Warning: SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 22.Abbott Elementaryseason 4 was a whirlwind of twists and turns, but the finale left some storylines unresolved. Led by creator and actress Quinta Brunson,Abbott Elementaryis a mockumentary chronicling life at an underfunded school in Philadelphia. Along with Brunson’s Janine Teagues, big names like Sheryl Lee Ralph (Barbara Howard) and Lisa Ann Walter (Melissa Schemmenti) compriseAbbott Elementary’s talented cast of characters.
FromAbbott Elementary’s celebrity gueststo unique conflicts, season 4 was one of the show’s best. There were serious beats like Ava Coleman (Janelle James) getting fired and Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams) taking on extra jobs due to his rent spike, but there were also plenty of newheartwarmingAbbott Elementarymomentsto balance it. However, for all the great scenes, there were important questions left unanswered byAbbott Elementaryseason 4’s finale.
10What Will Abbott’s Relationship With The School Board Be Like Moving Forward?
The Omnipresent Antagonist Can’t Just Disappear
While the district has been adversarial since the pilot season, it was the central antagonist for the latter half ofAbbott Elementaryseason 4. Ava initially had the school board in her pocket, but after taking a stand at the district budget meeting, the school board was on high alert. The feud came to a head inAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 18, when Ava was fired.
Ava’s punishment may have been temporary, but the school board never would have reinstated her without the pressure from the local community. Now that the school has no leverage left, it’s unclear how Abbott Elementary and the district will interact going forward. It’s difficult to imagine that they’d ever be friendly, butthe school board could be waiting for Ava— andAbbott Elementaryat large— to slip up.
9Will Gregory Leave Abbott Elementary To Become A Principal?
His Interim Reign Clearly Awoke Something In Him
During Ava’s brief sabbatical, Gregory stood in asAbbott Elementary’s interim principal.The third annual AVA Fest proved Gregory was more than competent enough to run a school, and he obviously enjoyed the change of pace. When Ava returned to run Abbott Elementary, Gregory had an understandably bittersweet reaction to giving up his position.
Gregory’s principal crisis could extend toAbbott Elementaryseason 5, as there remains the lingering what-if of Gregory pursuing a full-time admin role. The financial issues Gregory dealt with inAbbott Elementaryseason 4 need a long-term solution, and it seems his dream of being principal has been resurrected. Though the season finale ignored the persisting possibility,Gregory’s career may be headed for a drastic change.
8Will O’Shon Ever Get In Trouble For Lying To The District?
He’s The Only One Who Hasn’t Faced Consequences
Ava’s slow-burn romance inAbbott Elementaryseason 4 was a welcome surprise, but district IT worker O’Shon (Matthew Law) turned a blind eye to the school’s bribes. Ava was fired, and the Abbott Elementary teachers were suspended, but O’Shon hasn’t faced any consequences thus far. Ironically, he and Ava have only grown closer sinceAbbott Elementarywas exposed.
Abbott Elementarycould easily be lulling viewers into a false sense of security.
Still, it feels as though there’s another shoe waiting to drop with O’Shon. It would be lovely if Ava’s boyfriend got off scot-free, butAbbott Elementarycould easily be lulling viewers into a false sense of security. If the school board’s ire carries over intoAbbott Elementaryseason 5,O’Shon may be caught in the crossfire.
7Will Mr. Johnson Ever Get A First Name?
The Mockumentary’s Biggest Enigma
Since the pilot episode, William Stanford Davis has portrayed one of the most interesting characters inAbbott Elementary: Mr. Johnson.The school’s janitor often has the most absurd storylines in the entire series, and he continually delivers some of the funniest quotes each season. Yet, there’s so much more to learn about him inAbbott Elementary, starting with his first name.
Mr. Johnson is a mainstay ofAbbott Elementary, and he has helped save the school on multiple occasions. The mockumentary has revealed random lore like his friendship with Kevin Hart, his Olympic bronze medal for hammer throwing, and his obsession with Jill Scott, but not his full name.Abbott Elementarymay never reveal personal details about Mr. Johnson, but the mystery only makes him more hilarious.
6What Will Janine & Gregory’s Next Relationship Milestone Be?
The Slow-Burn Couple Has A Bright Future
Gregory and Janine irrefutably have one of the best romances in modern television, but the future is even brighter for the happy couple. After the two got together in theAbbott Elementaryseason 3 finale, the pair weathered their first fight, external obstacles like HR, and the stress of Janine meeting Gregory’s father.
InAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 14, they even professed their love for each other.
However,Gregory and Janine’s love story inAbbott Elementaryis far from over. It’s typical for slow-burn couples to have bumps in the road after they finally date, with many iconic pairings usually going through temporary breakups.Abbott Elementaryhas blissfully avoided the cliché thus far, but luck could run out in season 5. Alternatively,Gregory and Janine might take the next step soonand move in together.
5Was Crystal Really Responsible For Ava Getting Fired?
There May Be Other Suspects
The district caught Miles (Matt Oberg) dropping off bribes forAbbott Elementaryshortly after Ava’s former sorority sister, Crystal (Tatyana Ali), confronted her and attempted to extort her for school supplies.As such, the logical conclusion drawn was that Crystal turned Ava in (or at least left an anonymous tip).However,Abbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 21complicated everything when Crystal appeared in support of Ava.
It’s possible that Crystal was responsible for the school district auditingAbbott Elementary, but Ava getting fired was a step too far for her conscience. Alternatively,Crystal may have been a red herring all along, and another character could have called in the district.Abbott Elementaryseason 5 may reveal a twist villain or, if it was all Crystal’s fault, set up a full redemption arc.
4Is The Golf Course Storyline Really Over?
Matt Oberg’s Character Left A Lasting Impression
The initial antagonist ofAbbott Elementaryseason 4 wasn’t just a person; it was an entire operation. After the construction of a nearby golf course disrupted school, the teachers quickly learned the golf course was operating below board. As a result,Abbott Elementary blackmailed the golf courseto get the students updated resources, which Miles begrudgingly delivered.
Nevertheless, I’d never put it pastAbbott Elementaryto bring the character back for a future appearance.
Jacob Hill (Chris Perfetti) even managed to set up a golf club for his students using their leverage, which Miles planned to shut down after Ava was fired.Gregory managed to save the program through entirely legal means, and now that the course has officially opened, Miles may disappear for good. Nevertheless, I’d never put it pastAbbott Elementaryto bring the character back for a future appearance.
3Will Ava Give Her Father Another Chance?
Frank Showed Up, But It May Not Be Enough
The introduction ofAva’s father inAbbott Elementaryseason 4 was a shocking development, but their reconciliation is far from over.Ava slowly revealed details about her childhood over the course of the season, including how Frank (Keith David) left and started another family, which she never fully recovered from. Despite Ava’s grudge, Frank refused to give up and continued to show up throughoutAbbott Elementaryseason 4.
Frank even appeared during the rally for Ava’s reinstatement inAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 21, as one of the most vocal supporters in the crowd. The two then had a touching conversation, where Frank used a thinly-veiled metaphor to ask Ava for another chance.Ava didn’t forgive her father, but she didn’t shoot him downeither, leaving the door open for further development inAbbott Elementaryseason 5.
2Is Barbara Going To Retire From Abbott Elementary?
A Throwaway Line Could Indicate Something Deeper
One storyline that was teased and then apparently forgotten about isBarbara’s possible exit fromAbbott Elementary.The veteran teacher mentioned retirement inAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 10, but the character hasn’t taken any concrete steps just yet. Nonetheless, the warning signs are still there.
ThroughoutAbbott Elementaryseason 4, storylines involving Barbara centered on her realizing how drastically times have changed or how old she is, implying she may feel behind the times. Granted, that’s been Barbara’s sole conflict sinceAbbott Elementarybegan, but it may now be building towards a big change. Unlike Ava’s temporary absence,Barbara retiring would be an irreversible changefor the mockumentary.
1Who Will Be The Main Character Of Abbott Elementary Season 5?
Another Staff Member Could Come Under The Microscope
Just asAbbott Elementaryseason 3 followed Janine closely and season 4 seemed to spotlight Ava, another member of the cast may be coming out of the woodwork soon.Someone like Gregory could be the main character ofAbbott Elementaryseason 5, meaning the overarching narrative will focus on his independent growth and development.While it could be anybody in theory, Gregory certainly has enough material to explore.
Aside from his relationship with Janine and his possible principal aspirations, Gregory had more personal narratives teased in theAbbott Elementaryseason 4 finale. Having a long-overdue heart-to-heart with his father in season 4, episode 22 could break the dam for Gregory, inspiring him to be more open about his feelings and embrace his silly side. Regardless of who will be the subtle lead,Abbott Elementaryseason 5 has more than enough unanswered questions to help kick-start its plot.
