Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 10 Review: Mall Part 2: Questions & Concerns

Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 10, “Mall Part 2: Questions & Concerns,” sees the teachers encounter friction with the PTA while Ava is in over her head. Meanwhile, Morton’s ulterior motives surface in a bid to snatch Melissa away from Barbara and Jacob. It’s not as strong as last week’s fare, but it effectively builds on the multi-episode mall arc and presents a decent challenge for Ava. 

Abbott Elementary, “Mall Part 2: Questions & Concerns” 

Morton is an intriguing antagonist (and sometimes reluctant ally) who works best in small doses. Thus, his placement in the B-plot makes sense. He’s always trying to insert himself into the group, and it’s fun watching him subtly try to manipulate Melissa, even though she’s not falling for it. Jerry Minor is such an underrated comedic talent who brightens up everything he’s in, and this outing is no exception. 

Barbara and Jacob are a pairing we seldom get to see, so “Mall Part 2: Questions & Concerns” does the right thing by giving them their due. Sheryl Lee Ralph is a pro at playing Barbara as the “straight man” or the “funny man,” depending on who she’s with. With Jacob, Barbara can fall more into the latter, though, really, both seamlessly switch places like a well-choreographed dance. 

It’s also interesting to see the Barbara/Melissa dynamic encounter a bit of conflict, regardless of how manufactured (ahem, Morton) it is. Of course, nothing too dramatic to tarnish the friendship, but every relationship has its ebbs and flows. 

AI-va and New Dia and the PTA, Oh My

Abbott Elementary is a sitcom that’s confident in its strengths and knows what it’s good at, but it also doesn’t shy away from subverting expectations. We’ve seen Ava fight tooth and nail to save the school when the narrative puts her feet to the fire. However, “Mall Part 2: Questions & Concerns” sees Ava work a full day, doing all the “not-fun principal stuff.” It’s reminiscent of the Paddy’s Pub gang having to actually work at the bar in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia‘s “The Gang Tends Bar.” 

This time, Ava bears witness to the ugly side of the public school system. She finds herself between a rock and a hard place when the parents, understandably, demand answers regarding the school’s status. If anything, it gives Ava perspective about what her teachers endure. In addition to the Ava of it all, the PTA storyline is great because Zack Fox returns as the hilarious (and instigative) Tariq. 

Even Mr. Johnson gets a taste of life outside the janitorial arts when Ava hires him to be the new Dia while Dia is on vacation. William Stanford Davis is always a laugh and a half, and his little screen time is used to great effect. That said, it would’ve been fun to watch more of him in this new capacity.

With the next episode seemingly marking the end of the mall arc, perhaps we’ll see Mr. Johnson completely disappear into the role of Dia. Maybe Ava will decide to have two Dias. The creative possibilities are endless. 

Stray Observations: 

• Someone should write a horror movie with that giant Benjamin Franklin head as the antagonist. Talk about scary. 
• That sign on Melissa’s desk is too good. She’s hip on the current lingo with the kids. 
• They could do a Halloween-themed episode at the abandoned mall with the Ghostbusters angle — that could be fun. 
• “Table for one at the Smackeroni Grill” got a chuckle out of me. 
• I never thought I’d hear an America’s Next Top Model reference in the Year of Our Lord 2026. 
• Honestly, Ava Air sounds like an excellent name for an airline. 

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Abbott Elementary airs new episodes Wednesdays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu.

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