It's been a long time since I've had such a pleasant surprise with anything as I've had with "Abbott Elementary." Not only is this show incredibly hilarious and has managed to keep the mockumentary format alive for a few more years, but it's also a great insight into the hardships that certain schools go through; not only in the U. S., but in the whole world. It's very relatable in that way. And this episode found ways to continue that outside of the school setting. This was definitely a great finale to a great season that once again shows the importance of our teachers.
In the hectic nature of the school year, excursions were always the best experiences. In my school days, we went to see zoos around the country as well, so this definitely felt relatable, although a lot of the experiences in it weren't really related to the school at all. This episode, more than any before, took time to focus on a few characters and their personal issues with Janine facing a possible move to New York and Mrs. Howard facing her own immortality. All of that wraps up a season of wonderful character arcs and binds that harsh truth that nothing lasts forever into the mix of everything going on wonderfully. However, as our characters are faced with certain things that do seem to last longer, it leads into a wonderful finale that includes a heartwarming ode to the teachers that are the heroes of our everyday life. Quinta Brunson is a treasure to have made a show that honors those hard workers so much, and while this episode spent little time at the actual school, it felt like the perfect homage to the profession and how hard it can be. And speaking about Brunson, this also felt like the episode where she really broke out as an actress as well. She's been great throughout, but here, all the ridicule that she has faced over the season comes into play in a wonderful moment between her and her boyfriend that just shows Brunson's insane gifts as a performer. Hopefully, she'll give herself more moments like that when the second season rolls around.
"Zoo Balloon" wasn't the season's strongest episode, but it was the perfect homage to the profession that this show continues to show its love to. It was also the brilliant showcase that Brunson has deserved ever since the beginning, as well as a nice wrap-up of a lot of character arcs, although leaving the door open for the second season.