Abbott Elementary Review: Light Bulb (Season 1 Episode 2)
Abbott Elementary Season 1 Episode 2, “Light Bulb,” is more heart warming than hilarious, but given the state of the world at the moment, that is perfectly excusable.
The funniest bits come from little, often silly, very specific, moments.
The janitor’s system based on Boys II Men songs hits the spot twice. Once when Jacob references being on bended-knee and again when the janitor, who is poised to become the breakout character, begins dancing to the music playing in his head in the stream of now-functioning air conditioning.
Ms. Howard’s news anchor crush, Ms. Schemmenti bringing raw branzino so she can show up her cousin, “in a non-threatening way,” and little Malia’s affinity for The Shining are other bubbles of funny on “Light Bulb.”
The ability to milk these small moments is Abbott Elementary‘s comedic strength, right now. It brings us closer and keeps our attention when the rather repetitive storyline threatens to lose us.
However, to establish itself as a top-tier comedy, the new ABC series needs to have funny jokes with a larger reach.
Janine’s persistent idealism and Ava’s persistent inappropriate flirting aren’t enough. On “Light Bulb,” they make us want to yell at the screen to move-it-along. Ava’s doomsday bunker is far more interesting and entertaining.
Ultimately, the jokes based on the idealistic and predatory character traits are simply too one-note, shallow sources of humor to be the basis of a season-long joke.
And a season-long joke is what Abbott Elementary really needs to be a five-star success.
Abbott Elementary Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot,” didn’t feature enough relationship development between the teachers. Thankfully, “Light Bulb,” mends that tear. Ms. Howard and Gregory’s nail salon lunch, in particular, lets us in on the bonds between these educators.
This is a teacher show, and as such, it delivers weekly lessons.
Instead of the generic, we’re all in this together, lessons, Abbott Elementary goes for lessons that apply directly to people who are in emotionally demanding jobs like teaching.
Melissa Schemmenti drives it home perfectly when she says, “we care so much we refuse to burn out.”
Honestly, this is a moving line.
Self-care and boundaries are buzz words at the moment. They are also absolutely essential skills to master if you are going to stand the test of time in a giving and grating profession. The thing is, it applies to us all at the moment.
It is admirable and significant that Abbott Elementary presents a light comedy on deeply serious realities. It isn’t making things fluffy even when it’s making fun of the horrible conditions.
Ms. Howard’s lesson to Gregory about embracing the awkward to get what you want is just extra credit!
Herein lies the real heart of the series, connecting us with the humor-filled reality of education in marginalized communities by teaching us some very universal lessons.
Homework Hints
- The way Gregory looks at Janine is absolutely adorable. We ship it.
- Watching teachers who love their students is truly refreshing, like a run through a fire-hydrants cool stream!
- Ms. Howard delivers the funniest line of the episode, “Bring your little Nissan sandwich with you”
- The Haunted Mansion IS a scary ride!
What did you think of this episode of Abbott Elementary? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Abbott Elementary airs on Tuesdays at 9/8c on ABC.
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Janelle Ureta
Janelle Ureta is equal parts Veronica Mars, Raven Reyes, and Rebecca Bunch, but she aspires to add some Tammy Taylor to the mix. An attorney turned teacher, Janelle believes in the power of a well-told story. She is currently exploring how to tell short stories, 140 characters or less, on twitter. She loves to talk about TV, and right now she can't shut up about Timeless, Dear White People, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The 100, or Younger.