Warning: this article contains SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 10, “Testing.“Janine and Gregory’s slow-burn romance is one ofAbbott Elementary’s most memorable plots, but its burgeoning replacement may even be better than it. Quinta Brunson’s Janine Teagues leadsAbbott Elementary’s cast of characters, but aside from that, her story with Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams) is a fan-favorite. Both instantly displayed an attraction to each other, but Janine had a boyfriend. Throughout the following season, it was Gregory’s turn to date someone. It was the perfect case of"right person, wrong timing,“but it was clear that it was only a matter of time before they got together.
Season 3 finally brought them together, ending the cycle of will-they/won’t-they.Janine and Gregory’s relationship inAbbott Elementaryseason 4 proves it’s time to move on, however. Despite beingABC’s least-watched scripted show,Abbott Elementaryhas been constantly evolving and improving on its formula, and that’s a great thing. Messing up Janine and Gregory would frustrate rather than excite, and there are only so many conflicts the new couple can have that make sense for their characters. Now thatAbbott Elementaryneeds a new relationship to focus on, Ava (Janelle James) has become the unlikely romantic lead.
Ava & O’Shon’s Relationship In Abbott Elementary Thus Far Explained
The Principal And IT Rep Met In “Class Pet”
Ava first interacts withO’Shon (Matthew Law), the IT representative from the school district, inAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 3. After the golf course bribes Abbott Elementary with brand-new computers, the school calls an IT rep to install the necessary software. The staff colludes on a scheme to gaslight whoever is sent into thinking the computers are old to ensure the district doesn’t confiscate the new equipment. O’Shon immediately has everyone from Jacob (Chris Perfetti) to Miss Inez (Cree Summer) enamored, but his obvious attraction to Ava goes unnoticed by the principal.
Prior to being cast inAbbott Elementary, Matthew Law was in 98 episodes of Tyler Perry’sThe Oval.
After O’Shon agrees to keep the school’s secret, he insists that he becomes the sole IT worker to visit Abbott Elementary and gives Ava his number.Ava’s potential romance even subvertsShe’s All Thatwhen she puts her glasses on and realizes how attractive the IT rep is. In the few instances he has returned since,Ava has been unsure how to react to O’Shon’s flirting inAbbott Elementary.After helping save the winter show inAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 7, O’Shon returns in episode 10 to be more overt in his advances. Ava, however, is still uncertain.
Ava & O’Shon May Be Abbott Elementary’s Next Slow-Burn Romance
It Would Be Ava’s First Real Relationship
Ava needs a romance inAbbott Elementaryto continue her formidable character development, and O’Shon is the perfect match for her. Despite him being“broke”, according to Ava, O’Shon can clearly keep up with her eccentricities. He’s already proven that he can recognize her attitude as a mere front, and he’s upfront about his interest. Plus,O’Shon is the first person inAbbott Elementaryto put Ava in her placeduring their first meeting when he confronts her about the computers. Since she’s such a force of nature, Ava is rarely challenged— making O’Shon’s contest that much more impressive.
Abbott Elementary’s It’s Always Sunny Crossover Puts A Pivotal Plot On Pause
While Abbott Elementary’s It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia crossover episode was hotly anticipated, this outing did delay the show’s best new story.
Abbott Elementaryseason 4 has begun many Ava-centric storylines, meaning she has time to grow and accept her attraction to O’Shon before acting on it. Ava can deal with her father’s return to Philadelphia or the school’s rocky relationship with the golf course before worrying about a relationship.Abbott Elementaryletting Ava take time to pursue O’Shon ensures that the bond she makes is lasting and worth the coverage. By the time she asks him out, Ava might not even care that he’s a“brokey”anymore.
Why Ava & O’Shon Can Be Better Than Janine & Gregory
Ava’s Character Was Established Before Her Feelings
Ava and O’Shon come at the perfect time now thatJanine and Gregory have become boring inAbbott Elementary(but in the best way possible). The new romance would also be a complete departure from the originalAbbott Elementaryslow-burn. While Janine and Gregory liked each other from the very beginning and went in circles with their feelings, Ava had time to develop as a character before meeting someone who could be a match. Even still, datingO’Shon would force Ava to grow more inAbbott Elementary.
William Stanford Davis
Mr. Johnson
Because Janine and Gregory have been attracted to each other sinceAbbott Elementaryseason 1, their romantic feelings were fundamentally ingrained in their characters. It would be impossible to separate Janine and Gregory as people from them as a couple. In contrast,Ava is a fully fleshed-out, independent player. Any love interest that enters her life will be supplemental rather than central to her identity. O’Shon has a long way to go before he is an entire character, but he’s off to a great start as Ava’s potential love interest inAbbott Elementaryseason 4.
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.
