The Subtle Romance of Avanine: Could It Be Real?
In the season 3 finale for "Abbott Elementary," Gregory and Janine seem to be throwing caution to the wind and finally getting together. To Avanine truthers everywhere, that seemed to be the final nail in the coffin and relegated any Ava x Janine content to fanfiction and fanart. But I am fully delusional and believe that this might not be the end for Ava and Janine. In this essay, I will explain why I think Avanine could be endgame, including narrative evidence and character development throughout the series.
Janine's Journey of Self-Discovery
Janine Teagues has been on a remarkable journey of self-discovery from the very beginning of "Abbott Elementary." Introduced as an idealistic and perpetually optimistic second-grade teacher, Janine's character is defined by her selflessness and unwavering dedication to her students. However, this dedication often comes at the expense of her own happiness and personal growth. Over the course of three seasons, Janine's character has evolved significantly, marked by several pivotal moments that have shaped her journey.
One of the most defining moments in Janine's journey was her breakup with Tariq, her long-term boyfriend. This relationship, while comforting and familiar, was also limiting. Tariq's lack of ambition and direction contrasted sharply with Janine's passion and drive. Their breakup in season 1 was a crucial step for Janine, allowing her to break free from a relationship that was holding her back and start focusing on her own aspirations and needs.
As Janine navigates single life, she begins to explore new relationships, including a brief romance with Maurice, a friend of Gregory. This relationship serves as a stepping stone for Janine, helping her to understand what she truly wants in a partner. Maurice's easygoing nature and genuine interest in Janine provide her with a sense of validation and confidence. However, it also highlights the contrast between Maurice's laid-back attitude and Gregory's more serious and supportive demeanor.
The kiss between Janine and Gregory during the teacher's conference is another pivotal moment in her journey. This unexpected and passionate kiss brings Janine's feelings for Gregory to the forefront, forcing her to confront the reality of her emotions. It's a moment of vulnerability and clarity for Janine, one that sets the stage for future developments in their relationship.
Janine's decision to tell Gregory that she wants to be selfish marks a significant turning point in her character arc. Throughout the series, Janine has consistently put others before herself, often to her own detriment. Her declaration of wanting to be selfish is a bold step towards self-empowerment and self-care. It's a moment of self-realization where Janine acknowledges her own needs and desires, setting the stage for her to make decisions that prioritize her happiness.
In the first episode of season 3, Janine's journey takes another significant turn when she goes to Gregory, hoping to rekindle their relationship. However, Gregory's response, "Honestly, Janine, in my mind, I had kind of put a period on that," is a harsh reality check for Janine. This moment forces her to confront the fact that not everything will go according to her plans, and it challenges her to reassess her approach to relationships and her own emotional needs.
The culmination of Janine and Gregory's journey occurs at the end of season 3 when they seemingly "get together." This moment, while joyous, is also complex. It's a culmination of their long-standing chemistry and mutual feelings, but it also raises questions about Janine's growth and her ability to prioritize herself. Gregory's decisive action in going to Janine's place and initiating their relationship contrasts with Janine's earlier desire to make decisions for herself. This dynamic sets the stage for potential conflicts and growth in their relationship moving forward.
Gregory's Character Development
Gregory Eddie's character development throughout "Abbott Elementary" has been more subtle compared to Janine's and Ava's, yet it is equally significant. Gregory starts as a substitute teacher with aspirations of becoming a principal. His reserved and disciplined nature often puts him at odds with the more chaotic and unpredictable environment of Abbott Elementary. Despite this, Gregory's character evolves as he becomes more integrated into the school's community.
One of the key aspects of Gregory's development is his dating life. Gregory's relationships with various women throughout the series highlight his struggle to find a balance between his professional ambitions and personal life. His interactions with Janine, however, reveal a deeper emotional connection that transcends his usual guarded demeanor. Gregory's evolving feelings for Janine are evident in the way he supports her, offers advice, and ultimately, the way he handles his own emotions.
The pivotal moment of Gregory telling Janine, "Honestly, Janine, in my mind, I had kind of put a period on that," is crucial in understanding his character. This statement reflects Gregory's attempt to protect himself from emotional turmoil by setting boundaries. It also indicates his frustration with the uncertainty of their relationship. Gregory's desire for stability and clarity contrasts with Janine's more spontaneous and emotionally driven nature.
By the end of season 3, Gregory's character reaches a turning point when he decides to be with Janine. His visit to her place and the subsequent kiss signify his willingness to take a risk and embrace his feelings. However, this decision is not without its complexities. Gregory's choice to initiate their relationship, rather than allowing Janine to make the decision herself, highlights a potential conflict. Janine's journey towards self-empowerment is challenged by Gregory's assertiveness, setting the stage for future growth and negotiation in their relationship.
