Warning: this article contains spoilers forAbbott Elementary.Abbott Elementarycrafts immensely entertaining storylines with care, but it needs to do a better job at giving Ava a proper romance. A good love story is no stranger to the show, withAbbott Elementary’s hilarious cast of charactersnearly all involved in a romantic plot. It highlighted Jacob Hill (Chris Perfetti) when he revealed his boyfriend in season 1 and broke up with him in season 3. Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter) has had multiple partners. Thankfully,the slow burn between Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) and Gregory Eddie (Tyler James WIlliams) has finally found closureinAbbottseason 4.
Principal Ava Coleman (Janelle James), however, hasn’t been given the opportunity to find love inAbbott Elementaryseason 4.Ava’s character has undergone major shiftsthroughout the first three seasons, with her morphing from antagonist to hero as she slowly reveals her true personality. Ava is much more than the vapid, judgmental woman. She has layers, like being a doomsday prepper or her sorority’s step club captain. EvenJanine recognizes how much Ava cares for the students at Abbott, with her keeping spare pants in her desk for emergencies. The real Ava deserves a real love story.
Ava Needs A True Love Story In Abbott Elementary
The Principal Deserves A Partner
Ava hasn’t been given a serious love interest throughout the first three seasons of ABC’s acclaimed comedy. InAbbott Elementaryseason 2, episode 10 (“Holiday Hookah”), former basketball player Andre “Iggy” Iguodala made a cameo as Ava’s“boyfriend,”but the whole thing is played off as a joke, since Ava has no attachment to him. The closest Ava has come to a love story is her former one-sided flirtationship with Gregory, though she never truly intended to follow through. With so manyromantic relationships inAbbott Elementary,it feels wrong for Ava to be the only main character left out.
Iguodala played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 19 seasons.
Abbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 3finally introduces a character who shows genuine interest in Ava, but she isn’t allowed to react beyond joking dismissals. Now thatnearly everyone inAbbottElementary is paired off—Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) with her husband, Melissa with a firefighter, Jacob with a fling, Janine and Gregory together — the only ones left are Ava and Mr. Johnson. The janitor is so mysterious, that it seems impossible for him to want a romance played out in front of the characters. That said, Ava needs her moment in the romantic sun.
How A Romance Can Help With Ava’s Character Development In Abbott Elementary Season 4
Ava Learned How To Be A Leader; Now She Can Learn To Be A Girlfriend
Abbott Elementaryspent ample time showcasing Ava learning to accept herself and grow despite her limitations. She has come so far, her public speaking skills are theorized to be a potentialfix for the golf course issue inAbbott Elementaryseason 4. She has stepped up as principal and, though she’s certainly far from perfect,Ava perfectly exemplifies the spirit ofAbbott Elementary. Seeing her in a serious courtship would be the best progression for her character; she’ll have to grapple with vulnerability and face her issues with showing sincerity. In short, love would help Ava grow even further.
Abbott Elementary Season 4’s Latest Win Proves ABC Needs To Make A Change Before It Sabotages Its Success
Although Abbott Elementary seems to only get more popular with time, ABC is failing the mockumentary by keeping it at such a late timeslot.
GivingAva a romance inAbbott Elementaryseason 4even works with the overarching structure of the show itself. Now that Janine and Gregory are finally together, the audience needs a new couple to root for. An argument could be made that Jacob is next in line after his messy split in season 3, episode 5 (“Breakup”), butAva has been overlooked for far too long.Whether they pair Ava with an existing character or bring in an entirely new suitor for her to pursue/be pursued by, it’s time forAbbott Elementaryto give Ava an actual love interest.
Abbott Elementarycontinues on Wednesday, December 4 on ABC.
Abbott Elementary
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.
