ABC Pays Gregory’s Oldest Abbott Elementary Promise at Just the Right Time

A costume with history

Janine and Gregory have made Halloween costumes a tradition since they became a couple at the end of season 3. Their past choices included characters from Jurassic Park and a pairing inspired by filmmaker Ryan Coogler and an IMAX screen.

This year, however, Gregory arrives as Gerald Johanssen and Jacob as Arnold. Jacob tells the school’s camera crew that he proposed the costume idea on the day he and Gregory first met.

Five years in the making

At the time, Gregory expected to work at Abbott only briefly while waiting for a principal position elsewhere. He agreed to be Gerald to Jacob’s Arnold five years later, treating the idea as a distant possibility.

In “Halloween Party,” Gregory follows through, despite appearing reluctant. He even says he likes the costume, completing the long-running joke with a small sign of warmth between the colleagues.

Their friendship has shifted

Jacob’s eagerness to connect with Gregory was apparent in season 1’s “Student Transfer.” By season 2’s “Read-A-Thon,” they were working together on a podcast club for older students. Jacob later noticed Gregory’s feelings for Janine in “Valentine’s Day.” Their roles shifted again in season 3’s “Double Date,” when Gregory embarrassed Jacob by spying on Janine. The Halloween payoff highlights a friendship that has developed alongside the show’s wider ensemble relationships.