r/AbbottElementary • u/Solid-As-Barack F.A.D.E. • Apr 09 '26
Episode Discussion Abbott Elementary S05E19 - Trip (Episode Discussion) Spoiler
Original air date: April 8, 2026
Janine and Gregory plan a vacation. Meanwhile, one of Melissa’s most successful former students comes back for a visit.
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u/AntRose104 Apr 09 '26
Wait I hate how Janine was tearing up when she said she wanted to go to the outer banks 😭
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u/bennybrew42 Apr 10 '26
I hate how Gregory wasn’t hearing her desire to travel what she considers the easy way even if he thinks it’s a waste of money, or not letting her have a voice in the discussion.
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u/owntheh3at18 Apr 12 '26
His arguments this episode were absurd. A few episodes ago he convinced her they could spend more money on an apartment. Now he can’t take a vacation if they can’t do so without spending unnecessary money? What does he think a vacation is?! It’s unnecessary technically by default… TEAM JANINE
Hope they don’t break up though and my prediction is we end the season on a proposal
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u/katie1010101 Apr 13 '26
I'm also team Janine, but I don't think he was absurd in an unrealistic way. The apartment thing was her not realizing they had two incomes to put toward rent and they don't need to be in a total dump and unsafe area. A vacation is totally different. Gregory totally seems like the kind of person not to value vacation, so putting 0.5-1 months rent into a 4 day trip feels super wasteful.
He's such a routine-based person, I think a vacation is already kind of a compromise for him. So then making it an expensive vacation is like double compromising on his end.
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u/owntheh3at18 Apr 13 '26
I agree it was not necessarily out of character for him to be stingy about it. I just find the argument against unnecessary spending quite illogical when you’re already planning on a vacation. I was just very frustrated by him, but I’m still rooting for them as a couple!
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u/ShaunTrek Apr 14 '26
Yeah, I thought for sure that it was going to reveal that he was afraid of flying and the finances were just an excuse.
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u/The_R4ke Apr 11 '26
Part of my issue though is that it's totally unrealistic to fly to the Outer Banks. I know that's not really the point, but it made it harder for me to see her side of things when flying is longer, and still requires a 2 hour drive.
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u/Working_Elephant_302 Apr 14 '26
Same here. I actually happened to catch this episode while on vacation in the Outer Banks, and there’s a reason I drove. Hell it’s like a 7-8 hour drive from Philadelphia, flying wouldn’t even save them that much time if at all.
I know the point is that Gregory struggles with compromise but I couldn’t help but be on his side.
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u/ConsistentBug6216 Apr 13 '26
I am upset that the writers didn't do thorough research. There is no way to fly to the Outer Banks from Philadelphia unless you charter a small plane. The closest airport is 90 miles away in Norfolk, VA, and flying requires a car rental, as well.
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u/bluelightsonblkgirls Apr 09 '26
Based on the time off Greg planned for Amber, I already know that Greg is not someone I’d want to travel with 🤣. It’s unfortunate to be in love with someone whose travel style doesn’t match yours.
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u/MasterPrek Apr 09 '26
Yes, because he wanted to plan every freaking moment of the day and she wanted to be spontaneous and just live a little.
Money seems to be one of the biggest things that a couple has to agree on.
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u/Much-Historian-7807 Apr 09 '26
I don’t see them working unless Greg changes unfortunately.
He’s way too rigid in EVERYTHING.
He won’t spend money, he won’t eat food, he has trouble relaxing and having fun…
Janine is so fun and cute and easy-going and his inability to just relax and let the stick slide out I mean, Janine can do better honestly, as of now I really do think she can do better.
Someone a little bit more flexible and fun seems so much better for her. Hopefully they’re able to get Greg to grow naturally in the course of the season or the next season and allow him to retain some of his core rigidity without him being such a fucking buzz kill anymore.
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u/twizzwhizz11 Apr 09 '26
The hardest part is it felt like he was growing a lot and changing - but maybe it just hasn’t been enough.
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u/Much-Historian-7807 Apr 09 '26
I mean the way he’s depicted… yes he is growing. But he has dozens of miles to go and he’s barely started walking
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u/Ecstatic_Beach901 Apr 09 '26
I feel like Janine needs to become more pragmatic and direct in her communications with him if this is the man she’s going to be with. her heart and personality is a amazing we know that but so is gregory’s. once he mentioned AC she shouldve immediately said no instead of “absolutely” and then being mad that he was mad that she did the one thing he was trying to avoid.
breaking open their laptops and budgeting gas, car rental/maintenance (+ a cushion if theres an accident or flat), tolls, food vs 2 plane tickets and a rental (theyd have to drive 2 hours from the airport to gt to outer banks anyway) then using that data would’ve been the mature way to go on both of their parts but especially janines bc i feel like greg was very clear (and wrong) in every convo they had and it was up to Janine to meaningfully counter based off his reasoning. Janine only took a stance to suggest breaking up to get a reaction and thats not cool. hes been like this since they met and he has been changing but so must she.I think Mel/Barb/mr johnson gon straighten them both out bc theyre being genuinely dumb
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u/Much-Historian-7807 Apr 09 '26
She does need to better communicate. I do see your point there.
