What is the reference to Captain America: The Winter Soldier in the new Abbott Elementary episode

The new episode of Abbott Elementary titled ''Rally'', which came out on 9th April 2025, had a reference to Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The twenty-first episode of the fourth season of Abbott Elementary referred to the famous ''On Your Left'' scene in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

At a point in the episode when all the teachers and students had lost hope of Ava Coleman and the suspended teachers being reinstated, Tariq entered the gym with other members of the PTA. He had come with the association to protest against the suspension of Janine Teagues, Melissa Schemmenti, Jacob Hill, and Barbara Howard and the firing of Principal Ava Coleman. When he entered the gym with the PTA, Tariq referred to a popular Captain America: The Winter Soldier scene, and it was meant to be an unintentional one.

Which Captain America: The Winter Soldier episode is referred to in Abbott Elementary?

The episode starts with the staff at Abbott Elementary trying to figure out a way to get Ava Coleman her job back. Janine, Jacob, Melissa, and Barbara, teachers at Abbott Elementary, appeal to the district to get Ava her job back. While trying to prove Ava to be a worthy Principal, all four teachers end up getting suspended for a week. Now, the staff is trying to find ways to get not only Ava's job back but also revoke the other teachers' suspension.

Surprisingly, the students of Abbott Elementary peacefully protest to have their teachers and Principal back, and the board decides to hear what they have to say. However, none of the staff or students' pleas are heard, and everyone gets the feeling that nothing can be done. At that point, Tariq enters the gym with members of the PTA and stands with the teachers and Ava. Tariq's first words upon entering the gym are,

'On your left.''

He corrects himself when everyone looks to their left and sees nothing,

''Uh, my bad, I meant my left. Y'all's right.''

These words were an unintentional reference to the popular scene in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, in which Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson train together. Steve is used to heavy training and running super fast. Besides, he is a superhero and thus has higher speed. Steve runs faster than Sam, and whenever he runs past Sam, he calls out,

''On your left.''

He does this because it is a common practice in military practice. This saying of Steve initially annoys Sam, who is constantly reminded of how fast Steve is. However, by the end of the training, he is used to it and acknowledges Steve trying to be friendly. This is one of those moments that establish a bond between Sam and Steve, which later helps them to work as Captain America and The Falcon together.

Abbott Elementary's reference to this scene from Captain America: The Winter Soldier adds humor to a rather upsetting situation where everyone has almost given up and is feeling dejected. After Tariq's entry and show of support, the B.L.A.C.K.S., local businesses, and other principals in the district arrive to show support as well. This results in Ava and the teachers being reinstated.

You can watch Abbott Elementary on ABC, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, and Apple TV. New episodes come out every Wednesday.

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