Although Janine and Gregory’s Abbott Elementary romance, whereas Barbara’s role as Janine’s mentor and her issues with this position dominated season 1’s story.
Similarly, although Abbott Elementary season 4’s bittersweet finale was firmly about the kids, the season as a whole functioned as a redemption arc for Principal Ava Coleman. Originally introduced as a corrupt, arrogant blowhard in season 1, Ava proved she could retain those questionable qualities and still prove a surprisingly selfless, dedicated principal and educational leader in season 4. However, this inevitably meant that some other ing stars received less character focus as Ava enjoyed her time in the spotlight.
Melissa’s Abbott Elementary Season 4 Role Was Minimal
Abbott Elementary Focused On Ava and Barbara Over Melissa
Specifically, Melissa and her roommate Jacob were sidelined in Abbott Elementary season 4, since they weren’t going through anything particularly dramatic and the sitcom opted to devote its screen time to more exciting storylines. Notably, one episode was an exception to this rule, and it was one of the season’s strongest outings. When Jacob and Melissa first moved in together, their lives were both dramatic enough to warrant a lot of focus from the series.
The two played a central role in season 3 as they attempted to each other through two major breakups.
In one of Abbott Elementary’s most genuinely unexpected twists, Melissa turned down Gary the Vending Machine Guy’s very public proposal in season 3’s premiere, while Jacob and his long-term boyfriend Zack broke up only a few episodes later. Naturally, the two played a central role in season 3 as they attempted to each other through these major breakups. However, as ’s Janine and Gregory story took center stage, the duo quietly slid into the background, and they arguably haven’t returned to the limelight since.
In particular, Melissa’s role in season 4 was minimal compared to Ava’s redemption arc, as well as, obviously, Janine and Gregory’s continued love story. Jacob had a few moments to shine as he attempted to bring the despondent student RJ out of his shell, heroically took the brunt of the school’s tapeworm epidemic, and proved he definitely wasn’t over his ex with a hysterical cover of Papa Roach’s "Last Resort" at karaoke. In contrast, Melissa enjoyed almost no screen time in season 4.
Melissa and Captain Robinson’s Abbott Elementary Season 4 Romance Was Unexpectedly Sweet
Guest Star Mike O’Malley Made A Big Impression With Little Screen Time
Fortunately, Melissa’s small amount of screen time was well spent. Her relationship with her emotional guinea pig Sweetcheeks was hilarious, while her romance with guest star Mike O’Malley’s fireman Captain Robinson was heartwarming after her disastrous breakup with Gary. While Abbott Elementary’s best new character was Ava’s love interest O’Shon, the returning Captain Robinson still managed to make an impression despite his limited screen time in season 4.
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 |
Season 4, episode 16, “Books,” was one of the season’s more daring outings, focusing on the recent spate of real-life book bans in US schools. Thus, Melissa’s side story with Captain Robinson, where she tried to convince herself that she didn’t care about Gary’s impending wedding, was a fun, light-hearted compliment to the show’s sharper satirical storyline. Melissa and Captain Robinson’s romance was unexpectedly sweet in Abbott Elementary season 4, and the plot proved just how much potential the characters have as the series continues.
One Standout Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode Proved Melissa and Jacob’s Potential
Melissa’s Christmas Party Was Central To A Great Festive Special
Although “Books” provided Melissa and Captain Robinson with a cute moment, it was season 4, episode 8, “Winter Break,” that highlighted how much she and Jacob’s unlikely friendship has grown and developed over the years. As Melissa held her family’s all-important Christmas Eve dinner, Jacob was on hand to ensure everything went to plan. This idea took a turn when Melissa’s bigoted uncle seemingly died upstairs and Jacob, his brother, and Melissa debated how they would hide this until the meal was over.
While Ava’s Abbott Elementary season 4 story proves the sitcom can take itself and its characters seriously from time to time, “Winter Break” was a case study in knockabout farce that provided the sitcom with its best festive special yet.
“Winter Break” was one of Melissa’s best episodes ever and Jacob was a big part of its success, with the cartoonish plot succeeding thanks to its sheer lunacy and absurdly dark premise. While Ava’s Abbott Elementary season 4 story proves the sitcom can take itself and its characters seriously from time to time, “Winter Break” was a case study in knockabout farce that provided the sitcom with its best festive special yet. As such, season 5 should utilize this pairing more often and give Melissa and Jacob more opportunities to play off each other’s conflicting personalities.
Where Melissa’s Story Can Go In Abbott Elementary Season 5
Melissa and Captain Robinson Could Soon Move In Together
Ironically, the best way for Melissa and Jacob’s storyline to develop in season 5 might be for someone to get between the two firm friends. Melissa and Captain Robinson should move in together in Abbott Elementary season 5, not least because this would mean Jacob has to move out. This would give another underused character something to do, providing Jacob’s storyline with shape and purpose that was lacking in season 4, even if he did receive more screen time than Melissa.
Abbott Elementary Season 5's Possible Biggest Returning Guest Star Poses A Major Challenge For Janine & Gregory
Abbott Elementary season 4's finale set up a comeback from the sitcom's most underrated guest star, Taraji P. Henson as Janine's mom Vanetta.
Meanwhile, seeing their colleague take this big step could lead Abbott Elementary’s Janine and Gregory to consider taking the plunge too, thus organically increasing the stakes of their romance. Meanwhile, Melissa herself could confront the fear of commitment that ended her relationship with Gary by being the one to ask Captain Robinson to move in. Interestingly, Mike O’Malley’s guest star waited for Melissa to ask if he wanted to be exclusive, thus ensuring he didn’t scare her away.
Captain Robinson and Melissa’s season 5 storyline shouldn’t be smooth sailing, but the plot also must not be relegated to the background of the sitcom.
If O’Shon and Ava’s relationship proved anything in Abbott Elementary season 4, it was that the show’s couples could handle a little conflict and are often able to grow as a result of their struggles. Thus, Captain Robinson and Melissa’s season 5 storyline shouldn’t be smooth sailing, but the plot also must not be relegated to the background of the sitcom. Melissa has earned a moment in the spotlight, and her character receiving more focus is likely to improve Jacob’s role in the series as a result. Thus, Abbott Elementary season 5 owes her more time to shine.
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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
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