Abbott Elementary Recap: Jacob’s Impossible Mission

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Following the sensational collaboration, I’m eagerly anticipating when the It’s Always Sunny episode featuring the Abbott cast will be released. In the meantime, Abbott returns with a straightforward, easy-to-guess installment as we transition into the second part of the season. This episode could be seen as a bit of a filler, offering minimal advancement in the overall plot, apart from some minor developments between Ava and O’Shon. However, this isn’t necessarily a drawback. Given the impressive streak Abbott has maintained over the past four years, they’ve earned a few filler episodes, and this one serves as a counterpoint to the raunchy influence the It’s Always Sunny group brought into the school. Instead, it offers a more heartwarming episode with an educational focus.

Tonight’s episode subtly explores the complex challenges faced by teachers dealing with students who may be at risk of educational stagnation due to a variety of cultural and societal influences. It’s no secret that we’re grappling with an intellectual crisis – literacy levels are low, attention spans are dwindling, and educators nationwide are expressing concern over the academic progress of American students. Unlike some shows, Abbott doesn’t preach or stereotype these issues, instead, it delves into the nuanced ways we may be losing our students and emphasizes the crucial role teachers play in the education of young learners.

Jacob’s pupil RJ reminds me of a younger counterpart of the post-pandemic students I taught as an adjunct instructor: extremely kind yet bearing a hint of disconnect about education, evident in their eyes. These students typically don’t participate actively, their work is passable, and school seems like an obligatory event outside of their will. However, something extraordinary happened whenever I chanced upon one of their unique interests; they would flourish, surpassing the bare necessities of the assignment, and metamorphosing into a distinct type of student altogether. It felt as though the student I usually encountered in class was just a facade (and yes, I’m quite eager for the new season of Severance with this comparison!), but when triggered, I discovered an individual brimming with eagerness to learn and engage.

Jacob, who is a more experienced teacher than me, understands the significance of igniting a student’s passion, as apathy might be hindering their success. However, RJ has a suspension due to absences and seems to have challenging circumstances at home. Jacob believes that enrolling RJ in an after-school club could solve his issues, but he may be mistaken. First, he suggests the student podcast “This Abbott Life,” which might not appeal to someone who already dislikes speaking. Predictably, it doesn’t go well with RJ contributing only a few words. Moreover, is it wise to motivate even more people to speak on a podcast microphone? Next, Jacob encourages RJ to join Ava’s step-team, but he seems equally uninterested, just as he was on the podcast. Consequently, Ava notes that Jacob didn’t take the time to inquire about RJ’s personal interests.

In my own words, I revel in enjoying the great outdoors and spending time with my pals, which makes me an ideal match for the Garden Goofballs, as realized humorously during a call with Jacob. This realization triggers a burst of laughter between us, but the conversation is cut short when Janine barges in, overpowering the call upon hearing Jacob’s voice. An email notification on Gregory’s phone from “Angela@GNCcustomersupport” interrupts our chat, and Jacob swiftly welcomes RJ into the Goofballs while I chime in enthusiastically. The group warmly accepts RJ, with Gregory even praising him for his green thumb skills. However, RJ maintains a nonchalant demeanor. Jacob shares his determination to find the perfect role for RJ through the lyrics of Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor,” as captured by the camera crew.

Janine’s determination to improve her students’ practice exam results serves as a subtle reflection of the challenges faced in modern education today. Her narrative underscores the importance of adapting teaching methods to cater to each student’s learning style. Although it may seem excessive for a practice test that won’t be administered until the next year, that’s just how dedicated Janine is. Initially, she appears confident, believing her students will excel due to her deep understanding of the subject matter. However, upon closer examination, she realizes she might have bitten off more than she can chew.

When she reviews the scantron results and finds that the students performed poorly, she attributes their low scores to “cultural bias” before concluding that perhaps it was because she administered the test at an inconvenient time.

The following day, Janine tests her students once more, this time administering it early in the morning under carefully controlled temperature conditions, yet the grades remain dismal. In the staff room, Melissa suggests that perhaps the issue isn’t with the students’ mental state but rather with Janine herself. Taken aback by the criticism, Janine vehemently denies this since she has been teaching the test in the same manner for years and all of her classes have excelled. Barbara and Melissa, being seasoned educators, guide Janine to understand that sometimes a new group of pupils necessitates different pedagogical approaches. She modifies her techniques, recognizing these students as visual learners, and eventually rejoices at having found a solution. The story follows Abbott’s well-known formula – introducing an obstacle for the more hopeful teacher, witnessing their dismal failure, and then delighting in their eventual triumph.

In another location, O’Shon becomes more assertive towards Ava, showing up in person for issues that could have been handled remotely, indicating he did so voluntarily. Ava continues to resist O’Shon’s advances, unwilling to yield to the palpable tension between them. However, she eventually confides in two unexpected friends, Janine and Gregory, seeking advice, not out of admiration for their relationship, but to understand what it’s like to date someone less financially stable. After learning that their dates consist of preparing meals at home, she asks Gregory, her closest acquaintance with minimal resources, how he would hypothetically treat Janine if he were wealthier like O’Shon. Failing to clarify the context of this hypothetical situation, Gregory assumes he’s receiving a raise. Her reaction is one of disgust when he suggests buying Janine a “reliable, pre-owned, hybrid” car, and she dismisses him from her office, stating she would never grant him a raise if he was that careless with money.

Tonight, Abbott brings on a fresh special guest star in the form of Eric Andre playing Cedric, a janitor assigned by the district to learn from Mr. Johnson. Despite my anticipation for such a notable guest appearance, I found the role and his performance somewhat underwhelming. However, I appreciated his dry, reactive humor that complemented William Stanford Davis’s absurdity perfectly. It’s hoped that this may not be the last of him on the show, and he might join the cast like Cree Summers. Upon meeting Cedric, Mr. Johnson senses a potential successor who will need his guidance. Despite the arrival of new blood, Cedric remains unfazed. He learns from Mr. Johnson various janitorial skills such as removing permanent marker graffiti, fixing plumbing, and other tricks he’s picked up over the years. Even in emotional moments like consoling a tearful Mr. Morton in the bathroom, Mr. Johnson shows a compassionate side. The experience leaves Cedric awestruck, leading him to acknowledge the district’s intentions but express doubt about living up to Mr. Johnson’s stature. Indeed, no one could possibly replace Mr. Johnson!

Teacher’s Notes

Despite the occasional inclusion of filler episodes in longer seasons, I’m excited for Abbott, with almost four years on air, to experiment with diverse narrative structures for its less plot-driven episodes. I’d be thrilled if it attempted something similar to when Modern Family did an entire episode through Claire’s computer desktop or the popular underwater episode from BoJack Horseman.

• Finally, my favorite lines:

Perhaps it’s because of unconscious cultural bias in the teaching methods that Melissa used. This could mean unintentionally instilling elements of her own cultural background, which may be associated with ‘whiteness,’ leading to a pattern of thought among her students that is more characteristic of traditional white education.

Ava, after Janine says she isn’t rich: “Let’s pull up our bank accounts and put them side by side.”

In response to Jacob calling him a good listener, the bus driver said, “For legal reasons, I’m unable to wear headphones.

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2025-01-16 21:55