the curb, Ava makes a tentative effort to lower her guards, revisiting one of the conversations O'Shon had tried to initiate earlier by mentioning how her father used to take her to chain restaurants as a child. Though these outings were once cherished memories, after her dad started a second family with one of the waitresses, Ava's resentment took root – or, at least, that's the mature interpretation; she merely remarks, "Queso dips are very triggering for me now." This display of vulnerability reels O'Shon back in, who assures her, "I don't really like queso dip anyway, so it won't be hard to avoid on our next date." Finally, Ava taps into the flirty vibe, suggesting their date technically doesn't have to end yet, inviting him to karaoke...but not before poking fun at his car, inquiring about the divorced lesbian from whom he acquired his Subaru.
Ava and O'Shon decide to give their first date another go by venturing into the pulsating club, where the rest of their teacher colleagues have been holding court, gradually succumbing to the intoxicating blend of adult revelry and drama. Janine, thrilled about her upcoming duet with Gregory – they're set to belt out "Always on Time," and she's been perfecting her Ja Rule impersonation all week – strives to embody the epitome of a supportive partner despite Gregory's delay due to his rideshare driver duties. She spends the better part of the evening in anxious anticipation, their name inching further down the waiting list with each passing minute. Yet, true to her resilient spirit, Janine remains optimistically upbeat, even goading Jacob into striking up a conversation with a charming individual named Elijah, portrayed by comedian Jaboukie Young-White, amidst the club's lively ambiance.
Following his tumultuous split from Zach and the fleeting romance with paramedic Avi, Jacob has sidelined romance, only realizing its neglect upon bumping into his ex at the karaoke club. Zach, whom Jacob hadn't encountered since their messy breakup, is now hysterically laughing with a new love interest. Jacob initially seeks to steer clear of the inevitable awkward encounter but, prodded by Melissa and Barbara, summons the courage to converse with Zach. Zach reveals that he's not only found a new partner and moved to his dream neighborhood but is also celebrating the opening night of his one-man show, titled "Got Out" (a humorous upgrade from the PG version we glimpsed last season, akin to "Fleabag with an F").
When Jacob finds himself unable to contribute much beyond "Melissa got a guinea pig" during their catch-up, he succumbs to a pity party, reassuring his coworkers through gritted teeth that he's fine before seizing the mic and unleashing a powerful rendition of Papa Roach's "Last Resort." Chris Perfetti's portrayal in this scene is so compelling that it borders on Emmy-worthy, solidifying my rating of five stars. The rage-filled performance prompts Barbara and Melissa to inquire about his trigger. Jacob confesses his envy towards Zach's accomplishments post-breakup, making him feel stagnant. He enumerates his own achievements, such as aiding RJ and securing a consulate for the school, but Barbara wisely points out that while these are remarkable professional feats, life encompasses more than just work. Empowered by this wisdom, Jacob approaches Elijah with renewed courage, cleverly – albeit cornily – obtaining his number in a way that suits Jacob's endearing charm.
Amidst the lively revelry pulsating through the karaoke club, Gregory moonlights with characteristic meticulousness as a rideshare driver. He greets each fare with a meticulously rehearsed welcoming speech, complemented by thoughtfully prepared snacks, phone chargers, and an assortment of "Gregory's Goofy Games," designed to amuse the eclectic array of passengers he encounters on his nightly rounds.
However, as Friday night's surge prices skyrocket to unheard-of heights, Gregory finds himself torn between the practical allure of accepting more rides and the romantic pull of joining Janine for their eagerly anticipated duet at the club. He places a call to Janine, delicately gauging her reaction to the possibility of him missing their karaoke session. Despite her valiant effort to sound unfazed, encouraging him to seize the financial opportunity, a hint of disappointment lingers in her voice, which Gregory cannot help but notice.
Meanwhile, the ride fares continue to climb steadily, while Janine, ever the optimist, resolutely tackles the dual parts of "Always on Time," citing her ample practice as a "very lonely High School Musical fan." Just as she draws a breath, steeling her diaphragm for the lengthy Ja Rule verse, Gregory bursts through the club's door, microphone in hand, ready to provide the backing vocals his lady deserves.
Moments later, Ava and O'Shon arrive, and the group bestows upon them the esteemed privilege of selecting the evening's closing number. United in harmony, they choose "No More Drama" by Mary J. Blige, with everyone lending their voice to the chorus, validating Gregory's decision to prioritize time with the beloved chosen family that we all cherish and adore.
