We’re Happy for Ava, but ‘Abbott Elementary’ Needs To Keep Shaking Things Up With Gregory
Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for Abbott Elementary Season 4.The penultimate episode of Abbott Elementary Season 4 certainly packed quite a punch! Not only did the outing see the district reinstate Ava (Janelle James) after her shocking dismissal a few weeks ago, but it also justified a lot of the hanging story threads from the year. Indeed, the episode was so satisfying that it almost felt like a series finale. However, given that the beloved sitcom has already been renewed for a fifth season, there are plenty of new and exciting storylines still ahead. That being said, there’s one arc that we’re perhaps most eager to see develop further: That of (temporary) Principal Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams). Over the last few weeks, Gregory has proven himself not only capable but perfect for a larger role within the school, and there are certainly ways to keep him in power without having him step on Ava’s toes.
We, of course, love principal Ava Coleman, and, despite how well life was treating her outside the school, it’s gratifying to see everyone rally around her. Her return is indeed necessary, but, over the last few weeks, while acting as interim principal, it’s hard to deny that Gregory has brought something new to the table. In fact, during the April 2nd episode, we really got to see Gregory hold down the fort in a skillful and fulfilling way. While everyone else is busy with their fundraiser and Ava Fest, we get to see Gregory navigate his way through his first open house as principal, and it’s surprisingly masterful.
Sure, Ava has always been great at finding out-of-the-box solutions to improve the school, but that doesn’t change the fact that parents still have their concerns. The way Gregory is able to resolve issues that parents have been complaining about for years really opens our eyes to how much improvement the school still needs, and he certainly proves himself capable of doing it. What’s more, his newfound role has given him the confidence to end a rather dangerous feud. Earlier this season, we saw him face off with Darnell (Langston Kerman). While Gregory was able to put a pin in the situation, his role as principal really gives him the confidence and resources to end the conflict once and for all, which benefits not only him as a character but also his student, Jabari (Steven John Singleton).
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“It’s pretty crazy,” teased William Stanford Davis.
As Gregory heads into his second week as interim principal, the show could have easily put him in a situation that justifies Ava taking over again. However, the trajectory is far more nuanced than that, and it only solidifies how right Gregory is for the Abbott Elementary community. Not only do the students show appreciation for “Principal Eddie,” but even the staff admit that he’s a great leader. Heck, Gregory is even able to negotiate a deal with the golf course that mutually benefits the students at Abbott, the people of Philadelphia at large, and even the golf course itself. It’s an impressive feat that only occurs because of Gregory’s level-headed and thoughtful negotiation. But, of course, the argument to keep Gregory in a position of power can’t only benefit others. It has to help Gregory as well, and the latest episode certainly proves that Gregory’s life can be improved greatly by a similar role.
Gregory Benefits Greatly From His Role as Interim Principal
While we’re thrilled that Gregory and Janine (Quinta Brunson) have been going strong this season, we have also seen Gregory struggle financially. He’s had to resort to jobs that he’s not proud of, and while this is a source of vanity that he’s since seemed to recover from, it doesn’t change the fact that Gregory shouldn’t have to struggle financially. While it’s a great commentary on the reality of education, he already does so much for everyone around him. He goes above and beyond, being a great teacher and running the Goofballs, and he deserves a chance to enjoy his life with Janine without essentially juggling three jobs. Considering how well the principal job is paying him, it’s going to be hard to watch him go back to having to balance “three lives” after feeling so fulfilled in this role.
Of course, it’s great that Gregory has become a top-notch educator, but that doesn’t mean he should have to give up on the ambition he was pursuing when he first came to the school. It was satisfying to hear him acknowledge that this is still something he would like to do, and considering that even a character like Mr. Morton (Jerry Minor) was considering applying to fill Ava’s absence, why shouldn’t Gregory step up? And there’s a dynamic way the show can help Gregory pursue his dreams without either ousting Ava or having him leave.
Gregory and Ava Should Team Up To Run Abbott Elementary
This season of Abbott Elementary has already given viewers unexpected team-ups, and doing the same with Gregory and Ava would be an excellent solution and the perfect next step. Obviously, we don’t want Ava to have to leave again, and we don’t want to lose Gregory in pursuit of a leadership role elsewhere. However, a mash-up of their skills would be perfect. If the show decided to move Gregory into a vice-principal role, Abbott could truly reach new heights without the fear of another threat to their success. Ava’s creativity has kept the school afloat in even the most impossible situations, and Gregory’s calm demeanor and forward-thinking have served him and the community well. Thus, combining their skill sets would truly be something special — not to mention the fantastic twist it would be for their relationship. It’s always been a comically rocky one, given Ava’s advances and later disinterest following Gregory’s courtship with Janine. What better way to round out that arc than to give them a partnership we never saw coming? Indeed, it would be one of the most clever and effective shake-ups yet.
It’s wonderful that Ava has come home to Abbott, but that doesn’t mean Gregory should stop pursuing his ambition. He has proven himself a dynamic force for the school, and it would be so gratifying to finally reward the character for all of his hard work. Continuing to challenge the character and potentially teaming him up with Ava would not only be a fantastic next step for Gregory, but for the show as a whole.
Abbott Elementary is available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.
