What I’m Watching: Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary: Season 2, Episode 11 “Read-A-Thon” (B+)

I’m glad to see that the awkward out-of-school interaction between Janine and Gregory is still very much being discussed, but rather than it being addressed in a straightforward and productive way, it’s coming up at every juncture without them wanting to talk about it. Ava calling it a “Disney Channel grindfest” wasn’t nearly as great as the two podcasting students asking questions that neither Janine nor a horrified Gregory wanted to answer. Jacob’s enthusiasm for the podcast club was a recipe for failure, and I most enjoyed how Gregory got into the sound effects even as he grumbled about how he was only there because being involved in an extracurricular activity meant he got paid more. Janine was quite motivated to win the read-a-thon, and going up against Melissa, someone who regularly brags about cheating, was a tough challenge. But she did manage to do it, and of course the gloating did her in since Melissa was thrilled to have re-read the rules and realized that, by the parameters of the competition and based on her having two classrooms, she was the rightful winner. At least Janine didn’t have to go streaking, which felt like an aggressive punishment for losing. I very much enjoyed Barbara’s sideline contributions in this episode, like her lack of affinity for Ms. Frizzle and her appreciation for Colin Powell’s memorable performance in “The King’s Speech.” Ava having her own podcasts and having been forced to take down her ASMR content was not at all surprising, since she devotes so much time and attention to everything but her job.