Another week, another hilarious Abbott Elementary episode. Season 4 Episode 16, “Books,” finds our crew dealing with a “controversial” book called The Sassy Wizard Kid as one parent tries to get it banned from the library. Meanwhile, Gregory (Tyler James Williams) looks for part-time work and Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) takes the next step in her relationship. Zack Fox returns to guest star, too, and whenever he pops up, you know you’re in for a good time. It’s a delightfully hilarious outing.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite quotes from “Books.” Class is in session!
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Sleepytime Tea
TARIQ: “My son was excited to read that book to me at bedtime.”
BARBARA: “And why are you going to sleep before your son?”
TARIQ: “I am sleepy.”
Hey, Tariq’s (Fox) son should be grateful to have a dad who prioritizes getting a good night’s sleep, harbors a love of literature and is the president of the PTA. He cares. On a similar note, Tariq’s response to Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) is so profoundly relatable as an adult. I am perpetually sleepy.
TARIQ: “Y’all may not know this about me, but if I put my mind to it, I can be real annoying.”
Sorry, folks. I’m a Tariq girl. Expect at least a second quote from my favorite PTA president. Really, if you can put your mind to, well, anything, you can do … wait for it … anything.
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The Couples Who Glamour Together
JANINE: “You still on for tonight? Taking our couple glamour shots at the mall? I got the matching overalls.”
Abbott Elementary, we desperately need to see Janine (Quinta Brunson) and Gregory’s glamour shots. The matching overalls? Those family portrait-style backgrounds? I’m visualizing the cuteness as I type this. Granine 4eva. Side note: Janine using “lol” at the end of every text, especially when attempting to be assertive, is so painfully Millennial-coded.
MR. JOHNSON: “Tell him to bring that pizza, or I’ll show him why I was dishonorably discharged from the Salvation Army.”
Mr. Johnson’s (William Stanford Davis) intricate lore keeps deepening with each passing episode, and I’m here for it. I’d watch a prequel series starring him and his endless exploits. The idea of getting dishonorably discharged from the Salvation Army (which is a pretty seedy organization in and of itself) cracks me up.
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Summoning Ray Bradbury
AVA: “Fire, y’all! Head towards the exits. The plot of Fahrenheit 451 is upon us!”
We love a certain well-read, book-loving, doomsday-prepping elementary school principal. When she hears the fire alarm go off (which Mr. Johnson pulls at Melissa’s behest), Ava (Janelle James) knows enough about Fahrenheit 451 to understand what’s at stake. Of course, much of the episodic narrative centers on parents trying to ban specific books from the library, so her leap to this makes sense.
What are your favorite quotes from “Books”? 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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