What Abbott Elementary Fans Think Of Ava And O'Shon's Blossoming Relationship

In just four seasons, Abbott Elementary has made quite an impression within the scope of current television shows. The mocumentary-style comedy has elements of The Office and Modern Family. The show follows the lives of teachers at a public school in Philadelphia. Inspired by creator and star Quinta Brunson's own childhood, the show has experienced Emmy award-winning success.

Viewers are drawn to the character of Ava thanks to her hilarious put-downs. However, as the show progressed, fans were curious to see her character do the same. In Season 4, she began to have a more layered portrayal. Part of this had to do with the introduction of O’Shon, a character Ava began dating. At the end of Season 4, they agree to start a relationship. Fans have been very vocal about where they think the relationship is heading.

O’Shon Shows Interest In Ava And The Two Start Dating In Season 4

For the first three seasons of Abbott Elementary, Ava was a character that could always be counted on for a good wise crack here and there. She always gets a good laugh after throwing some serious shade or dismissing a co-worker. However, as Season 4 was nearing closer, it was time for viewers to get to know the other layers of Ava's character. Janelle James, who plays Ava, spoke to Deadline around this time about what she hoped the show would explore in future episodes.

"Just her backstory," Janelle said. "Who was her family? Did she actually grow up in Philly, or did she just end up there? Why is she a principal? My theory about Ava is she’s pretty well off, and this is something that she just does. This is her way of helping kids, even though people don’t see it that way or give her any credit for it. This is a way to give herself some social standing. This is a way for her to compete with her sorority sisters. This is a way for her to get attention. I think she’s just so layered in her motivations. I’d like to see what those are."

During Season 4, we learn more about Ava's complicated relationship with her father, who works as a barber in the area. Gregory learns of his identity by accident one day when getting his hair cut. This leads to a lot of new information about Ava's past coming to light. We start to see the woman behind the wise cracks, the person beneath the veil used for comedic purposes.

"I think [Keith David] is perfect," Janelle told TheWrap of the actor playing Ava's father. "I mean, we look alike. I was like, ‘Is that my dad?’ The gravity of what is going on between [our characters] and our relationship, he is bringing it perfectly, and him being a dramatic actor gives me something to work off, to match and rise to the level of. But there’s still comedy in our serious moments — like, she never loses her personality. So a lot of our moments have been very dramatic, and then two seconds later, I’m saying a joke. That’s a challenge that I love, and to be able to hit both of those feelings in such short time has been super pleasurable for me."

However, one of the biggest changes in Ava's character during Season 4 was her romantic life. She began a flirtation with O’Shon, played by Matthew Law. O’Shon is introduced as an IT representative for the school district. Their flirtation evolves into the two going on an actual date. This is another change in Ava's world that requires her to get in touch with the more vulnerable sides of her personality.

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"You see that man, Ava isn’t going to let that go," Janelle told The Hollywood Reporter. "She got in the junkie car. My question as Janelle James is, is he really poor? I don’t know that. Quinta ran up to tell me I’m fine, but I’m like, 'Is he poor?' Can we talk about what’s really important here? (Laughs.) But O’Shon is a great development. I like that with all of Ava’s developments, yes, these other people exist — her dad, O’Shon — but it’s not about them, it’s about her. They exist as a device to get her to open up to show different sides of her and to give me, the actor, different levels to play and I love it."

Fans React To Ava And O’Shon's Relationship During The Fourth Season

A fan of Abbott Elementary started a thread on Reddit where they wondered if Ava and O’Shon would stay together. Some responded by saying that due to Ava's growth throughout the season, the relationship might have a chance since he is not the type of guy Ava would typically go for.

"I feel like this will last a while as a testament to Ava’s growth," they wrote. "Her opening up about her childhood, relationships with the staff, and giving a guy who isn’t wealthy or materialistic a chance."

Another user said that they believed he would be good for Ava, writing, "I hope they do. I like them together. He grounds her without wanting to change her. He likes her energy and hustle and sass but he also wants her to be honest and connect with him. I think its good for her, since she seems to really want to connect with him back, she just struggles sometimes."

Some wonder if the two will be able to make things work due to their seemingly opposite personalities. However, other fans of the show say this doesn't have to be an obstacle that stands in the way of them making their relationship last.

"I’ve seen dynamics of polar opposite people work out all the time," one user wrote. "I think oshon and ava will stay together, and if they don’t, I don’t think it will be because of ava being selfish, materialistic, etc. maybe an outside circumstance."

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Another user even had a theory about the future of Ava's current beau. "I think we will find out at some point that he is actually financially well-off but chooses to be frugal," they wrote. "I think they will stay together."

Quinta Brunson Said Viewers Will See More Of O’Shon In Season 5

Ava and O’Shon reach a new height in their relationship during the Season 4 finale when he gives her a pair of earrings as a gift. However, she doesn't like them and initially struggles to be honest with him. When confronted about it, Ava decides to come clean and this leads to the couple attempting a long-term relationship. Quinta Brunson confirmed to Variety that the relationship will be explored further next season.

"You definitely can expect to see more of O’Shon," she said. "Matthew Law is wonderful, and gels so well with our cast. That’s really important to us; we love people who become part of the family really easily. I’ve known Matt since college, actually. We were great friends, and it was great to bring him into this world and for him to become such a crowd favorite."

She continued, "And as far as Ava, not only was it incredible to like build out her love life, but her career. To actually see some motion with what happens if she’s not here. Not just for the show, but for the audience. I feel like, over three years, we really earned the ability to say, 'You appreciate her, don’t you?' Because it didn’t start out that way. To me, that’s a testament to character development."

Quinta, who is from West Philadelphia, has said her background inspired the series. This included the season finale, which saw the teachers taking the students to the Please Touch Museum on a field trip. Tracy Curvan, the museum's COO, told Philadelphia Magazine about her feelings regarding Abbott Elementary, and the show highlighting an important place in the city.

“We are honored that Please Touch Museum holds special childhood memories for Quinta Brunson,” Tracy said, “and that she wanted to incorporate the museum into Abbott Elementary in such an immersive and authentic way by bringing the entire production to Philadelphia.”

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During her interview with Variety, Quinta teased fans about the ideas she had in mind for Season 5. "I can’t give you any well-formed thoughts, but I know some things," she said. "We definitely want to see Gregory meet Janine’s mom. And we want to see Gregory’s apartment, which was something we really wanted to do this season, but just didn’t get to. We’re going to see some more of Barbara in music class, for sure."