"Abbott Elementary" Season 3, Episode 3 Review

How is it possible that “Abbott Elementary” is already on episode three of the season? Although the hour-long premiere was special, it really sped up the episode placement of the third season.

This third episode contains a large amount of development after the manic premier from last week. One preface: Mellisa Shcemmenti and Gary “the vending machine guy” do not elaborate on their shocking and agonizing breakup.

Increasing fear has grown that possibly Bruno Amato (who plays Gary) will not be in season three at all due to the shocking split between him and Mellisa.

The episode opens with Barbara Howard and Tariq seeing each other at a school drop-off. For those that washed their brain of toxicity and made the excellent decision to forget about Tariq, a sleep paralysis induced nightmare is occurring.

Tariq is back for season three. He has not matured and is extremely annoying.

Apparently Tariq is dating a woman who has a son at Abbott Elementary, and Tariq has deemed himself the step-father because the “biological didn’t bother.” Honestly, Tariq is a terrible father figure for this poor little boy, and won’t even call him by his given name.

Luckily throughout the episode Barb puts him in his place, another Barb win and the first one for this season.

For the first time this season, there is greater understanding of Janine’s new position at the district level. Janine is seen in this episode presenting the necessity for an ASL teacher in Jacob’s classroom.

Janine took the weight off the viewers shoulders and genuinely showed that the district opportunity is perfect for her. Janine is actively making change, and audience members should find this fascinating to watch.

Although Janine is missed in the school, maybe this is what her path was forged to be when she decided at the end of season two to be “more selfish.”

At Abbott Elementary, Gregory is going through the most traumatic experience any teacher could endure. Gregory Eddie has become the “cool teacher.”

Like good grief that was so obvious the moment hottie Gregory stepped foot into Abbott Elementary that he was the cool guy. Why did it take three seasons to make this a clear point?

Gregory obviously greatly dislikes this, and it becomes extremely clear that precious Gregory is an extreme introvert.

Through terrible relationship advice given via cool guy Gregory, there is also clear understanding that Gregory has foul luck in any relationship aspects.

Luckily Jacob saves the day and dethrones Gregory of his cool teacher status, and Gregory is seen watering his garden in peace instead of telling students absolutely the worst advice.

Throughout the episode none of the broken relationships are addressed, which is extremely distressing. How are these characters continuing throughout their normal lifestyle when their love lives are frazzled?

Here’s to hoping episode four contains a Gregory and Janine scene, and some more clarification on where these two stand.

Grace Bowman is a third-year majoring in biology. To contact her, email gab5585@psu.edu