Although Abbott Elementary season 5 Episode 8 just brought back a fan favorite character

Abbott Elementary’s Season 5 continues to deliver its signature blend of school chaos, personal and workplace humor, in a mockumentary format. While the format stays the same, Episode 8 brings a surprise for fans: it brings back Vanetta, Janine Teagues’ mother (played by Taraji P. Henson).

Vanetta first features in Season 2, and her quirky, loud personality, coupled with her chaotic relationship with Janine, made her an instant favorite among fans. Even with limited screentime, her return gently nudges the nostalgia around Season 2’s character.

Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 8 just brought back a fan favorite character

Although Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 8 just brought back a fan-favorite character, the writers also bring back key supporting characters and introduce fresh conflict. As the show reaches its 5th season, the teachers now have to deal with district pressure and community clashes inside Abbott. Season 5 also places more focus on how the characters handle personal relationships while balancing their jobs.

Episode 8 of Abbott Elementary Season 5 fits into this format while bringing the spotlight back on Janine and her complicated family history. It also highlights how her life has evolved compared to earlier seasons. The show uses her 30th birthday as a way to explore her emotional growth while still delivering humor and awkward moments.

In Season 2 Episode 21 of Abbott Elementary, titled “Mom,” Janine built a strong impression on both the staff and the audience. Principal Ava saw her as a fellow troublemaker, but Barbara saw how Ava was selfish. She also understood how it affected Janine.

Seasons later, Episode 8 sees Vanetta in a longer appearance, and the plot revolves around Janine’s hopes for a gentler reunion. The episode is built around her birthday and how she believes this time things will be different.

The early scenes establish the tone, and Vanetta behaves better than usual. She tells Janine she is proud of her, but only after Barbara encourages her to think about her daughter’s feelings.

However, for those expecting her behavior to change, they will be disappointed. The episode underlines how different Janine and Vanetta truly are. Janine is in a stable relationship with Gregory and is hopeful about what lies ahead, but Vanetta thinks Janine still misses her ex, Tariq.

She goes so far as to question Gregory’s loyalty and faithfulness. These moments expose the cracks that expand deeper within the duo. When Janine shares her plans to marry Gregory and buy a home, Vanetta’s jealousy and bitterness return.

She takes Janine’s progress for granted, never acknowledging it, and calls her annoying. She also advises Gregory to abandon her. Janine feels hurt by her ruthless behavior and decides to pull back and remove her mother from the birthday dinner. It is a painful scene, but it shows why Janine has always kept her distance.

Other Returning Characters in Abbott Elementary

Other than Vanetta, these are the other returning characters in Abbott Elementary:

Zack Fox takes the role of Tariq Temple: Janine’s ex-boyfriend and PTA president.

George Sharperson as Wendell, a school custodian.

Taylor Garron plays Tasha Hoffman, a teacher who dislikes Janine.

Trending

You can stream Abbott Elementary on ABC. The show is expected to conclude Season 5 in 2026.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback