Abbott Elementary season 4 brought with it many major storylines, especially for Principal Ava Coleman. A lot was thrown at both the character and actress - in her family life, love life, and work life - but it showed true character development, which we love to see! There's one storyline in particular actress Janelle James appreciated how creator and star Quinta Brunson and the writing team handled.
Speaking with Gold Derby, James talked about the storyline with Ava's father, Frank, played by Keith David. There's a lot of hurt there, and we haven't really even gotten super into it yet. We do know that he left at some point and she grew up without him, which is definitely something that's hard to forgive.
Janelle James likes how Abbott Elementary is handling Ava and her father
There's still so many layers and conversations to get to, though it seemed like both were able to take that first step in season 4 episode 21, "Rally." Emphasis on the first step. There's more work to be done on his end and it won't be a complete forgiving fest right away. And that's what James appreciates from Brunson and the writers. Here's what she told the news outlet:
"I love how Quinta and the writers are playing that and giving it nuance. It's not the cliché sitcom thing that would be for me to be like, "Oh, daddy!" and then we hug. In real life, that's not how it works. No one changes overnight. No one defrosts overnight. Ava has ice around her heart for this man and it's warranted, so she's not gonna let him off that easy."
The Abbott Elementary star also mentioned that she's not sure where this story is going to go. Though if I had to take a guess, the writers introduced this thread into Ava's personal life to explore it more in the already confirmed season 5, which is set to air sometime in fall 2025 on ABC. We certainly can't wait to get more!
The ensemble cast certainly isn't a small one, and there's a lot for the creative team to balance and get through. At this point, we know how amazing these teachers (and principal) are at their jobs. So it's nice to be able to dig into their personal lives a little bit more.
Abbott Elementary season 4 introduced us to Melissa's big Italian family, Jacob's brother, Barbara's daughter Taylor shared the news she's pregnant, and even Gregory got to see a very different side to his dad in the finale when he came to meet Janine on the field trip. Next season, we would love it if the comedy could bring back Taraji P. Henson as Janine's mother and Ayo Edebiri as her sister.
Though I'm sure those two amazing actresses are booked and busy! If you remember back to those early seasons, Janine would share random thoughts and comments about her mom, and it's clear the two also have a complicated relationship. It would be nice to see them start to find ways to work through some of the issues they have.
Abbott Elementary season 5 is expected to air in fall 2025 on ABC.