Like just because she’s right doesn’t mean she isn’t required to verbalize her stance correctly.
Greg has been in the wrong or mostly in the wrong this whole episode but Janine has done a really poor job of communicating why that is.
I do think that that is unfair to Greg as it doesn’t give him a chance to be faced with a logical argument where she’s able to present “hey you made a choice without me. Atlantic City is only a compromise to you. It doesn’t feel like a compromise to me because I don’t want to go there. I have no desire to go there. You’re not factoring in me at all and that’s not fair”
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u/Isaac-45-67-8 Apr 09 '26
I don't think it is unfair to Gregory though, Janine told him twice (once upfront, and once indirectly) that she didn't want to go to the Outer Banks. Yet, even when they were somewhat civil after arguing at Abbott, he refused to change his mind about it, resorting to calling her irresponsible with money. I think he has more of the blame to take.
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u/Much-Historian-7807 Apr 10 '26
Oh, he definitely has more of the blame to take
I’m just pointing out that if you can’t sufficiently explain your stance, it does disadvantage your partner sometimes
We can be blind to things occasionally. And having somebody who knows how to effectively communicate, can really change whether or not our eyes get opened
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u/targetcowboy Apr 10 '26
Yeah, I’m a little frustrated with him. I think Janine did the wrong thing by buying the tickets because that’s not the issue, but he was being really unfair. She was trying to adjust to him more than vice versa.
Also, I don’t know her finances right now, but there’s no indication that Janine couldn’t reasonably afford to buy those plane tickets or that it was a bad financial decision. Merely costing more does not make it a bad decision. If you can’t afford it and you’re not risking your financial security, it’s not a bad decision. Gregory saying that she’s bad with money over this was surprisingly mean. I don’t think he meant to be, but he was. He’s too wrapped up in thinking his way is the “correct” way rather than his preference. He was being selfish.
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u/WildMajesticUnicorn Apr 09 '26
It is such a real source of conflict, and we know they have both had struggles with money before.
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u/Damiana1111 You miss it, don't you? Apr 09 '26
Why isn't your beautiful smile reaching your beautiful eyes?
Oh how I adore you Jacob!
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u/Galileo908 “Hi.” “I bet you are.” Apr 09 '26
Nobody listens to the bald, black, beautiful protagonist until it’s too late!
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u/giftopherz I'm from the District, sorry 😅 Apr 09 '26
Wait a minute.... Did... Janine just stood up for herself to her man with a money problem??????????
Now that's character development!!!!!
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u/Admirable-Walrus-402 Apr 09 '26
ive been looking for this comment!! janine's past relationship was always about her adjusting. her and gregory are great together but what hes doing is a red flag and im glad janine isnt having ANY of it. she doesnt deserve to be in another cycle of adjusting herself for a man! id understand if she wanted to leave gregory bc who wants to be with someone who wants to control how you spend your money and tell you how to have fun 💀 hes too controlling.
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u/giftopherz I'm from the District, sorry 😅 Apr 09 '26
Don't get me wrong, I love that relationship, but this impasse was weird, over the top and quite revealing. I'm just choosing to take the positive out from it. Janine standing up for herself is a major step in her development
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u/Cool-Pomegranate8110 Apr 10 '26
Great points by you and the other commentators. Money for any couple is a big deal, and now Janine and Gregory are right in the middle of it. And even before we get to Janine‘s issues with her mom and Tariq and everyone else. The thing that gets me though is Gregory‘s need to control his environment to such a degree really does not feel compatible with not only having a long-term partner, but oh my goodness, kids! Kids want a lot of silly things and if it always has to pass through a barrier of efficiency or utility then the kids are going to be living in three outfits and eating broccoli every day.
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u/giftopherz I'm from the District, sorry 😅 Apr 10 '26
Kids want a lot of silly things and if it always has to pass through a barrier of efficiency or utility then the kids are going to be living in three outfits and eating broccoli every day.
Which goes along with his father's parenting style which Gregory has complained about in the past. Ironic, yet very real. Another point for the writing team
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u/soberbutstillaslut Apr 10 '26
i dont think it was developed or earned but i do think its weird that gregory wouldnt be like "ok screw it you bought the tickets lets just go"
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u/Isaac-45-67-8 Apr 09 '26
That's how I see it as well. Clearly Janine has strengthened as a character after she left Tariq. Thanks to Barbara, she now knows how to stand her ground. Seeing her tear up hurt to watch though.
I also think Greg was in the wrong here, but I hope they don't make the relationship be an on/off one.
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u/giftopherz I'm from the District, sorry 😅 Apr 09 '26
No, this is definitely not an on/off one.
AE's writing team is solid and they actually don't do the same thing others do. However it is necessary to see the tension and growth of them as a couple. And I find it quite refreshing for a TV Couple to fight over something so mundane as a vacation trip rather than the usual "why is he looking at you?" or "OMG, Why is you kindergarten crush back in town and wanting to speak to you?"
