Abbott Elementary’s popularity has grown over its three seasons, but it is not flawless. As with any show, a few details can slip through the cracks, creating plot holes that the audience inevitably finds. But inAbbott Elementary’s case,its biggest plot hole is really just another joke. The ABC show explores an underfunded school that relies on the teacher’s ingenuity and love of their students to keep going. Second-grade teacher Janine (Quinta Brunson), in particular, is the most vocal among Abbott’s teachers, but the series also includes Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph), Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), Gregory (Tyler James Williams),Ava (Janelle James), and many othercolorful charactersthat keep the show interesting. Full of lovable characters and heartfelt moments, it’s no surpriseAbbott Elementaryis as popular as it is. But there is one plot hole that should not be ignored, despite being a relatively minor part of the show.
The issue only exists because of another current series that is gaining acclaim.Abbott Elementaryoften references pop culture, so it shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that the show gave a passing mention toThe BearactorJeremy Allen White, along with one cold open in particular parodying the FX series. However, this creates a distinct plot hole, asone ofThe Bear’s leads plays a very different part inAbbott Elementary.
Abbott Elementary
A workplace comedy centered around a group of dedicated teachers - and an oblivious principal - in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life.
‘The Bear’ Is a Part of ‘Abbott Elementary’ Canon
An important part of this plot hole is thatThe Bearexists within the series. The FX show focuses on Carmy (White), a fine-dining chef who takes control ofhis family’ssandwich shop after the death of his brother. The tensions in his kitchen often run high as he brings a new method to the struggling business. The series' topic and current relevance made it the perfect thing to parody inAbbott ElementarySeason 3, Episode 10, “2 Ava 2 Fest,” when a quick opening scene takes the audience into the lunchroom kitchens as they prepare for an event.The moment reflects the tenuous atmosphere ofThe Bear’s titular restaurantas the cafeteria workers yell at each other, desperately preparing a fancy plate of chicken nuggets and peas.
This reference isn’t exactly subtle, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate thatThe Bearis a TV show inAbbott Elementary’s canon in and of itself. Earlier in Season 3,The Bearis more clearly referenced. When the usually distracted Ava is set on business, the teachers realize the “new Ava” is worse than the original, so they try to tempt her out of it. The final card they attempt to play is Gregory, to whom Ava has always been not-so-secretly attracted. Gregory attempts to trick her into her old ways by flirting, and though it initially seems to work, Ava resists,telling Gregory to put his arms away before calling him “Jeremy Allen Black.“Perhaps White is famous for something else in this universe, sincethis play on the actor’s name is not a direct reference toThe Bear.But in conjunction with the parody a few episodes later, it just seems like too much of a coincidence.
‘The Bear and ‘Abbott Elementary’ Share an Actor
At first glance, this doesn’t warrant the label of a plot hole. After all, what does it matter ifThe Bearexists for the Abbott crew to enjoy? The world is close enough to our own for this to be completely believable. But there is one issue:Ayo Edebiri. Normally, such a talented actor would be anything but a problem, butEdebiri appears in both shows. As a lead inThe Bearand a recurring guest inAbbott Elementary, the actor herself creates a plot hole. InThe Bear, Edebiri plays Carmy’s sous-chef, Sydney Adamu. The dedicated and ambitious Culinary Institute of America graduate must find a place in a challenging environment. As a vital part of the show, ifThe Bearexists inAbbott Elementary, so does Edebiri, even though she looks just like Janine’s sister (whom Edebiri played inSeason 2).
Edebiri’sAyesha Teaguesappears in several episodes. Thanks to a difficult relationship with her mother, she tends to look out for only herself and often compares herself to “perfect” Janine. Ayesha is outgoing and confident, very different from Edebiri’s character inThe Bear. Though the references toThe Bearand Edebiri’s appearances are separated by a season, the fact that Edebiri appears in both shows complicates the connection they have because,if Edebiri exists inAbbott Elementaryas a result ofThe Bear, why does she look like Janine’s sister?
‘Abbott Elementary’s Problem Can Be Solved
Certainly, this issue is noticeable for anyone who cares to dissect it, but it is not insurmountable.Abbott Elementaryis not the first show to face this problem and likely won’t be the last. And it would be entirely possible for the series to fail to address it.Shows with big-nameguest starsdo this all the time.A good example isFriends,which establishes Ross (David Schwimmer), Chandler (Matthew Perry), and Joey (Matt LeBlanc) as fans ofDie Hard.And yet they never acknowledge that Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston) boyfriend, Paul Stevens, isBruce Willis.Abbott Elementarycould take a similar approach if Ayesha ever shows up again, easily ignoring the plot hole, which would detract nothing from the series.
However,this plot hole could be addressed in the form of a running jokeif theAbbottwriters are bold enough to acknowledge it. Comments about how Ayesha looks like Edebiri could be a funny reference to the situation. And, with Janine already angered by the comment comparing her and her sister’s appearance, this could flip that, angering Janine as people comment on Ayesha’s similarities to the actor while not seeing the same in Janine. Plus, with the show already dropping the names of actors inThe Bear, it would fit right in.
This blip inAbbott Elementary’s continuity is fairly small, though it’s still a plot hole. In truth, it’s actually funny for the show’s jokes to create this issue in the first place. Without a significant bearing on the plot,Edebiri’s appearance in both shows is an understandable problembecause she is well-suited for both parts, and casting cannot rely on what other shows the actor has appeared on, but this continuity issue is better embraced than ignored.
Abbott Elementaryis available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.
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