Warning: SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 20.Abbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 20 teased the inevitable return of Ava Coleman as principal, but that may come at the cost of another main character. Janelle James’ Ava has been a mainstay of theAbbott Elementarycast of characterssince the pilot as the lovably ineffective administrator, but she’s grown to prove the merits of her nontraditional approach to leadership. Ava’s perceived incompetence contributed to some ofAbbott Elementary’s funniest moments, with her quippy lines underscoring how endearingly unprofessional she is. In contrast, teachers like Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams) enforce protocol and adhere to everything by the book.
Following the ending ofAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 18, Ava was shockingly fired by suits from the district after they uncovered how the school was blackmailing the local golf course for updated supplies. Consequently, Gregory fulfilled his lifelong dream by stepping in for Ava as Abbott’s interim principal. The two couldn’t be more different professionally, asAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 19 proved by including a B-Plot of Gregory and Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter) attempting to decode Ava’s filing system— a deceptively simple code hidden within the names of Hall of FameSurvivorplayers.
Abbott Elementary Season 4, Episode 20 Proved Gregory Is A Great Principal (But Ava’s Return Is Imminent)
The Episode’s Conclusion Is A Double-Edged Sword
Yet,Abbott Elementary’s annual Open House episode proved Gregory’s straitlaced work ethic isn’t the disadvantage people like Melissa and Dia (Pam Trotter) expected it to be. After not being able to prepare for the night ahead of time (arguably his worst fear), Gregory is able to seamlessly field questions from parents, ranging from concerned to confused to plain combative. Even in the face of his tetchy ex-girlfriend and an aggressively vindictive father, Gregory doesn’t stumble, showing his unforeseen adaptability and conflict-resolution skills. Though the fundraiser is a wash,Gregory’s stint asAbbott Elementary’s principalcan already be considered successful.
Gregory is able to seamlessly field questions from parents, ranging from concerned to confused to plain combative.
While Gregory has found his footing as interim principal,Ava’s return toAbbott Elementaryseason 4is inevitable. After she resurrects AVA Fest, she and Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) chat as Jill Scott performs an impromptu concert in the Abbott entryway. Janine, who has been trying to get Ava her job back since it was revoked in “Audit,” recognizes how invested Ava is in Abbott Elementary and asks again whether she wants to try and fight her firing. Finally done with her nonchalant act,Ava admits she wants to come back to Abbott Elementary, setting up the principal’s surefire return.
Ava’s Imminent Return To Abbott Elementary Might Send Gregory Into A Career Crisis
He’ll Need To Weigh His Dream Against His Former Job
Now that Ava and Janine are teaming up to returnAbbott Elementaryto normalcy, Gregory may find himself disappointed with teaching.Gregory was set up as Ava’s replacement as early asAbbott Elementaryseason 1, with it outright confirmed Gregory would have been the school’s principal if Ava hadn’t blackmailed the superintendent. Part of Gregory’s character development was how he adapted to being a full-time teacher and essentially gave up his lifelong goal (and Master’s degree focus) of being principal. However, it’s clear from his short time as Abbott’s interim principal that Gregory hasn’t lost his passion for admin work.
Gregory has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and underwent a program precisely centered on encouraging Black men to become principals.
Not only did Gregory enjoy the work he was doing as interim principal, he was good at it. It’s possible Gregory’s leadership style could have benefited Abbott Elementary in the long run, with his thorough nature realistically being useful beyond a quick punchline in a cold open. Now that Ava will return and undo everything he worked towards as interim principal,Gregory may have an epiphany that being principal is still his real dream. If he can’t fix Abbott, Gregory can at least be a principal at another school and finally put his training to use on a permanent basis.
Gregory Needs To Make A Big Decision About His Career Future
Finances & Fulfillment Need To Be Met
Even if Gregory wants to be a principal, the decision to leave Abbott Elementary isn’t cut-and-dry. There are obvious reasons why he might pursue an admin role elsewhere, withGregory’s financial issues inAbbott Elementaryseason 4forcing him to pick up multiple supplemental jobs aside from teaching. Beyond needing a higher salary for his rent spike,Gregory may no longer feel fulfilled by teaching now that he’s been interim principal. It will be harder for Gregory to avoid his true calling now that he’s actually experienced it, and distance from the role may make his heart grow even fonder.
10 Best Abbott Elementary Episodes To Rewatch
Abbott Elementary has cemented its spot as a generational classic, but the mockumentary has episodes that are just as great upon repeat viewings.
Still, the years of Gregory’s personal growth wouldn’t allow him to give up teaching so easily. Gregory loves his class, his Garden Goofballs, and his coworkers— administration can’t replace the bonds he’s made. The dilemma Gregory now faces inAbbott Elementaryhas no simple solution, but he’ll have to weigh his personal ties to Abbott against his possible aspirations for the future. Whether Gregory once again chooses teaching over administration or makes the bold move to pursue a principal position, his role inAbbott Elementaryseason 4 is bound to change when Ava returns.
Abbott Elementary
Cast
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary comedy series centered around a group of dedicated teachers at a struggling public school in Philadelphia. The show highlights their efforts to overcome bureaucratic challenges and underfunding, while showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact on their students' lives.
