Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 22, “Please Touch Museum.”
While it was fun to see Orlando Jones reprise the role of Martin Eddie in Abbott Elementary’s cast of characters are all funny, but the workplace sitcom can still benefit from occasional guest stars. Although season 4 of the series mostly eschewed the A-list guest stars that appeared in season 3, like Kevin Hart and Bradley Cooper, Abbott Elementary did bring back some iconic ing characters.
Both Josh Segarra’s Manny and Martin O’Malley’s Captain Robinson returned in season 4, as did Orlando Jones as Gregory Eddie’s father. After Ava’s Abbott Elementary season 4 character arc wrapped up in the preceding outing, episode 22, “Please Touch Museum,” began with her taking over as Abbott’s principal once more. Gregory was demoted back to his role as a teacher just in time to chaperon the trip to the titular attraction, a role he shared with his father Martin.
Gregory’s Father Surprised Him In Abbott Elementary Season 4, Episode 22
Gregory’s Dad Wasn’t The Man His Son ed
According to Philadelphia Magazine, “Please Touch Museum” was shot on location in the real-life Please Touch Museum. However, the stoic Martin initially seemed unmoved by the location’s frivolities and the antics of the many children surrounding him. Hilariously, Janine tried to herself as a stiff, emotionless authoritarian like Martin to get his approval, only to lose face when she comforted a student after a fall. Eventually, Janine’s gambit broke down when she refused to deny that trees have souls, prompting a disapproving stare from Martin.
Gregory’s father bringing up the memory of his mother made their finale reunion bittersweet.
However, Martin proved that he wasn’t the man Gregory ed when Janine defended her levity. Getting into the swing of things, Martin suddenly became unexpectedly jovial and light-hearted, leading Gregory to wonder what had changed. ’s Gregory is a cautious, self-serious character, and he has often credited his father with his stiffness. Seeing Martin cut loose came as a shock for his son, but I couldn’t believe how moving Martin’s eventual explanation proved.
When Gregory confronted his father over his apparent personality switch, Martin itted that his son rarely saw Martin’s lighter side during his upbringing. He conceded that life as a single father brought out his tougher side and told Gregory he always had a sense of humor, but Gregory’s late mother had always been the one who brought it out of him. In the finale’s sweetest moment, Martin noted that Janine was a great woman and told Gregory that he saw something of the kind demeanor of Gregory's late mother in his love interest.
Martin Revealed That Janine Reminded Him Of Gregory’s Mom
Abbott Elementary Season 4’s Finale Revealed A Sweet Sad Truth About Janine & Gregory
If Martin sees a similarity between Janine’s upbeat idealism and the attitude of Gregory’s mother, this is likely part of the reason why Gregory is drawn to her. Gregory’s Abbott Elementary story started with his crush on Janine, which dates all the way back to the pilot. Even back then, Janine was inadvertently leading Gregory to emerge from his father’s shadow. Gregory initially only wanted to work at Abbott to become its principal, but when he learned that he wouldn’t be replacing Ava anytime soon, he felt compelled to stay since he was infatuated with his co-worker.
Abbott Elementary Actor |
Character Name |
|---|---|
Quinta Brunson |
Janine Teagues |
Tyler James Williams |
Gregory Eddie |
Lisa Ann Walter |
Melissa Schemmenti |
Sheryl Lee Ralph |
Barbara Howard |
Janelle James |
Principal Ava |
William Stanford Davis |
Mr. Johnson |
Chris Perfetti |
Jacob Hill |
As Gregory continued working at Abbott, he came to like teaching more and more and moved past his obsession with a principal job. Janine accidentally got between Martin and Gregory when Gregory’s interest in her led him to realize that he didn’t care about becoming principal, so it was fitting that she also inadvertently brought the father/son duo together by exposing Martin’s lighter side. Although Gregory became Abbott’s principal in season 4 while Ava was temporarily fired, his father has since seemingly made peace with his son’s love of teaching.
What To Expect From Gregory & Janine's Future In Abbott Elementary Season 5
Janine & Gregory’s Relationship Is Better Than Ever One Year On
Abbott Elementary season 4’s finale pulled off an impressive sitcom achievement as, a year into Gregory and Janine's relationship, the show neither broke them up nor got bored with them. From The Mindy Project’s Mindy and Danny to New Girl’s Nick and Jess, sitcom history is littered with iconic couples who have incredible chemistry until they get together. The show then scrambles to break them up to bring back some drama and tension, ruining the original spark in the process.
Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 21’s Character Return Gives Ava A Bigger Personal Win Than A Professional One
Although Abbott Elementary season 4 episode 21's rally was vital for Ava's career, her unexpected personal success afterward was even more important.
Since season 4 had O’Shon and Ava to focus on, the sitcom didn’t have this issue with Janine and Gregory’s relationship. It is neither stale nor suddenly plagued by sudden, silly problems, unlike many sitcom love stories. Instead, as Martin’s role in Abbott Elementary season 4’s finale proves, the couple are stronger than ever heading into season 5.
Source: Philadelphia Magazine
Enjoy ScreenRant's primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check "Network TV" in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.
Abbott Elementary
- Release Date
- December 7, 2021
- Network
- ABC
- Showrunner
- Quinta Brunson
Cast
Quinta BrunsonJanine Teagues
Tyler James WilliamsGregory Eddie
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- Quinta Brunson
- Creator(s)
- Quinta Brunson
Your comment has not been saved