After we final left the employees at Abbott, Janine Teagues (Brunson) had simply gently shut down her will-they-won’t-they dynamic with fellow trainer Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams); because the present had spent the primary two seasons displaying us, Janine is a tireless servant of her group, so selfless that she hasn’t had the possibility to actually do Janine. Now, within the two-parter premiere “Profession Day,” we see the implications of that call, the chilly open choosing up 5 months later as Janine makes a profession determination that considerably adjustments her dynamic to the varsity. (We’re forbidden from revealing right here.)
A few of these adjustments are for the higher: it dovetails with the arrival of a trio of wide-eyed new district directors, led by Josh Segarra’s mild, affected person Manny. (Segarra has been a standout in exhibits starting from “Sirens” to “She-Hulk” to “The Different Two,” so it’s a delight to see him right here.) In contrast to district admins of the previous, Manny and crew appear genuinely concerned about attempting to enhance the situations at Abbott, although I’m positive the season will peel again layers of cynicism or institutional gridlock that stymie even these higher-positioned reps.
However these adjustments additionally trigger a rift between her and the remainder of Abbott’s school — notably Gregory, who should be feeling some sort of means about Janine’s rejection final season. Add to that the effervescent chemistry that appears to be coalescing between Janine and Manny, and “Abbott” could have a brand new love triangle to wrestle with all through the season. (We do miss Tariq, although, don’t we of us?)
The youngsters, nevertheless, should come first, and far of the season premiere (although not as a lot as I’d like) facilities round a profession day Janine has organized for the varsity, giving every trainer a brand new foil to bounce off — a zoologist who solely introduced a “faux sloth,” a cosmetologist who provides a defensive Mrs. Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) the chance for a glow-up. In idea, at the very least; a couple of chuckleworthy moments apart, this explicit subplot will get derailed by one big-swing cameo from a Philly fave that sucks all of the oxygen out of the room.