As co-showrunner Patrick Schumaker subtly revealed in an interview, Ava's dismissal served as a strategic narrative device to underscore "the profound impact the school and its genuine soul-bearers have on the community's heartbeat." While we cherish "Abbott Elementary" for its clever humor, endearing ensemble, and charming young ones, our enduring devotion stems from its brilliance in portraying an idealized yet relatable community—a collective yearning that echoes subtly in our minds amidst an era marked by profound loneliness and isolation. At times, "Abbott's" optimism teeters on the brink of utopian fantasy, starkly contrasting with the world's current state. Yet, the show remains steadfastly anchored in reality, grappling with external challenges and unwavering in its conviction that empathy and compassion will inevitably triumph in the darkest of times.
"Abbott" addresses Ava's termination with the same infectious optimism that permeates each episode, showcasing community as the ultimate cure for the self-centeredness enveloping us. I steadfastly believe that envisioning better solutions is the catalyst for change—a notion that, while seemingly obvious, has been etched into our collective consciousness over the past decade through the now ubiquitous mantra, "representation matters." "Abbott" consistently presents viable models of what we can achieve when we prioritize one another. The episode titled "Rally" stands as a testament to this core philosophy, as all those who have been touched by the school's selfless dedication to its community rally together to champion Ava's reinstatement. We knew it was inevitable; it was merely a question of how it would unfold. When the staff exhausts every appeal avenue with the board, the community's intervention becomes a natural next step.
The initial confrontation with the board infuses "Abbott's" idealistic universe with a wry realism. Despite their earnest efforts, including Janine's adorable three-piece suit, the decision-makers (welcomed back with open arms, June Diane Raphael as Elizabeth Washington) remain inflexible in their stance to terminate Ava for bribery. Initially, the teachers argue that firing Ava for attempting to secure the best for the school with limited resources would send a poor message, proposing that terminating someone for "caring too much" would reflect poorly on them. When this cloying humanitarian appeal falls on deaf ears, Janine resorts to deception, claiming they possess incriminating evidence to buy more time. During a brief recess, Janine suggests the teachers shoulder full responsibility for the contraband from Girard Creek, reasoning that their union status makes it harder to dismiss them all, and finding sufficient substitutes would be impossible.
Well, apparently, sourcing a mere quartet to replace Janine, Barbara, Melissa, and Jacob isn't as far-fetched as it seems. Or, at least, the district remains oblivious and indifferent to the difficulties in finding substitutes, deeming it beyond their "jurisdiction." Consequently, they suspend all four for a week. (Melissa hilariously attempts to resist by declaring Sweet Cheeks her legal dependent, only to have him suspended too.) Jacob breaks the news of his impending absence to his students, jesting about a "principled vacation in support of Principal Coleman," but they see through his euphemism, noting the injustice of their suspension. Jacob discourages the children from waging a battle not theirs to fight, yet it's evident that students across the school are disappointed by the decision.
As the rest of the gang devises strategies to restore Ava to her rightful place, Gregory finds his stride as the interim principal, even donning a crimson shirt—a departure from his usual neutral palette—that symbolizes his burgeoning confidence. He comes to the realization that while Ava's superpower lies in navigating around bureaucracy with ease, his own lies in meticulously dissecting the system to outsmart it at its own game. Gregory demonstrates this prowess by skillfully convincing Miles from Girard Creek to persist with the golf club, defying their prior agreement. Through what would undoubtedly be arduous research for anyone else, Gregory uncovers that by reclassifying the club under a specific non-profit tax code, the endeavor would yield more than mere revenue, making it a win-win situation.
When confronted with the suspension of four teachers for a week, Gregory musters his troops, enlists the PTA, and cobbles together a schedule, with Tariq and Crystal stepping in to fill the void. It's this meticulous attention to detail and diligent problem-solving that epitomizes Gregory's aptitude as a principal, making it a delight to witness (especially when he uncovers his paycheck). Yet, amidst this satisfaction, I'm reminded that my allegiance is supposed to lie with Ava's return. Moreover, Gregory is quick to point out that his interim status does not guarantee him the permanent position; the district is actively vetting other candidates, much to Jacob's consternation and threats of unrest, particularly with the prospect of Mr. Morton.
