Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for the Abbott Elementary Season 4 finale.Season 4 was certainly a special one forAbbott Elementary. Not only did it manage to surprise viewers with some ofthe best twistsin the show’s history, but it also finallypaid off the three years of uncertaintysurrounding Janine (Quinta Brunson) and Gregory (Tyler James Williams). While there were minor misunderstandings here and there, the season was a real treat forlong-time fans of the two’s courtship. However, there were a few fears heading intothe season finale. Field trips have often yielded mixed results for the two, and when the episode revealed that Martin (Orlando Jones) was attending as a chaperone, we certainly had our fears. However,the potential drama actually ended up serving as a setup to one of the show’s most satisfying payoffs.
Martin’s Involvement Creates Tension for Janine and Gregory
Sadly, Gregory’s relationship with Martin has not always been ideal. The show has often explored the idea that much of Gregory’s shy personality is a result of an unaffectionate childhood under Martin’s intense need for order,particularly after Gregory’s mother passed away. While there has been some approval thrown Gregory’s way in the past, the storyline has remained far from resolved.Given that Martin’s chaperoning is the first time Janine has the opportunity to meet Martin, it seemed as though Season 4 was gearing up for one ofthe series’ most intriguingdramas.
At first,Janine tries to hide her “fun side” in order to meet Martin’s expectations, and it is certainly distressing. Earlier in the season, we discussedJanine’s fear of speaking up for herself, and it’s hard to ignore the tension that Janine’s efforts create. Not only does it affect Janine herself, but it also affects her relationship with her students and her interaction with Gregory. It’s pretty sad to watch our beloved educator feel as though she has to give up what makes her so great just to please Martin. But, thankfully, Janine finds her voice sooner rather than later, and it leads to some of the season’s most intriguing storytelling.
Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson Has No Problem With “Crushing” Janine and Gregory Fans' Hopes
Anything is possible for the sake of “good storytelling.”
Janine Brings Out a Whole New Side of Martin
Martin may not be a character with whom characters spend a lot of time, but he’s alwaysmade quite an impression. His intensity is genuinely intimidating, to be honest. So much so that, when Janine finally drops the act and embraces who she is, we were genuinely worried for her. Surprisingly,Janine’s iconic personality brings out a playful side of Martin, one that we never thought we would see, let alone Gregory. While hilarious, it’s more than just another greatAbbotttwist. In fact, it’s so much deeper than that. It is a beautiful culmination of Janine’s efforts with Gregory. Sure, Gregory’s dry delivery is part of his charm and hasserved him well as he’s progressedthroughout Season 4; specifically, he really has come a long way thanks to Janine.
While both havehelped each other growthroughout the season, it is worth noting that it was not easy to get Gregory to open up. His growth and comfort with Janine were solidified withlast season’s finale.Janine’s help in helping Gregory’s father open up was a beautiful way to further them not just as a couple, but as a family as a whole. But it wouldn’t be anAbbott Elementaryfinale without a little drama.
Gregory and Martin Reach a Deeper Level of Understanding
One can’t really blame Gregory for his upset regarding Martin. After all, he grew up in a deeply unaffectionate housebecauseof his father. And while theirdrama isn’t as intense as Ava’s(Janelle James), the hardships between the father and son duo are clearly very raw for Gregory. Indeed, one could perceive Martin’s quick acceptance of Janine as insulting, if not damaging. Janine and Gregory have had such aharmonious seasonthat we definitely didn’t want to see anything come between them. Luckily, Gregory is quick to take matters into his own hands and confront his father. What followed was some of the season’s best payoff.
In true Gregory fashion, he doesn’t hold back with his honesty. He’s glad that his father accepts Janine, but it’s gratifying to see him not give Martin a free pass. After all, even for all his progress, Gregory’s childhoodstillaffects his day-to-day life. Thankfully, Martin does own up to his shortcomings and explains how the loss of his wife/Gregory’s mother, affected him negatively as well.He tells Gregory that Janine’s playful side is not unlike that of his wife, and that men like the Eddie’sneedthat sort of support in life. It may be a rather intimate scene, but it’s really one of the best arc conclusions we’ve ever seen on the show. The deep and beautiful connection between the two is fantastic on its own, but the fact that it came about because of Janine really makes it feel like Gregory finally has his family back. Sure, it may have taken time to get here, but the fact that this long, drawn-out arc was paid off in ways greater than we ever imagined proves it was well worth the wait. Janine has, of course, always been ourresident problem solver, but this might have very well been her most meaningful solution yet.
While we were prepared for the usual Janine and Gregory field trip drama,Abbott Elementaryreally hit its Season 4 finale out of the park.Saving the drama for Gregory and his father was a great way to help Janine come out of her shell, while also paying off Gregory’s arc in ways we never even imagined. Not only was Janine able to help Gregory get his family back, but she also helped Martin finally begin to heal. It was such a heartwarming way to send the season out, and we can’t wait to see what awaits our characters in Season 5.
All episodes ofAbbott Elementaryare now available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.
Abbott Elementary
