LydiaMoon1

I'm still trying to figure out why Spock's mother is younger than him.

I think the show has done an admirable job of providing an exceedingly plausible explanation of why Uhura was so tethered to the Enterprise. At 22, she's lost her mother, her father and her brother to a tragic accident and she's lost Hemmer, the person she was closest to on the ship. She felt alone and unattached. It wasn't until she realized that being a part of the crew of the Enterprise gave her a new home. She belongs. Why would she leave that?

My reaction to that scene was the complete opposite of yours. I respect how the Dowager Princess handled that situation. I love the way she gave Lady D a quick life lesson on how to survive as a woman during a time when women had no rights and had to depend almost entirely on the whims of men. She was absolutely right to tell Agatha that she had to take her fate in her own hands and craft the life for herself that she wanted. Simpering and crying was going to get her nowhere. The Princess poured her out some pear brandy and told her to get herself together. I don't mind one bit that the Princess told Agatha that she didn't like her. She made it clear that she respected her. She wanted Agatha to bring back the Bad Bish with whom she had been sparring. She knew that THAT Agatha had what it took to survive and thrive. I thought it was an empowering moment of female solidarity. The show all but spells it out that Charlotte neglected her children to take care of George. "Sorrows! Prayers" is a running joke, but George Jnr actually confronts her with the fact that her only reaction to the death of his child is that it jeopardises King George's legacy. To me, it looked pretty much like what had happened in real life. George IV was Regent, his daughter was his heir and she was pregnant. The Crown was secured for the next 3 generations. And then suddenly it wasn't and everyone panicked. Totally agree about Charlotte taking care of George. In addition, Charlotte managed to hold onto power as George deteriorated, holding on long enough for Georgie to become regent and, I'm sure, making decisions for the regent until he became old enough to run things on his own. I am quite sure managing George, his illness, and his empire took up most of her days. The British Empire was vast during that time. It's a darn shame that she didn't have time to really get to know her 13 surviving children, but there are only 24 hours in a every day. Making pop-up appearances in their lives was probably all she could manage.

Gregory wore a white sweater to the club.

Eh. He does whatever he does. If Gregory and Janine are meant to be together, things will work out. Meanwhile, Janine is absolutely right to wait. She was a middle schooler when she got with Tariq and she only dated one other person besides him. She's not ready to jump into another serious relationship and both she and Gregory agreed that any relationship between them would be "serious". Janine didn't even make any friends of her own while she was with Tariq, and she had no life or identity outside of being a teacher. I'm all for Janine taking the time to find out who she is and what she really wants. She needs to experience being young and single while she still has the chance. Lord knows, between her family and Tariq, it doesn't seem like she ever got the chance to just be free. If Gregory finds someone else in the meantime, he was going to find them anyway.

Have you seen her Tiny Desk (Home) Concert yet on Youtube? It's magnificent.

The thing that really struck me about Draymond's grandstanding at AVA Fest was the fact that the only improvement he promised for Abbott Elementary was his promise to make the school look better. That's it. There was no promise of a better curriculum, of making student's lives better, of making the neighborhood better, nothing. The only changes he offered were shallow and superficial. I'm glad the parents shut him down. Also, I don't think this episode was the end of the charter school storyline either. Draymond's not finished yet.

Everyone is talking about how Tariq looks so cute (and I agree that the weight loss looks good on him), but I can't help but think that he's wasting away now that he doesn't have Janine to carry him.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS “Let’s not go down this path. It’s ugly…..kinda like that hat”. Well-done, Jacob! Even Janine roasted Gregory about wearing that cast-off Pharrell hat. Ava even approved. It did look (marginally) better on Mr. Johnson. “That’s hatitude”. I bet Mrs. Howard is the best smelling teacher at Abbott. Just two tickets? Why Ava set them up like that? Loved seeing all the other teachers in this episode. So, here’s awkward Janine with her equally awkward sister, Ayesha. Whereas Janine usually dresses like an old lady, Ayesha dresses like she got stranded in junior high. Janine is an over-scheduler like Gregory. Another thing they have in common. Ayesha’s not staying? Dayum, that’s awkward. That science teacher, Mr. Morton, is a schemer and a conniver and he hates everybody. I hope they make him a regular. “Somebody swing!”! Wow, they really turned on each other. Hey, Erica! Janine and Ayesha both need therapy. WHO IS THEIR MOTHER??!! Jacob, baby, read the room. Janine, honey. You chose to stay in Philly with your toxic mother. That’s on you. Nice twist if we find out in the end that Mr. Johnson really is rich. Of course, the science teacher refused to apologize. Of course, he did. Awww, somebody give Barbara a gift card to BWW. JUST A LITTLE EXTRA COMMENTARY ON JANINE AND AYESHA I’m not mad at Ayesa for leaving. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t believe in “making it work” with people who are damaging to me. I feel no obligation and have no compunction about leaving them right where they stand. With me, there's only so much bad behavior that I'm going to tolerate before I'm out the door. I don’t care who you are.

