Warning: this article contains SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 11 (“Strike”).Abbott Elementaryseason 4 is giving Gregory (Tyler James Williams) something that he hasn’t had since season 2. Matthew Law’s O’Shon joined theAbbott Elementaryseason 4 castin episode 3 (“Class Pet”) as an IT representative from the district. Though he immediately conveyed his attraction to Ava (Janelle James), the principal has been wavering on whether to pursue him— or, as she puts it, to let him pursue her. O’Shon now has an even more important role: despite being a staple of the cast,Gregory doesn’t have many friends inAbbott Elementary.
InAbbott Elementaryseason 4, episode 11 (“Strike”), O’Shon returns to set the classrooms up for hybrid learning, where he notices Gregory tossing paper into his trash can. O’Shon extends an open invitation to his pick-up basketball game, which Gregory nonchalantly accepts, but it’s clear he’s excited at the prospect of playing. His students and girlfriend Janine (Quinta Brunson) celebrate him making a friend, despite Gregory insisting he has relationships outside of school. The last time anyone corroborated that was in an ill-fated romance two seasons back, with a character who initially preventedGregory and Janine’s relationship inAbbott Elementary.
O’Shon Marks Gregory’s First Non-Abbott Friend Since Janine’s Split With Maurice In Season 2
Maurice Stopped Janine & Gregory From Starting A Relationship
Before she and Gregory becamethe best couple inAbbott Elementary, Janine and Maurice (Vince Staples) were one of the worst.Maurice was initially Gregory’s friend, who dragged him out for a boy’s night inAbbott Elementaryseason 2, episode 10 (“Holiday Hookah”). Though Gregory had a girlfriend at the time, he and Janine flirted when they ran into each other. Gregory eventually left, opening the door for Maurice to make a move on Janine as soon as he was gone. The two were completely incompatible, but Janine agreed to a date anyway.
Maurice was portrayed by Vince Staples, a rapper and comedian with six studio albums.
In season 2, episode 16 (“Teacher Conference”), Janine (who was still dating Maurice) and Gregory shared their first kiss inAbbott Elementary.Janine convinced Gregory to come with her to break the news to Maurice, who took it well but awoke an identity crisis in Janine when he called her selfish.Maurice’s reaction was enough to dissuade Janine from pursuing a relationship with Gregoryin theAbbott Elementaryseason 2 finale, delaying the relationship for an entire extra season. Along with disappearing from Janine’s life, he was never seen interacting with Gregory again. Since then, Gregory has stayed close to his coworkers, girlfriend, or father.
What O’Shon & Gregory’s Friendship Means For Abbott Elementary Season 4
They Can Have Their Own Storylines
Now that O’Shon has made a connection with Gregory, the future looks bright for both characters.Gregory has been a supplemental character inAbbott Elementary, part of the plot but only tangentially. Any recent storyline involving Gregory has really been Gregory and Janine or Gregory and Jacob, or even Gregory and Dee (Kaitlin Olson) in theAbbott ElementaryandIt’s Always Sunny In Philadelphiacrossover. Having friends outside the workplace is the first step to Gregory earning more independent character arcs inAbbott Elementary.
Abbott Elementary Season 4 May Have Secretly Hinted At An Original Character Leaving (& I’m Already Devastated)
The cast of Abbott Elementary has been key to its massive success, but a line in season 4, episode 10 has sad implications for one teacher’s future.
Meanwhile,Ava and O’Shon may be the new Janine and Gregory inAbbott Elementary, but there’s no guarantee that their romance will be long-term. In an ironic inverse of Maurice, if O’Shon’s relationship fails, he’ll still have his friendship with Gregory. By forging a friendship,both characters now have an anchor outside their love storiesto preserve their individuality. Though O’Shon and Ava will likely dominate the conversation, O’Shon befriending Gregory may be the sweetest moment so far inAbbott Elementaryseason 4.
Abbott Elementarycontinues Wednesday at 8:30 ET on ABC.
Abbott Elementary
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary comedy series centered around a group of dedicated teachers at a struggling public school in Philadelphia. The show highlights their efforts to overcome bureaucratic challenges and underfunding, while showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact on their students' lives.
