Abbott Elementary had another winner this week, with Taraji P. Henson guest starring as Janine’s mom. Of course, she did a great job, and it felt like she had already been on the show a few times before.

But there was some conversation over her casting, specifically as Janine’s mom. Henson (52) always looks great, but viewers started a discussion over her work with Quinta Brunson (33).

Ehhh the acting is giving cookie and the vibe is more older sister than mother. Bad casting
I think Kimberely Elise would’ve been better for the chracater

— Allndeep4u (@allndeep4u) April 12, 2023

The folks saying “not mom vibes, more like older sister”, have yall never met someone who was a young mom? What do yall think people in their 40s/50s look like?

— Sharvon⁷,CPP:Forever Artist 📸🎨 (@sharvondotcom) April 12, 2023

Should’ve been an older sister.

— ✋🏾😪🤚🏾No Shade ♊️ (@Simone_95) April 12, 2023

They could’ve had a older actress play her mom taraji too young to play a mom to a grown woman playing a teacher

— Renee elenora lynch (@bossyirish) April 12, 2023

I definitely don’t get mom vibes from Taraji

— That’s All! (@drelliebelle) April 12, 2023

Don’t let the traffic you see here, most of the chatter was positive.

The folks saying “not mom vibes, more like older sister”, have yall never met someone who was a young mom? What do yall think people in their 40s/50s look like?

— Sharvon⁷,CPP:Forever Artist 📸🎨 (@sharvondotcom) April 12, 2023

Taraji P. Henson as Janine’s mom is perfection! I can’t wait to watch! #AbbottElementary

— Ryan Bartholomee (@RyanBartholomee) April 12, 2023

Y’all acting as if teen/young moms don’t exist. Y’all also acting as if Janine is the same age as Quinta. It’s very much implied Janine is in her mid-20’s in the first few episodes. Her mama could easily be mid-40’s, which I believe Ms. Taraji is.

— Wynne Richport 🇵🇷🏳️‍🌈♑️ (@WynneRichport) April 12, 2023

As far as the plot, Henson did everything the fans wanted her to. She had her mini showdown with Ava, which she won. She had a bigger showdown with Barbara, which she lost. And she found compromise with her daughter, which left a lot of us uneasy, but I think that was the aim

What do you think? Vote in our poll below….

What did you think of Taraji P. Henson as Janine’s mother in #AbbottElementary? #AbbottElem
A) Great. Young mothers are real life.
B) Another role would have been better.
C) She’s Taraji P. Henson. You make it work.
D) Somewhere between all three choices

— The Frank Torres Report (@ftrtoday) April 13, 2023

We’re rolling towards the season finale. See you next time!

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