Abbott Elementary's "love triangle" isn't fooling anybody

Last year, I wrote about how Abbott Elementary had TV’s greatest ongoing slow-burn romance, a wholesome and endearing one that filled a Leslie-and-Ben– and Jim-and-Pam-shaped void in our hearts. And apparently, seasons one and two of the show were only a simmering appetizer. In the series’ third batch, which ends on May 22, Janine (Quinta Brunson) and Gregory’s (Tyler James Williams) dynamic is at an emotional high. Will they finally act upon their feelings and stop putting shippers like myself through the wringer?

Janine and Gregory’s attraction has always been the backbone of the show. And season three capitalizes on this, borrowing a page from The Office and other sitcoms’ playbooks. The pair stays apart for several episodes, with Janine working part-time at the school district and Gregory still at Abbott. The distance makes them crave each other (and we crave seeing them together). Their limited interactions get angstier, especially once an interesting new love interest enters the picture.

Now, Janine and Gregory have had relationships while pining for each other since they met. She’s dated Tariq (Zach Fox) and Maurice (Vince Staples); he’s been with Amber (Naté Jones) and Taylor (Iyana Halley). They’ve all made for entertaining distractions, sure, but—come on—none of them stood a chance. But Abbott shakes up that dynamic with Janine’s new coworker, Manny (Josh Segarra, always a delight). He’s hot, charming, and a genuine support system for her at a new job. Abbott makes it hard not to root for him even before he sends Janine that text to ask her out. In short, he’s a surprisingly worthy competitor. It’s a refreshing change. Gregory knows it, too, which explains his awkward freakout after spotting them together while he’s on a dinner date himself. (Yes, Lana Condor’s Olivia deserves better).

This is all catnip for Janine and Gregory fans like myself. Based on sitcom tropes (hi, Karen Filippelli), this so-called love triangle is nothing but a narrative device so they realize they belong together. Right? RIGHT? But Abbott throws in a fun curveball by making Manny such a worthwhile dude. I find myself cheering him (and his gold chain, duh) on simply because of his goofy personality and chemistry with Janine. This has also led to divisive reactions from other viewers who are questioning Janine’s decision-making. Should she pick Gregory or Manny? Did she make the right choice by not accepting a full-time role at the district?

The latter choice doesn’t surprise me because Janine loves teaching and is frankly obsessed with Abbott. Still, venturing outside her comfort zone proves she’s ready for big swings. Similarly, Gregory has opened up so much since the series premiere, embracing the opportunities he’s gotten as a teacher. Abbott Elementary has not-so-subtly displayed their evolution as individuals. (Janine’s confidence in her style alone is so fun to witness.) The next believable step for them has to be a big romantic gesture.

We got close to one in this season’s penultimate episode, “Smith Playground,” in which they almost confessed their feelings but stopped after hearing about the pitfalls of dating a coworker. (Raise your hand if you also sighed out loud during this moment.) But whether or not they hook up this week, we know we’re in for a show that still has a strong, hilarious ensemble come season four. That said, get together, you two. Please.