Gregory's development from a cautious and reserved individual to someone willing to take emotional risks is significant. His relationship with Janine serves as a catalyst for his growth, pushing him out of his comfort zone and challenging him to confront his own vulnerabilities. This evolution is crucial in understanding the dynamics of their relationship and the potential challenges they may face in the future.
Ava's Transformation
Ava Coleman has undergone one of the most remarkable transformations in the series. Initially portrayed as a self-absorbed and unprofessional leader, Ava's character is revealed to have surprising depth and complexity. Her journey from a seemingly selfish individual to someone who genuinely cares about the school and its staff is both compelling and significant.
Ava's initial portrayal as a self-centered and flamboyant principal sets the stage for her character development. Her disregard for rules and her tendency to prioritize her own interests over those of the school create a comedic but problematic dynamic. However, as the series progresses, Ava's character begins to reveal unexpected layers. Her interactions with Janine, in particular, showcase a different side of her personality.
One of the most surprising aspects of Ava's character is her adeptness at various tasks when she chooses to apply herself. This skillset, combined with her sharp wit and resourcefulness, highlights Ava's potential as a leader. Her transformation is marked by moments where she steps up to support the school and its staff, demonstrating a growing sense of responsibility and care. This shift is particularly evident in her interactions with Janine, where Ava often goes out of her way to support and protect her.
Ava's relationship with Janine is a key element of her character development. While Ava's initial interactions with Janine are marked by teasing and superficial comments, their relationship evolves into one of mutual respect and support. Ava's protectiveness over Janine becomes more apparent as the series progresses, and their shared moments outside of work hint at a deeper connection. This transformation from a self-centered individual to someone capable of selflessness is significant in understanding Ava's character arc.
A notable moment in Ava's development is when Janine decides to leave Abbott Elementary to work at the District. Ava's decision to hire someone who is the exact opposite of Janine underscores her deep attachment and appreciation for Janine's presence at the school. This action highlights Ava's growth and her recognition of Janine's importance, not just as a colleague, but as a friend and confidante.
Janine and Gregory's Relationship
The relationship between Janine and Gregory has been a central narrative thread throughout "Abbott Elementary," marked by numerous ups and downs. Their journey from colleagues to potential romantic partners is complex and layered, reflecting the intricacies of their characters and their individual growth. Understanding their relationship requires a detailed examination of key moments and developments over the seasons.
From the moment Gregory joins Abbott Elementary, there is an undeniable chemistry between him and Janine. Their shared passion for teaching and their mutual respect for each other's dedication create a strong foundation for their relationship. Gregory's initial crush on Janine is evident in his supportive actions and the way he often goes out of his way to help her. Janine, on the other hand, is initially oblivious to Gregory's feelings, focused on her relationship with Tariq and her commitment to her students.
As their friendship deepens, Gregory and Janine share several significant moments that bring them closer. The kiss during the teacher's conference is a turning point, bringing their feelings for each other to the surface. This moment of vulnerability and passion highlights the depth of their connection and sets the stage for future developments. However, the complexity of their feelings and the external pressures they face create a turbulent path forward.
Janine's declaration that she wants to be selfish and focus on herself adds another layer to their relationship. Gregory's response, "Honestly, Janine, in my mind, I had kind of put a period on that," is a pivotal moment that reflects the tension between their individual needs and their mutual feelings. This statement underscores Gregory's desire for stability and clarity, contrasting with Janine's journey towards self-empowerment and self-care.
The culmination of their relationship occurs at the end of season 3, when Gregory goes to Janine's place and initiates their romantic relationship. This decisive action by Gregory contrasts with Janine's earlier desire to make decisions for herself. While this moment is a culmination
 of their long-standing chemistry and mutual feelings, it also raises questions about the dynamics of their relationship. Gregory's assertiveness and Janine's journey towards self-empowerment create a complex interplay that sets the stage for potential conflicts and growth in their relationship.
Overall, the relationship between Janine and Gregory is marked by significant moments of connection, tension, and growth. Their journey reflects the complexities of balancing personal needs with mutual feelings, and their evolving dynamic highlights the challenges and potential of their partnership.
Janine, Ava, and Gregory
The dynamics between Janine, Ava, and Gregory add another layer of complexity to the narrative of "Abbott Elementary." Ava's initial attraction to Gregory and her evolving relationship with Janine create a rich tapestry of interactions and emotions that influence the main characters' journeys. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to fully appreciating the potential of an Avanine romance.
Initially, Ava's attraction to Gregory is a source of comedic tension in the series. While Ava is not interested in a serious relationship with Gregory, her flirtatious behavior and attempts to get his attention create a humorous dynamic. However, this attraction also sets the stage for Ava's evolving feelings towards Janine and her protective behavior regarding Janine's relationship with Gregory.
