Abbott Elementary’s Janelle James Was Never Going to Play a Loser

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The queen is back on her throne. Actually, scratch that. The throne is wherever she sits.

In the last five episodes of Abbott Elementary‘s fourth season, it became evident how much Ava Coleman (played by Janelle James) has evolved as both a principal and an individual. This year, Ava accepted blame for her teachers when their plan to extort the local golf course and accept bribes for supplies was exposed to the school board, resulting in her immediate termination. Despite finding success in the motivational speaker circuit after leaving Abbott, Ava eventually recognizes that true satisfaction eludes her and gives her teachers permission to challenge her dismissal. In a climactic confrontation at the school gymnasium, where many people connected to the Abbott community pleaded for Ava’s reinstatement, their efforts ultimately succeed. (As one parent commented, “She turned this rundown elementary school into an unexpected concert venue.”) And so, Ava is back! The season finale serves as a fitting celebration of her achievements, during which she reconciles with her father (Keith David) and enters into an exclusive relationship with a handsome IT guy (Matthew Law).

As a dedicated fan of “Abbott Elementary,” I’ve always admired Ava’s leadership qualities and cleverness, traits that seem to define her character right from the series premiere. It’s clear to those who are attentive viewers like myself that these are sentiments Ava has been expressing all along. The introduction of her father and a captivating love interest have added depth to the character I once knew for her knack of organizing student files by sexiest dads. I feel incredibly privileged that Quinta Brunson and the writing team have placed their trust in me to portray Ava’s various nuances. It would have been easy to keep her as a one-dimensional character, but the opportunity to explore more facets of her personality has been nothing short of amazing.

In the show, Ava’s closing comments this season revolve around her interactions with the students, focusing on helping them bounce back from challenges and continue growing. Can you identify instances in your character where these concepts have been demonstrated?

One instance that comes to mind is during season two, when there was a school fundraiser. Ava and Barbara had a disagreement over Ava’s approach to teaching the students how to be resourceful. Barbara wasn’t on board with it, but Ava clarified her stance: “I had to hustle as a young person, and I’m trying to instill that same mindset in these kids because not everyone has the same starting point or privileges you do.” This season, this idea has been more overtly expressed, but it has always been evident that Ava champions the students, understanding their struggles, and meeting them where they are. Her commitment to the students became particularly significant when she was fired. Some people might argue that she doesn’t care about her role as a principal, but the truth is, at this point, she’s only there for the kids and the school. She’s committed because she genuinely wants to be.

Many viewers had hoped that Ava would continue to embody her charmingly imperfect persona. My coworker penned an article expressing this sentiment a few years ago. Were you expecting growth for Ava or did you require some persuasion?
No, I always felt that Ava was a multi-dimensional character. It’s amusing that people fail to perceive her depth amidst the laughter. Most viewers were only focusing on the humor. However, when other teachers discussed her actions and interactions with the students, they highlighted her dedication towards the school and her rapport with the children. You could see she was actively involved in their lives, remembered their names, and they felt comfortable approaching her. She managed the principal’s office not as a place of punishment, but as a sanctuary of peace and understanding. Consequently, it didn’t come as a surprise when these aspects were unveiled.

In line with your earlier mention of that article, I believe one hallmark of great writing is that Ava has not undergone a drastic transformation. She remains the same character with her distinctive personality and humor. You are simply discovering more about her. The romantic relationship aspect was introduced to showcase her vulnerability, which wouldn’t typically be visible in a school setting. Similarly, her family dynamics were explored through the addition of her father because we don’t usually see those aspects at work. These creative choices allowed Ava to reveal more about herself without a sudden character overhaul. I may come across as humorous, but I am much more than that.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been following “Ava Fest: Tokyo Drift” closely, and I must admit there’s something about Ava’s return to work that resonates deeply with me. It’s not easy to pinpoint, but it feels like a strange, inexplicable longing for the old days. Perhaps it’s the complex dynamics between Ava and Janine that I find so intriguing.

In the early seasons, their relationship was strained, more like a bully and victim scenario. But as Janine grew stronger, both physically and emotionally, she managed to earn Ava’s respect. Over time, they’ve influenced each other in subtle ways, fashion choices, advice, and even adopting similar styles.

I believe Ava misses the challenges that Janine presents, the mirror that reflects her own struggles and strengths. They are two sides of the same coin, both grappling with personal issues – Janine with her mother, and Ava with her father. Their vulnerabilities draw them together, fueling their conflicts and bonds.