Episode Highlights: Barb's email got hacked and was sending out porno! Heh, heh, heh. The AUDACITY! How many accents did Barb use in that one phone call? I think the Silly sock show was created by the show, just like desking. I'm not sure, but I think so. "What has gone so wrong in my life that I have to send my kids to Abbott? Daaang! Why is Janine like this???? OMG. That whole Bonetown sequence, starting with Maurice and ending with Janine and Gregory, was comedy gold! Mural Arts Guy: "Again, we do not do private residences. We're a non-profit. Ava: Who said I was gone pay you? Ava: Well, if it ain't the white man making decisions for everybody. What other people just think, Ava don't mind saying. Look at Melissa giving Jacob the guidance he needs to satisfy both him and his students. A team-up of Barbara, Melissa, AND Ava? Legendary Schools is in trouble. See, Erica told her what to do, but Janine NEVER takes sound advice. She always does the exact opposite. Janine is a dork, but SHE IS very messy. Rug vermin? Once again, Barbara was thiiis close. I really, really enjoyed Jacob and his 6th grade class. I hope we see more of them. LOVED the mural. In the end, it was the perfect compromise. Another great episode. Looking forward to next week.

Upon rewatch, I noticed that Janine carries a little notebook of her planned activities just like Gregory. Gregory noticed it too. They are just so freaking compatible!

Great episode tonight. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS "Jokes on you, I've been crossing the street by myself since I was 3". WHO IS JANINE'S MAMA??!!! Jacob and Janine are so excited, God love 'em. They are a lot. Put the notebook away, Gregory. Dayum. Kristine Marie: You leaving already, just like your ex-husband? Melissa: Late? Just like your period after senior prom? The Schemmenti Sisters are lethal. Janine was so happy to get that conference swag bag (unlike her reaction to the "Teflon" bag she got for V-Day). Why is Ava trashing Janine at the conference? Welp! Gregory is 0-2. Dayum! Don't mess with the Schemmenti Sisters. They can talk about each other, but NOBODY else better try. Whew, the alcohol is really flowing. Janine is so cute with her mini dress and her little boots. Tina Schwartz is a mess everywhere she goes. KISS!!! Just when I thought that Jacob had found his tribe.......he did not. Janine says ILY to Customer Service???? I forgot to put my shoes on. Where are my shoes, my shoes?! Is that Sea Barbara I see? Ava, why did you check in as Janine? You know that girl can barely pay her bills! Uh-oh! The Villain is about to return. Duh dun dun! Stay tuned....

I didn't think Interim Principal Eddie had chemistry with anybody during this episode because he was too puffed up on his own self-importance. He was kind of insufferable.

Venus is the school secretary, but we already know that Ava fires her once a week.

Understandable. I'm not ever sure I'm reading that scene right because, even though I thought the shawl looked burnt, the ensemble was still bomb and the color was FABULOUS on Barbarba. *shrugs*

Wasn't the shawl burnt around the edges though? I just took it as another indication that Barbara was definitely not fine.