One of the key moments that highlight the dynamics between the three characters is the club scene where Janine and Gregory are dancing together. Ava's decision to break them up and invite Janine to continue clubbing with her and her boyfriend is significant. This moment not only underscores Ava's attraction to Gregory but also her interest in spending time with Janine. Janine's reaction to Ava being in a relationship and her decision to join Ava instead of going home alone highlights the evolving bond between the two women.
Following this, Ava and Janine's relationship deepens as they begin to spend more time together outside of work. Their shared moments suggest a growing intimacy and mutual support. Ava's protectiveness over Janine becomes more apparent, and their interactions reflect a deeper connection that goes beyond mere friendship. This evolving dynamic adds a layer of complexity to the potential of an Avanine romance.
However, the most significant shift in Ava's behavior occurs in season 3, when she begins to actively push Janine and Gregory apart. Despite having previously supported their relationship, Ava's actions in season 3 suggest a change in her feelings. Her happiness when Gregory tells Janine he has put a period on their potential relationship, and her constant interruptions, indicate a deeper emotional investment. This behavior raises questions about Ava's true feelings and her motivations for keeping Janine and Gregory apart.
The final look Ava gives Gregory during the party scene in the last episode of season 3 is particularly telling. Despite being canonically over Gregory, Ava's expression suggests jealousy and concern. This moment highlights the complexity of Ava's emotions and her potential feelings for Janine. It raises the possibility that Ava's actions are driven by more than just friendship, suggesting a deeper, unspoken attraction to Janine.
Ava and Janine's Relationship
The relationship between Ava and Janine is one of the most intriguing and complex dynamics in "Abbott Elementary." While much of their interaction occurs off-camera, the glimpses we see suggest a deep and evolving bond that could potentially develop into a romantic relationship. Understanding the nuances of their relationship requires examining key moments and the subtext of their interactions.
One of the most significant aspects of Ava and Janine's relationship is the way they support and understand each other. Ava's hyper-awareness of Janine's location and her actions to ensure Janine's well-being suggest a level of care that goes beyond mere friendship. Janine, in turn, knows exactly how to break Ava out of her serious moments and bring out her playful side. This mutual understanding and support highlight the depth of their connection.
Their regular outings to a drag club indicate that they spend significant time together outside of work. These moments away from the school environment allow them to connect on a personal level, further deepening their bond. The fact that they have a regular place where they hang out suggests a routine and comfort in each other's company that is significant in any relationship.
Most of Ava and Janine's interactions that have deepened their connection have occurred off-screen and in private settings. This contrasts with Janine's interactions with Gregory, which are often public and chaperoned by their colleagues. The private nature of Ava and Janine's moments suggests a level of intimacy and trust that is crucial in building a strong relationship. These off-screen interactions allow them to explore their feelings and support each other without the pressures of their professional environment.
The comments from Janelle James, who plays Ava, further support the potential for an Avanine romance. James has hinted at the depth of Ava's feelings for Janine and suggested that their relationship could develop into something more. Additionally, the show's creator, Quinta Brunson, liking an obviously gay Avanine edit, adds another layer of intrigue to the potential for a romantic relationship between Ava and Janine.
The evolving dynamics between Ava and Janine, marked by mutual support, private interactions, and hints of deeper feelings, suggest a strong foundation for a potential romance. Their relationship is built on a genuine connection and understanding, making the possibility of Avanine an exciting prospect for the future of "Abbott Elementary."
Conclusion
While Ava and Janine might not get together, the evidence suggests that Ava has a significant crush on Janine. This crush, combined with the complex dynamics between Janine, Ava, and Gregory, is likely to create interesting developments in the fourth season of "Abbott Elementary." The potential for an Avanine romance adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, and fans can look forward to seeing how these relationships evolve. Whether or not Avanine becomes canon, the possibility itself enriches the story and keeps viewers engaged with the characters' journeys.
TL;DR: The season 3 finale seems to solidify Gregory and Janine's relationship, potentially sidelining any romantic possibilities between Janine and Ava. However, examining the narrative and character development reveals that the potential for an Avanine romance remains strong. Janine's journey of self-discovery, marked by pivotal moments like her breakup with Tariq and her declaration of wanting to be selfish, contrasts with Gregory's more stable but less aggressively developed character arc. Ava, initially self-centered, undergoes significant growth, showing unexpected depth and selflessness, particularly towards Janine. Their off-camera interactions and mutual support hint at a deeper connection. The complex dynamics between Janine, Ava, and Gregory, including Ava's changing behavior towards Gregory and her evident jealousy, suggest Ava's unspoken feelings for Janine. With Ava canonically over Gregory, her actions indicate a crush on Janine, setting the stage for intriguing developments in season 4. The essay argues that while Avanine might not become canon, the possibility enriches the narrative and keeps fans engaged.
