After seasons of tension and a kiss in Abbott Elementary’s Season 3 finale, viewers finally learn that Janine and Gregory are now a couple. The Season 4 premiere, however, doesn’t drag out the big reveal.
Moments into the episode, Janine excitedly tells the documentary crew that they’re officially dating. But not without a brief fake-out, as she first claims they’re just friends, before exclaiming, “Psych, we’re actually dating now!”
For now, the couple tries to keep things under wraps, with only Jacob in on the secret—or so they think. As it turns out, most of the staff, including Barbara, Melissa, and Ava, are fully aware of the budding romance.
Even the students are starting to catch on. Ava, always one to stir the pot, decides to call in an HR rep from the district “just in case anyone has anything they’d like to get off their chest.” In classic Ava fashion, she adds, “I’ve got to take action, which is my least favorite thing to take.”
Abbott Elementary: Tensions Arise: Is Janine Hesitant?
Despite their happy start, Gregory senses that something is off. When the HR rep arrives, Gregory is ready to announce their relationship, but Janine seems to hesitate.
This throws Gregory into a tailspin, wondering if Janine is as invested in their relationship as he is. Jacob tries to reassure him, but Gregory can’t shake the doubt.
Later in the episode, Janine accidentally sparks more suspicion. After forgetting her speech for the year’s goals, Gregory retrieves her house keys. He returns to Abbott, a bit too familiar with her home.
When the other teachers ask how the couple left in the same car and came back together, Janine tries (unsuccessfully) to spin it into a carpooling arrangement. Things escalate quickly when Mr. Johnson, ever the conspiracy theorist, claims the two are involved in selling drugs.
“We’re not selling drugs. We’re having sex,” Janine blurts out, much to the shock of everyone. Well, that’s one way to make their relationship public!
GREGORY JANINE NATION RISE IM SCREAMING #AbbottElementary pic.twitter.com/kT3xljZqii
— nicola coughlan's defense attorney (@vicsssversion) October 10, 2024
Abbott Elementary: Why Is Janine Hesitant?
Despite the humor, Gregory is concerned. Janine hesitates to embrace their relationship in public. In a heartfelt conversation, he asks her directly, “Should I be worried?” Janine, nervous, explains that her last relationship failed. She’s scared to make their romance official, fearing it might ruin something special.
Gregory, ever the steady force in her life, offers her the reassurance she needs. “We’re not your last time. We’re this time,” he tells her, encouraging Janine to move forward without the baggage of past failures.
His comforting words push Janine to approach HR and make their relationship official. Gregory wisely suggests leaving out the intimate details she blurted out.
POOKIES ARE BACK & DATING I’M SMILING SO HARD #AbbottElementary pic.twitter.com/LDJrYqZpCE
— ً (@tqvans) October 10, 2024
Abbott Elementary: Workplace Romance Complications Loom
While the new couple celebrates their budding romance, Abbott Elementary is far from drama-free. Principal Ava, always looking out for herself, takes a rare moment to congratulate them. But, she adds a self-serving twist: “I’m happy for you two.”
Even if our ‘situationship’ is over,” she quips, adding that she just wants them to be “smart and safe” about their relationship. Ava’s involvement hints that while Janine and Gregory are moving forward, the workplace dynamics may still complicate things.
Quinta Brunson, the executive producer and star, previously teased that dating coworkers could be tricky. In a recent interview, she explained, “When two people enter an intimate relationship at work, it complicates things.
There’s the added layer of how this affects other relationships in the workplace if the romance takes precedence.” With Abbott Elementary being a close-knit school, things could get tricky if the couple’s relationship becomes too intertwined with work.
THE CHEEK KISS… THEY ARE PERFECT🥰 #AbbottElementary pic.twitter.com/PbgsvjVPfk
— Nel✨ (@mrsalexsmith___) October 10, 2024
Abbott Elementary: Janine and Gregory’s Future – Smooth Sailing or Rocky Roads?
Despite a few early hiccups, Gregory’s reassurances seem to have calmed Janine’s fears, for now. Viewers wonder if the new romance can survive workplace drama and personal insecurities that often plague TV romances.
Brunson hinted that this season will dive deeper into how their dynamic changes post-romance: “Decision made, now what?
How does your workplace change because of that? How do your lives change because of being so intentional about something?”
One thing’s for sure – Janine and Gregory have taken a huge step, but their journey is far from over.
Whether it’s the pressure of working together or lingering insecurities, this couple will have plenty of challenges to face. And fans will be eager to see how they navigate their new relationship in the episodes to come.
