Abbott Elementary Season 6 Episode 2 Review: A Heartwarming and Hilarious Episode

Abbott Elementary Season 6 Episode 2, “Check-Ins,” perfectly blends heartwarming and hilarious. “Check-Ins” takes on a few different meanings for the Abbott crew and their respective storylines. In doing so, it highlights the varying degrees to which characters grow and, as Barbara mentions, learn to trust their own instincts.

Speaking of Barbara, her storyline in “Check-Ins” beautifully reminds us of her attentiveness and genuine care for her students. In her new class of kindergartners, she has a student who has alopecia. Throughout “Check-Ins,” Barbara is figuring out how to ensure the student has the same experience as his peers without feeling like the odd one out.

Eventually, and honestly, to no one’s surprise, Barbara finds a way to make the student feel comfortable. At the same time, she turns it into a teachable moment. “It’s not about what’s on your head,” she states, “but what’s inside that counts.”

It may seem like a simple, obvious phrase, but to a group of five-year-olds, it’s earth-shattering in the best way possible.

Janine’s arc this episode also involves her efforts to go above and beyond for the kids at Abbott. Whether or not they’re her students, Janine wants to see all of them succeed. Her unwavering support toward the kids at Abbott reflects her selfless nature and reiterates why she’s such a great teacher.

On “Check-Ins,” Janine recognizes Courtney’s new routine of skipping school. In typical Janine fashion, she wants to understand and course-correct Courtney’s behavior.

This narrative arc receives an additional layer of depth when Ava gets involved. We witness an assertive, serious, yet empathetic side to her.

Janelle James is effortless with comedic timing. She’s even sharper when she pulls out emotions from Ava that we rarely see.

Ava’s intervention with Courtney’s behavior is a testament to her strengths as a principal. She doesn’t downplay Courtney’s emotions or treat her naively. Instead, she stays clear and communicative, reminding Courtney of all she’s done at Abbott and not to let it go to waste.

“Check-Ins” illustrates Abbott’s commitment to fostering a supportive community and providing a safe space for all its students. The level of safety and comfort is upheld by the faculty. This allows students like Courtney to thrive and feel excited about coming to school.

The more literal sense of the phrase “Check-Ins” refers to Gregory’s new responsibilities as assistant principal.

Gregory’s corner office (which is literally in his classroom) illustrates how he’s trying to balance both roles. There is no inherent separation. Ultimately, he cannot fulfill the job of both a teacher and assistant principal to their fullest extent if he’s trying to stretch himself in both directions.

Seeing as how aggravated many, if not all, the teachers get on the wait time in his “office,” Gregory is very much at his wits’ end.

It only takes him till the end of the day to realize what Ava knew from the beginning: he’s going to have to get a substitute teacher. Though let’s be real. Gregory had to experience the chaos on his own to realize his true limits.

Stray Thoughts

• I don’t watch soap operas, but I understand Melissa’s fascination with them. 
• By far the funniest moment of the episode is when a student gets his head stuck in a chair, and Gregory says, “Take a seat,” and he says, “I can’t.” I’m still thinking about it. 
• Mr. Johnson, you are very much S-tier and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

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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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