Warning: SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 21.Abbott Elementary’s cast of characters as they navigate the harsh truths of the public school system with enough comic relief to ease the blow. Although he started the series as a substitute teacher, Gregory’s plan was always to become a principal.

Along the way, things changed as Gregory learned to love his class and became a full-time teacher at the titular Willard R. Abbott Elementary School. Beyond that, Gregory fell in love with Janine, and the two had a substantial slow-burn romance, culminating in them deciding to date between season 3 and season 4. Abbott Elementary is arguably the most popular aspect of the comedy, but every sitcom couple has to a few hurdles before their relationship is safe. With Ava returning and taking away Gregory’s job as interim principal, a new hurdle is imminent.

Gregory Re Why He Wanted To Be A Principal In Abbott Elementary Season 4, Episode 21

Just As He Settles In, The Job Is Taken From Him

Just as the community manages to overcome the cold-hearted district, Gregory belatedly realizes he loves being a principal in Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 21. The sudden clarity about his former career goal was inevitable, and there’s something distinctly bittersweet about Gregory packing up his personal effects as Ava returns. The camera lingers on the “Principal Eddie” nameplate for a moment too long, and Gregory’s talking head implies a universal truth: you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Gregory was always a temporary replacement for Ava in Abbott Elementary, but that doesn’t make the transition hurt any less.

Gregory’s talking head implies a universal truth: you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.

Simultaneously, Gregory’s financial issues in Abbott Elementary season 4 add an extra layer of pressure. Gregory picked up supplemental sources of income like pizza delivery and ride-sharing to for his rent spike, but having a job in would significantly increase his salary. When the interim principal gets his first paycheck in Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 21, it’s by far the most emotion Gregory has ever shown in the series. While the pay gap between teachers and principals is a sardonic punchline, it’s also a realistic factor that may push Gregory to make a big career change.

Gregory’s Realization Means He Might Leave Abbott Elementary (With The Fall Out Happening In Season 5)

Being A Principal Was His Dream For A Reason

Given that Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 21 ended with Ava’s official return, Gregory will abruptly have to grapple with what he truly wants. He could easily go back to teaching, but it likely wouldn’t fulfill him. Now that Gregory has had a chance to experience the trials and tribulations of being a principal— and succeeded with flying colors, for that matter— his long-forgotten dream will linger as the most important “What If?” in Gregory’s life. The monetary incentive combined with his newly uncovered ion could be enough for Gregory to have an epiphany— teaching isn’t his true calling.

While Abbott Elementary introduced Janine’s fellowship in the season 3 premiere, Gregory’s decision to leave Abbott will likely be revealed in the season 4 finale. Consequently, Abbott Elementary season 5 could pick up by exploring the teachers’ dynamic without Gregory, Principal Eddie’s new school, and how his career move impacted his closest relationships. Any close band of coworkers would be sad to lose one of their own, but the Abbott Elementary staff has been through so much together, that it truly feels like family. Some may feel betrayed, some may feel happy for him, and some may be completely conflicted.

How Gregory's Possible Departure From Abbott Elementary Could Jeopardize His Relationship With Janine

The School Is Where They Fell In Love

At first glance, Gregory leaving Abbott Elementary seems like it would be a lose-lose for Janine. Janine’s loyalty to Abbott Elementary is one of her defining characteristics, but she is in a serious relationship with Gregory— the issue will lie in whether she can compartmentalize her love for her boyfriend and her love for her job. Janine has her flaws in Abbott Elementary, but she wouldn’t be unreasonable enough to not understand Gregory’s position. More than anyone, she’d be able to empathize with exploring other opportunities.

New episodes of Abbott Elementary can be streamed on Hulu the day after they air on ABC. Full seasons are streaming on Max.

Despite being able to accept the situation, there’s no guarantee that Abbott Elementary won’t be affected by such a drastic change. Depending on where Gregory transfers, there could even be a rivalry between the schools, putting Janine in an increasingly uncomfortable position as she’s forced to play both sides. Although the slow-burn couple has held strong since they got together and navigated every crisis so far in Abbott Elementary season 4, things may change if Gregory leaves. Still, Gregory must decide whether keeping the peace is more important than following his lifelong dream.

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