Two seasons of Abbott Elementary in one year? We are a lucky group. Quinta Brunson’s award-winning comedy is returning for a 22-episode fourth season, which is great news because the world needs a wholesome, uplifting show right now. Furthermore, my mental health would have suffered if I had to wait that long to find out what happens after Janine (Bronson) and Gregory’s (Tyler James Williams) final, swoon-inducing kiss (you know, the one that follows “I Fixed Your Light”).
It’s hard not to think about “The Office” while watching this new episode. The NBC mockumentary’s season 4 premiere also had to address the fallout from Jim finally asking Pam. (“Back to School” is directed by The Office alum Randall Einhorn, who is also a producer at Abbott.) So how will a sitcom that relied so heavily on angst between two characters handle the next phase? Jim and Pam avoided telling people, including the documentary crew, that they were officially dating (as if that would fool anyone). Fortunately, Janine and Gregory didn’t wait until three minutes into this episode to confirm their status: they were together.
As seen in a very brief montage, they spent the summer wandering the streets of Philadelphia eating ice cream, watching movies, and going on dates at restaurants, museums, and parks. In short, you can see them falling in love. We’re still reaping the benefits of the chemistry Bronson and Williams have cultivated since the show began. And it’s easy to get involved in their charming new dynamic. No one knows about this development besides Jacob (Chris Perfetti). At least that’s what the ignorant lovebirds think. But as their coworkers confirm, it’s impossible not to notice. They’re both constantly looking for ways to spend time with each other, compliment their looks, plan dinner…you get the gist of it. As Principal Ava (Janelle James) so eloquently puts it: “I don’t even know how the idiots think they’re hiding it.”
Gregory knows it’s time to confess to his friends and HR staff, mostly so he can brag that he’s finally dating the woman of his dreams. So it is frustrating for him when his girlfriend does not agree to this business plan. Fearing that their colleagues would intrude into their private lives, Janine stopped his polite attempts to tell others. Not even the presence of the district’s human resources representative (played by Ben Onyx Dawdy) at the school prompts her to reveal the truth. But then Janine reveals her secret in the worst way possible.
This Abbott Elementary/It’s Always Sunny crossover episode actually happens in a way, Emmy nominee Janelle James talks about adding depth to her character on Abbott Elementary
At the annual Year Goals teachers meeting, the staff teases the duo after Gregory kindly helps her with her presentation. No one buys their white lies anymore. Except for Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis), of course, who is convinced they are colluding to distribute drugs. To avoid the accusation, an anxious Janine claims loudly: “We’re having sex.” Cue an eruption of cheers from everyone. Jacob stands and applauds, while Barbara and Melissa shake hands. Despite this, Janine is still worried about the repercussions. She tells Gregory that it’s not about their careers. Janine admits that defining her past relationships was not in her best interest. And when it comes down to it, Janine doesn’t want the same fate. “We’re not your last time. We’re this time,” Gregory ensures with a warm embrace. How could she be afraid then?
Sorry that a lot of this recap has focused on this new couple, but the slow burn of my favorite TV has paid off, so I’m going to celebrate. Plus, in my defense, Abbott devoted the main plot of his return for 20 minutes to them. However, the writing does not push the remaining group into the background. Janelle James is stronger than ever thanks to her vocabulary. Examples include: The way Ava asks Barbara, “Now who the hell is Gerald?” – completely forgetting that Gerald is Barbara’s husband – or when she tells Gregory that their (non-existent) situation is over.
“Back to School” also sets up a major subplot for season four. If Season 2’s conflict was the rival at Addington Elementary and Season 3 was Janine temporarily leaving to work in the district, the newest enemy is… a golf course. This is correct. A luxury training course opens near the school. It brought a wave of new people to the neighborhood, with a rich white kid enrolling in this predominantly black public institution. (Ava’s panic at this outdoors, declaring she’s seen a ghost, is unbelievable.) The construction of the course is already taking its toll on the school, with deteriorating water supplies and constant traffic. The teachers have had enough.
Once Melissa finds out through sources that the course employs non-union members, she files a complaint with the authorities, hoping to shut them down. I’m surprised she thought this would work, because Melissa seems smarter than that. In the end, corporate leaders win. A lawyer representing the company stopped by and promised Melissa, Barbara, and Jacob that if they stopped making a fuss, the company doing the round would donate 25 computers and ergonomic chairs to Abbott. The devout Barbara considers it a blessing (what would Jesus say to that, Mrs. Howard?), while the distracted Ava supports her teachers who indulge in light bribery.
I understand why they’re tempted, of course. Barbara and Melissa had gone through years and years of demanding basic requirements for school that no one met. However, I fear that this choice (which was clearly made in Janine and Gregory’s absence) will lead to some disastrous results. But I support Abbott Elementary going down this interesting path.
Stray Notes • I will stand by my strong belief that Janelle James needs to get an Emmy because she never fails to make me laugh out loud. • We have another opinion about Gregory’s food to consider. Not only does he hate pizza and pie, but apparently the man’s favorite meal is pasta with butter. For a mature man like Gregory, why did he have such taste? • Matt Oberg is well cast as the corrupt lawyer based on his performance in the last few minutes of the premiere. However, can I recommend checking out the role where he is the complete opposite of the sleazy guy? She’s the featured character in Max’s animated show Kite-Man! Hell Yes, which was developed by Abbott EPs Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacher. • I always appreciate it when Abbott gives their young actors things to do. The “I bet you do” scene from last season still shocks me. So I love that we get a lot of these moments here, like two students walking up to Ava to ask if Janine and Gregory are dating. • Mr. Johnson goes to HR to complain about Melissa constantly flirting with him because she gives him take-out menus. And Jacob still hates his fellow teacher, Mr. Morton, if you were wondering. • In case you missed this episode, the ABC comedy is moving back soon with It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Ah, the benefits of being under the Disney umbrella. • Hello! I’ll be back to recap the mid-season and final episodes of this installment. I can’t wait to see where we’ll be by the time these installments come.
