Abbott Elementary Season 5, Episode 4, “Game Night” Spoilers Ahead
During last week’s “Ballgame,” Abbott Elementary brought a surprising amount of tears, and this week, we got stress and anxiety. But you know what? It works. And it especially works when, despite how ridiculous everything is, the humor that’s threaded into every frame feels earned.
It’s always a good thing when the show highlights Mr. Johnson, played to perfection by William Stanford Davis, and it’s always extra delightful when we get more relationship milestones for Janine and Gregory. But we had to do that by testing every anxious person, so where’s my compensation?
Abbott Elementary’s “Game Night” Takes Mr. Johnson and Co. on a DMV Adventure
First, this anxious writer cannot believe none of these teachers made an appointment for their REAL ID and didn’t stress stare at their documents for ten hours before turning them in, but hey, maybe that’s just me. At the same time, I think we should make test-taking easier because I cried like three times while taking my permit test back in High School. I get it, Barb. I get it.
Still, the waiting and the mishaps drove me off the wall, but in the type of entertaining manner that makes Abbott Elementary Season 5, Episode 4, “Game Night” a ridiculous treat that only a show like this can manage. Despite the fact that they’re always at odds with each other, it’s always extra comforting when the teachers and Ava show up for one another. Ava, especially, because she’s the one who’s hardest to trust.
But in a nutshell, what ultimately works in this episode is that even though they each try to vouch for Mr. Johnson despite the fact that he’s missing a document, the only way it works is through another janitor who turns out to be a friend. See, this is why I’m crying again. The fact that it works in everyone’s favor because once upon a time, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Ronson had each other’s back is the kind of wholesome revelation that always sticks the landing on a show like Abbott Elementary. Because, really, every other thing that happened made me want to scream out of frustration, because it doesn’t have to be this hard.
Gregory and Janine Continue to Strengthen Their Relationship With Communication
I didn’t realize we hadn’t seen Gregory’s apartment until this moment in Abbott Elementary Season 5, Episode 4, “Game Night,” and good lord, I get it now. It makes complete sense that this is how it’d look, but it also makes even more sense that he’d be open to change with Janine. Whether this is foreshadowing that they’re going to move in together soon or not, it’s a safe bet that their relationship will continue to evolve through honest communication because it’s what they’re both best at.
And still, it’s always endearing to watch Janine defend him and want him to succeed. Their ridiculous love for each other continues to be one of my favorite things, and how it continues to be a wholesome balm on the show is everything to me. More than that, Gregory’s openness is what’s so admirable because the conversation could’ve been a lot different with another man. It wouldn’t have been as easy for him to accept and understand that when it comes to relationships, compromises are part of the process. They have to happen in order for people to continue growing together. And while some things shouldn’t have to change, bits and pieces here and there are necessary. Some pillows, a softer couch, more chairs, and a hand towel are necessary, Gregory.
Ultimately, it feels necessary to point out how refreshing comedies like Abbott Elementary continue to be these days because even as I anxiously sat in front of the screen and watched everything unfold, I knew it’d be okay. I know that the show isn’t going to hurt any of these characters, and in a time where everything is unpredictable, it’s really comforting to know that our favorite characters are going to get the good things they deserve. If only the real world worked this way, too.
Now streaming on Hulu or ABC: What are your thoughts on Abbott Elementary Season 5, Episode 4, “Game Night?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Disney/Gilles Mingasson)