Abbott Elementary Season 5, Episode 8, “Birthday” Spoilers Ahead
It’s been a while since Abbott Elementary touched on the importance of Barbara’s role in Janine’s life, and it’s so lovely to get it in the same episode where her mom returns. Taraji P. Henson is back as Vanetta Teagues, and she’s still looking down at Janine, making it clear that sometimes mothers and daughters may not actually get proper relationships.
At least not for Janine. But what she can have is a boyfriend who loves her with all his heart and a coworker who’ll fill the void of a mother. She can have Gregory and Barbara, and her birthday doesn’t have to be a time when she’s criticized as opposed to being adored.
Abbott Elementary’s ‘Birthday’ Proves That Janine Teagues Is the Luckiest 30-Year-Old – Sort Of
Your 30s are significantly better than your twenties, but for those of us who turned thirty during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a weird lull with careers and where we were at. Heck, I’m 34, and with the way that the market has shifted recently, I feel like we’re all fumbling every day in the creative field and trying to start from day one. But for a moment, that’s not where Janine is at, and really, it’s justice for any kid who’s ever been called annoying. (Raise your hand if that’s you. Because it’s certainly me.)
And there’s a moment during Abbott Elementary Season 5, Episode 8, “Birthday,” where it may feel like Vanetta regrets bringing down Janine the way that she did, but the fact that she doesn’t fight for her daughter says everything. Because she’s still having a tough time grappling with the fact that her daughter’s life is shaping out differently than hers. She can’t grasp the fact that Gregory isn’t just a great boyfriend, but he’s her partner in every way, and he’ll absolutely make the best husband someday, too.
Countless women have been in Janine’s shoes with mothers who simply don’t understand their lifestyles, but they don’t all have a Barbara Howard in their lives. A woman who’d not only defend you behind your back, but also someone who’d happily join you for your birthday dinner because she wants to celebrate you. And while their dynamic has always been incredibly special because of what Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph bring to the table, it’s even more impactful today because there’s so much strength in how they respect each other.
There’s strength in the detail that during these last five years, Barbara has gotten to know Janine so well that she understands what a gem she truly is. She knows that she’s special. And more importantly, she acknowledges it. She recognizes her strengths in every area, even if at times she has to reprimand her for something work-related.
When it comes to sitcoms and how we view them, episodes like last week’s “Goofgirl” and this week’s “Birthday” are proof of why they remain comfort shows years after they end. It’s because moments like this aren’t just fleeting, but they’re scenes we can think back to later down the line. I do imagine that at some point, Janine’s mom will return, but for now, everything is delightful as is. Even if the school’s falling apart and things will look a bit different when we return.
Now streaming on Hulu or ABC: What are your thoughts on Abbott Elementary Season 5, Episode 8, “Birthday?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Disney/Gilles Mingasson)