Refusing to let their suspension be a dead-end, the teachers continue to brainstorm ways to bring Ava back, floating the idea of becoming a charter school (which quickly fizzled upon realizing they'd need to create an online account) and invoking squatters' rights (courtesy of Mr. Johnson's ingenious, yet impractical, suggestion). With no viable alternatives left, Melissa proposes "The Schemmenti Diversion," an intricate scheme involving a dozen balaclavas, a tray laden with baklava, an ice cream truck, an abundance of zip ties, an oxygen tank, and Mr. Johnson adorned in a clown wig.
Just as we eagerly await the unveiling of Melissa's elaborate plan, they are abruptly interrupted by an impromptu walkout and peaceful demonstration led by the students in the hallway, eliciting tears of pride from Jacob. Their commotion draws Elizabeth and the rest of the district officials, who attempt to defuse the situation with a "forum." Janine alerts Ava to join the forum, where she listens in real-time as the students champion her cause. However, the district remains inflexible in their decision to terminate Ava and suspend the teachers, smugly believing that "being heard" suffices.
Janine refuses to accept this as the conclusion of her mission to reassemble Abbott Elementary. Just as Barbara sternly informs her that it's over—Barbara, as always, having the final say with Janine—the PTA bursts through the doors in a show of protest, escalating the tension to a boiling point.
In no time, a flurry of supporting characters and guest stars floods into the gymnasium, rallying behind Ava. Krystal from Forever Bitch Apparel steps forward, vowing that her group won't remain silent as the district "maims" their children's education. Her declaration paves the way for the B.L.A.C.K.S to join in, narrating their eyewitness accounts of Ava's magic, transforming Abbott from a "dilapidated elementary school" into an "unforeseeable music hub."
Subsequently, small-business owners, led by Ava's own father, march into the gym, testifying to the positive transformations Abbott and its leadership have wrought upon the community. The nail salon owners affirm that if Abbott stood by them during their strike, they will now stand by Abbott. Even Miles weaves through the crowd, quipping that the entire saga could be resolved by a "white savior," before excitedly boasting that his deal with Abbott was the only time his bribes benefited children rather than corrupt officials.
Ultimately, Ava's arch-nemesis, Crystal, joins the movement alongside other principals from the district. Although hints were dropped that Crystal was the one who tattled on Ava's unorthodox methods of acquiring resources for the school, anyone versed in the depths of Black sororities knows that loyalty among sisters runs deep. Hence, it's scarcely surprising that when the chips were down, Crystal was there to back up her sorority sister. She may harbor the utmost disdain for Ava, but as she asserts to the district, all principals are aware that nobody fights harder for their school than Ava and her teachers. Her speech ignites a passionate chant demanding the educators' return, and faced with the specter of widespread dissent, Elizabeth concedes that they have no option but to reinstate "Ava and her team of teachers," albeit she insists it was her initial proposal.
Ava expresses gratitude to her staff for their selflessness and restores normalcy by acknowledging her own role, quipping, "If it weren't for my exceptional greatness and impact, you'd have nothing to champion," before revealing that her internal clock is tuned to sleeping until 10 a.m., hence her tardiness until she resets it. A rare moment of vulnerability emerges when her father tells her he's proud of her. Though she sidesteps complete openness through humor, the pair take a small stride towards reconciling their strained relationship.
The final aspect of Ava reclaiming her throne is tinged with bittersweetness as she deposes Gregory in the process. He bears the blow valiantly, eradicating all personal touches he added to her office. However, the disappointment etched on his face as he removes his "Principal Eddie" nameplate from the desk is unmistakable. Ava thanks him for holding the fort so admirably in her absence, and finally, peace is restored at Abbott Elementary.
