by Foster Harlfinger, Contributing Writer
In classic mockumentary form, Abbott Elementary follows a team of Philadelphia public school teachers as they try their darndest to provide students with a fulfilling educational experience and deal with all manner of obstacles and setbacks. Lack of proper resources, questionable decisions from various staff members, and disruptive TikTok challenges — you name it, Abbott’s got it.
Abbott Elementary’s strength lies in its ability to be unflinchingly realistic in its portrayal of the flawed U.S. education system, while also maintaining a sense of much-appreciated optimism, and at 20 minutes a pop, this 13-episode season is a breeze. Show creator Quinta Brunson stars as second grade teacher Janine Teagues on a mission to enact lasting change in the lives of her students. Though Janine’s influence on her fellow educators may still be in its infancy, the effect of her presence at Abbott remains clear, and it is difficult not to be inspired by her infallible optimism in the face of hardship.
Though technically led by Brunson’s Janine, Abbott Elementary is an ensemble piece through and through. Janine often enlists the help of her fellow educators, including quirky history teacher Jacob Hill (Chris Perfetti) and the initially reserved substitute first grade teacher Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams), whose ambitions of one day becoming principal of Abbott Elementary often conflict with his newfound appreciation for the teaching profession. No-nonsense kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) and rough-around-the-edges Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter), a second grade teacher with shady connections, offer an endlessly enjoyable counterpart to the youthful stamina of their younger coworkers.
Of course, no workplace sitcom is complete without their leader, and a brilliant comedic performance from Janelle James instantly solidifies Principal Ava Coleman’s standing alongside sitcom legends like Michael Scott (The Office) and Dean Pelton (Community). Principal Coleman is the unquestionable standout of the show as far as this reviewer is concerned. Every incompetent administrative decision along with each piece of hilariously inappropriate workplace dialogue hit perfectly, yet the true brilliance of Abbott Elementary lies in its ability to make you care for all its many characters, teachers, administrators, and students alike. It can be somewhat nerve wracking to watch child actors in what may be their first on-screen appearances, but not only do the students of Abbott Elementary hold their own against this mix of up-and-coming and veteran television actors, they often steal the show.
In spite of the fact that Abbott Elementary plays within the familiar sitcom sandbox, the show sets itself apart with its true-to-life depiction of the broken U.S. education system. Though the show highlights many of its more comedic elements, the struggles faced by Abbott Elementary’s teachers and students will undoubtedly hit home to viewers with any recent experience in that world. Abbott Elementary rightly conveys that the burden of the U.S. education system’s failures often falls squarely on the shoulders of its teachers, despite the frustrating fact that only so much can be done for students by the time the morning bell rings each day. The show’s optimistic point of view in the face of this hardship is precisely what makes Abbott Elementary such a joy to watch. The show skillfully grapples with potentially upsetting subject matter in a way that acknowledges the reality of the situation while ensuring that you leave every episode of Abbott Elementary’s delightful first season with a stupid grin on your face.
Score: 9/10
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