Abbott Elementary “Festival” Spoilers Ahead
Abbott Elementary Season 2, Episode 9, “Festival,” gives us a reprieve from the Charter school motion, but can it really be that simple? After everything Leslie Odom Jr.’s Draemond implies in “Attack Ad,” and even everything he brings to the table here, it’s hard to think we’ve seen the end of it. Granted, Abbott Elementary isn’t the kind of show that’ll push drama for too long because that’s not where the storylines are most vital, but still, it’s easy to wonder what’s next.
Yet, everything we get in this episode continues to prove why Abbott should never change as a school, acting as a clear showcase of the fact that good teachers that care make students better. Draemond’s arc could also be incredibly riveting if the show uses his character to exhibit some sort of redemption driven by Barbara Howard’s direct influence. I, for one, wouldn’t say no to more of Leslie Odom Jr. on the series.
Abbott Elementary “Festival”
If Abbott Elementary’s “Festival” excels best in one area, it depicts how far teamwork extends. The show consistently proves that these characters adore and care for each other, ensuring that everything they do results in something that helps them each succeed. On any other show, calling your crush’s ex-boyfriend to perform would result in too much drama, but here, it’s about doing something right for the community while simultaneously giving viewers arcs to laugh about.
Both Janine and Gregroy’s former relationships are in the past, and though they aren’t getting engaged yet, contrary to what Gregory would like, they’re well on their way toward establishing what an incredible team they are together. Nothing matters more in a relationship than two people who are on the same page, even when they aren’t carbon copies of each other. Your soulmate doesn’t have to be just like you, but they have to understand you. And the series continues to authenticate that no two people understand one another the way Gregory and Janine do. This very understanding allows them to team up in ways that’ll benefit both the school and themselves in the long run, leaving their workload a little less heavy because someone else is contributing just as much.
Further, equal contribution is the detail that works beautifully in Abbott Elementary’s Festival,” because it’s the very reason they all end up in a place where there’s a bit of hope left. The core teachers (and, to a degree, Ava) are all willing to do whatever is necessary to uplift one another while keeping each other afloat. This is also why they’re better as teachers than those in the Charter schools because they’re willing to fight for the students in a way that proves how fiercely they care. It’s this same compassion that leads to parents standing up for them upon realizing what could happen if Abbott went Charter.
Again, while we have yet to determine if this storyline will find a way to resurface again in the future, it’s a step in the right direction to remind us why we’re still here. This show isn’t the kind of drama that wants to shock us week after week, but it’s the kind of series that consistently makes a point about uplifting people. It’s the type of show that asks viewers to look back while simultaneously looking forward to naming the fights that matter. In this way, it shows how persistence can hold up when battling against Goliaths. With three more episodes left to conclude Season 2, it’s anybody’s guess where we’ll end up and how it’ll feel when we get there. But something tells me that when it comes to this show, we’ll be okay in the process.
Further Thoughts
- Jacob: “Times New Roman, the most decisive of the fonts.”
- Abbott Elementary’s name change will be Abbott Charter. Ew.
- Jacob: “Who is Lee Daniels?” OMG, Jacob. Proceeds to ask Siri in a room full of people.
- Janine: “People always open the door for me because they think I’m a lost child.”
- GREGORY, TELLING JANINE HE’LL GET ENGAGED TO HER. YES.
- I love Erika with my whole chest. “I heard that pause, though.”
- Ava calling Jacob, Jason made me howl.
- “Is that a curling iron?” / Mr. Johnson: “can’t be too careful.”
- MR JOHNSON SWEEPING DRAEMOND OFF THE STAGE WAS GOLD.
- It’s so nice to see the step class again!
- Krystal is also back!
Now streaming on Hulu or ABC: What are your thoughts on Abbott Elementary‘s “Festival?” Let us know in the comments below.