I know the focus of Abbott Elementary Season 2 Episode 21 was supposed to be Janine’s mom, but it only further emphasized just how incredibly fantastic Barbara is.
There’s no doubt about it, Janine’s work mom trumps her real-life mom, who has always been a bit of a disappointment in Janine’s life, and her recent visit was no exception.
Taraji P. Henson guest-starred in the role of Vanetta, Janine’s mom who shows up at Abbott seemingly because she misses her daughter before the true and heartbreaking reason comes to light—she needs money to pay her phone bill so that they don’t turn off her phone. She’s using her daughter and the ugh immediately sets in.
The way Janine recognized her mom’s heels clicking from far away was priceless and tapped into some deep-rooted trauma. The more we know about Janine, the more I feel bad and want to give her the biggest hug to heal those broken parts.
Henson was perfectly cast, bringing a smidge of that Cookie energy, and proving that Abbott really brings the best of the best to their little show that could. When she first walked in, I immediately got Ava vibes, so it was really great to see the duo side-by-side and not getting along despite the similarities. Ava acknowledged that Vanetta could kick her ass, which is a first—we’ve never seen Ava scared or intimated of anyone. She’s finally met her match.
Ava actually being afraid of somebody consider me gagged 😭#AbbottElementary pic.twitter.com/oWMbbevUXu
— ♊︎ (@haworthes) April 13, 2023
It didn’t stop her from being Ava, though, saying she felt bad such a cool woman had Janine as a daughter. She’s just lucky Vanetta didn’t hear that particular comment because she made it clear that she would take down anyone who hurt her baby girl.
It’s very clear that she has a lot of love for Janine, but they also have a pretty toxic relationship. Vanetta knew exactly how her daughter would respond, dropping that little phone bill dilemma into the mix and hoping Janine would offer to pay wihtout her asking.
And Janine would typically cave into such manipulation and help out at her own expense hoping to get earn mother’s love.
It’s a fact Barbara also knew because she’s spent so much time with Janine—she knows her heart and how she operates.
barbara her REAL mother. #AbbottElementary pic.twitter.com/zK96Re8Ccy
— َ (@sxarlights) April 13, 2023
While Melissa was probably right about suggesting that Barbara minds her own business and stays out of family matters, the truth is that Barbara couldn’t let this incident take away Janine’s solo vacation plans; she was finally doing something for herself, she worked hard for it, and most importantly, she deserved it.
The confrontation between Barbara and Vanetta was spicy (and two legends giving this scene their all!), even if Barb never intended for it to go down that way. She sang Janine’s praiseto offering to pay for the bill herself so as to not inconvenience Janine. She also didn’t want her to think that her mother was simply taking advantage.
However, Janine already knew, and this time, she was prepared not to cave. She offered to fix the situation for her mother, put her on a payment plan, and provide her with the first two payments, but she was not going to take the hit and give up her vacation.
And honestly, it’s some serious growth from Janine, who is selfless and a people-pleaser through and through.
Janine set those boundaries and stuck by them, and Barbara couldn’t be prouder.
It was also evident Vanetta was lying because anyone who knows Barbara knows she’d never square up!
We saw just how fractured Janine’s relationship was with her mother—she didn’t even know her daughter broke up with Tariq, yet Barbara made an effort to be there for Janine personally and professionally every single day.
It’s clear that all Janine has ever longed for it a motherly figure to do things with, even if it’s something basic as shopping, and Barbara was proud to fill that role. And at Ross, no less. Who can pass up their good deals?
It was such a heartwarming episode proving that Barbara is mother, while also giving fans a glimpse into Janine’s complicated upbringing, allowing fans to understand her character a little better.
As for Gregory, he realized he was not into small talk, nor was he a social butterfly like some of his coworkers. Ava might not be a great principal, but she knows how to work a room and get people on her side, and that matters a lot at the end of the day.
Eventually, Gregory found his footing, winning over Shanae, who initially didn’t want anything to do with him. I truly thought there was going to be more to the story between them, but I guess everyone just avoided Gregory because of his cold and unapproachable demeanor.
There wasn’t much on the Gregory and Janine front. He didn’t even interact with her mother, which felt like a bit of a missed opportunity. It would’ve been so great to see, especially if she had picked up on the chemistry.
However, the brief scene at the end where they both debrief about how their day went was so cute. How are they not dating yet?
very much married couple vibes like #AbbottElementary pic.twitter.com/cOLWfmpaCz
— َ (@ungodlywests) April 13, 2023
And lastly—Jacob’s magic should’ve made more of an impact on his co-workers. Ava was genuinely geeking over it, but his tricks were impressive. Did you see how he bent the spoon?
There needs to be a talent show at Abbott because I stan and I need more, Jacob.
And who knew Jacob and Shanea were the duo we never knew we needed? Her interactions with Jacob were so genuine; she may be the only person who actually has a true friendship with him and likes him for who he is other than Janine!
Abbott, let’s bring her back!
Well, that was unexpected 😳
Jacob has a faculty friend 🥲😅#AbbottElementary pic.twitter.com/HdHneVS229— Erin Savage (@ErinSavage3722) April 13, 2023