A more somber episode tonight than usual, but enjoyable nonetheless. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS (in reverse order) Jacob tried to give away those carrot cookies to the very end. Turns out, they were good (according to Melissa). I don't believe her. It was lovely of Jacob to arrange for Melissa to get the frisbee off the roof. Melissa got to live out her firefighter dream. Solo frisbee, Jacob??? Awww. I love this episode's emphasis on mental well-being. Barbara's I'm fine, I'm Fine, I'M FINE! attitude, was a sure sign that she wasn't. People always expect the person who is "the rock" to sail through every situation unassisted. Truth is, everybody needs help now and then. I wish we all normalized treating the mind when it's sick the same way we do about treating a sick or injured body. Barbara taking that cute kid's little hand and telling him (and herself) that it's okay to not be okay made me tear up a little. Not Gregory referencing Barbara being old and forgetful in the fire safety meeting. Bish, how dare you? Lawd, Mr. Johnson and his never-ending conspiracy theories. Is anyone surprised that the Counselor suggested therapy for Janine? She really needs to talk to a professional, because if she don't stop trauma-dumping on everybody...I swear. Gregory could benefit from a few sessions as well, and he can take his cardigan and his blazer with him. Melissa playing with the fire truck while the babies just wanted to get out of the cold and go inside. LOL Now, for Ava: That fire alarm sounded and Ava basically said 'phuck them kids!' and got Thee Hayle out of Dodge, Oh, Ava. You'd been doing so well. SMH Hootie Hoooooo!!!! I'm just thankful that she didn't run over one of the children during her getaway. Ava wouldn't stay and protect the children, but she did take the time to upload a "What's in my bag?" video. What can I say? Priorities. Looking forward to next week.

Such a cute episode last night. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Janine and her total lack of self-awareness in her conversation with her sister. Janine, girl, you're not describing Ayesha. You're describing yourself. Please seek therapy! Donnie said, 'HE NEEDS A WOMAN!', y'all. Honestly, I didn't think Jacob would hold onto his secret for as long as he did. He really tried. Is Ava actually dating her boyfriend right now? I don't think she is. Jacob is a very engaging teacher, and his students were making great points. Ava is really into this class. I always think it's going to be a trainwreck, but, instead, I always end up enjoying when Ava and Zach interact. They vibe so well together. Not Donnie using Janine to make the other woman jealous, then hitting her with the 'it's not you, it's me' line, AND he asked for his candy back! Dayum, second graders are cold. Mo and Amber need to switch partners. Lawd, Janinie stuffing those uncapped pens into that expensive bag and Amber's WTH face regarding everything about her lovely legos gift? SMH The writing on this show is immaculate. That gift exchange so clearly demonstrated how incompatible Janine/Mo and Gregory/Amber are with one another. LOVE that attending Jacob's class inspired Ave to return to school and get her credentials. I love you too, Barb. (Love their friendship). I love the crap outta ya! (Love you too, Gary). I'm so happy this show is back.

Best line of the show: Ava saying that Barbara was still using the tactics of a man who could turn water into wine, but still only had 12 friends- Well…. uhhhhh… dayum. Melissa is bad at impressions. So Maurice is sweet and charming to Janine's face, but not nearly as nice behind her back? Oh, Janine. You in danger, girl. It’s sweet that Ava keeps extra uniforms on hand for the kids. Quiet as it’s kept, she’s becoming a pretty effective principal. She needs to stop roasting the children though. Second best line of the show: “These sold out faster than a black politician”- Ava stays spitting bars. What to do with a problem like Ava?? She is a walking moral dilemma. Barbara and Ava working together to fundraise was like watching Eve and the Serpent in the Garden of Eden. They exceeded their fundraising goal and will get their field trip, but at what cost? Not that I think Ava is completely wrong. Her unconventional, out-of-the-box thinking did allow the children to cut through the noise and succeed. They would not have been successful without her guidance. Ava excels at bending the system and she wasn’t wrong when she talked about how the system condemns certain people to poverty (and then shames those same people for being poor, I might add), so those people are left to circumnavigate that system in order to survive. That’s why I’m torn as to whether I mind that she advised the children to upcharge the candy bars to pay them on commission, or not. That is capitalism, after all. It’s somewhat unethical and a tad exploitative, but both the school and the children benefitted. Still, I imagine Barbara will have some sleepless nights wondering if the lessons the children learned from that fundraiser will help them or hurt them in the end. It’s a dilemma. And Gregory? If you consider Janine your friend and you really have reservations about Maurice, you should tell her. And why ARE you friends with him? I mean, you’re right. Dating and friendship are two different things, but who you hang with says a lot about you. You know, birds of a feather and all. I am side eyeing you right now. Jacob’s reaction to learning that Gregory likes Janine was adorable. The Jacob/Mr. Johnson/Milton subplot was fun. Loved Mr. Johnson stroking the cat like a Bond villain when he overheard Jacob and Gregory discussing Gregory’s feelings for Janine. Gotta love these A, B, and C plots this show’s been giving us. The writing continues to be terrific. After going to bed last night, I burst out giggling in the dark at Janine tearing into that rib like a rabid wolf on her date with Maurice. Obviously, nobody ever told her to keep it cute on the first date. Lawd, my girl is so stunted socially. OMG. With this show, I ALWAYS look forward to next week.