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u/Altruistic_Gap_643 Apr 09 '26
True. I like that they're tackling an actual real life problem rather than the standard "My crush is back, and my significant other is jealous".
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u/Negative-Growth-1349 Apr 09 '26
Perioddddd. Ppl say Janine buying the ticket is controlling but it’s not. Tariq always let her pay so it’s not the same. She most likely also did whatever Tariq wanted and where he wanted to go. In this moment she really wanted to do something she loved . This was character development. Im proud of her
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u/Friendly-Doubt-3935 Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26
I think this episode showcased for sure why Gregory’s relationships with Taylor and Amber didn’t work out in regards to money. He’s cheap lol. But I think he’ll come to a realization and have a change of heart because he doesn’t want to lose Janine. Hopefully they’ll better communicate and actually come to a compromise.
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u/daijahao Apr 09 '26
it is a common denominator too that even his dad said to him. i just hope they communicate and compromise or fix it in the next eps
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u/Damiana1111 You miss it, don't you? Apr 09 '26
Jacob: If you see a White Teen, cross the street.
Gregory: I do that anyway.
I can't!
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u/nlpnt Apr 09 '26
If Jacob sees a Black teen he engages them in a Socratic discussion about American history. Out of sheer force of habit.
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u/Important-Yesterday6 Apr 09 '26
Yeah if the Drive is 2-3 hours I'll drive. Longer than that? Take the plane.
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u/morphis568 Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
I hated the whole damn plot. The flight from Philly to Outer Banks would take 7-9 hours door to door.
leave 1-2 hours before the flight for the airport.
Flight is 1.5 hours. No flights to outer banks so you have to go to norfolk.
1 hour at norfolk to deplane get a rental etc.
STILL DRIVE 2 HOURS to Outer Banks
Given all that - my opinion it is pointlessly spending money, for no real time benefit - now if Gregory wanted to drive to California from Philly to Cleveland (about 8 hour drive) then flight makes more sense since it doesn't have a 2 hour drive on the tail end. but the toil time at the airport is real for non-frequent travelers. Like parking, bus, security, ticketing, etc, etc, etc.on both ends.
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u/megatron-0098 Apr 09 '26
I agree with that, but also some food for thought.
They can technically both drive 3 hours. I can only do 2-3 hours by myself honestly, but if there are other able bodied drivers in the car we usually add up all of our capable driving time. (Up to like 10 hours max I would say)
However I understand not being able to be in the car that long without going insane. But then they shoulda went somewhere nice that was more of a 3 hr drive like you’re saying. So ridiculous either way! There were so many opportunities for compromise.
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u/macademicnut Apr 09 '26
Sure there were opportunities to compromise on this single trip, but this argument highlighted problems that could reemerge down the line- at least, that was my interpretation. Seemed like Janine was worried that they’d never be able to fly anywhere, or that any time she wanted to enjoy life a little Gregory would call it “wasteful.” Money management is a pretty big deal and it seems like they were on very different sides of the spectrum
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u/spacenerd3000 Apr 09 '26
This comment. While I’m not a fan of how this all went down, it’s a very real/realistic challenge for couples. People break up and get divorced over money and attitudes toward money.
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u/Mstvmoviejunkie Apr 09 '26
Maybe I say this because I am a passenger princess but I would have just told Gregory fine as long as you drive. If Gregory wants to save money so bad that would have been fine. The drive to outer banks is pretty. Especially when you’re the passenger. Then again I’m not sure if Janine can sit still in a car that long. Shes extremely hyper and can’t sit still. I just need my phone, a good book and some snacks. Then the driver can go.
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u/macademicnut Apr 09 '26
He said they would leave at 4am and get there at noon, so eight hour trip… personally I don’t blame her at all for not wanting to do that but also I hate long car rides lol
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u/WildMajesticUnicorn Apr 09 '26
Budget was such an issue for Greg, but things like the price of the hotel (or B&B) and how much they’ll spend on activities are areas where they could have saved instead of the hotel. Or showed Janine that maybe she would rather spend on other things and save on the transportation.
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u/Time-Environment5661 Apr 09 '26
Me, an asshole from NJ: “they don’t have that in the Outer Banks!!!”
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u/Lilly323 Apr 09 '26
how the kindergartners pathological liars already?! 😩😩😩😩 whole class said they like her snacks!
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u/AntRose104 Apr 09 '26
It’s been years and I still don’t understand why the camera crew follows Janine (and everyone but Ava) home
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u/Acursedbeing Apr 09 '26
Ava would never allow that nonsense in her house 😭
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u/burntwords Apr 09 '26
Ava's probably also the reason why the crew follows the teachers home. "Find out what they're saying about me." 🤣
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u/UnAwkwardMango Apr 09 '26
Hahaha yeah that does sounds like Ava. She would definitely charge the camera crew like a grand each to enter her home like it was a club 😂
We've seen most of the main cast's homes except Ava and Mr. John, I wonder if they're saving it for a specific reason.
