Warning: SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 18.Abbott Elementary’s cast as the lovably unconventional principal of the titular school. Though she began as a light antagonist to the main characters, especially Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson), Ava has grown over the course of Abbott Elementary to become not only a great principal but also a great friend. What truly makes Ava’s character so compelling is the journey it took to redeem her.

Ava may have been at the center of Abbott Elementary’s funniest moments, but her character goes far beyond comic relief. Throughout the years, Ava has revealed her nuance and depth, slowly becoming one of the most complex characters in the entire series. Ava has even developed enough to make selfless grand gestures, like her display of solidarity at the titular “District Budget Meeting” (Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 14). Ava shows she’s the bigger person by securing supplies for her frenemy, Crystal (Tatyana Ali), but Abbott Elementary season 4 proves that no good deed goes unpunished.

Ava's Firing From Abbott Elementary In Season 4, Episode 18 Explained

She Took The Fall For The Golf Course's Bribes

The resolution to Abbott Elementary season 4’s golf course storyline was devastating but deserved. Throughout Abbott Elementary season 4, the teachers blackmailed the golf course developers in order to receive new resources for the students, ranging from computers to bean bag chairs in the library. While some teachers immediately accepted the bribes, others had reservations that they put aside for the sake of the school. The first bribe Janine asked for ironically ended up exposing Abbott Elementary to the district, who were allegedly sent by Crystal to audit them.

Despite Ava covering for the rest of Abbott Elementary (who would only be temporarily punished), she found herself unemployed...

The district workers ask the teachers to come forward and accept suspension. Ava takes sole responsibility for the bribes, assuming she’d only be penalized with a suspension as well. The shocking ending of Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 18 instead drastically amplifies the repercussions, as Ava loses her job as principal— permanently. As the district explains, the teachers union makes it too difficult for them to outright fire educators, but s are much more disposable. Consequently, despite Ava covering for the rest of Abbott Elementary (who would only be temporarily punished), she found herself unemployed at the end of the episode.

It's Unlikely That Janelle James Is Leaving Abbott Elementary

She Has So Much Left To Do

While Manny (Josh Segarra) may have insisted Ava was fired for good, there’s no way Abbott Elementary is getting rid of Janelle James. Executive producer Patrick Schumacker has already teased that “The story is not over [but] it’s not something that’s going to resolve itself super quickly,” (via The Wrap). Schumacher goes on to explicitly state that Janelle James isn’t being written off the show, meaning that Ava might not be principal, but she’s still part of the Abbott Elementary family. Of course, there are unresolved storylines that require Ava to remain in Abbott Elementary, even in a limited capacity.

Abbott Elementary season 4 introduced so many new Ava plots, which wouldn’t make sense if her character were to simply leave after being fired. Ava and O’Shon’s slow-burn romance in Abbott Elementary, which the audit could potentially derail. Matthew Law’s O’Shon— aside from being a love interest— is the district IT worker that aided and abetted Abbott Elementary, meaning both his career and relationship could soon be jeopardized.

How Ava Can Reclaim Her Job In Abbott Elementary

It'll Be Difficult, But Not Impossible

Ava could easily stay as a side character in Abbott Elementary, but she deserves to reclaim her spot as the school’s principal. The easiest but least realistic solution would be for Ava to magically find more ammunition to manipulate the school board and have her reinstated. While it wouldn’t be the first (or second or third) time that Ava extorts the system for the greater good, it would trap Abbott Elementary in a pattern of shady dealings that would ultimately make Ava’s sacrifice meaningless. To make the resolution seem earned, Abbott Elementary will have to try something entirely different.

There are ways to introduce Ava’s return without ruining the poignant scene of her accepting the consequences of her actions. Abbott Elementary could put pressure on the district by looping in community and having them testify to Ava’s competency. The PTA could step in and present a unified front, potentially at the third annual “AVA” fest. Crystal could even atone for endangering Abbott Elementary by helping her former sorority sister get her job back. Regardless of how it fits into the overarching narrative, Janelle James and Ava’s return to Abbott Elementary is a matter of when, not if.

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Source: The Wrap.