The previous episode of Abbott Elementary, season 4 episode 20, "Ava Fest: Tokyo Drift," was yet another example of how if all the lovely teachers and staff come together to make something happen, they will make it happen. And though Janine is our favorite problem-solver, sometimes the teachers also need someone like Ava who can think outside the box to solve the challenge they're facing.
And Ava helped them do just that as the staff was struggling to meet their financial goal of hosting a car wash during the open house. Ava quickly changed gears and pulled off the third Ava Fest we see during the course of the series, with Barbara able to get singer Jill Scott as well!
The episode ends with Janine and Ava talking, and Ava declaring that even though she's making money, what she's doing right now doesn't make her fulfilled and she wants to come back to Abbott. And Janine being the optomist she is, declares that they'll make it happen. And tonight's new episode is taking a steop towards that.
Abbott Elementary season 4 episode 21, "Rally," premieres this evening, April 9, 2025, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. This is also the penultimate episode of the season, which means after this we only have one more left with the season finale coming up. Don't forget you can also stream new episodes the next day on Hulu. Check out the release times on ABC below:
- East coast: 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 9
- West coast: 5:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday, April 9
- Midwest: 7:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday, April 9
- Mountain: 6:30 p.m. MT on Wednesday, April 9
As mentioned above, based on the synopsis we're going to see Janine, Barbara, Jacob, and Melissa work to get Ava back to the school as principal. It's funny and crazy to think how far Ava has come as a character, but also just how far her realtionship has come with the school staff as well.
Initially she wasn't the best fit and was there for selfish reasons. Plus, there would have been a time when the teachers would be happy with Ava gone. But not anymore! Check out the synopsis for Abbott Elementary season 4 episode 7 below:
"Ava and the Abbott teachers go to the district to plead for Ava’s job back. Meanwhile, Gregory handles duties as interim principal."
I have some mixed feelings about this. I do like Ava, she's one of my favorite characters, and love the growth we've seen from her. Though if I'm honest, Gregory also deserves this job and it's what drew him to Abbott in the first place. Plus for such a dramatic plot twist, it feels a bit rushed to have Ava potentially get her job back after just a couple of episodes. I would have thought this plot line would at least go into the finale.
But, perhaps the comedy series is throwing us off because everyone might be trying to get Ava's job back, but that doesn't mean they'll be successful. We'll have to wait and see what's in store. The good news going into the season finale next week is that the series has already been renewed for a season 5!
Abbott Elementary season 4 airs new episodes Wednesdays on ABC. The finale premieres Wednesday, April 16, 2025.