A personal rule of mine is to never have any intimate relationship with a colleague or classmate. If you're in a relationship with another member of a small group of people, there are going to be a lot of eyes on it and a lot of people around you all the time, and that can get extremely annoying. So the relatability of Janine and Gregory not being open about their relationship is very clear and puts a nice, new twist to the lovable office sitcom. And it provides a nice conflict to a premiere episode that is stock full of new issues for the school.
In a nice twist of fate, it seems like the show is finally giving the fans their long-awaited time with Janine and Gregory as a couple. Despite a very clever bait-and-switch early on, the episode leans heavily on this new development, using it as a vital piece of its storytelling, and showcasing its strength, especially for Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams, who are not able to play the relationship with more passion. Both of them are quirky and sharper than ever, and that little twinkle in their eyes when they look at each other is adorable. It continues to showcase the undying optimism of the staff who now have to deal with the arrival of a new golf course near the school. That backdrop continues to give the show a message to present, and mixes up the dynamic by giving the teachers the challenge of dealing with middle-class white families who want to enroll their children in the school. The show is still willing to put its sincerity first and expand its own views as well, while still keeping the characters grounded in what they have to deal with on a regular basis. The simple issue of not having water is going to be a problem, and that's not good enough for their beloved students. The show has been on a streak with its winning formula and sharp humor, and it doesn't feel like Brunson and Co. Are planning to slow it down, easily finding their footing again for what promises to be a strong season.
"Back to School" doesn't show any signs of stepping down from the winning formula that they've followed so far as it gives the same stunning results. The evolution of Janine and Gregory's relationship, as well as the new challenges because of the golf course construction, provides enough new storylines for the show to still feel fresh and unique.