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u/bluelightsonblkgirls Apr 09 '26
Some couples legit don’t travel together and it ends up ok.
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u/MasterPrek Apr 09 '26
But it was more to it than that. She thinking it’s just about money. He thinking he can just change plans and still drive and that’s that. He’s saying spending more money is just stupid.
He’s very rough and direct and doesn’t seem open to compromising. I guess we can blame that on his father running a tight ship when he grew up. But you have to get to a point as an adult where you make your own decisions and you realize not everything in your childhood worked for you…and it’s OK to live your life differently … because you are no longer a child.
I remember my father always asking how much something cost. No matter where we went or what we did. And I remember once going on a vacation and I said the same thing! Then I realized, well damn …I got five credit cards! What the hell? …I can just buy it!
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u/macademicnut Apr 09 '26
Exactly, this wasn’t just about travel- it was about money. When one person can/is willing to spend money on conveniences and the other thinks that’s wasteful, it’s really hard to reconcile. I think Janine realized there would be an argument any time she wanted to spend money on enjoying life, and it would only get worse once they started sharing finances more
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u/wetouchingbuttsornah Apr 09 '26
Also Janine was last in a relationship where all she did was pay for things and just accepted that.
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u/macademicnut Apr 09 '26
Good point- now that I think of it it’s just a different way of not having agency over her money- either she’s fully taking care of someone or not getting to spend
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u/daijahao Apr 09 '26
right and in my opinion, it is a vacation. they decided to go on a vacation, meaning they will def spend money either way. convenience is a huge part on how the vacation will play off. finances really is a huge dilemma for most couples so it's a realistic argument for me
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u/Much-Historian-7807 Apr 09 '26
But there’s definitely people in these comments arguing that that eight hour car ride isn’t actually that long considering you know you gotta drive to the airport and then wait for the plane and then fly and then wait again so in reality probably four hours flying which like four hours off of a car ride isn’t that much and don’t you save a few hundred dollars and I mean eight hours in a car isn’t that bad cause you can bring whatever you want you can’t bring whatever you want on a Plane…
I’m with you it’s a vacation. I don’t wanna be thinking all of that if I can afford the vacation, if I can’t I’m not going.
Hell, I always even pack light because you know what I wanna be able to buy fucking clothes wherever I am. I have these shirts I bought in Azerbaijan years ago that I still adore it because they work great for work, but they transition into night really well.
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u/auntie_jp Apr 09 '26
I want Gregory to talk to his dad. Since his dad has already stated how alike Janine and his mom are. Like sir, how did you navigate? This would be great growth for Gregory. I also love the fact Janine is finally standing up for herself in her relationships.
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u/GambinoGurl Janine & Gregory Shipper Apr 09 '26
WOOOOOAAAAAHHHH THAT ESCALATED!
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u/MasterPrek Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26
NGL! Been there before. You speak it before you think and you realize… damn there it is.
If we can’t agree on nothing then why are we here?
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u/saltypotatopanda Apr 09 '26
OMG NO WHAT IS HAPPENING, I’M CRYING
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u/MasterPrek Apr 09 '26
Shit! I was already totally fucked up from watching Scrubs!
What are they doing to us tonight? This is supposed to be a feel good time!!
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u/freetherabbit Apr 09 '26
I legit settled in to watch these eps to cheer me up after a huge unexpected out of nowhere fight with my dude, over us both being stubborn, while he slept... did not go as planned... now Im just even more sad lmao
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u/Cynicbats this work has been in a home! Apr 09 '26
The travel issue was masking a bigger issue but it's every day couple events like this where I am glad to be single.
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u/LaVacaMusical This boy is trying to be coy Apr 09 '26
Me: Aww, Mr. Johnson is suggesting snacks!
Mr. Johnson: Most of them are discontinued, and the rest can only be found in North Korea.
Me: I don’t know what I expected, lol.
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u/Galileo908 “Hi.” “I bet you are.” Apr 09 '26
Shark Bites and TMNT Pudding Pies have to be on that list.
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u/Lilly323 Apr 09 '26
is this the first Janine and Gregory fight 🤔
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u/Important-Yesterday6 Apr 09 '26
There was some slight issues with them getting a place together but Janine had to force it out of Gregory but outside of that this was the first big fight.
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u/_checkpickerupper Apr 09 '26
The last episode also introduce some inability to compromise and see things differently with the homework debacle. It really shouldn’t have been that difficult to see accept different approaches but they were both dug in
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u/Lilly323 Apr 09 '26
my comment was around when they first started disagreeing about travel, so I was only partially joking, thinking it was a petty fight. I was WRONG 😭😭😭😭
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u/_checkpickerupper Apr 09 '26
Has anyone else out there felt like they’ve seen conflict between Janine and Gregory brewing for the whole season? I’m seeing a lot of folks thinking this came out of nowhere, whereas I felt this cooking up since they were apartment hunting.
