Abbott Elementary Season 4 Episode 22 Recap: Season 4’s most emotionally charged storyline—centering on the corrupt golf course developers and Principal Ava Coleman’s job on the line—came to a head in the penultimate episode. Ava, played by Janelle James, was fired after she was caught accepting bribes from the shady developers in exchange for ignoring building code violations. But, as usual for Abbott, the community’s heart beat faster. Local business owners, students, teachers and members of the PTA all came together to support Ava, which led to her successful reinstatement. “Rally” (Episode 21) was one of the most powerful episodes of the season because of how much support they showed for each other.
With that drama resolved, the finale, titled “Please Touch Museum,” shifts tone and gives viewers a chance to breathe. Though the stakes may be lower, the emotional payoff remains high. The halls of Abbott Elementary might have quieted down, but the season finale is anything but still.
“Please Touch Museum” brings together laughter, life lessons, and legacy—not just for the kids, but for the adults guiding them through childhood. The episode explores the dynamic nature of parenting, the joyful chaos of a field trip, and the power of imagination in shaping how we relate to one another. It’s a field trip unlike any other, where even the toughest military dad can’t help but get a little silly.
FIELD TRIP DAY AT ABBOTT ELEMENTARY
The school year is wrapping up, and what better way to celebrate than a field trip? The destination: Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum, a real-life landmark. Excitement buzzes through the air as teachers prepare their students for a day filled with exploration. Janine Teagues (played by Quinta Brunson), always one to bring energy and enthusiasm, is especially excited—not just for her students, but because she’s about to meet someone very important: Gregory’s dad.
Lieutenant Colonel Martin Eddie, portrayed by ORLANDO JONES, is visiting while in town. For Janine, the pressure is high. She wants to make a good impression on her boyfriend Gregory’s (played by Tyler James Williams) no-nonsense father. Martin’s tough, disciplined demeanor and military background make Janine second-guess her natural playful personality. Gregory warns her not to change who she is—but Janine, in full Janine fashion, prepares to adapt.
She studies military jargon, dons Gregory’s grey blazer (a deliberate visual contrast to her typically bright wardrobe), and adopts a rigid attitude that surprises everyone, especially her students. Janine starts the day speaking in formal tones, discouraging any behavior she deems “nonsense” and addressing Martin by his full military title.
Meanwhile, Martin observes all with cool detachment. Janine attempts to impress him with her controlled behavior, but it quickly becomes clear that suppressing her joyful nature isn’t sustainable. When a student scrapes her knee, Janine’s instincts kick in. She kneels down to comfort the child, wand in hand, transforming back into the vibrant teacher her students adore.
Martin sees her in a new light. He notices her genuine connection with the children and even overhears her leading a spirited game about a “tree ghost” in the rainforest exhibit. Initially disturbed, Martin confronts the idea that not everything needs to be so serious.
Janine removes the blazer—symbolically shedding the attempt to impress him with a false identity. She tells Martin she’s a second-grade teacher and being silly is part of the job. To everyone’s surprise, Martin joins in the play. He pretends to be a squirrel, dons an astronaut role, and even laughs out loud when a foam rocket hits Gregory in the face.
THE STUDENTS STAGE A PLAY
While Janine deals with Martin, Jacob (Chris Perfetti) has his own challenge: entertaining the older kids. The eighth graders, who are nearing the end of their time at Abbott, feel too old for the Please Touch Museum. They complain the exhibits are too childish. Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) and Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) try to help, but nothing clicks—not even Mr. Johnson’s (William Stanford Davis) dramatic slip on a fake banana to teach about workers’ compensation.
In a twist, the museum guide suggests that the older students perform a satirical play about their teachers in the museum’s empty theater. The students gladly take up the challenge, with each teacher being impersonated by the students. The results are nothing short of hilarious. Barbara plays Melissa, Melissa plays Jacob, and Jacob plays Barbara. Janine and Gregory even play each other, with spot-on impressions that poke fun at their quirks and personalities. The play, titled “The Final Bell,” becomes a memorable moment for everyone, and the entire trip ends with a feeling of accomplishment and fun.
The kids love it. The teachers laugh at the impressions and witty lines, embracing the humor.Ava (Janelle James),now solidifying her second term as principal, enjoys the light-heartedness as much as anyone. The play doubles as a brilliant recap of the season and a loving roast that highlights each teacher’s quirks.
AVA & O’SHON’S ROMANCE HEATS UP
One of the key relationships explored in the finale is the ongoing romance between Principal Ava and O’Shon. Despite an awkward moment early on where O’Shon buys Ava a pair of expensive earrings she dislikes, the couple navigates this hiccup and proves that communication is key in relationships. This small conflict adds depth to their dynamic, showing that even the most outspoken characters, like Ava, can have vulnerable moments.
