It’s rare for a comedy to continue delivering one hit season after another, yet Abbott Elementary Season 4 proves that the workplace mockumentary is a gem worth having on our screens for a long, long time. In many ways, the season starts a glorious new chapter with the beginning stages of Gregory Eddie and Janine Teagues’ romantic relationship, allowing it to bleed into the plot as a gloriously compelling addition. And it completes its run by proving that each of these teachers has an irreplaceable spot in the school, making it shine with cohesive storytelling that persists to serve the characters.
The twenty-two-episode return gives the series plenty of legroom to play with hilarious antics that bring the characters necessary development to allow the series to feel refreshing and still grounded. The details that constantly work with Abbott is the amount of awareness the writing provides about budget shortages and treatments of both teachers and students. These issues play an even bigger role in the fourth season as we explore the desperate measures and consequences of taking matters into one’s own hands. The result is a captivating display of teamwork that ultimately showcases how far the series and characters have come.
Network comedies are sometimes brushed aside for the number of filler episodes they include and the absence of some cohesive narratives. That thankfully isn’t the case with Abbott Elementary, as the series has consistently given viewers quality arcs that are worth discussing in depth. Because of the thoughtful writing, the series thus far proves how these character journeys are worth investing in, especially with every change that comes their way.
For the most part, Janelle James’ Principal Ava Coleman is written as comedic relief. She’s generally the character we don’t see much of outside her spending habits and antics, but the back half of Abbott Elementary Season 4 shifts that perspective when it gives us small glimmers of her family life while simultaneously letting her go for a while. Once Ava is fired and Gregory acts as principal, the season does a riveting shift into proving why we need Ava and her specific brand of leadership. The Avengers-like “on your left” moment that occurs in the penultimate episode delivers a worthy scene that feels like it’ll end up on countless best-of lists when examining the series after it’s over. In addition, storylines like this are what confirm that the series’ magnetism continues to expand every time we focus on the education system.
With the way the real world is functioning at the moment and how the Department of Education is under constant threat, it’s riveting how subtly the season brings to life all facets of this horrific aftermath with the importance of rebellion and a fair fight. Outside of this, the season’s means of delivering heartfelt character arcs like Barbara’s exhaustion, Melissa’s relationships, Jacob’s heartaches, and the beginning stages of Gregory and Janine’s relationship is no small feat. The characters remain entwined because of their workplace, but their love and compassion extend off the school grounds as well. Their friendship is also what continues to make the series a sweet little gem.
A large part of the series’ charm is how the actors continue to bring a thoroughly rich sense of understanding to their characters that, in turn, allows their interactions with one another to feel more grounded. Because of this, their teachings feel honest, heartfelt, and tender. I’ve once said that the show is healing my inner child who used to hate school, and I still mean that. Only after Abbott Elementary Season 4, it’s also doing an exemplary job of healing the adult in me, too.
No season is perfect all the way through without a few minor critiques here and there, but the bigger picture today is that none of them matter in the long run. As a whole, Season 4 stands as a shining example of how to keep a story engaging while adding the extra sprinkle of romance that’ll undoubtedly make it unforgettable. Whatever comes next for the teachers and staff at Abbott Elementary, we can be sure of the fact that Quinta Brunson and the entire team will once again be bringing their A-game. Between the crossover with Always Sunny in Philadelphia and the name-dropping that always feels earned, it’s exciting to see where the show will go next.
Abbott Elementary Season 4 is now streaming on Hulu.
First Featured Image Credit: (Disney/Gilles Mingasson)