Abbott Elementary Review: Step Class (Season 1 Episode 9)
Principal Ava steps up masterfully on Abbott Elementary Season 1 Episode 9, “Step Class.”
It is a rare show that can change from silly to moving in the space of a few seconds. Abbott Elementary does just that when the camera captures Ava’s grandma being soothed by her granddaughter’s face. In that fraction of a second, we see how Ava is a devoted loved one, capable of integrity.
It nearly moves me to tears!
The writers on the episode, Qunita Brunson and Joya McCoy, manage to show us Ava’s heart without sacrificing her vapid core.
It isn’t that the other teachers warning Janine about Ava are wrong. Ava is incredibly self-serving. She fires out fame-seeking tidbits like a pro.
But, like all the weirdos at the school, Principal Ava is all her quirks and more.
What makes her strange is a part of the expanse of who she is. The fact that it is the Survivor-bingeing step star who delivers this lesson is an indication of the half-hour comedy’s brilliance.
The brilliance extends to the closing scene on “Step Class.”
Ava and Janine are just about as different as two educators can be. But, no matter their differences, they are two Black women who have committed their lives to students.
The audience gets to see them connect at a very deep level through step dance, which has clearly played a significant role in both their lives.
We know that Ava knows the cameras are rolling. Yet, she still puts aside the fact that she is about to do something that is uncool and focuses on Janine. The eye contact never breaks.
Janine engages fully in the dance, even the freestyle undisciplined parts. It’s a beautiful moment.
The simple closing to the episode is one of the strongest displays of Black joy and solidarity I have seen on a show.
Even considering the star performance Janelle James gives us as Ava, no one steps up quite like the janitor with an audience. Ms. Schemmenti’s joyful reaction to Mr. Johnson’s tricks is all of us watching at home. How does he make that broom stand!?
Mr. Johnson is magical.
Abbott Elementary seriously continues to do everything right, including making sure that the support staff at the school are represented and given quality comedy content.
Extra Credit
- Janine’s outfits on the episode actually work. I love to see it!
- Boiled-chicken-lover Gregory wants to get pizza with Janine. Have I mentioned that I SHIP IT!!?
- The step team dancer wearing a hijab is a really nice representation to see.
- I want Ava to teach me the step routine and I want it bad.
- Gregory only has eyes for Janine. Squee. Squee. Squee.
- Gregory is still a substitute teacher but everyone accepts him into the family. It is heart-warming and a positive portrayal of the difficult environment of public schools, especially for subs!
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.