Abbott Elementary Review: Art Teacher (Season 1 Episode 7)
The punchlines are elevated on Abbott Elementary Season 1 Episode 7, “Art Teacher,” thanks to a bundle of mischief in a garden.
The B-story’s conniving character, Gregory, really shines on the episode. We get to see him as an almost direct opposite to his love interest Janine.
He interjects himself into a problem because he is compelled to fix it, but he really hates gardening. Janine interjects herself into a problem and is compelled to fix it because she really loves teaching.
It’s a satisfying twist on opposites attract.
The garden is also the setting for the lovely connection blossoming between Jacob and Barbara. Matching hats and matching passions between two folks who are deeply mismatched is a true delight to watch.
It’s quite magical to see how all the teachers respect and enjoy spending time with Barbara. It’s the adoration that a teacher of her experience deserves. Take that ageism!
Importantly, the school garden story doesn’t end with a victory. Yes, the garden is luscious. Thanks, Green Thumb Gregory!
But, those zucchinis are still in the trash.
The optimistic gardeners haven’t found the path to changing the kids’ lunches. But, that’s life too. Sometimes the brilliant solution that you stay up all night to make work, ends up covered in half eaten chicken nuggets.
Abbott Elementary is smart not to make it seem like energetic and passionate teachers can fix all the problems they face.
That would be cool, but it wouldn’t be real. As Melissa points out, real is more important.
Janine does manage to turn Sahar’s destruction into a constructive outcome. She has no shame using the “cool girl” language to get things done for her students and her school. That makes her a real one, not only as a teacher, but as a friend.
An underplayed piece of dialgoue for Janine on the episode is when she responds to Sahar’s tirade about what education should be with a very clear explanation of what the purpose of the project is for her students: to develop fine motor skills in a fun way.
Janine knows her stuff.
That’s isn’t to say that she doesn’t want to uproot the system that disadvantages her students more than others. She does want that.
But Janine doesn’t want to come in as an outsider who just realized what social justice is from an ayahuasca trip. She is willing to get her hands dirty, pour the manure, and tend to the garden to make sure her kids grow.
There you have it. A gardening metaphor to connect the main ship on the show, Gregory or Janine. “Art Teacher,” doesn’t give us any scenes between these two, so it had to be done!
On Abbott Elementary Season 1 Episode 6, “Gifted Program,” Melissa showcased her more tender side and her vulnerability. That episode gave us context for her behavior on “Art Teacher.”
Knowing that her hard surface covers a soft and gentle center helps make her “take my earrings out” reaction to Sahar funnier and more understandable.
And, actually, it makes Melissa kind of like the book itself. A bit old school and hard on the outside, but a classic that the students love on the inside.
Abbott Elementary has become a consistently hilarious and real comedy and it is not even ten episodes it. It will surely continue to bear fruit.
Extra Credit
- As all parents of toddlers out there know, Devin’s “I’m busy Callilou,” is the biggest baddest burn he could possibly levy.
- Melissa’s stare down is something else! If they were in a bar, there is no doubt Sahar would not still be standing.
- Ava’s disdain for Janine is hilarious. She cares so much about image and Janine is just confused. It should feel mean, but it doesn’t!
- I can smell those new books. Yum.
- Sahar asking Janine, a Black woman teaching in Philly public schools, if there are even any bunnies of color in the story is brilliant. It undulates with layers of funny.
- I can’t wait until Janine discovers Gregory’s hidden talent. She is going to melt!
What did you think of this episode of Abbott Elementary? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Abbott Elementary airs 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.