Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 1
WhileAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 1 did reveal Janine and Gregory’s relationship status, it was another plot that dominated the action of the sitcom’s premiere.Abbott Elementary’s entire cast of charactersare funny, but Janine and Gregory’s love story has been a pivotal part of the show’s appeal since the pilot. The slow-burn chemistry between these two sensible, cautious teachers had viewers wondering if the pair would ever finally hook up, earningAbbott Elementary’s Janine and Gregorycomparisons toNew Girl’s Nick and Jess,The Office’s Jim and Pam, andThe Mindy Project’s Danny and Mindy.
Abbott Elementary’s 10 Funniest Moments
Although the show’s romantic subplots are also engaging, Abbott Elementary’s funniest moments prove that the sitcom’s comedy is what makes it shine.
Fortunately,Abbott Elementary’s season 3 finale saw the duo get together after years of waiting, and season 4, episode 1, “Back to School” confirmed that they were now an item. Since some ofAbbott Elementary’s funniest moments come from the show’s supporting stars, it is exciting to see that season 4 can now afford them more attention and screen time as Gregory and Janine are in a stable, happy place. “Back to School” subtly set up the storyline that is likely to define their interactions in season 4, althoughAbbott Elementaryhid this important plot among more dramatic moments.
Abbott Elementary Season 4’s Golf Course Story Explained (& Why It’s Important)
Abbott Elementary’s Best Season Arcs Have Focused On Real-Life Issues
In the cold open of “Back to School,” the teachers at Abbott are shocked to find out that an affluent white family has enrolled their young child in the eponymous school. The parents explain that a golf course under construction nearby is what brought them to the community, and the faculty suddenly understood.The golf course is a nightmare for the stars ofAbbott Elementary season 4, with its construction resulting in power outages, interruptions to the gas supply, outrageous traffic problems, and myriad other issues. However, wealthy developers have used loopholes to avoid any penalties for these problems.
From the school’s chronic underfunding in season 1 and charter schools in season 2 to district bureaucracy in season 3, every season ofAbbott Elementaryfeatures an overarching plot that focuses on a real-life issue. The contentious course’s construction is the latest addition to this lineup, drawing attention to the ways that gentrification can impact under-resourced communities by highlighting the ways that the golf course’s construction makes the staff’s lives a nightmare. Thereturn ofAbbott Elementaryseason 4’s HR repmight be the episode’s juicier plot, but the golf course is the story that will come to define the season in time.
How Abbott Elementary Season 4’s Golf Course Arc Is More Important Than Janine & Gregory’s Romance
Abbott Elementary’s Golf Course Story Is Likely To Define Season 4
ThisAbbott Elementaryseason 4 plot already included a great twist when Jacob, Melissa, and Barbara confronted the lawyer representing the developers, only to then take a bribe from him when the smug villain offered them free computers and a gift card. Not only did this scene prove the teachers are not perfect, but it also sets up the rest of the season’s conflict. AsAbbott Elementaryseason 4 continues and the golf course keeps providing new headaches, Jacob, Barbara, and Melissa will be more complicit than Gregory and Janine thanks to their decision to go along with the plan.
It is easy to see this plot pitting Gregory and Janine against the rest of the teachers as the golf course’s progress continues to cause problems.
Abbott Elementaryseason 4 has already complicated things for its heroes, and it is easy to see this plot pitting Gregory and Janine against the rest of the teachers as the golf course’s progress continues to cause problems. LikeAbbott Elementary’s replacement showEnglish Teacher, the ABC sitcom isn’t afraid to tackle real-life issues while maintaining its sense of humor. Much like the heroes debated the merits of anti-drug rallies and gifted child programs in earlier seasons, they can now discuss gentrification thanks to this sudden development causing problems for the heroes.
Why Sidelining Janine & Gregory’s Romance Is Better For Their Future
The fact thatAbbott Elementary’s season 4 premiere ended with Janine and Gregory revealing their relationship to little fanfare is great for the future of the series. Since the couple are now happy and official, they can remain that way while the show doesn’t focus too heavily on them. Intense romances tend to crash and burn, whereasJanine and Gregory have the potential to remain together and grow like many great sitcom couples before them.
Chris Perfetti
Jacob Hill
However, this means season 4 needs to focus on its golf course storyline instead.Abbott Elementaryseason 4 already shut downone tired plot when Janine and Gregory’s romantic reveal wasn’t a big deal, with Warren the HR rep even telling them that he didn’t need their life story when noting their relationship status. Now, the show can double down on this by making the golf course storyline the main plot ofAbbott Elementaryseason 4 and giving Gregory and Janine a chance to breathe.
