Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 20 has laid the groundwork for the fated return of Ava Coleman as the principal of Abbott Elementary. But Janelle James' Ava's return to the principal position might come at the cost of another main character's dream job. Ava Coleman has been one of the primary reasons why the viewers of the show keep coming back to this mockumentary. So, it comes as no surprise that the creators of the show would figure out a way to reinstate her as principal.
However, Coleman's reinstation as principal might force Gregory, her interim replacement, to weigh his options when it comes to his future at Abbott Elementary. Here's everything about Coleman's return as principal in Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 20, and what it means for Gregory's future at the school.
Disclaimer: The piece features spoilers from Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 20. Reader's discretion is advised.
Ava's return at the school in Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 20
In Episode 18 of Abbott Elementary Season 4, Ava Coleman, the vibrant yet self-centered principal of Abbott Elementary, was shockingly fired for taking bribes (supplies for the school) from the local shady developers. At this point, Abbott Elementary is poised to spin into chaos without its crooked yet loving principal. But this doesn't happen as Gregory Eddie steps forward to save the day.
Gregory Eddie's reign as principal could not be more different from Ava's if he tried. Gregory is a rule follower, but it has been his lifelong dream to be the principal at Abbott Elementary. Their difference is clearly portrayed in the Episode 19 subplot where he pairs up with Melissa Schemmenti to decode Coleman's filing system, which happens to be a code hidden in the names of Hall of Fame Survivor players.
Fans of the show assume that even though being the principal is Gregory's dream job, he will find out that he's not very good at it, making way for Ava's return to the position. But what happens is completely different.
Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 20 featured an Open House that tested Gregory's capability of acting as the principal to the extremes. The episode proves that Gregory's way of handling the school is not the drawback that Dia and Melissa expected it to be. Gregory is forced to face concerned, confused, and angry parents without any time to prepare himself for the questions. From a visit from his ex-girlfriend to a vindictive and aggressive father, Gregory manages to field all questions flawlessly.
Gregory displays an adaptability to change and resolves conflict like a pro, establishing himself as a great interim principal. It is at this point in Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 20 that Ava also comes to the realization that even though the school does not need her to stay afloat, she needs the school. So, when Janine asks her if she wants to come back as principal and fight her removal from the job, she says yes.
What Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 20 Means for Gregory's Future
After Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 20, it appears Ava's return is inevitable. At Ava's return to Abbott Elementary as principal, Gregory might find himself at a standpoint where he has to decide how he wants to move forward in his career. It has been established since Season 1 that Gregory was the alternative for Ava as the school principal when it was revealed that she wouldn't have gotten the job if she hadn't blackmailed the superintendent.
Gregory has since adapted to his reality of losing out on his lifelong dream and finding his joy in just teaching. But now that he has been the interim principal for a while and has been great at it, he might find just teaching disappointing once Ava returns. Once Ava returns as the principal, Gregory may realize that even though he found joy in just teaching, his dream of being a principal is still the same. If this is the case, he might consider leaving Abbott Elementary for another position at a different school.
However, the decision to leave Abbott Elementary is not one that would come easy to Gregory. He has made a lot of bonds and connections at the school and with his class, which would make leaving difficult. At this point in his career, after Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 20, Gregory might have to choose between his career aspirations and the connections he's made. Nevertheless, whatever Gregory decides to do, it will be interesting to watch how the show goes about bringing Ava back as the principal and the effect it will have on Gregory's future.
Abbott Elementary Season 4, Episode 20, premiered on April 2, 2025, and there are two episodes left in this season. The second-last episode and the season finale are all set to premiere on Wednesday, April 9, and April 16, 2025.
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