Abbott Elementary 3×04 “Smoking” Spoilers Ahead
Abbott Elementary Season 3, Episode 4, “Smoking,” feels like the first time since we’ve returned to where it feels like we’re back to the old days. It could mostly be due to Barbara Howard, once again, dropping some of the most iconic lines in the show’s history. It could also be because Janine spends more time at the school than at the district, making lounge conversations better and more hilarious.
At the same time, this is the kind of episode I wish we had instead of D.A.R.E. meetings at school, sans the whole F.A.D.E shenanigans we get here. What works so well about an episode like Abbott Elementary 3×04 “Smoking” is the fact that the series is taking on something genuinely serious but doing so with the right amount of humor and respect necessary to bring an important, memorable meaning out of it.
Abbott Elementary 3×04 “Smoking” Talking Things Through
The best part of Abbott Elementary is still, and likely will always be, the open, honest communication that teachers have with students. It’s what consistently makes the show unique and helps viewers understand that trust can go further when there’s transparency involved. When a student is caught smoking a cigarette, which later results in the fire alarm going off, the teachers realize that it’s technically not part of the seemingly neverending ban list. Simultaneously, it stirs a conversation about everyone’s poison of choice, resulting in what’s undoubtedly the best locker room exchange since Barbara’s actor confusion.
One of the things that Abbott Elementary often succeeds in is its representation of complexities through grace and nuance. It doesn’t scorn people for their mistakes or vices, but it marries humor and heart into the kind of conversations that matter. It ensures that human intricacies come to the surface without judgment, allowing more layered moments to pass through our screen. However, as much as the conversation between the teachers is both hilarious and necessary, it’s how it eventually leads to Gregory and Melissa talking things through with the student to learn why he smoked the cigarette in the first place.
The Different Ways of Teaching
Sabrina Brier guest stars in the series as Jessca (not a typo), a substitute teacher, taking Janine’s spot while she’s still doing her fellowship at the district. Only this week, Janine is more involved in the school’s day-to-day activities, which means she’s watching Jessca teach her students in ways that oppose her own methods. It leads to yet another vital conversation with Barbara, which frankly is something that’s been easy to miss since Season 2.
Barbara has to remind Janine that when she first started, she wasn’t exactly doing things the same way other teachers did, reminding her of the fact that they each have different processes. The dynamic between all the teachers, whether it’s one-on-one or through the entire group in the locker room, is one of the show’s most significant inclusions, and the intimacy of all this week as they all unpack their ways of unwinding works to remind us of why they all fit so seamlessly together.
Further Thoughts
- “I do not want to live in a world where white people explain dance moves to me” TOOK ME OUT.
- “Clogs are back so anything is possible.”
- J-E-S-U-S street name, Christ!!! Only Barbara can ever get away with a like this.
- Manny was missed this week. Do we trust him? Do we not? How are we feeling?
- Jacob diving into the trash can for his vape then later getting an oxygen vape!?!?!? I can’t. I can’t.
- Also, now we need to see Janine on a day where she hasn’t smoked the night before because how is this a tamed version of her!?
- Gregory is all heart eyes over Janine again…bud. Make up your mind, please.
- Also, never want to see a white boy who calls himself Slim do whatever it is that FADE assembly was. I need bleach.
Now streaming on Hulu or ABC: What are your thoughts on Abbott Elementary 3×04 “Smoking?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©(Disney/Gilles Mingasson)