Abbott Elementary Review: Zoo Balloon (Season 1 Episode 13)

When I sob, you sob. Just like that?!

Yes, just like that Abbott Elementary Season 1 Episode 13, “Zoo Balloon” brings us to tears with its emotional and flawless finale. 

Right when you think it can’t hit a more poignant emotional peak than Janine’s speech where she assures us, “It’s gonna be great. And, I’m gonna be fine. We all are,” Abbott Elementary goes and improves on perfection by finishing out the first season with the voices of the kids of Abbott Elementary, as read by Mr. Johnson. 

This ending is a significant recognition of who matter the most. 

It is also a sly and irreverent end as Mr. Johnson literally throws all that teacher praise into the trash. That gesture, the last on the season, suggests that teachers are amazing, but they aren’t heroes worthy of worship either. 

Janine ferociously admires Barbara in a way that often idolizes her. But, like all the characters on Abbott Elementary, and by extension all people involved in the important work of public education, Mrs. Howard experiences self-doubt and mistakes too. 

What makes these teachers and this show so special isn’t that they’re superhuman; they’re just super humans.

Meaning, they care about and actively prioritize the students. The montage that closes the episode proves it. Indeed, the Abbott Elementary family loves their work and naturally showcases the great sacrifices and creativity required to do a good job, without ever sensationalizing the experience of marginalized students. 

“Zoo Balloon” gives public schools a good name. Honestly, this one little show has likely done more for the reputation of public schools than any political campaign could do. 

Abbott Elementary even gets break-ups right!

The show doesn’t need to demonize Tariq for us to see that he’s not right for Janine. Sure, he is goofy as all get out and is sometimes embarrassingly unaware of Janine and how much she does for him. 

But, he’s not a bad guy, not at all. His holler back game with the kids is low key brilliant. And it really does work! It allows him to notify Janine of her missing kiddo. 

Tariq is certainly self-involved, and he is able to understand that this isn’t a “huge” break, necessarily. He also recognizes Janine for her support. Even if seconds earlier he describes being feminist as letting her pay for everything. 

Abbott Elementary simply does not do one note characters. 

So, when Janine breaks up with Tariq it isn’t about how bad he is, it is all about her. Her needs, her growth, and her strength are on the front burner. 

What a wonderful way to head into Season 2. The ground for Gregory and Janine’s ship is fertile! We can bet on Mrs. Howard and Jacob tending to that garden. Giggle, giggle.

Another thing “Zoo Balloon” does right is purposefully center only the Black characters.

The white characters, Melissa Schemmenti and Jacob Hill, support and help redirect shine onto the Black characters. Neither Melissa and Jacob have an independent story line on the episode. Jacob even takes a seat (literally) as his boyfriend Zach, who isn’t a series lead, stands in the limelight. 

As a result, we get the kind of seamless representation most audiences only dream about.

No one is just there to fill a diversity spot. From the blocking, to the plot framing, from the amount of dialogue to the guest characters, Abbott Elementary effectively represents not only majority-Black school communities, but also all communities who face deep adversity on a daily basis. 

The courageous heart of Abbott Elementary perfectly describes how we all feel about being a fan of this show.

Janine: Abbott Elementary is a special place. I knew it when I got here. Just, now, I feel like I’m part of it. 

This new series is truly special. Ten thousand words wouldn’t be enough to articulate all the reasons. So, for now, it will suffice to say, Abbott Elementary , have a good summer and we can’t wait to see you next year. 

Extra Credit

• Gregory and Melissa with their silly voices is so naturally sweet. They really love their work. 
• Barbra used to dress like Janine! Pardon me while I borrow a broom from Mr. Johnson to mop up these tears. 
• Principal Ava is a full on dork about the zoo. What a delightful surprise!
• Melissa is a Stanley Tucci herself. 
• I would not hate it if they put out Tariq’s album for us to enjoy.
• Mr. Johnson is still my favorite character. I stand by it, confidently. 
• Gregory and Janine are poised to set sail, but I hope we get some choppy water first. 

 

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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