Hey, Zach! Jacob, you're right. Your voice is better suited for spoken word. Ava was wrong to put her name in the gift shoe multiple times. LOL Ava to Gregory: "Thinking small is what got you in a dead-end job in a poorly run school" Gregory: Can't argue with that. When Janine gave Mr. Johnson his gift, I loved that she explained why Mr. Johnson gets so upset when his image is used without his permission and compensation (I'm looking at you Little Mr. Johnson) and that it stems from his nude modeling days. That was a fantastic bit of continuity. I love how the show peels back the characters' motivations layer by layer. "How will they know we're thirsty? Should we pant?" Janine....Girl....whet?? Janine and Tariq's junior high school relationship really stunted her social and emotional development. Thank God Erika has befriended her. I really enjoy Erika. She is the friend that Janine desperately needed. She’s super cute and super chill and I love how she gently, but firmly steers Janine away from her social awkwardness. I also loved when Mr. Johnson gave Jacob a dose of realness. He was to Jacob what Ericka was to Janine. In fact, I loved the parallels between their storylines. Both Jacob and Janine are kind and generous individuals, but both lean towards excess. I like how they both benefited from having someone rein them in a little and tell them when they're doing too dayum much. We could all use a little of that. Well, everybody except Ava. Too dayum much is her MO. "Sorry, I don't speak line. Ladies, don't look at them." Why am I not surprised that Ava rolls up to the club with an entourage? "That's an impressive circle twerk". Get it, Ava. "Is that my work husband grinding on my work nemesis?' Janine and Gregory are cute together. Too bad he has a GF. I am kind of shocked that Amber and Gregory are still dating. She's lasting longer than Taylor. Lawd, Ava, Taylor, Amber. That Gregory is a bad bish magnet. It's cute how Jacob runs on his toes like a kid...but who taught him how to cross the street? Anyone?? Anyone?? Bueller???? You know, Ava gives Janine a hard time, but we've seen her take Janine under her wing a few times now. She would never admit it, but I think she secretly likes her. Now, regarding Ava's boyfriend. Ava said he's been dating her for 5 years, but she's only been dating him for two. My question is, "Which two?" She's constantly coming on to Gregory and she was trying to hack into Chet Hanks' Instagram last episode, so was she dating the baller for the first two, the last two, two in the middle, or two nonconsecutive years? Inquiring minds want to know.

On this Ava-centric episode: Ava (Janelle James) looked phenomenal this whole episode; the clothes, the hair, the jewelry were all.... MUAH! Chef's kiss. Add me to the list of people who got annoyed at Melissa and Barbara this episode. Yes, Janine can be annoying af most of the time, but I thought they were a little too quick to join in with Tasha on the Janine-bashing. Badmouthing your co-workers to other co-workers behind their backs is always a bad move. Tasha, the Anti-Janine? Didn't care for her. Jacob can be annoying as well, but I loved that had Janine's back. He's a real one. Not Ava taking up the whole refrigerator with her latest side hustle and putting the milk, the mayo, AND Janine's sandwich in the sun. Girl... Janine, why would you eat a sun-warmed tuna salad sandwich? Remember: When in doubt, throw it out. "Who wants to read about an annoying woman who can't follow simple instructions???"-When you have ZERO self-awareness. SMH "My eyes are up here, Mr. Eddie" and "Stop flirting with me"-When you have ZERO self-awareness. SMH "I'm the most selfless person at this school", when you have to use the flip side of the copy paper after you're the one who used all the copy paper on a non-school venture-When you have (less then) ZERO self-awareness. SMH “Why do you need to know the date? You got a meeting later?” Ava: Is this the Babadook? Little Girl: That's my mom! Principal Ava is a challenge, but Principal Eddie is going to be awesome! Not Ava trying to regale the children with Tales of Wu Tang? I KNOW that story is not age-appropriate! (small voice) I did kinda want to hear the Ghostface story though... It was nice seeing Ava helping the children in the end. There's a good, unselfish person in there somewhere....deep, deep down. I mean, really, really deep. Where is the show getting their child actors? These kids are fantastic. They are so seamless and natural that I some times forget that their interactions are scripted. Great show.

