Abbott Elementary season 4 pulled out all the stops when it comes to storylines! There was the whole blackmailing the new golf course that came in, Ava getting fired and the teachers and students now having to return all the freebies they got, and of course there were some lovely romance storylines to explore as well.
We finally got to see Janine and Gregory as a couple after the will they, won't they for the past three seasons. And they absolutely gave us all the feels the whole season! Another pairing we were weren't expecting, but was a welcome addition, is Ava and O'Shon. Even though the two really work well together, actress Janelle James admitted to Gold Derby that she was nervous about exploring a romantic storyline for her character. Here's what the star had to say:
"If anything, I was nervous about that because, like you said, [the onscreen chemistry] doesn't happen a lot. That's what I've heard. I'm confident in my skills of pretending we have chemistry, but it's always great when it's already there. Mutually, we just really just put each other at ease."
We love Ava and O'Shon's relationship on Abbott Elementary
James went on to say that it was great to have Ava in a real relationship because all her previous ones were more superficial. Which I definitely agree with! O'Shon (Matthew Law) is much more calm compared to Ava's big personality. Though he knows what he wants, and he was in it for a serious relationship. Which we saw when the two went on their first date.
It's clear how much Ava cares about him though because even though she was scared, she didn't push him away. And the two end Abbott Elementary season 4 in a sweet place. Aw! James is also happy with the fan reaction to them, especially since if you think about it, their love story didn't play out in a huge chunk of episodes. Here's what the actress told the news outlet:
"I'm really proud of that relationship because he's also not in every episode and we've told a whole story in such a short time. When he is there, we're onscreen maybe four minutes, so for it to be a fully realized thing and have people making fan videos about us and all of that from such a short interactions is amazing."
Overall, I truly think the fourth season of the hit comedy series featured so much character growth for Ava, and the writers definitely threw a lot into her storyline. Don't forget the one about introducing us to her father. He's trying to reach out and support her more and more, so it will be interesting to see where this storyline goes as well.
Ava is a complex character, but that's what makes her so great and a true fan-favorite. I'm looking forward to seeing more of her and O'Shon, as well as continuing on that growth trajectory we've been seeing from her!
Abbott Elementary season 5 is expected to premiere in fall 2025 on ABC.