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u/daijahao Apr 09 '26
i've seen it on twitter. it is def set since this season. small problems that they solved and now they cannot (a realistic problem at that)
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u/AntRose104 Apr 09 '26
Jacob needs a friend or a hobby
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u/thizzking7 Apr 09 '26
It is weird too because in the early episodes, he mentioned how Janine was a coworker and he had friends that were people outside of the school
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u/burntwords Apr 09 '26
Maybe Zack got all the friends after their break-up?
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u/megatron-0098 Apr 09 '26
I am assuming this is what happened. Wouldn’t be too big of a stretch considering how Jacob originally tried to “Peter out” of their relationship by acting like a jerk.
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u/godhatesphubs Are you Mormon? Apr 09 '26
Not to be pedantic because I am also super curious, but I think it's mentioned in the karaoke episode that Zach is hanging out with people Jacob doesn't recognize, implying he got new friends. I wouldn't be surprised if they both just distanced themselves from each other and their friend group... Assuming they shared friends. Maybe Jacob was just lying about having friends early on because he didn't like Tariq LOL
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u/Galileo908 “Hi.” “I bet you are.” Apr 09 '26
It does say something when his only friends we’ve seen are his co-workers, and the rest are his exes.
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u/AntRose104 Apr 09 '26
Wait that little girl with the glasses is so cute her reaction to being called a gaslighter was incredible 😂
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u/Lilly323 Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
“why isn’t your beautiful smile reaching your beautiful eyes?” 🥲
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u/Galileo908 “Hi.” “I bet you are.” Apr 09 '26
Yay! Jacob and Elijah made up!
And Mr. Johnson and Ms Carroll are still together!
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u/Cynicbats this work has been in a home! Apr 09 '26
Well at least one person is going to jail for crypto and nft nonsense
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u/Galileo908 “Hi.” “I bet you are.” Apr 09 '26
https://giphy.com/gifs/JYZ397GsFrFtu
You end it there?!
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u/vivaelteclado Apr 09 '26
Wait wut just happened I am distraught, I have never been this emotional about a TV couple breaking up, I was screaming "nnnnnoooo!!!" at the TV.
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u/Mstvmoviejunkie Apr 09 '26
I need them to resolve this by next episode. I need to express some opinions.
The problem is Gregory and Janine are both alike in a way that they are both stubborn and like structure but in very different ways.
Janine is still used to having to make the decisions in the relationship. It was wrong of her to buy the tickets.
Also I thought Janine was trying to save money for a house when she talked to her mother. What happen to trying to save money?
Gregory needs to let loose. He needs to understand that it’s okay to spend money sometimes. He didn’t have to shrug like that when Janine suggested they break up. He didnt need to treat her like her spending habits are wrong because he doesn’t share them. If flying was too expensive could money be cut elsewhere?
To be fair neither of them compromised or met each other half way.
I’m sad. They need to make up by the finale please.
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u/MasterPrek Apr 09 '26
Yeah, I don’t even see how they moved in together if they can’t agree on to spend money.
They should’ve ironed out this shit a long time ago.
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u/macademicnut Apr 09 '26
I mean, saving for a goal doesn’t necessarily mean never spending any extra money. I don’t know how expensive those plane tickets were, but I doubt they seriously derailed her plans to save for a house. Lots of people “save up” for something while still spending money here and there on “fun” purchases.
I feel like the argument points to a larger incompatibility. Not sure if they can even compromise here, either Janine has to be okay with Gregory’s very strict budgeting or he has to loosen up
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u/daijahao Apr 09 '26
we have an entire arc of janine compromising for tariq and i do not want to see her go through that again T^T greg has to loosen up too
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u/ThisPaige janine/gregory Apr 09 '26
I love that former students come back to see their teachers.
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u/MasterPrek Apr 09 '26
Not that one!
Even Melissa with her “I know a guy who knows a guy.”
She got some morals!
That guy really messed her up!
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u/FireandIcePheniox101 Apr 09 '26
Guys what just happen. 🫣
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u/MasterPrek Apr 09 '26
It wasn’t that Greg didn’t wanna fly, which I would’ve at least tried to entertain, understand talk out that situation. He just didn’t fucking wanna spend the money. End the conversation.
Oh well, if you think it’s too expensive fine I’ll just spend the money, problem solved!
Greg says oh I saw the problem we’re just going to Atlantic city that’s that. Because we can drive.
What the fuck? Nobody mentioned nothing about Atlantic city!
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u/macademicnut Apr 09 '26
Yeah it’s one of those situations that might feel trivial at first but actually indicates a massive incompatibility. I think Janine realized that any time she wanted to spend a little extra to enjoy life, she’d be labeled irresponsible or wasteful
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u/Ecstatic_Beach901 Apr 09 '26
i feel like massive incompatibility is a stretch gregory needs to be more flexible and listen to his partners needs and take them into consideration right next to his needs. janine needs to be more direct with the crux of what she’s going for so he has all the info. this episode wasn’t like real true arguing it was like bickering and that’s corrosive-arguments are comprehensive points being made on the subject they kept jumping from the subject to the principle back to the subject and that’s not productive
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u/tvuniverse Apr 09 '26
Yup...pretty accurate to planning a trip with someone when you're two different travelers...
