Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 3 "Class Pet" Review: Class Pets and Hilarious Lies
Since watching this week's episode of Abbott Elementary titled "Class Pet," I've been thinking about that line dance scene. There is more than that scene to get into of course. The episode cleverly delves into the theme of responsibility through the amusing perspective of classroom pets, offering a fresh take on a storyline that has been surprisingly underexplored given the show's premise.
The episode kicks off with a hilarious scenario where the school receives laptops donated by a golf course, leading to chaos as the laptops are stolen and then returned, setting the tone perfectly. Ava shines with a joke about Jesus being "hot," showcasing the show's sharp, relatable humor right from the start.
When the school district allocates $50 for class pets, the teachers convene in the library to present their choices. Gregory (Tyler James Williams) amusingly chooses a pet rock, setting the playful spirit of the episode. Janine (Quinta Brunson) and Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) both select guinea pigs, despite Melissa's aversion to pets. This decision triggers a series of events that highlight the contradictions in Melissa's character as she reluctantly takes on the responsibility of caring for Sweetcheeks, one of the guinea pigs.
Meanwhile, Ava is caught up in her own subplot, tasked with setting up new computers requiring official software under district regulations. To maintain the ruse about the origin of the computers, she fabricates an old tech ticket to trick the district into sending help. With the assistance of Jacob (Chris Perfetti) and Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph), Ava navigates the situation while the district's tech expert, O’Shon (Matthew Law), is on site.
O’Shon's arrival heightens the tension as he grows suspicious of the tech setup. The clash between his expertise and Ava's antics creates hilarious moments, especially as the staff becomes increasingly desperate to uphold the facade.
As the episode unfolds, Melissa's fondness for her guinea pig becomes evident despite her initial reluctance. A poignant moment arises when a student questions whether guinea pigs "feel pain," prompting a reflective pause amidst the comedy. Janine eventually notices Melissa's growing attachment and confronts her, leading to a humorous ultimatum that adds to the episode's charm. The banter between the two characters is both heartwarming and amusing, showcasing the dynamics of their friendship.
In a clever twist, Melissa returns to school with a "replacement" guinea pig after claiming the original Sweetcheeks has passed away. The absurdity of her situation underscores her avoidance of the truth, reinforcing the episode's themes of responsibility and care.
The episode climaxes with Ava's confrontation with O’Shon, where she confesses to the bribe for the computers but negotiates a deal to continue without repercussions. This interaction further fleshes out Ava's character, revealing her adeptness at handling tricky situations with a mix of charm and audacity. The subtle flirtation between Ava and O’Shon adds an intriguing dimension to their dynamic, leaving viewers curious about its development.
One of the standout elements of "Class Pet" is the show's dedication to character development. Each teacher's storyline intertwines, emphasizing their relationships and unique traits. Barbara's comically forgetful nature, as she hilariously refers to Siri as “Shirley,” stands out and had me in stitches.
While I appreciate the evolving relationship between Janine and Gregory, I yearn for more interactions between them outside the school environment. After three seasons of “will they/won’t they,” a bit more romantic tension would be welcomed, even if it's just a conversation in a non-school setting.
Overall, "Class Pet" deserves all the praise. It's a fantastic episode packed with witty one-liners, engaging storylines, and a strong grasp of character dynamics. Abbott Elementary remains one of the top comedies on television, and I'm eager to see where the story leads next!
What did you think of the episode?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So
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