Class Is in Session: Favorite Quotes From ABBOTT ELEMENTARY’s ‘Testing’

Melody McCune

Gregory and Cedric watch as Mr. Johnson wipes permanent marker off a table in a classroom on Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 10, "Testing."

Another week, another hilarious Abbott Elementary episode. Season 4 Episode 10, “Testing,” has Janine in a panic over her students repeatedly failing their practice exams for third grade. Meanwhile, Mr. Johnson has a shadow as the district attempts to overthrow him, and Jacob fights tooth and nail to help one of his students come out of his shell. It’s a solid episode, although it’s challenging to match the energy of last week’s crossover fare with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

That said, “Testing” has hysterical quotes and exchanges aplenty. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorites. Class is in session! 

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Flick of the Wrist 

MR. JOHNSON: “Good luck fitting into this uniform. I got impossible measurements — the perfect male form.” 

Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis) is my Quote MVP for this episode. He churns out gem after gem in “Testing.” And, let’s face it, Mr. Johnson is irreplaceable. He’s a boon to the janitorial arts. 

Janine, Gregory, Melissa and Barbara sit in the teachers' lounge in the school while chatting on Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 10, "Testing."
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY Season 4 Episode 10, “Testing.” Photo credit: Disney/Gilles Mingasson

MR. JOHNSON: “It’s all in the flick of the wrist.” 

CEDRIC: “That sounds like arthritis.” 

MR. JOHNSON: “You’re damn right it is. You can’t learn this. You gotta earn this.”

It’s strange seeing Eric André playing a “straight man” character like Cedric. If you’ve watched The Eric Andre Show, you know what I’m talking about. Still, he plays off Davis well. Mr. Johnson has a point: arthritis is something you earn, not learn. Side note: his “three parts Moonshine, one part you don’t want to know” makes me want to, you know, know. I’m inherently curious. 

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My Place 

AVA: “I’m trying to figure out what it’s like to date a poor … What do you and Gregory do? Do you, like, walk around, or … ? What do you eat for dinner?”

JANINE: “We usually just eat at my place.”

AVA: “My Place. That sounds cute. I’ve never heard of that restaurant.” 

Ava (Janelle James) has sizzling chemistry with O’Shon (Matthew Law). Despite her best efforts, she clearly has a crush on him. To be fair, who wouldn’t? This exchange between Ava and Janine (Quinta Brunson) cracks me up. Ava’s willing to consider dating “a poor.” That’s growth. FYI, I’ve eaten at My Place every day. It’s a Michelin-star establishment. 

Ava gives Jacob a blank expression while both stand in the school gymnasium on Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 10, "Testing."
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY Season 4 Episode 10, “Testing.” Photo credit: Disney/Gilles Mingasson

GREGORY: “I’m just happy that we all equally helped you along this journey.”

JANINE: “Aww, Gregory. What part did you play?”

Poor Gregory (Tyler James Williams). He just doesn’t say things as majestically as Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph). Few people do, though. Brunson’s delivery here makes this interaction for me. I also love the “Majestic Barb” running gag in this episode. 

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I’ll Be Back 

MR. JOHNSON: “I also came up with ‘I’ll be back,’ but that bum from Australia stole it from me.”

I adore the continuous building of Mr. Johnson’s lore, even four seasons in. He’s in the running for the Most Interesting Man in the World. Really, Mr. Johnson should’ve starred in The Terminator. “That bum from Australia” stole his career. 

What are your favorite quotes from “Testing”? Sound off in the comments below. 

Abbott Elementary releases new episodes every Wednesday at 8:30 pm EST on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu

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Melody McCune
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