Tyler James Williams is familiar with controversial views related to Abbott Elementary School . His character, Gregory Eddie, dislikes pizza and most other foods. Although he loves board games, he can't play Catan. And, let’s not forget, he’s a Baltimore Ravens fan in a sea of Philadelphia Eagles die-hards.
Still, perhaps the most surprising thing is Williams himself. During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on April 9, Williams admitted that he didn't really want Gregory and Jenny (Quinta Brunson) to be together. He thinks their unique friendship serves the audience in a more important way.
platonic expressions of emotion
Williams knew that his opinion of Gregory and Jenny was not popular. "I hate to say that, and I know everyone is always mad at me for saying that," he said. "I don't necessarily want to see them together."
Still, he had his reasons—and honestly, they were good ones. "I don't think we often see representations of platonic love between two people [on screen]," he explains. "I think it would be easy to just say 'They have feelings for each other, therefore they should be together.'" [But] I love that they explore the dynamic of restraining that and actively loving each other. "
Williams went on to add that he specifically would like to see more of these platonic relationships on television. "I think television allows people to see for the first time something that could become their life, and I think seeing a healthy friendship in a work atmosphere where you care deeply about each other needs to be shown more than a relationship," he said.
transformation metaphor
While many fans are still rooting for Gregory and Jenny to get together sooner rather than later, Brunson also wants to give viewers something different. "I think considering we've seen versions of this trope before," she said of their relationship at a Television Critics Association event in February, TheWrap reports. "I really enjoy watching TV. Keep reinventing the wheel.”
Brunson emphasized that both teachers are only in their 20s and are going their own way. Williams also mentioned this in an interview with Entertainment Weekly ahead of the Season 3 premiere. He praised Jenny's decision to keep Gregory in the friend zone, even though they openly expressed their feelings for each other in the Season 2 finale.
"She was not selfish in choosing to be selfish," Williams said. “It helps to know where you are and at what time in your life you are.”
Watch Williams' interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show below.
Abbott Elementary airs Wednesdays at 9pm ET/PT on ABC.
