Abbott Elementary Season 4

Quinta Brunson

Amina Ahmed

Despite the release of only half of the scheduled episodes, Quinta Brunson’s “Abbott Elementary” is already renewed for another season—and it’s not hard to see why. The writers of the show are spectacular, incorporating hilarious jokes and pauses (don’t even get me started on Tyler James Williams’ dead pan into the camera), while also giving depth and nuance to the lives of public school teachers who always have their students’ best interests in mind.

Listen, the show is a chef’s kiss. Although we already know I’m a sucker for romance, what you need to know is that I’m a sucker for Janine and Gregory SPECIFICALLY. The portrayal of black love that is easy, gentle, and accepting is something audiences have been starved of in popular media—thus the start to their relationship was nothing short of spectacular. The show also explores characters’ backstories, often throwing in some curveballs. For instance, Ava—the charismatic and confident principal—struggles with feelings of loneliness, especially around the holidays, so it’s even more meaningful when she spends Christmas Eve with Ja- nine, who she has always teased and made fun of. Last but not least, the series also highlights the very real concerns of gentrification and the lack of funding and resources in lower-income neighborhoods. Simply seeing how the city of Philadelphia refuses to agree to SEPTA terms leads to a strike and lower rates of student attendance, or how the construction of a new golf course next to the school led to constant facility management issues is a calculated and intentional decision by Quinta and her writing team. Viewing first hand the intersection of all of these issues and how it goes back to underserving children in lower-income public schools is bold, especially when systemic issues are not often broadcasted.