So, I can’t say for certain what exactly Ava misses about this place, but I suspect it has something to do with the unique dynamics she shares with Janine. It’s a complex relationship that keeps me glued to my screen each week.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but speculate that, perhaps not openly to Janine, but maybe in a heartfelt scene at the end of the series or in a poignant moment before parting ways, Ava might confess something she’s never admitted before.

As a movie buff, it’s hard not to see the potential in Ava for a life beyond the school. There’s this spark in her eyes that tells me she’s destined for greatness. If she decides to pursue something bigger, I have no doubt she’ll make it happen. But for now, she seems content with her current path. The side hustles are part of her, and I don’t think they’ll ever disappear – she’s got a thing for the greenbacks. Whether she’ll venture out to do something else? Time will tell, but if it’s what she truly wants, Ava will surely find a way.

In the storyline, it seems as though the possibility of Ava appearing to be successful while actually struggling might have crossed their minds in the writing process, but I’m glad it didn’t. Instead, she embodies the spirit of a hardworking and determined individual, which resonates with many Black women. We are known for our hustle, always presenting ourselves as more than what we seem on the surface. In this instance, Ava demonstrates her value to the school by showcasing her skills, connections, and network. The annual Ava Fest is a testament to her achievements, her ability to raise funds, and make things happen. All that she boasts about translates into tangible contributions to the school. I find this portrayal relatable because it mirrors my own experiences. Ava isn’t a failure; she exudes confidence, and people appreciate and admire her for it – even if some may secretly envy it.

I don’t believe Ava should feel obliged to accept her father’s offer to see him more often, just to spend time with Keith David. As an adult, she has the autonomy to make her own decisions about her relationships. It’s been a while since they last saw each other, and some might argue that it’s time to move past any resentment or bitterness. However, I don’t think she owes him anything, especially given his absence during her childhood. Their brief encounters with money and food won’t magically erase their history or help them understand each other better. Ava doesn’t even know who he is now. So, in my opinion, it wouldn’t be realistic for them to suddenly repair their relationship as if they were characters in a sitcom. I prefer to portray situations that reflect real life more accurately. If we discovered that Ava had been living under an assumed identity all this time, we wouldn’t have made that reveal. That would have been predictable and unexciting. Instead, I believe it’s best for Ava not to engage with her father to heal. She doesn’t need his involvement in her life for that to happen. Her healing can occur independently of him.

People who have been part of lengthy shows have mentioned that this often happens: Characters start resembling the actor’s real personality. I believe as the writers spend more time with me, interact with me, and observe my social media accounts, they are incorporating various aspects of my character into the script. For instance, the way I stride onto the stage for a stand-up set mirrors how my character enters as a motivational speaker, which I found amusing because standing up to tell jokes is similar to delivering a motivational speech. Furthermore, my love for fashion and the inclusion of my favorite book, Parable of the Sower, in an episode are examples of this overlap between my personality and my character. I appreciate the flattery that my personality seems so intriguing that it’s being woven into the character as well. Over time, we seem to be merging more with our roles.>

Do you find it difficult for viewers to distinguish between me and my character? Absolutely, there is no room for doubt about that. They see me as her. I take this as a compliment because it means I am portraying the character so convincingly that they believe she exists in reality.

Which aspect of Ava’s life remains unknown to us that you’re eager to learn more about? The place where she resides is one such mystery. I wonder what her home looks like – it must be quite stylish, considering her taste. However, it seems to double as a storage area for the items she sells on the side, filled with inventory. It would be fascinating to peek into that design. Additionally, I’m curious about her past before becoming a principal. Was she involved in some unexpected line of work? Perhaps something she wasn’t formally trained for, but took up out of boredom and then transitioned into being a principal – now wouldn’t that be amusing! Lastly, who are Ava’s friends outside of the school environment? It appears she may not have many, as she spent Christmas alone. I’m intrigued to discover more about her social circle beyond the school walls.

Ava’s filing system for students is inspired by the reality show Survivor. Is that program relevant in your life at all? I recall Survivor when it initially aired, but I didn’t realize it was still airing and so popular. I had no clue what Ava meant when she mentioned it, and it took me a while to grasp the concept. Even now, I’m not entirely sure I understand how it applies. It seemed quite daring for us to discuss that show while it’s currently on another channel. I would have preferred a filing system based on America’s Next Top Model: “Season one, the glamour shot, who had to shave their head, starts with ‘K.’

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2025-04-17 23:55