Here’s a developed review of Abbott Elementary Season 1, Episode 9, titled — written in the style of a thoughtful TV critique, with attention to the show’s signature mockumentary tone, character work, and comedic timing. Review: Abbott Elementary S01E09 – “Step Class” Air date: March 29, 2022 Director: Randall Einhorn Writer: Jordan Temple Grade: A- Summary When the teachers learn that the school’s long-dormant step team is being revived, a friendly competition emerges between Ava (Janelle James) and the staff. Ava, eager to relive her glory days, volunteers to coach the team, but her laziness and ego quickly clash with Janine’s (Quinta Brunson) earnest, hands-on approach. Meanwhile, Gregory (Tyler James Williams) struggles with his discomfort around children — specifically their “germy, sticky” hands — while trying to help a shy student, and Jacob (Chris Perfetti) attempts to bond with the students by introducing them to… a capella. What Works 1. Perfectly Balanced Plot Threads Like the best episodes of Abbott , “Step Class” juggles three storylines without any feeling shortchanged. The A-plot (step team) gives Ava her funniest material yet — especially her “motivational” speech that’s just her bragging about high school — while allowing Janine to be both funny and frustratingly idealistic. The B-plot with Gregory is a quiet gem: his horror at holding a student’s hand (and later, his small victory of a fist bump) is comedy through restraint. The C-plot with Jacob is intentionally cringey but mercifully brief, serving as comic relief.
Tyler James Williams excels at physical comedy. Watch him recoil when a student sneezes near his coffee, or his robotic “high five” attempts. But the episode’s sweetest beat comes when he helps a girl practice her step routine one-on-one — not because he loves kids, but because he respects discipline and precision. It’s a believable, small step (again, pun intended) toward him warming up to teaching. abbott elementary s01e09 dts
The talking-head interviews in this episode are gold. Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) deadpans: “I have seen Ava’s step routines. They involve a lot of pointing and blaming.” Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) compares the step team drama to “watching two mules fight over a turnip.” And Janine’s earnest admission that she watched Bring It On “for research… seven times” is quintessential Janine. What Doesn’t Quite Land Jacob’s A Capella Subplot Jacob introducing his students to Pentatonix as “the future of music” is funny in concept, but the episode doesn’t give it room to breathe. It feels like a scene cut down from something longer — funny enough, but forgettable compared to the other plots. Only the final moment, where his defeated face is reflected in a student’s sunglasses, saves it. Here’s a developed review of Abbott Elementary Season
The episode ends with the step team’s first performance — a tie between Ava’s polished routine and Janine’s chaotic but spirited version. While thematically fitting (compromise is the Abbott way), the execution feels rushed. A longer performance sequence would have earned the emotional payoff. Why It Matters for Season 1 “Step Class” arrives as Abbott Elementary was cementing its reputation as network TV’s best new comedy. This episode crystallizes the show’s strengths: workplace satire that never mocks its characters’ dedication, heartfelt moments that don’t turn saccharine, and an ensemble that clicks even when split into pairs. It also marks the first real hint that Ava isn’t just a punchline — a thread Season 2 would pull beautifully. Final Verdict “Step Class” is a strong, character-driven episode that uses a school step team as a metaphor for teaching itself: messy, collaborative, and surprisingly moving when everyone finally finds the beat. It’s not the funniest episode of Season 1 (that’s “Desking”), but it might be the warmest. Meanwhile, Gregory (Tyler James Williams) struggles with his
This episode subtly hints at Ava’s hidden competence. When she finally steps in (pun intended) to teach the students a real step routine after Janine’s chaotic “counting to eight” fails, we see a flicker of why she might actually be principal — not just a troll. Janelle James plays this transition perfectly: still arrogant, but momentarily effective. The show doesn’t redeem her, but it adds shading.