ABC Flipped Abbott Elementary's Best Relationship On Its Head 4 Years Later

A step class returns

Season 1’s “Step Class” began with Janine organizing an extracurricular dance club. Students became more enthusiastic after Ava took charge, but she later missed the group’s first major performance, leaving Janine responsible for the students.

Janine was upset that Ava had taken over the class and gained the students’ support. She became more understanding after learning Ava had missed the performance to care for her ill grandmother; the episode ended with the two reaching a truce.

A changed partnership

In season 6’s “Competition,” Ava recognizes that Janine’s energy and optimism can help the step team succeed. The pair coach the students together rather than treating each other as rivals. Despite an ankle injury to the team’s star performer, they guide Abbott’s group to victory. The outcome underscores the difference between their teamwork now and their earlier conflict in “Step Class.”

Long-running risks pay off

The story also reflects other changes in the sitcom. In season 3, Janine spent a semester working for the school district on a fellowship, while Ava’s temporary firing in season 4 showed the teachers how much they depended on her.

The series has developed Janine and Ava’s complicated relationship across multiple seasons. “Competition” brings that progression into focus by showing them value each other’s strengths while working toward a shared goal.