There was so much to love about this episode. I think this was the best one yet. Show highlights (these may be out of order, plus there were so many!): The babies were tired of Barbara's extended birthday serenade, ya hear me? By the time she was on the third stanza, that kid was like, 'can I just eat my cake?'. I hollered. Janine had to learn how to cook from her play cousin, Meechie the Convict? Dayum shame. Not Jacob inviting himself? Lordt. Y'all in a fight? Looks like y'all in a fight. Janine didn't even get a middle name? We have GOT to meet her negligent mother soon. I want to see who turned her into the needy mess that she is. It's cute that Gregory thinks he's well-adjusted. The same man who did situps while eating a boiled chicken sandwich in his car. SHAME! My Cousin Vinnie. Do I know you, Bilbo Baggins? Janine stay doing the most. Mind your business, Janine. Mind yo' bidness!! Are you trying to %*&#@%! poison me? Now YOU KNOW, he don't know! No, Melissa didn't wear a wedding dress to Krista Marie's wedding? Whoo, boy! These two have always been a mess. Actually, ALL of the pictures of Melissa's "happy" memories with Krista Marie. Lt. Colonel, Father, Sir? Yikes! etc, etc, etc.-Almost every line of this episode was a highlight. This episode was an instant classic. I watched it several times (and will probably watch it several more). LOVED IT!

This episode was not my favorite, but I still found things in it to appreciate: So Jacob didn't know that he is corny? Wow. He's also a TryHard and a Culture Vulture. Can Janine break that news to him too? Ava must have used all the money from her side hustles to upgrade her wardrobe. Her outfits are on point this season. Also, say what you will about Ava, but I want to follow her on all of her social media. I'll bet it's entertainment gold. Anybody catch Ava's picture of her and Gritty on her desk in the principal's office? She really did crop Janine out of the picture. Oh, Ava. I was so happy when Barbara finally encouraged Melissa to accept help. Took them long enough. Ava finally tried to be helpful and they turned her down? Nooooo! Even experienced teachers need assistance now and then. Hey, Philly peeps! What's the deal with South Philly and Frankfurt (?). I thought I detected a little tension when Melissa found out where her new aide lives. Curious to see how things go between Melissa and JLo, Jr. Her introduction was interesting. I'm just waiting to see if things between them go right......or go waaay left. I'm here for it either way.

It never fails to amaze me that people thought the new Black Panther would be anyone but Shuri. Not only is Shuri comic-accurate, but the concentration of the initial teaser trailer showcases the dual origin stories of Shuri and Namor. Every clip is either Shuri or Namor, except for the few that are included to show the other people in the film. Besides, that tiny body at the end of the teaser trailer could only have been Shuri. Everybody else has too much hips and booty (including MBaku).

To me, that particular quirk is very indicative of people in her age group, at least the ones I know. Every person I know that is Barbara's age or older, have absolutely no interest in pop culture. There's a reason advertisers only cater to people 18-49. If you haven't friended them on Facebook, they don't give a dayum. Even I'm at the point where I don't know who anybody is on awards shows anymore. I don't know who those people are and I don't want to know. That running gag was one of the highlights of the show to me. Other show highlights: Seeing the teacher that kicked the student again. The charter school must have lax requirements for teachers, because she still has some anger issues. Courtney! Although, Courtney didn't have to come for Janine the way she did. Ouch! Shark Tank for school personnel was hilariously degrading, as everything will be as long as Ava is in charge. Janine was so excited to give her presentation, bless her heart. The Lunch Lady's name is Shanay, thank you. You really need to stand out more. All of Ava's outfits were fire this week. Broke Boi. Poor Gregory got dumped via text by way of his GF's mama. Doesn't get much worse than that. Sydney, baby. It's good to see you again, but please stop picking up snakes and mice and things from off the ground. "Kids happy. Janine quiet. Gregory fine". That's Melissa's sister??!!! Is that the one that blackmailed her? I hope so, because I'd hate to think that she has yet another sister that she's feuding with. Imma tell you right now, I'd pay cash money to get invited to a Schemmenti Family Reunion. I bet it's nothing but private feuds and a sea of Uncle Tonys.