Abbott Elementary Season 5 Must Revisit Season 4’s Saddest Unfinished Storyline

Season 5 of “Abbott Elementary” should revisit an essential aspect of Ava’s narrative, as the previous season significantly humanized her character. The comedy series boasts a cast full of humor, but not all characters receive equal attention in their stories. For instance, Janine’s pursuit of Barbara Howard as a mentor was a recurring theme in seasons 1 and 2, while later episodes focused more on Janine and Gregory’s relationship.

In essence, it’s clear that certain secondary characters, like Melissa from Abbott Elementary, might have to bide their time for their moments in the limelight, especially given her reduced presence in season 4. Yet, this patience is usually rewarding not just for these characters but also for the audience. When we were first introduced to Janelle James’ character Ava in season 1, she was a straightforward comedic antagonist, leveraging corruption to mask her ineptitude. She manipulated her way into the principal position and mistreated her staff, making her a humorous yet unmistakably villainous figure.

Abbott Elementary Season 4 Reunited Ava With Her Absent Father Frank

Guest Star Keith David Played Her Flawed But Well-Meaning Dad

From as early as the ninth episode of season 1, titled “Step Class,” character Ava started showing more complex traits. Her affection towards her ailing grandmother made her more relatable, and over the next two seasons, she and Janine formed an unexpectedly strong professional bond. By season 4, Ava had transformed into an unanticipated heroine, with Janine being the one to stand up for her when the school board dismissed her under accusations of accepting bribes from real estate developers.

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

A significant portion of ‘Abbott Elementary’ season 4 focused on Ava and her father, Keith David’s character, Frank. It would be great to see more exploration of Ava’s complex relationship with her estranged father in season 5, as their reunion after many years was a key part of the storyline. Just as Vanetta, one of Abbott Elementary’s teachers, showed us that even role models can have flaws, Ava has yet to find it in her heart to forgive Frank for leaving her and her mother for another family.

Abbott Elementary Season 4 Should Bring Back Ava’s Family Story

This Plot Justified Ava’s Historic Fear of Commitment

In the ninth episode of season 4, labeled “Winter Break,” Ava openly discussed her hardship. Janine displayed progression by not interfering with Ava’s complex family issues concerning her father. As the season advanced, Frank persistently attempted to reconcile, first subtly donating funds to the school science fair and later leading a vocal group of local entrepreneurs protesting Ava’s dismissal by the school board. These actions gradually conveyed his sincere remorse to Ava.

In episode 21 of season 4, titled “Rally,” Ava chose to offer him another opportunity. This decision, in turn, demonstrated that Ava had evolved and matured over the course of Abbott Elementary’s initial four seasons, as Frank clearly showed. The character of David seems promising for the show’s continuation. While the dynamic between Janine and Gregory on Abbott Elementary found some stability in season 4, Ava’s personal and professional life took a turn for the worse.

Another New Character Makes Ava and Frank’s Abbott Elementary Season 5 Story Vital

Ava’s Love Interest O’Shon Will Return In Season 5

Since Ava’s life has settled down once more, there might be a tendency for the show to focus less on her character development. However, with Frank still around, viewers can continue to witness Ava evolving and transforming as she learns to trust again. This growth isn’t necessarily the central theme of season 5, but it remains an important aspect that keeps us engaged.

In a remarkable display of balanced humor and emotional depth, Abbott Elementary’s fourth season expertly portrayed even the most outrageous characters like Ava with compassion. Following the poignant ending of season 4, it’s crucial for Ava to keep in touch with Frank so she can nurture her budding romance with O’Shon. To prevent slipping back into old patterns of commitment fear, our heroine from Abbott Elementary must maintain contact with her past as the series progresses into its upcoming seasons.

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2025-06-03 20:59

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