Emmy Catch-Up: Abbott Elementary (Season Finale)

Abbott Elementary: Season 1, Episode 13 “Zoo Balloon” (B+)

This was a fun finale, one that showed everyone coming together to execute a field trip. I like that Ava, bad as she may be at her job, was able to spot forged parent signatures for the field trips and as a result leave them behind with Mr. Johnson, who first had them vacuum and then had them write essays about how their teachers were the real heroes that he promptly threw in the trash. Ava did wear leopard print to the zoo in order to attract hot dads, and I enjoyed the tour that she tried to give instead of letting the kids listen to the actual employees. I’m very glad that Janine finally spoke up to Tariq when he just announced that they were moving to New York City, and his question about whether he could “smash” other people when she said they needed space indicated just how seriously he took their relationship. It’s a shame that Janine is now single and Gregory appears to be involved with Taylor, though I’m not sure that relationship is too serious or that it’s going to last. Barbara got hung up on the retirement of her favorite zoo animal, and I think she felt a real sense of pride when Janine was the one to get up on the bus and yell at the kids to be quiet. This show has been very entertaining and I’m glad I had the chance to catch up, and it’s even better to know that season two is just a couple weeks away. Watching a bunch of episodes all at once has its appeal, but I think I’ll enjoy a weekly dose in season two and beyond.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Quinta Brunson as Janine