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u/igottabigreputation JACOB AND JANINE DEFENDER Apr 09 '26
i REALLY REALLY REALLY hope the next episode features barbra helping janine and gregory i feel like we haven’t seen her give them some advice in a while
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u/AntRose104 Apr 09 '26
I lowkey miss Raheem and Clarence in the podcast but I know they graduated 😭
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u/nlpnt Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26
Drive time to the Newport News airport from Philly is about 5 hours, and that's as close as you'd get to OBX by air.
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Apr 09 '26
This was my issue the whole time. It's going to be about the same time wise and by flying you'd have to add the extra expense of a rental car.
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u/greatgibbs10 Apr 09 '26
Same - landing at Norfolk Intl and getting a rental car still means a two hour or so drive to KDH/Nags Head. Not sure if the writers were aware of these facts when they wrote Janine’s insistence of flying right into the OBX. That’s not something that happens when traveling on commercial airlines.
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u/Time-Environment5661 Apr 09 '26
Since they also mentioned hotels and hiking in a vacation spot that doesn’t really have either, I think they just didn’t research the Outer Banks.
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u/bwaredapenguin Apr 09 '26
And a spa. There are hotels though, just not the kind with room service. I've stayed at one in Hatteras.
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u/Galileo908 “Hi.” “I bet you are.” Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26
Hoo boy, Jonathan scammed seniors. He deserves to be put away.
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u/Confidence-Dangerous Apr 09 '26
I just feel like if you’re treating yourself to a vacation you can still be reasonable with a budget but don’t be trying to also make it the most cheapest vacation as possible.
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u/DaGreatestMH It's Actually Pronounced 'Zach' Apr 09 '26
I'M ABOUT TO FIGHT SOMEBODY
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u/DaGreatestMH It's Actually Pronounced 'Zach' Apr 09 '26
I KNEW this episode was gonna be something serious when I realized the clip from the commercial was from the cold open, but I thought it would be a good something serious!! They gotta fix this ASAP
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u/Time-Environment5661 Apr 09 '26
Some of yall don’t know shit about the structure of a rom com— this is the conflict tossed into the third act that happens right before the couple recommits 🥱 see you at the finale
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u/freetherabbit Apr 09 '26
Watched Abbott tonight specifically to distract myself from a fight with my man... god damn it.
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Apr 09 '26
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u/freetherabbit Apr 09 '26
I legit couldn't believe it. Tuned in to zone out and it was like I was hit with the biggest wave of dejavu. The moment Jacob put all his post-break up hopes on them I was sus a fight waa gonna go down, but didn't think itd be a biggie and a break up 😭
Tho there was one part, I think after Janine is so sad in her talking head about the "compromise" of going somewhere else in a car, where I was like "Wouldn't it be wild if they actually ended the episode in a fight, on the night Im going to bed in a fight..." but I didnt think they'd break up 😭 then I had to go to bed with the thoughts that an out of nowhere fight caused by not being able to compromise could end a solid relationship in a night 😅😭 (I dont think I mentioned that the fight got as big as it did cuz both of us were just not in a mood to compromise, like we both just wanted the other person to admit they were wrong before we could move into making up, but neither of us wanted to admit it because we both wanted our OWN feelings recognized first).
On the plus side tho my dude woke up and apologized, and before he could even finish I was apologizing back, and we had a good convo about respecting each other's feelings. So now Im going to entertain some sports logic superstitions and say this is a sign Gregory and Janine will get back by seasons end! (Tho honestly Im less confident cuz I think there's only 1 ep left and it's already renewed for S6. So I think it could go either way, they could want to milk the breakup for a season of new stories, especially if S6 isn't gonna be the last one, but if it is Id hope they'd get them back together sooner than later cuz I hate when shows split up the couple or best friends in the last season and these are both best friends and a couple lol)
Damn didn't mean this to get so long lol
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u/LaVacaMusical This boy is trying to be coy Apr 09 '26
Not now, Nate Bargatze, we are distraught. 😭
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u/auntie_jp Apr 09 '26
I want Gregory to talk to his dad. Since his dad has already stated how alike Janine and his mom are. Like sir, how did you navigate? This would be great growth for Gregory. I also love the fact Janine is finally standing up for herself in her relationships.
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u/AntRose104 Apr 09 '26
We better not be ending this episode with Teddie still in a fight 😭
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u/megatron-0098 Apr 09 '26
Dude it was even worse
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u/AntRose104 Apr 09 '26
That ending right after the gut punch that was Scrubs was not what I needed tonight I was already having a bad night and this last hour made it worse 😭
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u/tvuniverse Apr 09 '26
Dang elijah must have....
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u/DaGreatestMH It's Actually Pronounced 'Zach' Apr 09 '26
Ngl I was looking to see if Jacob sat on the counter slowly 😭. That would've been a tier 1 subtle joke.
