Abbott Elementary Season 4, Episode 21 Unexpectedly Redeems All Of Its Current Villains -

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 21, “Rally.”

While Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 21’s titular rally was successful in part thanks to the teachers and students, the sitcom also redeemed almost all of its current villains in the outing. Abbott Elementary’s cast of characters are all endearing and hilarious in equal measure, but the show deserves some credit for its villains. The smug charter school advocates of season 2 and the odious gentrifying golf course developers of season 4 are both hilariously easy to hate, and the sitcom’s original villain was so memorable that she eventually ended up becoming its unlikely heroine.

When Gregory wanted to be Abbott’s principal back in Abbott Elementary season 1, the ludicrously corrupt and incompetent Principal Ava seemed like the show’s primary antagonist. She bullied the heroine Janine and flaunted the fact that she got her job via blackmail, making it impossible for Gregory to replace her anytime soon. However, as Janine and Gregory grew to appreciate Ava’s unconventional leadership style, the sitcom gradually turned her into an unexpected heroine. By the time Abbott Elementary season 4 saw Ava fired, Janine was more invested in getting her job back than the former principal herself.

Ava’s Abbott Elementary Season 4 Villains Explained

Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 21 Unexpectedly Redeemed The Golf Course Developers

Crystal (Tatyana Ali) and Ava (Janelle James) in Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 14.

Considering the drastic about-face Ava’s storyline had done over the years, it shouldn’t be too surprising to find out that season 4, episode 21, “Rally,” managed to redeem some of the show’s villains. However, what is impressive is just how many characters the show redeemed in rapid succession. “Rally” turned Miles, the corrupt lawyer, and Ava’s sworn nemesis, Crystal, into unlikely heroes as they stood up for the embattled principal, thus making up for the roles they played in her downfall.

Sheryl Lee Ralph's Barbara smiles at her desk in Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 19’s Barbara & Jacob Pairing Cleverly Rewrites A Familiar Story

Although Abbott Elementary season 4 episode 19 pairs off Jacob and Barbara, this plot still allows the sitcom to revisit a classic Janine storyline.

In “Rally,” the teachers appealed the school district’s decision to fire Ava. Their initial appeal was denied, but the group rallied and took full responsibility for the bribes the school received from the golf course developers. Melissa, Barbara, Jacob, and Janine were all hit with week-long unpaid suspensions, only for the school district to reveal that Ava was still fired. As they attempted to come up with a new plan, the students took matters into their own hands and announced a walkout in support of their teachers.

Miles wasn’t the most unlikely hero in “Rally,” as Ava’s sorority sister Crystal helped get her job back despite being instrumental in getting her fired.

To bring back Ava as Abbott’s principal, the students, the PTA, local business owners, and B.L.A.C.K.S (Building Love and Creating Kids Safety) all banded together to stand up for her and forced the school district to stage an emergency meeting. This show of solidarity still wasn’t enough, so Miles, the corrupt lawyer for the sketchy golf course developer, appeared to voice his support for Ava’s reinstatement. Even Miles wasn’t the most unlikely hero in “Rally,” as Ava’s sorority sister Crystal helped get her job back despite being instrumental in getting her fired.

Both Miles & Crystal Play A Part In Ava’s Return In Abbott Elementary Season 4, Episode 21

Abbott Elementary Season 4’s Villain Stood Up For Ava Against The District

Since the lawyer began the season’s bribery subplot by tempting the school’s faculty with new computers, it was fitting that Miles helped undo Ava’s unfair dismissal. Similarly, Ava’s feud with Crystal dates back even further, making Crystal’s decision to set their differences aside and support her rival all the more heartwarming. While Gregory was a promising principal for Abbott and may regain the role in the future, seeing even Ava’s sworn enemies admit that the eponymous school needed her was a perfect conclusion to this storyline.

Although Ava was rarely depicted as an outright antagonist after season 1, she was often sidelined in favor of Janine and Gregory’s flirtations.

The ending of “Rally” highlighted the real hero of Abbott Elementary season 4. The outing centered on Janelle James’ Ava after earlier seasons focused on Jeanine and Gregory’s arcs, with her romantic subplot and her professional struggles earning significantly more screen time than they did in seasons 2 and 3. Although Ava was rarely depicted as an outright antagonist after season 1, she was often sidelined in favor of Janine and Gregory’s flirtations.

Why Miles & Crystal Suddenly Changed Their Stance About Ava

Miles Standing Up For Ava Brought Abbott Elementary Season 4’s Story Full Circle

In contrast, season 4 placed Ava front and center and the outing proved how much she has grown both as a person and a principal over the years. Ava’s O’Shon romance in Abbott Elementary season 4 finally showcased a softer side of the bombastic fan favorite, while her relationship with her estranged father Frank gave Ava her most human moments yet. However, it was Miles and Crystal’s changing attitude toward her that highlighted her growth most.

Abbott Elementary Actor	Character Name
Quinta Brunson	Janine Teagues
Tyler James Williams	Gregory Eddie
Lisa Ann Walter	Melissa Schemmenti
Sheryl Lee Ralph	Barbara Howard
Janelle James	Principal Ava
William Stanford Davis	Mr. Johnson
Chris Perfetti	Jacob Hill

Miles only sided with the principal because he saw how popular her cause was, proving that Ava can inspire admiration from a broad range of supporters. Crystal, however, put aside her jealousy towards Ava because she recognized that Ava was a truly great educator and knew that the school needed her. This gesture proved just how much Ava really is Abbott Elementary season 4’s heroine, to the extent that even her most ardent haters eventually offered her their support.

Enjoy ScreenRant’s primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check “Network TV” in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.

SIGN UP NOW!