“Abbott Elementary” is a mockumentary-sitcom on ABC that portrays the day to day lives of elementary school teachers. The show is currently in its third season and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
Summary & Cast of Characters
The show follows a handful of school staff who, in every episode, try their best to help their students, while also managing their relationships with each other.
Writer Quinta Brunson, who plays the character Janine Teagues, is a new teacher who wants what’s best for her students, even if it causes problems. Sheryl Lee Ralph plays Barbara Howard, which is a beloved veteran kindergarten teacher, but also a devout christian who must walk the line between her relationship with her students and her relationship to God. Tyler James Williams plays a new subsitute who learns to accept and like his position. Actor Chris Perfetti is a corny, nerdy teacher named Jacob Hill that wants to appear cool to his students. Lisa Ann Walter is a veteran teacher, Melissa Schemmenti, who disagrees with Janine’s new methods of teaching. Actor William Stanford Davis plays Mr. Johnson, a janitor who also seems to be in some hijinks.
Review
“Abbott Elementary” manages to walk the fine line between addressing serious issues within the public education system while including witty humor without hamfisting it. Each character portrays different stereotypes of teachers without making them full caricatures.
The character Janine Teagues is constantly fighting for more funds, which parallels real world struggles of public school teachers. She stumbles and struggles, but she still gets up, even when everything blows up in her face.
Barbara Howard and Melissa Schemmenti are veteran teachers who have seen it all. Barbara Howard is reminiscent of a beloved kindergarten teacher, but she also is quite nuanced when it comes to dealing with age.
Jacob Hill and Gregory Eddie both resonate with Janine in the concept that they are all young, slightly awkward teachers trying to change the school and their students’ lives. Also, Jacob and Gregory both struggle with a sense of belonging. Jacob feels like an outsider and Gregory learns to accept his place as a new teacher.
The characters Ava Coleman and Mr. Johnson are the comic relief in the show. Ava is the principal who flexes her power and may stir some drama; she is also an opportunist who sees any way to make money. Mr. Johnson is the oddball janitor that says interesting things and always has something to say. He is always sharing his conspiracy theorieswith the students.
ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” is charming, real and clever. The show has already won four Emmy’s including: “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Quinta Brunson)” and “Outstanding Writing for a comedy series in 2022”.
The Torch rates “Abbott Elementary” a 9.1/10
