When Ava Coleman was unexpectedly removed from her position as principal of Abbott Elementary, fans anticipated the ensuing chaos.
Ava, brilliantly portrayed by Janelle James, is the show's vibrant and comedically self-centered, yet surprisingly capable, leader, thriving on unpredictability. Her departure created a noticeable void, both in the show's tone and narrative momentum.
But a quiet revolution occurred: Gregory Eddie stepped forward. Not only did he admirably take the reins, but he also demonstrated that he might just embody the future of Abbott Elementary.
The Long-Awaited Payoff of Gregory's Arc
Since Abbott Elementary's pilot, Gregory, played with understated brilliance by Tyler James Williams, has been portrayed as the responsible and stoic counterpoint to the school's zany energy.
He began as a substitute teacher yearning for the principal's position, only to lose it to Ava because of her political connections. For several seasons, his potential remained in the background, a slow burn instead of a spotlight.
Season 4, however, finally delivers the arc fans have been anticipating. With Ava temporarily absent due to district interference and some shady dealings involving a golf course developer, Gregory is thrust into the role he once desired. But instead of a triumphant power grab, a gradual and subtle transformation unfolds, staying true to his character.
A Principal with principles
Gregory does not attempt to become Ava 2.0—and that is precisely why he succeeds. He leads with empathy, logic, and a quiet authority. Whether managing staff conflicts, working with demanding parents, or navigating the awkward school bureaucracy, Gregory handles everything with composure.
His strength lies in his ability to listen, adapt, and make thoughtful decisions —qualities that do not always draw attention but are vital in educational leadership. Instead of seeking control, Gregory earns the respect of those around him. In doing so, he offers a new model of leadership for Abbott Elementary, one rooted in consistency and care.
The Return of Darnell: A Full-Circle Test
If there were ever a stress test for Gregory's capabilities, it came in Season 4, Episode 20, “Ava Fest: Tokyo Drift.” The return of Darnell (played by Langston Kerman), a chaotic and confrontational parent from earlier in the show, dramatically heightened the stakes.
In Episode 5, “Fight,” Darnell nearly came to blows believing Gregory's influence was detrimental to his son. A tense, even comedic moment revealed Gregory's initial discomfort with parental conflict. But when Darnell returns during the school's open house—with Gregory overseeing things with little preparation and under immense pressure—the audience expects a repeat, or even worse, a breakdown.
Instead, Gregory astounds everyone. He remains calm, defuses the situation, and even gains Darnell's support. It's a clever callback that brilliantly contrasts Gregory's earlier struggles with his current control. In a moment that could have shattered him, Gregory stands tall—no Ava-style theatrics, no punchlines—just pure, principled leadership.
Not a Competition—A Contrast
It's tempting to directly compare Gregory and Ava—and the show certainly plays with this tension. But Abbott Elementary is more sophisticated than that. The writers do not portray Gregory as "better" than Ava, but rather as a necessary evolution in the school's future.
Ava's charisma and creativity have a rightful place; she has achieved surprising things despite her apparent disinterest in education. But Gregory represents something different: stability, accountability, and growth.
His success does not detract from Ava's contributions, rather, it recontextualizes them. With Gregory now proving himself a capable leader, Ava's eventual return (at the end of Episode 20) feels less like a restoration of order and more like a chance for both of them to evolve in their roles.
A New Power Dynamic: Ava & Gregory Together?
The most exciting prospect now is not who should be principal, but what could happen if they shared power. Ava's boldness and people skills combined with Gregory’s organizational prowess and empathy could form a dynamic leadership duo.
And what better way for Ava to demonstrate real growth than to voluntarily mentor Gregory for the principalship, rather than clinging to the position until forced out?
A vice-principal role for Gregory seems inevitable and narratively appealing. It would alleviate his teaching load, give him the recognition he has earned, and set the stage for some fantastic Ava-Gregory team-ups (or clashes). It's a recipe for both comedy and character development—something Abbott Elementary excels at.
Final Grade: A+
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Gregory's journey from reluctant teacher to respected leader has been one of Abbott Elementary's most satisfying arcs. Ava's absence provided him the space to prove himself, and Darnell's return served as the perfect benchmark for his growth. Where once he was hesitant, now he is grounded and effective—a principal in all but name.
With Ava back in charge, the real question isn't whether Gregory will step aside, but how long until she recognizes what we all see: he is ready. And when that day arrives, Abbott Elementary will be in very capable hands.
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