In its fourth season, "Abbott Elementary" finds itself in an intriguing predicament: the cast and crew are seamlessly functioning like a finely tuned engine, churning out episode after episode of exceptional quality, yet the specter of monotony lurks just beyond the horizon. Perhaps this is merely a projection from my inner skeptic—after all, I must find some angle to discuss besides the show's unwavering brilliance—but the specter of redundancy is a very real concern for long-running sitcoms. However, aside from certain storylines featuring Barbara this season, my anxieties about "Abbott" losing its edge stem largely from my inherent fear that good things cannot endure indefinitely. Maybe this threat is more of a mirage conjured by my own mind than an actual impending issue. Moreover, tonight's episode serves as yet another testament to the creators' and actors' adeptness; it demonstrates how a subtle shift in dynamics can breathe new life into a series.
As the show operates under the mantra of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," there persists the pressure to keep the content fresh and captivating. Most television shows last around three or four seasons, with this average lifespan shrinking by the day in the streaming era. By that metric, "Abbott" is nearing the twilight of its television career, yet it feels as though we're merely scratching the surface, particularly following the seismic event of Ava's dismissal. Firing Ava was a stroke of genius, as it shakes things up just enough to maintain our engagement while adhering to the comedy formula that "Abbott" has honed over the years. This move underscores the notion that in sitcoms, well-rounded, strongly defined characters serve as more reliable episode anchors than intricately plotted storylines. While the plots are frequently stellar, "Abbott" shines brightest because of our profound affection for its teachers and community, characters clearly sculpted with immense thought and care. Ava's demotion is a significant blow, yet not so catastrophic as to disrupt the show's magic. In fact, it elevates the character development of the staff, propelling Gregory into a role he's coveted for years, challenging Janine's strategic problem-solving skills, and compelling Ava to confront her ego and acknowledge her desire to reclaim her position.
The annual open house provides the perfect backdrop to showcase how far our characters have progressed. As was the case last week, Gregory is feeling the ripple effects of Ava's absence most keenly. In his capacity as interim principal, he's tasked with addressing any and all concerns from the parents, a far more daunting endeavor than overseeing the car-wash fundraiser planned by the rest of the staff to replenish resources lost after the district uncovered the covert Girard Creek arrangement. Though Gregory has spent the past four years learning to balance his militant pursuit of structure with softer skills like compassion and empathy, he remains a bundle of nerves at heart. He's particularly out of his depth when Daia and Melissa inform him that there's no preparing for the barrage of questions the parents will unleash upon him. This is akin to informing a dog that it cannot sniff other dogs' butts at the park—unnatural and almost cruel.
Gregory's first hurdle is a relatively benign inquiry—a parent wants clarification on what exactly constitutes a "Garden Goofball." However, soon enough, more formidable obstacles from his past emerge. His ex-flame Amber arrives with a chip on her shoulder, still bitter about their lackluster relationship, and snarkily points out the power imbalance in his dating Janine. Gregory attempts to slip away unnoticed (Daia's impersonation was uncanny), but Amber recognizes his stealthy gait as that of the cowardly pizza delivery driver who chickened out and left the pizza on her sidewalk. Quick-witted as ever, Gregory claims he avoided her because he wanted to wait until the open house to praise her children's achievements. Softened by pride, Amber retreats in her own cute manner, albeit accompanied by a withering side-eye, leaving Gregory in her wake.
Just as Gregory believes he has mastered the art of being a public-facing principal, Darnell, the combative parent who earlier in the season dared him to a fight, bursts through the doors, shouting, "'Sup, bitch! You let my boy down!" It turns out that his son Jabari's spelling grade has slipped from an A+ to an A, prompting Darnell to fulfill his vow of administering a beatdown if Jabari's academic performance declined. To compound matters, Jabari attributes his decline to missing his teacher, leading Darnell to accuse Gregory of triggering his son's abandonment issues by assuming the interim-principal role. After a grueling day of firefighting and four seasons of nurturing his confidence, Gregory locks eyes with Darnell and reassuringly declares that, with his dedication as an educator and Darnell's steadfastness as a father, Jabari will thrive. Darnell relents, leaving Gregory with one final dragon to vanquish: the fundraiser.
The car wash stands as yet another testament to the colossal shoes Ava left for others to fill. Her cunning, charisma, and street smarts were the very essence that held the school together. Janine's unadulterated optimism falls woefully short of matching the array of skills Ava brought to the table, evidenced by her ill-conceived plan to offer a free car wash in hopes that guilt-ridden patrons would generously donate. Girl... in this economy? As expected, they barely earn enough tips to cover the costs, despite having a queue that stretched down the block for the complimentary wash. Ava, popping by to lend her support, generously donates a crisp $100 bill along with a list of "high-net-worth potential donors."
With no viable alternative, they resort to Ava's contacts. However, when the parking lot fills with an assortment of vehicles featuring deeply tinted windows and drivers adorned in sparkling jewelry, withdrawing tips from rolled stacks of hundreds, Mr. Johnson swiftly calls it out. Having seen the plug before, perhaps for reasons akin to Mr. Johnson's, I recognize it when I see it, but it takes the rest of the staff some time to acknowledge how these patrons amassed their wealth. That is, until Jacob mischievously sounds the siren on his bullhorn, causing all the cars to speed away. Janine hilariously suggests that "perhaps this is where drug money should be directed: back into the community," but Barbara is having none of it. Ava reappears, disappointed by the staff's eagerness to surrender. Principal Ava leaps into action, asserting that this is merely an opportunity to pivot and suggests a block party, even granting them permission to reuse the name "Ava Fest," revoking her cease and desist order.
Despite an impending rainstorm, they relocate the block party indoors and swiftly proceed with setting up booths and vendors. Inez offers tarot readings, Mr. Johnson sketches caricatures (transforming everyone into janitors), and Janine indulges in face painting. Barbara, who spent the entire episode attempting to convince everyone to utilize one of her "high-profile" church contacts, promises to bring show-stopping talent. No one believes her, with Ava dismissively referring to the talent as Barbara's "little church friend," and Gregory mistakenly assuming she's talking about Jesus. However, the church lady delivers, securing one of Abbott's biggest guest stars yet.
Miss Jilly from Philly, an emblematic figure embodying the unexpected delights of an Abbott-style surprise, steals the spotlight. As an R&B sensation and a veritable Philadelphia royalty, she holds an inestimable place in the hearts of the show's fans. The audience is left astounded by her magnetic charm, while Barbara reveals a divine twist: Jill Scott's godmother has gracefully joined her choir, a blessing sent from above. Escorted by a vigilant bodyguard amidst stalker concerns, Jill drifts gracefully through the corridors, exuding an otherworldly aura. She then mesmerizes a sea of devoted Philadelphians with her performance of "Golden," transforming the makeshift concert into an unforgettable experience. The proceeds from these tickets marvelously propel the school towards its fundraising goal.
Janine probes Ava, curious about what prompted her return to lend a helping hand, especially considering Ava seemed content with the financial rewards garnered from her speeches. With a hint of reluctance, Ava confesses her inner emptiness, acknowledging at long last what was evident all along. Seizing this moment of fragility, Janine eagerly extends an olive branch, asserting that if Ava desires a comeback, they will pave the way for her return. And when Janine sets her mind to a task, obstacles crumble before her determination. Thus begins Mission: Bring Back Ava, a mission fueled by hope and unwavering resolve.
