Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 15 Review: Safety Day

Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 15, “Safety Day,” brings a hilariously chaotic mix of safety presentations to our titular school as Jacob makes a big commitment. While it’s not as strong on all fronts as last week’s fare, it’s still a solid showing in the series’ canon. 

Abbott Elementary, “Safety Day”

There’s finally movement in Jacob’s arc. Praise be! He’s felt a bit stagnant over the past season or so. Having him run against Ms. Schwartz for district liaison will certainly yield fruit on the character development front. Of course, we reunite with the infamous Ms. Schwartz, who doesn’t quite understand what this position she’s gunning for entails. Jacob should be a shoo-in. 

Jacob’s plot in “Safety Day” is probably the strongest of the episodic storylines, and that’s thanks in part to the consistently great Chris Perfetti. I’d argue that Perfetti is the most underrated of the bunch in terms of performances. Jacob is often made fun of (usually from a place of love), but the key indicator that the tides are turning is Gregory standing up for him in front of Ava. 

Jacob is on an intriguing path, narrative-wise. Perfetti injects this character with such vim and vigor, and a brand of starry-eyed idealism seldom seen today, given our current state of events. His infectious optimism is put to good use here. Jacob is devoted to making positive changes in his community — an example we could all stand to learn from.

Dreams, Firefighters, and the Expired

The B and C plots see Melissa contemplating her relationship with Captain (soon-to-be Chief) Robinson and Barbara scrambling to interpret her melatonin-fueled dreams. They’re a bit weaker compared to the A-plot, but they’re lighthearted and fun. They provide much-needed levity. Funnily enough, it takes two students to accurately explain Barb’s dreams; a stark reminder that kids’ imaginations should always be fostered. 

Mel and Robinson are a delightful match. They’re two peas in a pod. “Safety Day” aptly reminds us that Mel is an adrenaline junkie. She’s always seeking that next dopamine hit. Robinson’s promotion sours her to the relationship, making her believe he’ll resign to being a desk jockey instead of seeing the action.

There’s an element of self-sabotage to Mel’s personal choices. The minute she faces something challenging, or that’s outside her comfort zone (in this case, something boring like desk work), she backpedals.

Healthy Relationships

Fortunately, Barb helps Mel see sense. Their friendship is a wonderful example of a healthy friendship between older women. Long may they reign. Also, long may Melbinson (Melissa/Chief Robinson) reign. They’re cute together. 

Gregory and Janine spend “Safety Day” being too damn adorable for words. Seriously, they’re silent for most of the outing. It’s nice to see them flourish, to revel in the mundane day-to-day as a couple. We don’t need constant relationship drama; the comfort in their secure bond is more rewarding. Long may Granine reign. 

Stray Observations: 

• “None of your names have great SEO” — as a writer, this line from Mr. Johnson killed me. I hope he elucidated on this for Gregory’s class. It’s never too early to learn about Search Engine Optimization.  
• I, too, would relish not being allowed to talk if a kid asked me about death. 
• The Story Samurai dude appearing like clockwork behind Gregory with his hands on his hips made me giggle. 
• That cute Granine moment in the auditorium is enough to sustain me for at least a week. You know the one. 
• No, improv cannot solve everything. That’s a lie that Big Improv peddles to keep you perpetually saying, “Yes, and…” 

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What did you think of this episode of Abbott Elementary? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

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

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