Everyone, get shelter! The Ava-Lanche has arrived!
In this episode, Ava is asked by the handsome Manny (I still wish he and Janine had the chance to explore their chemistry last season—I'm not over it!) to give a speech about her methods to other principals, due to the positive results her students are achieving. While Ava’s methods aren’t always professional, you can’t deny they generally yield results. We love Ava’s antics; they are always a highlight. However, this episode reveals just how much Ava genuinely cares.
Initially, Manny decides to rescind his offer after Ava's earlier presentation, where she focuses more on the unethical (and sometimes illegal) aspects of her methods. However, after a heartfelt conversation with Janine, Ava chooses to emphasize her motivations rather than her approach. It’s a sweet moment because Ava feels defeated—she has always been told that she “does too much” and never does it “the right way.” Yet, sometimes “the right way” isn’t the most effective way. Sure, Ava could adopt a more professional approach, but then her students wouldn't have opportunities for field trips or warm clothes during the winter. To me, these needs are more important than professionalism. After making some adjustments, Ava ends up giving the speech and excels, leading to her being encouraged to speak again, this time with pay, which she gladly accepts.
On the other side of the school, there’s a plot connected to the golf course’s impact: gentrification. Barbara and Melissa discover that their beloved deli is going to be converted into a smoothie shop because the golf course is attracting new business, causing small businesses to be priced out of their leases. They tell Jacob and Gregory about the situation, and naturally, only Gregory is excited about the new smoothie shop. Initially, Jacob, Barbara, and Melissa oppose it, heading to University City to protest, but after trying free samples, they quickly fall in love with the smoothies. Jacob tries to continue protesting by distributing flyers to the B.L.A.C.K.S (which is not what it sounds like), but he too is eventually won over by the smoothies.
Unfortunately, it’s too late; Jacob’s canvassing leads to an unexpected protest in front of the deli. After a series of amusing attempts to stop the protest, including Gregory hastily making a sign that reads “Please Stop,” the protest works, and the deli is saved—much to the dismay of our smoothie-loving teachers.
This plot was both funny and unexpected. As I mentioned before, the golf course and the gentrification issues it brings are recurring themes this season, and as someone from Philly, this is a real issue we face. It seems that the teachers are becoming a bit more selfish this season. While they acknowledge the issues with gentrification, they quickly turn a blind eye when it benefits them. Earlier in the episode, they all express their disdain for the golf course but happily accept new gym equipment when it comes their way.
I was honestly surprised at how easily Barbara, Melissa, and Jacob changed their stance once they tried the smoothies. They were so passionate about saving the deli before, yet their resolve crumbled so quickly. I expected some of them to return to their original position at some point, but that didn’t happen.
Overall, this episode was particularly interesting, as it delved deeper into Ava’s character. While she may not be the most professional principal, that doesn’t make her a bad one. Ava has shown significant growth since the first season, both in her job and as a character. I’m eager to see more of her development. In contrast, some of the other teachers seem to be exhibiting more selfish behavior. I hope they soon realize the impact of their choices because, while it’s amusing to see them swayed by smoothies, it feels somewhat out of character for them, especially for Barbara and Melissa. I wonder what will be their breaking point regarding the gentrification that the golf course is causing.
What did you think?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So
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