The One Where Ava Goes Too Far (And Then Just Far Enough)
The final step routine was a highlight, with many viewers appreciating the representation of step culture, rarely seen in mainstream sitcoms. Key Episode Data Title Step Class Air Date February 22, 2022 Writer Joya McCrory Director Shahrzad Davani Rating 7.5/10 - 9/10 (User Reviews)
The competition forces Gregory Eddie to reveal a peculiar secret—he has a deep-seated aversion to "mixed foods" and fruit, often eating plain, boiled chicken in his car to avoid the social pressure of the teachers' lounge. Critical Reception and Impact
: It maintains high user ratings on platforms like IMDb (averaging around 8.8/10) and positive feedback on Rotten Tomatoes . abbott elementary s01e09 aiff
Janelle James deserves an Emmy for this episode alone. Ava’s film is so spectacularly tone-deaf—she plays a “secret agent teacher” who solves problems by “using her feminine wiles on the school board”—that you can’t look away. But the genius of “Step by Step” is that it doesn’t let Ava off the hook. When the district catches wind of the video (thanks to a parent who “accidentally” saw it while helping with homework), Ava faces actual consequences: a formal review, possible termination, and—worst of all—being forced to apologize.
The conflict in this episode is subtle. Janine represents the "savior" complex often found in new teachers—the desire to fix everything immediately through sheer will and modern pedagogy. Ava represents the establishment—flawed, jaded, but undeniably effective in her own chaotic way.
After Janine is ousted from the class by the students in favor of Ava, she initially feels hurt. However, seeing how engaged the kids are helps her realize that the students' enjoyment is what truly matters. The One Where Ava Goes Too Far (And
The true triumph of "Step Class" lies in the redemption of Principal Ava Coleman (Janelle James). For the first eight episodes, Ava is portrayed largely as an antagonist: a vain, incompetent principal who misuses school funds and bullies Janine.
Reviewers from Tell-Tale TV and fans on Reddit praised the episode for its "masterful" shift from silly to moving.
: The episode was a hit for ABC, drawing 3.06 million viewers , the highest since the show's second episode. Janelle James deserves an Emmy for this episode alone
This moment is critical. It recontextualizes Ava. She isn't just a villain; she is a product of her environment who, despite her flaws, has a pulse on the student body in a way Janine does not. It’s the first time the show suggests that Ava’s chaotic energy might actually be an asset to Abbott, shifting the dynamic from purely adversarial to something more nuanced and collaborative.
The Season 1, Episode 9, titled "Step Class," is widely praised by critics and fans for providing significant depth to Principal Ava’s character and delivering a powerful moment of Black joy. Critical Reception and Themes
: The episode also focuses on the support staff, particularly Mr. Johnson , whose magical "broom trick" became a fan-favorite comedic beat. Episode Highlights
The episode, directed by Shana H. Goh, revolves around two distinct storylines that highlight the chaotic ecosystem of Abbott Elementary.