Another week, another hilarious Abbott Elementary episode. Season 4 Episode 13, “The Science Fair,” sees the teachers barrel headfirst into competition territory as they forget the true objective of the fair: letting the kids enjoy themselves. It’s also a big Morton (Jerry Minor) episode. Is he still Jacob’s (Chris Perfetti) archnemesis? The answer is a resounding “Yes,” although Morton doesn’t feel the same. It’s a delightful outing that unearths surprising facets of these characters and plays with new dynamics.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite quotes from “The Science Fair.” Class is in session!
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An Obsession
MELISSA: “It’s better to work with the kids than risk judging with Morton because the power always goes straight to his head. It’s like Mr. Johnson whenever there’s a spill.”
MR. JOHNSON: “Melissa’s bringing my name into something again? The woman’s obsessed with what she can’t have.”
I love the idea of the documentary crew relaying what the staff says about each other. I also dig the running gag that Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) carries a torch for Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis). And who wouldn’t be obsessed? Really, it’s the slow burn we all need.
TYREE: “Principal Coleman, they’re saying I can’t do the science fair ’cause my permission slip isn’t signed.”
AVA: “I can’t believe you need permission to be a nerd.”
Ava (Janelle James) always comes in hot with the best one-liners. She’s a comedy queen. However, beneath that competitive exterior, we glimpse a woman who empathizes with Tyree (Jonigan Booth) and helps him flourish at the science fair. They bond over their not-so-perfect dads and create clean drinking water. It’s sweet. Ava’s a softie, y’all.
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Hidden Figure
MR. JOHNSON: “I can help you. And you’re in luck ’cause I used to work at NASA. I was a ‘Hidden Figure.'”
MYA: “Okay, but I saw that movie, and I don’t remember you in it.”
MR. JOHNSON: “That’s how hidden I was.”
Four seasons in, the intricate Mr. Johnson lore continues to expand and deepen. It cracks me up. Hell, we need a prequel series about the many lives he’s lived. It would be hilarious if the crew behind Hidden Figures retroactively added Mr. Johnson into the film. Although, he was pretty damn hidden…
JANINE: “I’m gonna kick your ass tomorrow.”
AVA: “Please. You couldn’t reach my ass to kick it.”
In “The Science Fair,” Janine (Quinta Brunson) and Ava square off as the teachers decide that winning is more important than the students having fun. Their rivalry is unmatched.
I believe in you, Janine. You can kick all the ass you want, no matter its height in relation to your own. Side note: Hot Ones should have Brunson and James compete, but as Janine and Ava. I’d watch the hell out of that.
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Boundaries Are Important
GREGORY: “The forced barbershop interactions are already not fun for me. ‘Hey, Gregory, would you let a female buy you dinner?’ Now, it’s followed me to work. I’m gonna start shaving my head.”
Gregory (Tyler James Williams) is me. I am Gregory. I hate making small talk with whoever cuts my hair unless I know them well. I’d make an exception if the person is Keith David, though. Poor Gregory’s just trying to get through life with minimal human exposure, and that resonates with me on a profound level.
What are your favorite quotes from “The Science Fair”? 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.
Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: JANINE TEAGUES
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