Abbott Elementary 3×10 “2 Ava 2 Fest” Spoilers Ahead
For a while, Abbott Elementary Season 3 didn’t feel the same. School being back in session was still humorous and wholesome, but Janine’s absence was noticeably substantial. The less time she spent at the school and more at the district, the easier it was to regard the loss of light in the atmosphere. But it’s official now: Janine Teagues is coming back to Abbott, and how she comes to her decision is where the episode shines.
Abbott Elementary is one of the best shows on TV right now because it’s full of sincere heart. It allows many viewers to look back on their past and approach it through a different lens because everything these teachers show, is something we could learn from as well. Plus, happy endings are rare these days, so much so that we’re turning to Bluey to restore our hope in stories.
Abbott Elementary 3×10 “2 Ava 2 Fest” Centers Janine and the Students Beautifully
No offense to Ava or Questlove, but Janine Teagues easily steals the show this week. Her decision is a long time coming, but how she comes to it with complete conviction makes her journey that much more rewarding. It’s always been and always will be about the students for Janine. She’s going to put them first. She’s going to believe in them. She’s going to show up for them. Much of the reason she joined the district was to make matters right, but it’s also vital that she realizes what a loss it is that she isn’t in the trenches with them.
There’s also something to be said about how Barbara and Gregory are the ones to nudge her here. There’s a point to make about how Gregory continues to listen to her and brings her a pot of dirt from Abbott because she told him she misses it. (I’m still holding out hope for these two, but should we?)
At the end of the day, Abbott Elementary 3×10 “2 Ava 2 Fest” cements the fact that this show is about teachers who care. It’s about the ones willing to show up, not because it looks good for them, but because of how deeply it matters that they make a difference for the students. That’s always been the case for Janine, and as much as this district storyline has fumbled at times, it’s lovely to see how it affirms everything we know about her. It’s proof that she’s in the right place, making the right decisions.
Lastly, Janine doesn’t just return as a teacher; the glow in her reappears as well. She’s better because of the people around her—stronger as a woman and an educator. She’s lighter because they have her back in a way that’s encouraging, wholesome, and steadfast. Barbara’s joy; Melissa’s earnest excitement; Jacob’s entire year turning around. The little seeds that the show plants in this week’s episode to make her decision feel worthwhile are so deeply wonderful that even the mop pieces Mr. Johnson gives feel restorative. Janine’s former coworkers at the district are cool, sure, but they aren’t her people. And this episode proves that. Janine Teagues is the heart of Abbott Elementary, and the people around her are her lights. And if that’s not a glimmer of hope, then I don’t know what is.
Now streaming on Hulu or ABC: What are your thoughts on Abbott Elementary 3×10 “2 Ava 2 Fest?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Disney/Gilles Mingasson)