Warning: this article contains SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 10, “Testing”.Abbott Elementaryhas become synonymous with its roster of hilarious teachers, but one may be leaving the titular school soon. Despite the sitcom being well into season 4, very few changes have been made to the faces at Abbott Elementary, aside from more characters being added. Thecast ofAbbott Elementaryseason 4includes the same seven main characters the mockumentary has had since its series premiere: Janine (Quinta Brunson), Gregory (Tyler James Williams), Jacob (Chris Perfetti), Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph), Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), Ava (Janelle James), and Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis). Losing any would change the show.
Abbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 10 had many concurrent storylines, with the main two being Janine administering practice tests to her class and Jacob trying to find an afterschool program for one of his quieter students. “Testing” had many exciting scenes, including an update onAva and O’Shon’s romance inAbbott Elementary.Unfortunately, some characters had less time in the episode, but the actors made the most of every line they had. In a short scene, the veteran teachers stole the show whenBarbara implied she’s considering a drastic career move inAbbott Elementary.
Barbara Reveals She’s Thinking Of Retiring In Abbott Elementary Season 4
While Getting Manicures With Melissa, She Lets It Slip
Janine’s stress over her students’ poor practice exam results was the main point of contention for the Abbott teachers in “Testing.” The most seasoned teachers, Melissa and Barbara, discussed it while getting their nails done. Barbara reminisced on her similar experience as a young teacher, saying she understood how Janine felt even if she was getting on her last nerve all the same. Before getting cut off by a sudden news report,Barbara began to ask her best friend a question:“Melissa, you ever think about retiring?”
Barbara first considered retirement in the season 1 finale ofAbbott Elementaryafter learning her favorite animal, the tuatara, was"retired"due to its old age.
Abbott Elementaryseason 4 proved Barbara still can’t handle change, and being confronted by it may have inspired her to reflect on her career. She couldn’t cope with the students refusing to bob for apples inAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 4, and when Melissa tried to comfort her at the bar later that night, it was clear something was left unresolved within Barbara. Janine running into issues with the ever-changing needs of her students could be forcing Barbara to realize how much time has passed since she started and wonder how much longer she wants to continue teaching.
How Barbara’s Possible Exit Can Impact Abbott Elementary’s Future
She’s Been A Mainstay Since Abbott Elementary’s Pilot
No main character has ever leftAbbott Elementary, and starting with the oldest teacher at the school— while logical— would be the most emotional. Themost heartwarming moments inAbbott Elementaryoften include Barbara, since she’s Janine’s mentor and mother figure.Barbara may be traditional to a fault, but she is an institution at Abbott Elementary. If Barbara retired, it would cause a ripple effect among the entire school. Janine would feel bereaved, Melissa would lose her best friend, and every scene with the“whole”staff would feel as if it was missing something.
Thank God ABC Realized Its Big Abbott Elementary Mistake Before It Ruined The Acclaimed Sitcom
Abbott Elementary season 4’s ratings struggles may finally be at an end thanks to the savvy decision to fix the show’s tricky time slot going forward.
While she has a big heart, Barbara has also been responsible for some ofAbbott Elementary’s funniest moments. Aside from her absence affecting the plot, the show’s comedy would suffer without her malapropisms and Hail Marys. Regardless, it seems highly unlikely a teacher like Barbara would actually retire anytime soon. The clear love she has for her students alone might be enough for her to reconsider, but only time will tell how serious she is about leaving. Nonetheless, one thing is certain: if Barbara Howard retired from Abbott Elementary, her presence would be dearly missed.
Abbott Elementarycontinues Wednesday at 8:30 ET on ABC.
Abbott Elementary
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary comedy series centered around a group of dedicated teachers at a struggling public school in Philadelphia. The show highlights their efforts to overcome bureaucratic challenges and underfunding, while showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact on their students' lives.