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY FINALE ENDING
As the day wraps, Janine and Gregory share a quiet moment. Gregory, stunned by his father’s change in demeanor, takes Janine’s advice and talks to Martin. It’s a vulnerable exchange. Martin admits he struggled with balancing discipline and tenderness after losing his wife. Gregory opens up about feeling robbed of playful childhood moments, referencing the infamous “Mad Libs incident” from his birthday.
Martin confesses Janine reminds him of his late wife—her joy, her whimsy, and her way of engaging with children. He sees in Janine not only a capable teacher but a good match for his son. The scene is subtle, sincere, and speaks to generations of parenting shaped by trauma and resilience. By the end of the episode, O’Shon makes up for his initial mistake with a more thoughtful and less costly gift, reminding us that love is not about grand gestures but the small moments of understanding.
The finale ends on a joyful note. The teachers ride the museum rides alongside their students. Janine is the only one still standing afterward, giddy and unaffected. She bounces around with the same energy as her students, the very embodiment of a child at heart.
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY SEASON 5 OFFICIALLY RENEWED
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY has been officially renewed for a fifth season. ABC announced the renewal in January 2025, ahead of the Season 4 finale, making it the first show confirmed for the network’s 2025–2026 lineup. Season 5 is set to follow the same episode format, with 22 episodes airing weekly on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu. The season will continue to balance school-related storylines with the characters’ personal journeys, bringing in timely educational topics and heartfelt moments. Executive producers have hinted that there will be new characters, guest stars, and possibly even a field trip or two that shake things up at Abbott.
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY FINALE: CREATORS TALK WHAT’S NEXT FOR JANINE & GREGORY?
After a season filled with challenges—including the departure of Principal Ava from her post—ABBOTT ELEMENTARY wrapped its fourth season with a refreshing and heartfelt finale. The episode traded cliffhangers for connection, taking the cast on a field trip to Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum, and diving into nuanced relationship moments that grounded the beloved ABC comedy in emotional realism.
Among the most touching storylines was Janine Teagues (played by Quinta Brunson) meeting Gregory Eddie’s (Tyler James Williams) father, Martin (guest star Orlando Jones), for the first time. While Janine initially tried to win Martin over with her professionalism, it was her playful energy with the students that ultimately impressed him. In a candid conversation, Martin admitted to Gregory that Janine reminded him of his late wife—a moment that not only deepened Gregory’s connection with his father but also strengthened his bond with Janine.
Executive producers Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker revealed to TV LINE that the choice to end the season with a “breather” episode was intentional. “We’ve done big Janine and Gregory moments in finales before,” Halpern explained. “But this year, since they’re already a couple, we wanted to focus on small, organic growth.” Rather than forcing dramatic developments like moving in together or a proposal, the writers chose to spotlight emotional development and character insight.
One storyline that didn’t make the cut involved Janine seeing Gregory’s apartment for the first time—a scene the writers kept pushing back in favor of other stories. “At this point, it would feel odd to go back to that idea. Clearly, they’ve spent enough time together,” Schumacker noted with a laugh.
Another key subplot featured Ava Coleman (Janelle James) and her budding romance with O’Shon (Matthew Law). After a humorous misstep involving flashy earrings, O’Shon redeemed himself with a more thoughtful gesture, leading to a rare moment of vulnerability from Ava—she even let him hold her hand. “Matthew brings a no-nonsense energy that gets through to Ava in a way few can,” said Halpern. “That dynamic is exciting to play with.”
Despite Law’s recent casting in a Netflix series, the EPs expressed strong hopes to see more of O’Shon in Season 5. “Those two [James and Law] have such natural chemistry. They nailed their scenes from the first table read,” said Schumacker, citing a scene where O’Shon boldly asks Ava out—delivered with pitch-perfect timing that needed no editing finesse.
One of the finale’s most talked-about moments came when the teachers acted out a student-written play, impersonating each other with exaggerated flair. While it looked improvised, the scene was tightly scripted, with cue cards used to mimic the spontaneity. “The cast was all in—they loved it,” Halpern confirmed.
In the end, ABBOTT ELEMENTARY Season 4 closed not with spectacle, but with sincerity—letting its characters reflect on their growth, their relationships, and the connections that define them. The quieter tone underscored the core of what makes the series resonate: its ability to find heart in the everyday.
WHEN WILL ABBOTT ELEMENTARY SEASON 5 PREMIERE?
While ABC hasn’t announced an exact premiere date yet, Season 5 is expected to debut in Fall 2025, following the network’s typical release pattern for the show. Stay tuned for more updates as the school bell rings on a brand-new season.
Visit tvacute.com again soon for more Abbott Elementary recaps, updates, and behind-the-scenes insights you won’t want to miss.
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