Abbott Elementary Season 4, Episode 1, “Back to School” Spoilers Ahead
Abbott Elementary’s Season 4 premiere is a dream episode for fans of the workplace romance. While the Season 3 finale jumpstarts Gregory Eddie and Janine Teague’s relationship with a perfect kiss, Season 4, Episode 1, “Back to School,” shows that it’s not only official, but it’s the real deal.
In an episode that also explores the frustrations teachers are facing because of a new golf course construction, it’s hilarious and rewarding that “Back to School” manages to tell yet another sweet story with the show’s favorite couple. As it turns out, the two of them have been not-so-secretly dating all summer, but everyone knows. Further, viewers who read romance novels know that situations like this often lead to some of the best arcs.
Gregory and Janine’s Relationship Is Solid
When it comes to “will they/won’t they” dynamics, viewers are understandably apprehensive about how the show could pull couples through a wringer and split them up. But all good sitcom creators know that once the relationship is canon, it should stay that way, and Quinta Brunson isn’t just a good creator, but she’s an excellent one. This is it for Gregory and Janine—their relationship is endgame.
Additionally, it’s effortless to appreciate that in the face of their HR fears, we get a worthwhile conversation that shows us how far they’ve come, even while we haven’t been with them all summer. We know a lot about them as a couple because we’ve watched their friendship bloom into everything that it is, but the changes in their demeanor this year are both newly wholesome and not at all different from what we’ve seen.
Yes, they’re leaning a bit closer and constantly beaming at each other, but more importantly, they’re continuing to check in on each other. Gregory is running to her house to pick up her presentation, and unlike in her previous relationship, Janine is beyond proud of the man standing beside her. So, when they have that conversation outside of the building about the fact that she told everyone they’re having sex, it’s entirely natural for Gregory to question whether she isn’t sure about their relationship.
Related Content: Never Change, Janine and Gregory
It’s also a mark of incredible writing that, instead of fighting back and denying her feelings, Janine smiles and opens up about how she’s afraid that she could mess things up if she publicizes their relationship. And so much of this moment stands out because the way Gregory wraps his arms around her and pulls her close is straight out of a romance novel. It’s the visual reassurance both viewers and Janine need to believe that she doesn’t have to fear the outcome of this relationship because it’s built to last. They’ve been fortifying their foundation long before they even realized it’s what they were doing, and coming clean to HR is the final push they need to have everything set in motion. Now, if Gregory ever becomes principal, that’d be something we’d need to discuss, but Ben Wyatt and Leslie Knope made it, so it’s easy to believe that these will cross through any bridge that rises in their path.
Abbott Elementary Season 4, Episode 1 Comes With Other Changes
Now, while Gregory and Janine are doing things the honorable way finally, Melissa, Barbara, and Jacob are taking bribes from an attorney to keep quiet about the nonunionized workers at the golf course. Abbott Elementary is a sitcom, so we’re not going to go into some horrible mess here, but it’s still easy to wonder how the show’s trajectory will change with the golf course. The school’s hot water and heating system is already causing disturbances, but what does that look like going forward? The episode makes you question whether this is an arc we’ll revisit or if it’s one that merely shows how time has passed.
Still, as irritating as it is for them, it’s hilarious for us to watch, and it’s yet another reminder that there are many things to come that’ll continue to improve the school for all students and teachers. It’s also just utterly hilarious to see how invested the teachers are in Gregory and Janine’s relationship, framing the episode around secrecy and confessions.
Further Thoughts
- JANINE AND GREGORY ARE SO STINKIN” CUTE. I know I just spent a whole review yapping about them, but I need to scream this, okay? And I love that Jacob is the only one who officially knew for a while. I also love that we haven’t seen their first “I love you” because it means we’re getting it on screen, and I’m gonna sob.
- Ava is still the worst principal, but okay.
- What do you mean elementary students have a podcast!?!? What do you mean!??
- Okay, but what happened to Melissa’s connections? This is important information.
Now streaming on Hulu or ABC: What are your thoughts on Abbott Elementary Season 4, Episode 1, “Back to School?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©(Disney/Gilles Mingasson)