In the season 6 premiere of Abbott Elementary, Gregory and Ava adjust to a new dynamic, Barbara turns to Jacob for help, and Janine gives her classroom a makeover.
The episode opens with Jacob overseeing the construction of a new playground for Abbott. He'd previously asked major Philadelphia sports teams like the Eagles and the 76ers to sponsor the project, but both groups refused. That is, until Jacob threatened the 76ers organization on social media.
As a result, six guys dressed in Sixers jerseys show up to build the playground, but Gregory notices that they aren't who they say they are. Jacob has been scammed. Feeling disappointed, Jacob turns the men away, only to be met by real 76ers players: Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe. The three men saw Jacob's social media post and decided to help. Apparently, LeBron is too busy running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Unfortunately, Jacob doesn't watch men's sports and turns them away. Really, Jacob?!? Inside, Gregory and Janine bring in supplies for Janine's new jungle-themed classroom. She wants to make everything special for the new school year. The couple also discuss Gregory's new job as assistant principal. To prepare for the role, Gregory took continuing education courses and established a rapport with the superintendent.
A new year begins at Abbott Elementary
During the school's development meeting, Ava announces that Abbott has hired two new teachers: Mr. Pak, Gregory's replacement, and Ms. Hardaway (played by Katy Mixon). But not everyone is excited about the new additions. Ms. Hardaway will be taking over Melissa's old classroom, and the Abbott teacher is determined to get it back.
Meanwhile, Barbara walks in disheveled after being hit by a car. Everyone is concerned, but Barbara assures them she is fine and even breaks into song to demonstrate. Instead, Barbara proposes the school hire a new crossing guard to ensure safety. And Jacob, being the eager helper that he is, volunteers to help her find someone.
Afterwards, Gregory and Ava discuss acquiring portable AC units for the school. Ava has an elaborate and borderline illegal plan, but Gregory wants to do things by the book. He decides to call the district and speak with the superintendent, but not before Ava teases him about proposing to Janine. Yep, O'Shon told her everything.
Barbara and Jacob discuss her suspicious hit-and-run, while Melissa clashes with the new teacher. She takes a direct approach to getting her classroom back, but alas, Ms. Hardaway won't be intimidated easily. But they aren't the only ones seeing clashing. Janine's new classroom decor rubs Gregory the wrong way when he foresees the safety violations they might cause. Janine expects some special treatment, but Gregory isn't having it.
Gregory is determined to succeed
When the district ignores their calls, Gregory and Ava decide to speak with the superintendent directly. But when they get there, they find out that the superintendent isn't even in the office. He's on the golf course. Gregory, who's determined to make his request, convinces Ava to head down there.
Back at Abbott, Janine receives conflicting advice on her new classroom decor. A parent warns her that her daughter can act out around dangling objects and advises Janine to focus on teaching. But Mr. Johnson thinks the children will love the jungle theme and encourages Janine to keep it up.
Meanwhile, Jacob and Barbara interview for the crossing guard position and find a good candidate. But Jacob learns that there might be more to Barbara's story than meets the eye. Things come to a head when the motorist who hit Barbara comes to Abbott to confront her.
It turns out that Barbara was texting while walking and didn't heed the motorist's warnings. She says she lied about what happened because she didn't want to embarrass herself in front of her colleagues. Thankfully, Jacob is understanding.
While Barbara deals with the consequences of her lie, Gregory and Ava approach Superintendent Collins on the golf course. Ava takes a blunt approach and surprises the superintendent by accusing him of corruption. But Gregory gets things back on track and politely explains Abbott's situation. As a result, the superintendent is impressed by Gregory's initiative and agrees to send Abbott a handful of portable AC units.
Everyone wins... except Gregory
Back at Abbott, Melissa discovers that Ms. Hardaway has a crush on Morton and uses that information to take back her classroom.
Meanwhile, the whole school seems to enjoy the new crossing guard, including Barbara, who hasn't learned her lesson about texting while walking. C'mon, Barbara, safety first!
At the same time, Gregory runs into a problem when he realizes the teacher he hired as his replacement is AI. As a result, he offers to teach his class until a new teacher arrives. But while Gregory is disappointed, Ava, previously threatened by his savvy and initiative, feels relieved. In her opinion, there can only be one head honcho, and Ava insists on being it.
Abbott Elementary airs every Wednesday on ABC and is available to stream the next-day on Hulu.
Add us as a preferred source on Google