Abbott Elementary – Party – Review: It Finally Happened

The episode opened up with Ava in her office receiving a timed video message from herself at the start of the school year. She was in her Ivy league sweater with her fake glasses and congratulating herself on all she accomplished. Of course, having accomplished none of it in true Ava fashion, she still found a way to make her failures a success. 

The kindergarten class had their move up ceremony and looked so very cute in their little cap and gowns. While the ceremony was happening, everyone was coming up to Janine worried about her needing help with her party. She informed everyone that she had everything under control and she did for a bit. 

“Party” – ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, Pictured: William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson, Chris Perfetti as Jacob, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa, Janelle James as Ava and Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara. Photo: Gilles Mingasson/ABC ©2024 Disney. All Rights Reserved

She threw her end of the year party and planned everything down to the minute like the control freak that she is. Her running around making sure that everyone was in their assigned sections doing their assigned activities reminded me of a Spongebob Squarepants episode when he threw a party and wanted to control each party goer. In his episode he ended up getting locked out while Janine accidentally threw a fuse. This gave her and Gregory the perfect opportunity to talk, in her bedroom with no lights. In true trope fashion, as soon as they began to lean in – the lights came back on. 

Also, as predicted in my preview, our annoying obstacles in the form of Manny and Olivia made an appearance but the biggest obstacle was Janine and Gregory themselves. They were always on opposite sides of the party and Janine was too worried with making sure everyone else was having a good time, she really did not get to enjoy herself until after Mr. Johnson fixed the fuse box and gave her some words of wisdom about going after what she wanted – Gregory. 

“Party” – ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, Pictured: Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues, Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie and William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson. Photo: Gilles Mingasson/ABC ©2024 Disney. All Rights Reserved

The longing looks from across the dance floor while hater Ava gave scolding looks and Jacob gave approving and gleeful looks was perfect. As the party slowed down, Janine wanted Gregory to stay but after observing Manny lingering about, he promptly left with Erika and Jacob.
Janine begins to clean up and tells the documentary crew (aka us the audience) that she wanted to tell Gregory how she felt but he left; while Gregory is outside telling Jacob he left because of Manny. Erika explained that Manny asked Janine out but she turned him down – she likes someone else (besides Manny and the district crew are going home). 

As Janine decides to go after Gregory, he is already at her door and lays a passionate kiss on her! Is that the collective sound of the fandom screaming and jumping for joy I hear? Eddie gives a look to the camera for the documentary camera crew to quickly exit and he and Janine kiss again. As they pull apart Eddie closes the blinds. 

“Party” – ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, Pictured: Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues, Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie. Photo: Gilles Mingasson/ABC ©2024 Disney. All Rights Reserved

I love this take charge Eddie and Tyler James Williams gives the best facial expressions. We knew exactly what he was thinking at that moment. It gave New Amsterdam vibes when Max and Helen finally kissed. 

Other moments that were noteworthy: Zack and Jacob started talking again and Barbara let loose. It was great to see her take her shoes off literally and have a great time. As predicted, Mr. Johnson was noticing everything and him deciding to be a bouncer and add a cover charge to enter was funny. I am not sure if we will see Manny and the district crew next season but we should. Their dynamic is new and fresh. More of Erika and less of Ava being such a hater next season would be welcomed. 

What did you think of the episode Abbott fans? How excited are you about Gregory and Janine or are you like Ava and hoped for a different outcome? Let me know in the comments and remember to connect with me on X @jereereviews to discuss more.