The crossover of the century is on the horizon, folks. Abbott Elementary and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia are about to collide in the highly anticipated upcoming episode “Volunteers.” Season 4 Episode 9 of Abbott Elementary promises madness and mayhem as the Paddy’s Pub gang volunteers at the titular school. As expected, nothing goes as planned. I can’t wait to see these two starkly different comedies join forces to make us laugh.
To celebrate this momentous occasion (and because I love both shows so much), I’ve compiled a list of eight things (and one honorable mention) I hope to see in “Volunteers.”
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A Real Frank/Mr. Johnson Showdown
In the teaser, we see Frank (Danny DeVito) and Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis) hurl insults as they determine who’s trashiest. Is Mr. Johnson the King of the Trash as someone in the janitorial arts? Or is Frank the true Trash Man, as is evidenced by his stint in the ring in “The Gang Wrestles for the Troops”? I’d love to see them duke it out. I’d also dig a scene with Charlie (Charlie Day) discussing rat-catching practices with Mr. Johnson.
An Ava/Dennis Vanity-Off
While Ava (Janelle James) and Mac (Rob McElhenney) interact in the teaser for “Volunteers,” I can picture our fave principal having an interesting dynamic with Dennis (Glenn Howerton). They would undoubtedly have a “vanity-off” to see who has the bigger ego. I’d wager Dennis would rise victorious in that regard. After all, he created the D.E.N.N.I.S. System. Perhaps he can help Ava flesh out her own method for snagging hotties (not that she needs one).
Why the Gang Is Volunteering at the School
I’m 100 percent certain we’ll learn why the Paddy’s Pub gang is volunteering at Abbott. My hope is it’s as unhinged and chaotic as I expect it to be. It would also have to be a reason that makes sense, though. At the jump, I’m already wondering how they’re even allowed within 50 feet of an elementary school.
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Barbara Teaches Charlie to Read (and Fails)
Let’s get one thing straight: Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) is a damn good teacher. She’s been at this a long time. However, she might meet her greatest teaching challenge in Charlie. In the trailer, Charlie visits her kindergarten class.
I’d love to see Barb take a crack at teaching Charlie how to read. His illiteracy has screwed over the gang more than once in the show’s almost 20-year run. Remember the door marked “private”? He learned that day that pirates do not, in fact, live there. Unfortunately — and hilariously — I believe Barbara will fail in this endeavor.
Gregory’s Iconic Expressions in Reaction to the Gang’s Antics
Gregory (Tyler James Williams) never fails to offer a hysterical fourth-wall break to the camera as he reacts to the shenanigans around him. We see him in between Mr. Johnson and Frank in the crossover teaser. I hope we get some great shots of Gregory after Dennis has an outburst or Charlie and Frank talk about playing Night Crawlers and eating cat food before bed. His expressions are iconic.
Mac and Melissa Competing to See Who’s More “Philly”
Who’s more Philly — Mac or Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter)? Both are incredibly proud to be born and raised in this city. I’d love for them to compete to see who’s the best Philly native, even if it’s light banter. Perhaps we’ll also learn who has the most connections in Philadelphia: Melissa or Frank. They’ve got a “guy” for everything, you know.
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The Gang Running Some Kind of Scheme
Is it truly a Paddy’s Pub gang-centered narrative if they’re not running some kind of scheme? I envision them devising a plan to make their time at Abbott Elementary worth their while. Charlie could try to sell Kitten Mittens to the kids while Dee (Kaitlin Olson) attempts to spearhead a drama department at the school to kickstart her acting career. Regardless, our crew almost always has ulterior motives in any given situation.
Janine Telling Dee Off for Making Moves on Gregory
Janine (Quinta Brunson) is sweetness and sunshine personified. She’s not one to go into aggressive mode or put someone in their place, even when they deserve it. In the “Volunteers” teaser, we see Dee smiling at Gregory. My guess is she’ll get her flirt on with him. Could this unlock something dormant in Janine? I’d love for her to tell Dee off for making moves on Gregory, even if it’s the epitome of polite scolding. Perhaps Jacob (Chris Perfetti) can be her backup.
Honorable Mention: Cricket Makes an Appearance
Nips and hips; otherwise, he’s not eating. I highly doubt this will happen, but I can get behind a quick appearance by Cricket (David Hornsby). Obviously, it would have to be a significantly toned-down cameo in terms of raunchiness. However, I’d love to see the Abbott teachers react to good ole Rickety Cricket. You gotta make it sexy!
What do you hope to see in the Abbott Elementary / It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover event? Sound off in the comments below.
Abbott Elementary Season 4 returns on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 8:30 pm EST on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
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