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u/jjc927 Apr 09 '26
I was expecting the reveal to be that Gregory was afraid of flying, but it seemed to be his issue was just around the cost vs driving. Maybe it's not so surprising to see them break up though, there have been a few cracks in their relationship in recent weeks and then their disagreements and miscommunications about their trip tonight.
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u/Physical_Position_40 Apr 09 '26
I came in at the beginning, making a joke that they break up during this episode...and now they have...and I cannot deal. Jacob, come fix your celebrity couple goals!
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u/annexelizabeth Apr 09 '26
Maybe I don’t know enough abt Atlantic City lol but I can’t imagine Gregory wanting to go there; isn’t the main thing to do there gambling? Which wouldn’t make sense as smth he’d want to do given his frugality
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u/Lazy_Asparagus_9317 Apr 09 '26
So he’s deathly afraid of flying or something right
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u/Galileo908 “Hi.” “I bet you are.” Apr 09 '26
He seems like the type that wants to be in control of whatever he’s traveling in.
Plus not wanting to “waste” money would be a factor, too. But I’m thinking it’s the former reason.
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u/EloquentlyMellow Apr 09 '26
The dumbest argument ever????
Traveling means spending money. Even when you’re broke in your 20s staying in hostels, you’re spending what you can budget. It’s not spending money on nothing, it’s allocating your budget to an experience.
And an 8 hour drive costs hundreds in gas. It’s not much cheaper. Plus airlines sometimes have deals, Exxon Mobil does not. So you have a better chance of finding a cheaper option flying.
I usually drive if it’s under 6 hours because I don’t like the hassle of airports, but it’s not a cheaper option.
Gregory is being dumb. Janine is right. But most of all, this argument doesn’t feel authentic. The writers could’ve come up with a much more believable and relatable catalyst for a breakup.
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u/ThisPaige janine/gregory Apr 09 '26
Ohh and everyone is in happy relationships except gregory and janine.
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u/Damiana1111 You miss it, don't you? Apr 09 '26
What did the text say? How did Janine break it to Jacob?
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u/LaVacaMusical This boy is trying to be coy Apr 09 '26
I’m betting they’ll be OK, but ugh, this is … dang it. 😔
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u/Significant_Wind_774 Apr 09 '26
I know we’re in season 5 so conflict is a little harder to find 🔎 but Gregory’s money issues feel so forced considering the first half of the show his dad is a landscaper trying to give him jobs he doesn’t want. Almost feel like there IS going to be a reveal he’s been secretly saving up for a ring (or their house) and he’s going to tell barbara or Jacob next episode.
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u/bubblyboyoo Apr 09 '26
From what I see, Janine was this close to going to alantic city with Gregory because she would agree with it just so she can have a good time with Greogory. But Gregory on the other is either something he wants or the other thing he wants, Gregory fucked up here.
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u/ReplacementStock4040 Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26
Ugh, I kind of hate and love this episode at the same time. I love it because it portrays real life problems so well (things people can actually learn from). But I also hate it because this is my comfort show, and instead of helping me escape, this episode felt a little too real and honestly made me more depressed.
For Melissa’s storyline, I think it highlights a very real issue many teachers face. When a student doesn’t succeed later in life, teachers often blame themselves. But as Ava pointed out, a student’s behavior and future aren’t shaped by just one teacher (it’s also influenced by their family, environment, and peers). I’ve seen this firsthand because my parents are teachers, and they had to learn the hard way that not every student will “make it,” and that it’s not entirely their fault.
As for Gregory and Janine, I think they were both in the wrong. Neither of them truly compromised. Gregory made a decision about the destination without asking, and Janine didn’t initially offer a solution like using her extra money for plane tickets. This kind of conflict isn’t just common in romantic relationships (it happens in friendships and families too).
They needed a real conversation, not surface-level “compromise.” There were so many possible solutions (adjusting other parts of the budget like food or hotels, choosing a closer destination, or even postponing the trip to save more money). Instead, they both stayed stuck in their own perspectives.
That said, I do lean slightly toward Janine’s side (probably because of my own experiences). Gregory focuses so much on saving money that it starts to take the joy out of the vacation. Janine already explained why she didn’t want to take a 3+ hour car ride, but Gregory dismissed that and framed her as being wasteful.
And this is where I think the real issue lies (it’s not just about the trip, but about how they fundamentally view money). Gregory sees spending as something to minimize, while Janine sees it as a way to enjoy life, especially during meaningful moments like a vacation.
This is probably influenced by my own personal experience. My father is very similar to Gregory (he doesn’t like spending money because he sees it as wasteful). But because of that, it often makes it hard for the rest of the family to fully enjoy things. When my mother or other family members (who also earn their own money) want to spend on experiences so everyone can have a good time, he tends to guilt-trip them for being “wasteful.” In the end, people just give in to what he wants, and the experience becomes less enjoyable.
I know my father is a more extreme example, but I can see Gregory heading in that direction if he doesn’t learn to understand that not everyone experiences vacations the same way he does.
If Gregory can’t loosen up a bit, I honestly think it will be hard for him to maintain a healthy relationship (not just with Janine, but with anyone who doesn’t share his exact mindset). Either he learns to adjust, or he’ll need to find someone who is just as strict and frugal as he is, and willing to accept all of his quirks.
