Abbott Elementary Season 6 Episode 1 Review: Jungle Classroom
Abbott Elementary Season 6 Episode 1, “Jungle Classroom,” is a slow but strong start to the season. It fairly seamlessly sets up potential overarching storylines for the Abbott crew and explores the concept of change.
“Jungle Classroom” maintains a comforting blend of classic Abbott Elementary shenanigans, humor, and a few thoughtful, but necessary moments.
In particular, Gregory is officially in his new role as assistant principal. It’s pretty hilarious to watch him and Ava work together, what with their differing personalities. The two go on a small quest (much to Ava’s reluctance), to track the superintendent down in what Gregory hopes, will lead to obtaining AC units for the school.
This plotline illustrates the real adjustment it will take not only for Gregory as an individual, but also for Ava to work with him. It’ll be intriguing to see how the season moves forward and what will and won’t work between them.
Furthermore, how will Gregory feel about his new role at Abbott? We see a glimpse of his steadfastness as assistant principal (which is no surprise), but what else is in store? “Jungle Classroom” deliberately gives little away and opts for a subtler transition into Gregory’s position.
Janine’s plotline—which involves taking inspiration from “TikTok teachers” and meticulously decorating her classroom—meshes well with the changes Gregory is facing. He’s less lax than he would have been as a teacher about Janine’s somewhat hazardous choice of decorations.
There may be a subtle but noticeable shift between Janine and Gregory’s dynamic at work as Season 6 continues. However, from Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episodes 21 and 22, “Ava & Fest” and “Miami,” it’s clear the couple can weather any storm that comes their way.
Janine’s interest in turning her classroom into, quite literally, a jungle of paper speaks to her creativity and her perfectionism.
Janine receives two threads of insightful comments—one from a parent and the other from Mr. Johnson no less.
The parent reassures Janine that her teaching is more than enough, and she shouldn’t feel the need to overcompensate with decorations. Mr. Johnson wholeheartedly believes Janine’s efforts will be something the kids will never forget. Both sentiments ring true.
Over the seasons, Janine has grown into herself both in and out of the classroom. One thing about her is she’s always seeking and willing to try new things. In a way, her plotline on “Jungle Classroom” is the antithesis of other characters’ slight aversion to change.
Change also comes in the form of a new second-grade teacher: Mrs. Hardaway. She truly gives Melissa a run for her money in terms of grit, stubbornness, and all-around snarkiness. The two battle it out over Melissa wanting her old classroom back versus Mrs. Hardaway refusing to give it up.
Melissa’s arc on “Jungle Classroom” is a perfect example of the struggle it takes to adapt to change. Not only is she dealing with a new teacher, but one who can match her loud personality, no less. Though in the end, Melissa gets what Melissa wants.
However, something tells me this is just the beginning of the rivalry between Melissa and Mrs. Hardaway.
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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Revati Gelda
Revati Gelda is a writer and journalist whose work focuses on the arts and their importance in today’s society. Her reporting has appeared in Hudson Valley Magazine, her alma mater’s newspaper Pipe Dream, where she served as Arts & Culture Editor, and more. Currently, she is an Assistant Poetry Editor for Decolonial Passage, a literary magazine.