Surprise appearances shake up Abbott Elementary‘s AVA Fest episode.
Legendary Charter Schools is preying on our favorite Philly public school, Abbott Elementary. Episode 19 boasts appearances by several characters we have not seen in a while as the educators unite in an effort to save the school.
RAVEN GOODWIN, QUINTA BRUNSON
Who is back?
Krystal (Raven Goodwin), the parent with a big heart and a bold tattoo, is the first one to sign Janine’s petition to save Abbott. Gregory’s ex-girlfriend Amber (Nate’ Jones) turns up at the AVA Fest open house and reveals that she is already off the market. We even get to see Abbott’s step team perform again.
But one of the most notable returns is Tariq (Zack Fox), who swoops in at Gregory’s request and energizes the crowd with his rap performance. Janine is grateful to Gregory for secretly calling upon Tariq when he fears Ava’s headliner is just a ploy.
Just when it looks like AVA Fest is a success, another notable character returns and joins Tariq on stage. Mrs. Howard’s former student and Legendary executive Draemond Winding (Leslie Odom Jr.) attempts to turn the tables and lure parents to the charter format. Thankfully, parents are wise to Draemond’s empty promises. AVA Fest becomes “SAVE”-A Fest when Draemond concedes and leaves Abbott in the hands of the public school system.
TYLER JAMES WILLIAMS
Is Tariq back for good?
I admit I did not notice this nugget on my first watch of the episode. In the scene right before the credits, Tariq relaxes in the dunk tank talking about his ideas for future projects after others have failed. At the end he makes a plea for a ride. But it’s not just a ride back to New York. He says he also needs a ride back to Philly again with all his possessions in tow. Is Tariq moving back to Philly? What would this mean for Janine and Gregory’s “friendship”?
Gregory knows that Janine’s friend Erika (Courtney Taylor) does not believe he is happy with merely a platonic relationship with our beloved Ms. Teagues. I mean, who really believes that? Could Tariq interfere with Janine and Gregory finally admitting their true feelings? We suspect that Gregory may feel some threat from Tariq since he initially nixed the idea of Tariq performing at the festival.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
We will be ready and waiting to see more from our favorite teachers on the next episode of Abbott Elementary on ABC and Hulu.
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