Abbott Elementary Season 6 Episode 4 Review: Tricks, Treats, and an Imminent Proposal

While Abbott Elementary Season 6 Episode 4, “Halloween Party,” definitely has some excellent moments and one-liners, it’s a little weaker in terms of its plot.

In particular, Gregory’s side quest on “Halloween Party,” which involves ring shopping for Janine, feels lackluster and unimportant.

Since the end of last season, we’ve known Gregory’s plan to propose is on the horizon. Thus, it’s no surprise the arc is slowly coming to fruition.

However, instead of giving insight into Gregory’s intentions behind his ring choice, the plot becomes a bit of overkill in depicting the ring seller’s chaotic nature.

Sure, it’s a little funny, but it drags on quickly. The bit could have been shortened to make room for new insight into Gregory’s love for Janine through something as monumental as a ring.

That said, it is fun to see Janine spiral and question Gregory’s suspicious behavior.

A slightly surprising plot decision is that Janine discovers Gregory’s intention to propose. From whom does she find out? It’s from Ava, of all people.

The secret is revealed at the end of “Halloween Party.” Ava isn’t trying to undermine Gregory’s plan. However, from Janine’s tone of excitement and anticipation, Ava safely assumes she knows about the proposal.

This is far from the case. In fact, Janine thought the surprise would be a puppy.

So where will the plot go from here? Will Janine tell Gregory she knows about the proposal? Will she attempt to remain clueless?

How will Gregory feel if he finds out Janine knows? Of course, there are still so many other elements of surprise within the proposal. It’ll be intriguing to see what the show decides in terms of the execution.

The actual Halloween elements of the episode are pretty great. Ava’s warehouse party seems to be a hit despite it not going exactly how she envisioned it.

Ava’s party is a nod to the fact that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can (and should) have fun at any age. Mr. Johnson embodies this sentiment wholeheartedly.

Everyone’s costumes are excellent. A special shoutout goes to Gregory and Jacob’s matching “couples” costume (i.e., Arnold and Gerald Johanssen). This is solely due to the lore of Gregory offhandedly saying he would do a matching costume with Jacob in five years.

Stray Thoughts:

• Ava calling Barbara, Melissa, and their respective partners the “Werther’s Originals” group is the best joke of the night. 
• Jacob’s boyfriend purposefully calling Ava “Barbara” just to get a reaction is too funny. 
• Melissa being grateful she can lower her voice at the party, and not have to yell over loud music, is so relatable. 
• Barbara’s costume, a literal take on the Cheesecake Factory, fits her character perfectly.

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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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