The following contains spoilers for Abbott Elementary Season 2, Episode 19, "Festival," now streaming on ABC.
Abbott Elementary's exceptional humor and charming characters have been the main reason the show has grown to be so immensely popular. However, these aren't the only defining traits of this clever sitcom. With Season 2, Episode 19, "Festival," the ABC show once again proves that it has always been perfectly capable of handling complex social issues with a unique flair.
"Festival" brings the season-long Charter school issue to a well-executed conclusion, with the teachers and parents of Abbott Elementary coming together to fight for their school and prevent it from becoming privatized. In doing so, the beloved sitcom raises some relevant concerns about the education system and how the government often turns a blind eye to public schools and their requirements. The nuanced approach to telling authentic stories allows the series to excel in social commentary.
Abbott Elementary's Distinct Approach to Social Commentary
Since its inception, Abbott Elementary hasn't shied away from addressing the major problems plaguing the students and teachers in public schools. In Season 1, a recurring theme on the show revolved around how underfunded the school was, resulting in a lack of many basic supplies for the children. What's most striking about Abbott Elementary's handling of social issues is how it addresses them effortlessly. Every time matters of race and socio-economic disparity have been discussed on the show, it has been done with careful consideration and genuine concern. There is never an intention to make a statement for the sake of it; the show wants its audiences to understand the struggles of being an elementary-school teacher fighting for fundamental rights.
The Charter school issue wasn't haphazardly introduced for a few episodes and then hastily concluded, but the writers took time to introduce the subject and its repercussions throughout Season 2. This gentle simmering of a significant issue made the stakes seem even higher in "Festival." The writers expertly resolved it by evoking a sense of community in the episode, making the win for everyone involved all the more impactful.
How Abbott Elementary's Writing and Acting Help Deliver its Politics
A sense of earnestness and sincerity in Abbott Elementary's writing makes audiences root for every character and hurdle they face. This is probably one of the main reasons the show has never seen any polarizing responses from audiences despite touching upon issues that directly call out the inefficiency of the government. Abbott Elementary's ability to juggle an adorable romantic relationship alongside discussing social issues is a testament to how the show has mastered its craft.
Aside from Abbott Elementary being a terrific workplace sitcom replete with laughs and endless jokes, it is also a show that wants the world to know about the kind of injustices it tends to frequently overlook. The pitch-perfect performances by the ensemble cast add to the show's smooth social commentary. Before anything else, audiences have learned to care for Janine's passion for reform. They've fostered respect for Barbara's experience and her in-depth understanding of the system, and they've grown to admire the resilience of every single student and teacher at the school. Ultimately, the show wants to create awareness through its sense of humor, and it consistently achieves this goal through its evocative storytelling.