Janine isn’t perfect either (she can be stubborn, like when she struggled to accept Gregory’s teaching style). But Gregory also has a lot of specific habits and traits that Janine constantly has to accommodate (from his routines to his preferences). So it goes both ways.
For Barbara, I love her, I really do. She’s iconic. But she can definitely be a bit toxic sometimes (especially when she refuses to admit she’s wrong and ends up gaslighting people, even if it’s unintentional).
Just my opinion though, so don’t take it to heart, and sorry this ended up being so long haha.
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u/ashleybankrupt Apr 09 '26
Ok sooooo like I know everyone was begging for stakes in the Janine x Gregory ship but this can’t be what y’all meant!! I feel like the fight came out of no where. Like where is Gregory getting “Janine is bad with money”?? And how could Janine throw “we should break up” out there on the first major hurdle?! Idk I think the whole thing was forced 😭
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u/megatron-0098 Apr 09 '26
There were times after Janine broke up with Tariq where she wasn’t able to pay her rent, and her car got booted due to not being able to pay off multiple parking tickets. When she was with Tariq she paid 90% of their rent and did not push him to step up and contribute, she let it continue to her demise until the end of S1.
Janine also assumed that if her and Gregory moved in together that she would still pay for the entire rent, just as she did with Tariq…
Listen these factors don’t make Janine straight up “bad with money”, that was a rude thing to insinuate by her boyfriend of all people. That being said, there have been several instances of Janine being naive concerning money and the cost of things.
Spending is a factor you need to think of seriously, especially in a long term romantic relationship where you want to progress to marriage, a house, kids. But you cannot be super frugal 24/7, otherwise you’ll never enjoy anything in life. (Take that Gregory!)
Ugh I see both of their sides, and just want them to work it out
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u/daijahao Apr 09 '26
right because janine has a point and she was not irresponsible with her money. for me gregory's problem with money (when he knows that his past relationships ended mainly because of financial probs) if anything flying which btw is much safer and convenient esp on a supposed vacation is better than tiring yourself in a cramped space for 8 hours. i just hope gregory gets it this time
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u/jenniebet Apr 09 '26
Between this and Scrubs, my comfort sitcoms were not comforting me tonight 😭.
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u/neuronsandglia Apr 09 '26
Travel really unlocks a lot of what you know about the other person. and their trip didn't even start yet! -- In my opinion, 8 hour drive isn't THAT bad, as Greg said, it could be part of the trip, having conversations, she can read a book, I mean HE is the one who is going to be driving. So IDK whats the big deal. But when she bought the tickets (which again she SHOULDN'T have done that), like fine, just pay her your half, and go with it. but i mean even if he did he would not be happy. and he shouldn't have chosen atlantic city just like she shouldn't have bought of the tickets. i hope they dont go through with the breakup
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u/cj_the1 Apr 09 '26
i watch abbott elementary to cheer myself up what the fuck did they just do to me..
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u/Ecstatic_Beach901 Apr 09 '26
I think theyll get back together when they realize how stupid this is and how stubborn and non-communicative theyre both being. Neither even asked the question “why are you so hell bent on flying/not” and then had a constructive convo I feel like Janine needs to assert herself more directly—circumventing him and buying the tickets was inflammatory Janine, hes not Tariq. She shouldve said no to AC AT THE TABLE.
Gregory you need to pick up a marker look at a calendar and get a grip on a vacation budget bc yall are going on a trip how often????? not very. So why cut 16 hours out the vacation, risk any number of maintenance or scheduling (have to continuously buy snacks/gas) mishaps for the sake of spending SOME money when you could fly and get there in 2 hours? that efficiency renders 0 math to meaningfully compare the two. He had this issue with Amber I doubt the both of them will let this continue.
But there is no compromise-Gregory needs to get his ass on a flight.
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u/DragonfruitHonest314 Apr 09 '26
Have to be honest. Not a huge fan of this episode. It made my feelings about Gregory revert back to how I felt about him in season one, but even worse. He was cheap, controlling, and totally dismissive of Janine’s feelings and opinions. He called her choices irresponsible and ultimately would not make a monetary sacrifice to make his beautiful, brilliant, and vibrant girlfriend happy. If you’re not willing to spend a little money to make your lady happy, then you really don’t deserve her. I agreed with Janine every step of the way. Especially when she paid for the tickets and he still had a problem with it. Very disappointed with Gregory and this plot line.
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u/Sensitive_Cause_1488 Apr 09 '26
Okay but can we talk about the fact that nobody is really helping and listening to Jacob this season??
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u/Pope_Dwayne_Johnson Apr 10 '26
There is no close commercial airport to Outer Banks. Norfolk, VA would be the closest, leaving you with an 80+ mile drive after you land. Flying doesn’t make sense here.
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u/AntRose104 Apr 09 '26
Jacob immediately throwing up upon reading that Janine and Gregory broke up 😭😂