Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 17 Review: No Homework

Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 17, “No Homework,” sees Ava do away with—you guessed it—homework to disastrous results. We see the return of delightful guest stars Tatyana Ali, Langston Kerman, and X Mayo as Crystal, Darnell, and Lisa, respectively. Their performances are a highlight of this outing, which is weaker overall compared to the last couple of episodes. 

Abbott Elementary, “No Homework” 

“No Homework” is one of the rare episodes in the Abbott Elementary canon in which all three storylines feed into each other. This cohesive element certainly streamlines the plot. However, the main narrative itself just isn’t strong enough to sustain momentum. It’s not quite as engaging as past episodes. 

Perhaps it would be more interesting if Ava interacts with Crystal beyond the beginning and end of the episode. After all, their rivalry is what drives this story. Said story is also a bit rushed, with the main conflict not having much, well, conflict. 

His Future Is on You 

However, even Abbott Elementary‘s weakest episode is still stronger than quite a bit of what’s on the TV landscape nowadays. Gregory’s archnemesis returning to our titular school makes for a fun side plot.

Langston Kerman is hilarious as Darnell, Jabari’s overly intense but well-meaning father who’s very serious about his son’s education. You know, to the point he wants to fight Gregory. X Mayo’s Lisa threatens to beat up our baby Janine, even though Jabari isn’t in her class either, which is laugh-inducing, too. At least this particular part of the narrative thoroughly entertains. 

You’re a Bad Principal 

Barbara and Ava’s heated exchanges certainly shift the story’s gears in “No Homework.” We seldom see Ava, or Barbara, for that matter, truly, legitimately angry. When Barbara calls Ava out for being “a bad principal,” Ava looks like she might bite back but holds her tongue. It speaks to the talents of Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James that these two characters can show us this rarely seen side of themselves. Women contain multitudes. 

No one tells Barbara Howard “no,” and with good reason. It doesn’t take too much persuading for Ava to drop the “no homework” initiative. Meanwhile, Melissa falls down the gambling rabbit hole, and while it’s a side plot befitting her character, it doesn’t really land. 

“No Homework” isn’t the best of the bunch, but there’s still something to love about it, especially if Janine and Gregory squaring off against their respective archnemeses is your jam. (Here’s hoping Darnell and Lisa don’t fulfill their promises.)

Stray Observations: 

• Jacob, just say “Bi-Weekly District Staff Mixer.” Shortening it makes it oh-so-awkward. 
• “If we take away homework, what would the dog eat?” Mr. Johnson is asking the real questions here. 
• Darnell wants to beat Gregory up even though Jabari isn’t in his class anymore? That’s a true (heated) rivalry. 
• Melissa’s line to Jacob about Barbara’s “pearls vibrating” because the latter is enraged cracked me up. 
• Gregory putting a blue star on Janine’s forehead is so sweet. Granine for life. 

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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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