Abbott Elementary Season 6 Episode 3 Review: Guest Stars Shine Amidst Classic Abbott Shenanigans
Abbott Elementary Season 6 Episode 3, “Tryouts,” is by far the funniest episode of the season. No doubt the shenanigans will only go up from here.
The definite highlights of “Tryouts” are the guest stars, which include Miranda Cosgrove and Ali Wong.
Cosgrove is a natural at comedy. Her role as part substitute teacher and part nun (or sister, as she calls herself) is a classic Abbot Elementary gag.
When Janine, Gregory, and Jacob learn about Natalie’s religious endeavors at Bonetown—a restaurant with a salaciously themed menu—things turn hilariously awkward. The trio is clearly taken aback by Natalie’s “extracurricular” activity. In turn, they try to tiptoe around her, despite Natalie’s protests that she wants to be treated normally.
It doesn’t help that Janine is high throughout this interaction. Janine’s inability to keep a straight face only adds to the unserious nature of the entire situation.
It’s clear Cosgrove seamlessly blends into the world of Abbott Elementary. She maintains nuance to her character while adding her own flair of humor.
Similarly, Wong’s character adds sharpness and an almost blunt sense of humor to Abbott Elementary. Her character is rightfully fed up with Melissa and Barbara’s classroom antics.
On “Tryouts,” Melissa and Barbara are on the other side of the desk. They’re both enrolled in a course—taught by Wong’s character—that teaches the skills it takes to be a successful special education teacher.
Melissa and Barbara are headstrong teachers, and it’s fun to see them as students. They gradually learn the importance of acquiring new techniques and skills from the special education teacher. Ultimately, Melissa and Barbara’s acceptance shows their willingness to let go of some of their stubbornness.
At the end of “Tryouts,” their shared acceptance also shows in their gift of an apple to Wong’s character. It’s a quiet but poignant moment as it highlights their respect for her as a teacher.
Abbott Elementary’s Step Club has some time to shine as well on “Tryouts.” Both Ava and Mr. Johnson (because of course he is) are involved in this episodic arc. Given the team’s success, it definitely seems we will get to see a lot more of them in the next few episodes.
Through this plotline, we see a little bit of Ava’s protectiveness come out. Of course she wants nothing but wins for the team, but she also understands the harsh realities of competitive dance.
Funnily enough, Mr. Johnson balances Ava’s wariness. He’s adamant about continuing to push for whatever the Step Club wants to try. He knows Ava will be there for the team whether they win or lose, and he argues that’s what makes her such a successful educator.
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!
Critic Rating:
Audience Rating:
Abbott Elementary airs new episodes every Wednesday at 8:30/7:30c on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.