Abbott Elementary (4x17) ⁞⁞ Episode Spotlight

Episode 17 of the fourth season of the ABC comedy Abbott Elementary took the main characters outside of the school for the majority of the episode. Appropriately titled "Karaoke," the episode saw Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) inviting her colleagues to a karaoke bar after winning a contest. Gay teacher Jacob (Chris Perfetti) joined his co-workers, arriving with his best pal Janine (Quinta Brunson), who was disappointed that her boyfriend and fellow teacher Gregory (Tyler James Williams) would not be able to join them. Janine quickly noticed Jacob's attention veering to another man (Jaboukie Young-White) in the distance at the bar. While getting drinks for the group later, Jacob caught sight of someone more familiar when he spotted his ex-boyfriend Zach (Larry Owens) enjoying himself with another group. Jacob panicked and hid to avoid interaction, causing Barbara and his roommate Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) to wonder why he doesn't go say hello to Zach, given that they are on good terms despite their break-up. Jacob agreed and sought out Zach, sharing a pleasant reunion until Jacob learned of all the positive things happening in Zach's life since their break-up, including his new boyfriend Wyatt (Matteo Lane) that he was enjoying karaoke with. 

When Zach asked about what was new with Jacob, he was left with nothing to say. They were interrupted by Wyatt, pulling Zach back to karaoke, leaving Jacob feeling like a failure in his personal life. He returned to his group's room and immediately selected an angry rock song to perform, shocking everyone in the room. With Janine still distracted by Gregory's absence, Barbara & Melissa tried to console Jacob, who boasted about the things he had accomplished at the school. Barbara suggested he turn some of his focus to his personal life, instead of sulking about how Zach has moved on and found personal happiness. When Gregory arrived, surprising Janine with a duet, Jacob was further inspired. When he spotted the mystery man from earlier at the bar, he went over and introduced himself. After a few jokes, he learned that the guy, Elijah, was there for his friend's birthday and volunteered to get drinks since he doesn't like karaoke. Jacob asked for his number so they could hang out sometime and was very happy when he agreed. He rejoined the teachers for a group karaoke number, ending the night on a happy note, hopeful for his future personal prospects.