Abbott Elementary Review: Work Family (Season 1 Episode 8)
Abbott Elementary Season 1 Episode 8, “Work Family,” takes the love connection between Gregory and Janine to a the next grade level!
Just like on Abbott Elementary Season 1 Episode 6, “Gifted Program,” the pauses on “Work Family” are exquisitely timed. The body placement between Janine and Gregory under that umbrella is also a subtle way to tell us about how the two are drawn to each other. It is the little details like pauses and blocking that make this show come off as if its in its third season, not first.
The actors feel comfortable in their roles and as a result they can start to play.
One example of such playfulness is Principal Ava’s reaction to Janine’s love life by pulling up a chair, and then asking for a new chair so she can pull up again. It’s take about three seconds but it has a big impact on the thirty minutes of story.
“Work Family,” departs a bit from the other episodes because it doesn’t give a lesson rooted in the school system. Instead, the lesson is rooted in the genuine friendship between the teachers.
Janine is encouraged to be the best version of herself she can be and that is a life lesson all people can benefit from!
What makes this oft-taught lesson special on Abbott Elementary is that it comes from the incredibly sincere and honest Jacob. The serious conversation he and Janine share serves to mature Jacob as a character.
This is important to the show as a whole because it confirms and bolsters the fact that all the characters have depth. Their quirks don’t define them, they are just the beginning of their story.
Jacob matures through the episode, but Gregory is the best part of “Work Family,” hands down.
He not only turns up the heat with Janine (it was steamy under that umbrella!), he also shows us that he actually wants to be an educator. His willingness to dance in front of everyone because he knows his students will follow his lead is a deeply loving gesture. Showing joy is vulnerable, and on “Work Family,” Gregory really goes there.
If Janine isn’t already in love with him she better get there quick. All of us watching from home and all the educators at the school are already there.
Abbott Elementary is consistently charming and hilarious. It has certainly earned its fifth five-star review in a row!
Extra Credit
- Everyone’s secrets are super interesting! They also perfectly characterize the educators. I will be playing this game.
- Principal Ava’s fashion is top-notch. We know she clicks on those Instagram ads!
- ABC needs to announce this show’s renewal yesterday. Season 2 is an absolute must.
- The entire rap is genius. The writers room really pulled out all the stops for that tune.
- The janitor’s got moves! No wonder he’s an Olympian.
- Gregory’s stank face and one shoulder bopping is sexy. What can I say?
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.