Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Abbott Elementary Season 4.
Another school year has come to a close forAbbott Elementary. Season 4 was undoubtedly one for the yearbooks, filled withunexpected twists,team-ups, andcliffhangers. In fact, it may have been the most challenging year yet for our beloved group of educators. But, of course, in true Abbottfashion, the show surprised viewers further with creative solutions and a season finale that was one of its most fulfilling outings. The last few weeks have been so gratifying that we’ve found ourselves asking the dreaded question all shows inevitably face: How many more years willAbbott Elementaryrun? The final two episodes of the season wrapped up many of the problems that plagued not only the season but the series as a whole. As the show prepares to head into its fifth season,we’re not only wondering how long itwillrun, but how long itshouldrun.
‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 4 Was Filled with Twists
Abbott Elementaryhas consistently demonstrated ambition in all the right ways. Never a series satisfied with its status quo, each season has brought about shake-ups and change. FromJanine (Quinta Brunson) going off to the districtin Season 3 toJacob (Chris Perfetti) and Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) moving in together, the series is constantly reinventing itself — but Season 4 really put the others to shame.All of the characters were pushed to their limits this season. At the same time,Ava (Janelle James) is dealing with the issues with her father(Keith David), and Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) iscoming to terms with her way of life becoming outdated. While the season is endlessly hilarious, it is byfar the series’ heaviest installment.
Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson Has No Problem With “Crushing” Janine and Gregory Fans' Hopes
Anything is possible for the sake of “good storytelling.”
Of course,there was no story heavier than the challenges Ava faced at the end of the season.Famously,the school’s beloved principal was let go, which ultimately led to all of the teachers having to fight for their jobs. It was certainly a loaded crop of episodes. That drama is balanced with Gregory (Tyler James Williams) getting tolive his dream by finally acting as principal. Given all this, it certainly seems like the show might have been biting off more than it can chew, but it managed to not only wrap up all of these stories, but many of the issues that had plagued the show since the beginning.
‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 4’s Final Episodes Felt Like a Series Finale
Season 4 may have been jam-packed with new and dramatic plots, butits final two episodes managed to wrap things up masterfully. Thepenultimate episodeproved to be one of the best in the series, not only saving Ava and the teachers but also finally putting an end to the school’s multi-year battle with the district. Obviously, the legal issues with thegolf coursemade the intense relationship between Abbott and the district more worrisome than ever, but it’s always been the driving force behind the series. To watch the series wrap it up so masterfully was certainly impressive, and it’s only made stronger bythe season finale itself. In one of the series’ most heartwarming outings, nearly all the show’s loose ends. It leaves Janine and Gregory on a strong note, as areAva and O’Shon(Matthew Law). Barbara has finally regained her mojo, and the students even put on a beautiful play that thanks the teachers for all their years of hard work. Indeed, this felt like the perfect way to wrap up the show as a whole, but it is, of course, coming back. So, that begs the question: How long shouldAbbott Elementarylast?
‘Abbott Elementary’ Should End On Its Own Terms
Network television is somewhat of a strange business. Due to the format, it’s almost inevitable and expected that a show will eventually decline in quality. Even some of thebest shows of all time, likeFriendsmanaged to outstay their welcome.Abbott Elementaryis in a unique position as itheads into Season 5, however. Given the show’s success, ABC is, of course, able to renew the series for as long as it wants, but it doesn’t mean they should.Abbottis certainly one of our favorite shows at Collider, so the idea of saying the show should end sooner rather than later may seem heartbreaking. However, Brunson and the rest of the writing team have always crafted intriguing stories that really continue to pull us in.Season 4 was truly near perfect, and we would hate to see the network keep the show going past its creator’s wishes. The writing staff really gave us a season finale that touched our hearts and concluded many of the multi-year anxieties so finely thatwe really hope the decision to end the show is left to those who know it best, even if that means Season 5 ends up being the show’s swan song. While we’d miss it, lettingAbbott Elementary’s creators wrap things up when they’re ready would be best for the show.
Abbott Elementary’s fourth season was absolutely one of its best. Each week managed to surprise, entertain, and even touch our hearts at times. It was also one of the most satisfying seasons in terms of storytelling. We finally got conclusions to many of the long, drawn-out stories and were able to celebrate our characters for all their hard work.The show certainly feels like it’s heading toward a conclusion, and we hope that the network allows Brunson and her team to end the show on their terms, even if that means Season 5 ends up being the last.
Abbott Elementaryis available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.
Abbott Elementary
