Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 6, “The Deli”
WhileAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 6 did bring back Josh Segarra’s Manny, the school district employee’s return wasn’t as predictable as viewers might have feared. When Josh Segarra’s Manny was introduced inAbbott Elementary’s season 3 premiere, his role in the workplace mockumentary sitcom seemed obvious.Abbott Elementary’s Janine and Gregory romancewas on pause and Manny recommended Janine for a school district fellowship since he shared her dorky enthusiasm for pedagogy. It was clear that he was being set up as an alternative love interest whose presence would push Gregory to confess his feelings for Janine.
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Although this is how Gregory read the situation, the reality was surprising and subversive. Janine and Manny remained friends and worked well together, but their relationship was strictly platonic despite their similarities and common interests. Manny even rejoinedAbbott Elementary’s cast of charactersin season 4, episode 6, “The Deli,” in a plot that didn’t involve Janine. Much likeMelissa’sAbbott Elementaryseason 4 story, Manny’s return proved the character had a more complex role in the sitcom than had initially appeared. This was a welcome comeback for a character who could improve Abbot if given a chance.
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Although Segarra’s school district employee was originally established as Janine’s potential love interest in season 3, she ended up with Gregory in the finale. “The Deli” proved thatAbbott Elementarywas right to keep Manny around when he called Principal Ava to congratulate her on the school’s success. Manny revealed that test scores, attendance, and academic performance had all improved since Ava became Abbott’s principal, and he asked her to deliver an Ed Talk to inspire other educators.Manny reaching out to Principal Ava proves he has a role to play inAbbott Elementaryseason 4, despite Janine and Gregory’s relationship.
The revelation that Manny owed Janine a favor since she taught him how to ride a bike was a hilarious surprise.
Abbott Elementary’s Manny comeback used Segarra’s character perfectly, expanding his role instead of keeping his interactions limited to Janine. SinceAbbott Elementary’s Principal Avais rarely seen as a masterful administrator, it was fun to watch Janine mold her into the public speaker Manny wanted. The revelation that Manny owed Janine a favor since she taught him how to ride a bike was a hilarious surprise that implied the pair maintained an off-screen friendship, while Manny’s approval of Ava’s eventual Ed Talk proved he could become a regular fixture in future episodes. This would be a great choice.
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Manny Gave Ava An Ed Talk In Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 6
Manny’s presence reminds viewers about Abbott’s contentious relationship with the district and Janine’s fellowship there, drawing attention to the issue of public education underfunding. Manny is a perfect face for the district since, instead of being a clichéd cynical suit, he is a hilariously earnest, seemingly genuinely well-meaning advocate working in a deeply imperfect system. The fact that his return madeAbbott Elementary’s Janine and Ava work togetherproves that Manny can disrupt the show’s status quo as the teachers scramble to acquire the school’s funding. Thus,Abbott Elementaryseason 4 was right to bring back this underrated supporting star.
