Warning: SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 16.Abbott Elementary is setting the stage for Janine and Gregory to take the next step, but the relationship milestone comes with pros and cons. Creator Quinta Brunson leads the Abbott Elementary cast of characters as Janine, an overly-optimistic primary teacher who falls in love with classroom neighbor Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams). Though the two characters are immediately attracted to one another, it takes until the Abbott Elementary season 3 finale for Gregory and Janine to start dating.
While their love story has influenced many of Abbott Elementary’s most heartwarming moments, the slow-burn couple still runs into conflicts now that they’re officially together. Luckily, being the best couple in Abbott Elementary doesn’t mean Gregory or Janine can’t have individual arcs, even if the obvious solution lies in their connection. Abbott Elementary season 4 has already included multiple big moments for the pair, but it seems like Gregory and Janine’s relationship will further escalate soon.
Gregory’s Money Problem In Abbott Elementary Season 4 Explained
His Monthly Expenses Are Too High For A Teacher’s Salary
Many Abbott Elementary episodes touch on real issues, and “Books” is no exception. The main hot topic is the library storyline that explores the controversial nature of book-banning, but Gregory’s job hunt explores multiple other problems that are prevalent in today’s day and age. Despite continually mentioning his Master’s Degree, Gregory runs into trouble trying to find a second job to cover the sudden spike in his rent. Plus, Gregory only needs another job because his teacher’s salary can’t cover his monthly expenses.
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Abbott Elementary Season 4 Just Missed The Perfect Opportunity To Replicate Its Most-Watched Episode
ABC’s hit mockumentary Abbott Elementary airs every Wednesday, but its highest-viewed episode originally aired on a star-studded Sunday night in 2024.
Gregory’s degree becomes essentially useless in Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 16. Even after he deems himself overqualified to work popular side hustles like ride-sharing, Gregory’s humbled by his job-hunting failure by the end of the episode. Initially, Gregory even lies to Janine about his supplemental jobs because he’s embarrassed to be seen delivering pizzas and chauffeuring people around. After Janine reassures him that he shouldn’t be ashamed of being a hard worker, Gregory’s ego is still bruised, but he vows to be more honest with her.
Moving In Together Would Be The Next Big Milestone For Gregory & Janine’s Relationship
It’s The Formulaic Next Step
Although Gregory finds multiple new jobs in Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 16, the obvious answer to his money problems would be for Janine to move in with him. Janine also struggled to pay the rent by herself after breaking up with Tariq (Zack Fox), and her apartment is shown to be falling apart in Abbott Elementary season 3. Janine moving in with Gregory would give her a safer place to live, and they could split the cost of one lease rather than pay for two separate places.
|
Actor |
Abbott Elementary Character |
|---|---|
|
Quinta Brunson |
Janine Teagues |
|
Tyler James Williams |
Gregory Eddie |
|
Janelle James |
Ava Coleman |
|
Sheryl Lee Ralph |
Barbara Howard |
|
Lisa Ann Walter |
Melissa Schemmenti |
|
Chris Perfetti |
Jacob Hill |
|
William Stanford Davis |
Mr. Johnson |
Gregory and Janine’s relationship in Abbott Elementary has already passed multiple milestones in season 4, from publicly disclosing their relationship to the district HR worker to professing their love to one another in the Valentine’s Day episode. It’s obvious that Gregory and Janine are in for the long haul in Abbott Elementary, and moving in together would be the logical next step. Sharing a living space would also continue Abbott Elementary’s refreshing trend of giving the couple realistic but manageable conflicts.
Why It’s Too Soon For Gregory & Janine To Move In Together In Abbott Elementary
The Couple Needs Time To Lay The Groundwork
Despite the logic behind moving in together, Gregory and Janine need more time before they start co-habitating. Gregory and Janine’s love story in Abbott Elementary is central to the plot and the mockumentary’s overall identity, which means the sitcom can’t risk rushing the most important moments as their relationship develops. Even while moving in together is the pragmatic option, there are still issues the couple needs to realize and resolve before such a big change.
Episodes of Abbott Elementary can be streamed on Hulu the day after they air on ABC, but full seasons can be streamed on Max.
It’s undeniable that Janine has her flaws in Abbott Elementary, and her most frustrating quirk is that she refuses to admit them when she needs help, despite constantly inserting herself into her coworker’s problems. Janine will likely resist giving up her apartment, even though Gregory’s place is almost certainly better. At the same time, Gregory’s pride may prevent him from even asking Janine to move
in.
Overall, sharing an apartment together this early in their relationship can result in issues for the pair. They already spend so much time together at work, living with each other could prove to be too much for them. Every healthy relationship needs some separation, so as the people involved can maintain their own identity. Abbott Elementary’s slow-burn couple will surely experience all the most important milestones as a couple, but living together is a bit too much, too soon.
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Abbott Elementary continues Wednesday on ABC.
Abbott Elementary
9/10
- Release Date
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December 7, 2021
- Showrunner
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Quinta Brunson
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Quinta Brunson
Janine Teagues
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Tyler James Williams
Gregory Eddie
