by Mike Hilty, Contributing Writer
Last year’s writer and actor strikes loom large over TV this season. Many shows were delayed, canceled, or cut in order to assure solidarity with those going on strike to get a fair deal. As someone who was consistently rooting for the studios to pay the people who make them billions of dollars annually, I know that some shows might be affected by the strikes for some time. I wasn’t sure how much the strikes would affect the third season of Abbott Elementary, but it’s obvious that there were some changes made, with a normal 20-plus episode season being cut down to 14.
Abbott Elementary still manages to provide an amazing season that has some of the best character development the show has seen, along with some of the funniest moments from a talented ensemble. Every season highlights each cast member in several episodes, but this season, with a smaller number of episodes, means each episode has to count. The series’ greatest strength is the chemistry between all the cast members, and Season Three showcases the cast in a lot of unique ways.
Janine (Quinta Brunson) has some incredible moments this season. The audience knows that she is a talented teacher who strives to make the most of the resources she’s given. In Season Three, Janine is put in a new situation that truly tests her love of teaching. This was a smart character choice because it’s a natural step for her professionally, and a challenge that put her directly at odds with other members of the staff. Brunson, as always, is the heart of the show — she demonstrates the power that one teacher can have on someone’s life. She has a special relationship with a student named Alex (Mason Renfro), leading to one of the more emotional moments that the series has had.
Gregory (Tyler James Williams) grows as both a teacher and a character this season. It’s pointed out in one episode that Gregory thought he was too cool for school in Season One. Now, he’s more engaged, willing to bend the rules to help his students, and is creating a community with his garden. All of this happens when writers are patient enough to allow their characters to overcome insecurities, embrace their circumstances, and develop through their interactions with other people. He’s a character that we’ve seen grow up from where he was in exciting ways. Williams has also never been better as a performer. His comedic timing is still top-notch, while still playing the pseudo-straight man in this crazy group of teachers. By coming to terms with his situation, Gregory’s arc has made him an all-around better character and friend to all the teachers at Abbott.
To me, the season MVP is Jacob (Chris Perfetti), who has some incredible moments. He undergoes some personal relationship changes that throw him for a loop. Several characters have their own relationship storylines, but Jacob’s has the most impact. In addition, he has some professional growth that I was ecstatic to see. His plan for the field trip at the end of the season shows the leadership qualities I knew he had all along. Perfetti is amazing, and it wouldn’t surprise me if his name gets read when Emmy nominations are announced later this summer.
From a story perspective, Abbott Elementary manages to lampoon some of the public school’s most interesting attributes. This season, episodes feature topics like drug awareness programs, career days, the library, and school rivalries. Each episode featuring a topic like this has a different teacher highlighted, while keeping the main story relevant to the plight of an education system strapped for cash. These episodes make the series relatable in a way that most television shows can’t. For example, the drug awareness program reminded me of the programs I went through as a kid. It’s a testament to the writing for continuing to throw new aspects into a show that reminds people of all ages about their time at elementary school.
We’re in the era of television where we’re going to see the effects of the strikes for a while. With a fair deal given to each group (and more to come for other groups in Hollywood), the trade we as viewers make is a season of a beloved TV show that might feel incomplete or different. That’s a sacrifice I will gladly make every time. It’s not like Abbott Elementary noticeably downgraded. It’s as strong as ever, with the stakes ratcheted up higher than ever for Season Four. Abbott Elementary is still the best show on network TV and it’s not even close.
Rating: High Side of Liked It
Abbott Elementary is currently streaming on Hulu
You can read more from Mike Hilty, and follow him on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Serializd