Abbott Elementary' Recap: Remembering What Happened in the Season 2 Finale

The "Abbott Elementary" season two finale is what many might call the perfect progression of delayed gratification. The show's creator and star, Quinta Brunson, always had a vision for Janine and Gregory's storyline, but it's not their time just yet.

"Abbott Elementary," a mockumentary-style sitcom on Hulu and ABC, hit screens in December 2021, and the world was introduced to the eccentric ensemble of teachers at the "woefully underfunded" titular school.

The multi-Emmy-award-winning show was incredibly well-received by audiences worldwide, as they followed the hilarious misadventures of young and old educators making the best of what was considered one of the worst public schools in the country.

While it remains central to this near-forsaken fictional institution, several other storylines delving into the lives of each character develop. One of its most nerve-wracking yet exciting storylines was that of Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams) and Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson).

Brunson had long envisioned how Gregory and Janine's relationship would play out. The actress exquisitely and painstakingly employs the slow-burn romance trope, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as they wonder, "Will they? Won't they?"

Although the almost-couple's love story unfolds in a comically chaotic setting, it is also layered with individual growth on both sides. And that, realistically, affects its progress. Looking at where they are now, viewers are relieved yet simultaneously aching for more. And so, the slow burn continues.

'Abbott Elementary' Season Two Finale Recap: Will They? Won't They? They Didn't… Yet

The first season of "Abbott Elementary" ended with an excursion with the students to the zoo. The second followed that tradition, except this time, it was an overnight trip to the Franklin Institute.

Most of the latter season's finale scenes were shot in a studio set, but the crew flew to Philadelphia for one climactic scene: Janine and Gregory's long-awaited heart-to-heart.

Before the trip to the Institute, however, Janine has a brief conversation with her ex, Maurice (Gregory's best friend played by Vince Staples), which significantly shakes her sense of self. Janine and Gregory had previously attended the PECSA convention, where they kissed.

They immediately decided it was a "mistake" and planned to confess their deed to Maurice. The pair took Janine's unsuspecting former lover to his favorite barbecue, Bone Town, where they essentially "break up with him together."

Fast forward to Janine and Maurice's post-breakup conversation; Janine apologizes for how their split unfolded, and Maurice casually remarks that they're both in their "selfish eras." Janine's mood completely changes as she mulls over those words.

Brunson described her character as an overthinker. Showrunners, Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacher, also noted (of Janine), "We always thought she thinks of herself as 'I am this together well-functioning member of society who's ready. I'm on my journey.'"

Janine never thought of herself as one who would hurt another person intentionally. So when she realized her actions matched Maurice's accusation, as much as breaking Maurice's heart was unintended, she began questioning her readiness to enter another relationship.

Throughout the trip to the Institute, Gregory notices her frustration, and his efforts to make her smile aren't so effective. Eventually, he consults his colleague, Jacob (played by Chris Perfetti), who encourages him to lay out his feelings.

Gregory finally pulls Janine aside and blurts, "I like you, Janine." Their moment is temporarily disturbed when a kid screams, "ALIEN!" and a museumwide commotion ensues with the students scattering in fear around the building.

However, what they thought was an extraterrestrial being was Barbara (portrayed by Sheryl Lee Ralph) using her CPAP machine. Before the trip, Principal Ava had convinced the children of the existence of humanoid aliens.

These supposed beings would need breathing equipment to survive in Earth's atmosphere. Unfortunately, and without trying to, Barbara fit the description that started the frenzy. However, it's in this chaos that Janine and Gregory finally have their moment.

As they search for their learners, they wind up talking next to the anatomically accurate heart wing of the Institute, where Janine responds, "I like you, too. Like, a lot." The heartfelt conversation continues as they express their feelings for the first time.

But just as hopes rise for their romance, Janine halts them. Janine wants to be with Gregory and genuinely believes their relationship would be extraordinary. But it's for that reason that she chooses not to enter it immediately.

She cares deeply about Gregory; he's become an integral part of her life that she doesn't want to risk losing because of a part of herself she feels requires a little more growth and maturity. Reluctantly, Gregory respects her wishes.

Quinta Brunson Always Imagined Janine and Gregory's Heart-To-Heart Next to Another Heart

Although Brunson had already mapped out this part of this story from the beginning, Halpern said she allowed some wiggle room while staying true to her vision. Thankfully, she didn't have to deviate from it.

Reflecting on the season 2 finale, the actress spoke of how Janine and Gregory's tender moments often occurred away from the school. While it indicated their respect and love for their profession, being in school also allowed them to shy away from their chemistry.

"The school is the main concern, and while they're there, they can always deflect to that. 'I have to do my work. This thing is a non-existent thing. I'm making it up in my head.' When they leave, they don't really have that option anymore," Brunson noted.

She explained how being outside school grounds dissolved the "protective" barriers that allowed them to avoid their feelings temporarily. Considering their relationship timeline, things finally came to a head at the museum.

Regarding how they turned out, Brunson said she found the Maurice angle interesting because after Janine breaks up with him, there's room and hope for her and Gregory, but it's quickly overtaken.

"They're not on the same page exactly, but Gregory's accepted reluctantly what the determination was at the end, and I think that's gonna keep up some of the dramatic tension in Season 3," Schumacher noted.

Everything We Know about the Upcoming Season Three So Far

"Abbott Elementary" season three was confirmed in January 2023 at the Television Critics Association gathering. Although some sources estimated this year's Fall, the official release date has yet to be announced.

However, fans may have to wait longer, given the ongoing WGA strike. While the beloved series will continue showcasing the daily happenings at Abbott Elementary, the showrunners hinted at an "overarching idea" they'll focus on.

They didn't give much detail, but Halpern remarked it was something he'd never seen on TV. The number of episodes is also unknown, but the prominent cast members, including Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, and those previously mentioned, are expected to return.