Abbott Elementary:
The Complete Fourth Season
review by Bobby Blakey
The workplace comedy is one of those sitcom genres that offer up so many layers and types of characters that you can’t help but laugh and connect to it. Shows featuring the film crew like The Office, Parks and Recreation and Superstore mastered this style to hilarious results. In 2021 Quinta Brunson brought her own take on this style of comedy with Abbott Elementary co-starring Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Currently the show is in its fifth season and has already been renewed for a sixth so what a great time to revisit the fourth season now.
Abbot Elementary follows a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — who are brought together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do, even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.
The fourth season begins with the teachers returning from summer vacation to find that the neighboring construction of a new golf course is causing
unexpected issues for the school, forcing the staff to find creative solutions. Meanwhile, a visit from an HR representative adds another layer of chaos to the school year. And following their long-anticipated kiss, Janine and Gregory’s relationship status is finally revealed, leaving the Abbott crew to navigate the next chapter together.
While I was late to the party getting into this series, I am glad I did and have stuck with it because it has remained funny throughout. The use of a school and the crazy world of teachers continue to be perfect for this kind of thing, but this show works more than anything on the great writing and stellar performances across the board.
It is no surprise that this show continues raking in award nomination at the Emmy’s because it delivers on all fronts. The stories are often over the top with both subtle jabs and flat-out ridiculousness. Every member of the cast is fun to watch with Brunson bringing both heart and laughter to the mix. While I love everyone here, I think that Janelle James’ Principal Ava is both the most frustrating and entertaining of them all with custodian Mr. Johnson being a close second.
The evolution of the budding relationship between Brunson and Williams characters is the heart of the show. It brings so many heartfelt moments within the chaos of their world that helps keep things grounded. It also adds a new level of jokes to be had at their expense along with new trials and struggles to juggle the job and personal life.
The rest of the characters get plenty of time to shine and every one of them works to perfection with each other. The running gags coupled with interaction with the kids and each other just work. You can imagine the hijinks that can ensue in this setting, but it’s more of the banter about being a teacher or the annoyance of the kids that really brings the fun. Under all the fun is still a nod to teachers and their love for trying to help the young minds despite being broke while they do it.
This collection features all 22 episodes of the season and is worth adding to your collection. Head back to school for a dysfunctional education with Abbott Elementary: The Complete Fourth Season when it comes to DVD on April 21st from Warner Bros Discovery Home Entertainment.