Hopes & Predictions for "Abbott Elementary" Season 6

Abbott Elementary recently wrapped up its fifth season. While I felt that this last season had a weaker central plot than the others, I still enjoyed it and am excited to see what season 6 has to offer. The finale forshadowed a lot of plots that will be fun to explore next season.

Relationships

As of season 6, all 7 of the major characters (Janine, Gregory, Melissa, Barbara, Ava, Jacob, and Mr. Johnson) are in romantic relationships. It could be fun if this season's Valetine's Day episode was based off of Love Actually, following each couple around during the episode.

Romantic

In the finale, Gregory (Tyler James Williams) implied that he is interested in marrying Janine (Quinta Brunson). This may cause an issue because he will also be assisstant principal next season, which means he will technically be Janine's boss. According to my mother (a former middle school teacher and administrator), who I watch the show with, this is not allowed in her district, even if the relationship is pre-existing.

Will they have to break up? Will someone have to move schools? Who knows!

I'm also interested in seeing bits of romance from the other characters. We rarely get to see Barbara's (Sheryl Lee Ralph) husband, Gerald (Richard Brooks) as he doesn't work in the school. Because Ava (Janelle James) and O'Shon (Matthew Law) started their relationship towards the end of season 4, I assumed that we'd see their bond develop over season 5, but he wasn't in the show much. I want to find out if Ava becomes less shallow or if O'Shon starts to become more and more like his girlfriend.

Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) has been seeing her boyfriend, Captain Robinson (Mike O'Malley), throughout season 5, and while she has said that she never wants to get married again, I'd love to see them commit themselves to one another in a non-legal sense.

Familial

During the party in Miami in the finale, Melissa and her sister Kristin Marie (Lauren Weedman), drunkenly forgive one another. I wonder if that forgiviness will last.

On the note of siblings, hopefully we will see more of Jacob's (Chris Perfetti) brother, Caleb (Tyler Perez) or Janine's sister (Ayo Edebiri). Or possibly more of the parents like Ava's estranged father (Keith David). A wedding between Janine and Gregory is a great excuse to see their parents in an episode (Taraji P. Henson and Olando Jones respectively).

Side Characters

As mentioned above, I was disappointed that we didn't see a lot of O'Shon in season 5. You can't convince me that Ava wouldn't falsely call in I.T. just to see her man!

Season 5 introduced the school counselor character Illena Alomar (Marcella Arguello) and I would have loved to see more of her. She's dry but really funny and I think her counseling knowlege would be useful for these immature adults.

Dominic (Luke Tennie) was also introduced in Season 5 and was barely seen outside of the mall episodes. As a former student of Barbara's, I hope that they get to interact more next season.

While Abbott Elementary primarily focuses on the teachers, I think it could be fun to have a few episodes which follow the kids. Some students, like Courtney (Lela Hoffmeister) are approaching their final years at Abbott, and it would be fun to see those students get a final send off.

The show could also follow some of the students in the clubs. Jacob's podcast students could do some investigative journalism or Janine's fashionistas could give someone a makeover.

I'd also like to see more of Erika (Courtney Taylor), Tariq (Zack Fox) and Dia (Pam Trotter).

District Drama

Jacob became the district liason for his area, so I assume that he will spend much of season 6 campaigning for his fellow teachers.

Abbott has had their fair share drama with the school district. From their blackmail of a nearby golf course to their short stay in the mall after their heater broke, the district just seems to have it out for Abbott Elementary. This leads me to believe that there may be more run ins with the district on the way. They did almost get shut down, after all.

My mother mentioned that since many other schools in the district closed, Abbott might see an influx of new students and teachers. What other chaos will the district cook up during this next school year?

I hope some of my predictions come true, but even if they don't, rest assured, I will be seated for season 6 of Abbott Elementary!