Abbott Elementary Season 4: Jacob Finally Gets His Due!
Abbott Elementary Season 4: Jacob's Ringworm Revelation - A Much-Needed Character Arc
Abbott Elementary is hilarious; however that humor works differently for various characters. Season 3 left Jacob (Chris Perfetti) a bit sidelined; and it is clear to viewers that this talented actor wasn't really used in earlier episodes! He functioned mostly as the supportive friend to Janine and Gregory (Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams). This becomes a problem because there are better storylines that this talented actor could portray! But, thankfully, "Ringworm" (season 4, episode 2) gives him the spotlight! The storyline begins innocently enough: One of Jacob’s students has ringworm, a fungus causing irritation on the skin and leading to an unexpected opportunity that allows a shift in character development for Jacob which highlights that Jacob isn't simply an annoying teacher that the viewers see frequently in many of those prior episodes, allowing those previous aspects of Jacob's character to make more sense and further highlighting the creative team's use of long-term storytelling. Let’s be clear: This review will spoil you, so turn back now if you don’t want it spoiled. We also want to look back and emphasize the kinds of story arcs this comedic character has already had; creating the necessary background and setup for how these plot choices changed Jacob throughout those prior years.
Jacob's Inconsistent Characterization: From Funny to…Toxic?
Jacob is complex: he can be this unbelievably endearing and supportive teacher and yet other episodes showed him as this deeply flawed, rather toxic romantic partner during his past interactions. The writing never really established a clear path; which is made particularly clear as that previous story is discussed here, as those two extremes were displayed throughout previous episodes! Some stories portrayed him getting unfairly targeted; like that “Story Samurai” moment (season 2, episode 3), and those other stories depict his struggles with breakups; like "Breakup" (season 3, episode 5) showing how deeply flawed and emotionally unintelligent that character appeared; particularly regarding his romantic entanglements and struggles. This created inconsistent characterization, largely hampered and influenced by his relationship with both Janine and Gregory in various other moments that are presented, this article explains just why the changes in this episode really serve to correct what had been perceived as rather flawed attempts from those prior seasons, and why this more successful storytelling truly should matter to all who watched it! This wasn't great.
That entire plot is explored as Jacob gets shown as the ‘third wheel’ friend to Janine and Gregory’s romance (season 3) further complicating what audiences already knew of this particular character and really failing to allow enough space for focusing on his abilities and those various, talented, unexpected plots and possibilities and how this talented character is utilized creatively for this show. There was potential that was utterly ignored in season 3.
"Ringworm": Jacob's Chance to Shine (Literally and Figuratively!)
This changes with "Ringworm." That ringworm outbreak allows the character to stand alone for once; highlighting that the plot and storyline will not simply focus on Jacob's role as supporting character for other characters’ personal struggles! This focuses on Jacob's own challenges! He goes from innocently educating those around him in the beginning of the storyline (“What's draconian, students?!”), creating that iconic teacher moment showing how enthusiastic this teacher is even if what the teacher might do could appear questionable! He makes a deeply heartfelt apology that explains how important the feelings of those he is instructing really are, realizing that he cannot be hypocritical regarding enforcing bathroom limits, which causes havoc; which then adds a much more profound insight concerning that underlying theme within the plot of teaching, creating a much better overall insight and story. Jacob finally demonstrates competence and caring – something utterly absent earlier. His hilarious over-the-top reaction and eventual self-sacrifice and ending (giving himself the worst ringworm imaginable!) completely elevates the whole plot arc in unexpectedly wholesome and heartfelt way!
Conclusion: Jacob’s New Path and Abbott Elementary’s Smart Choice
“Ringworm” cleverly shifts Jacob from that earlier, frustratingly inconsistent character arc; resulting in a far better overall arc, a change needed given the fact that such plots are never very valuable nor used to improve or deepen character in a worthwhile or significant manner. The focus and depth involved with building Jacob into a separate storyline emphasizes Abbott Elementary's potential; to avoid those very predictable situations found in various television shows of similar characterization types; the choice creates stronger character writing, even though those are extremely minor events. This wasn’t simply filler; this was a superb shift and correction in overall storylines, making this surprisingly brilliant creative and very insightful plot twist into one of this season’s best moments; further highlighting the creative writing of Abbott Elementary!
