It's undeniable that Tyler James Williams is currently enjoying his prime. In truth, the entire ensemble is thriving, but the spotlight falls particularly on this GQ Hype cover star and Golden Globe Award-winner, who has seamlessly transitioned from a thriving child actor to leading the most captivating sitcom on air. When Melissa persuades Gregory to ascend the stage and embrace the Educator of the Year Award, her words resonate deeply: "You can't control when recognition comes your way. This is your moment." These reflections inevitably led my mind to traverse Williams's journey, which has culminated in his current triumphs.
Being two years his junior, I often feel a kindred spirit with Williams, as if we've grown up in tandem. For my cohort of Black youth, Williams was a comforting presence on the rare TV shows that mirrored our experiences. In our infancy, he entertained us on Sesame Street; as pre-teens, he delighted us in Everybody Hates Chris; and during our teenage years, he captivated us in True Jackson, VP, and Let It Shine. After a brief respite, he returned with roles that echoed our lives, such as those in Dear White People and A Black Lady Sketch Show. He stands out as one of the precious few Black child actors who have sustained a steady career into adulthood—a remarkable achievement. In his GQ profile, he recalled a producer from Everybody Hates Chris saying, "I'll never see you as anything else, and you'll probably never work again." His Emmy nomination and Screen Actors Guild Award tell a different story.
Now, Williams embodies the slender, sensuous, eccentric Gregory Eddie (a heartfelt thank you to Ava for coining these brilliant descriptors). Gregory may not have honed his craft as long as Williams, and we witnessed his bumbling journey into teaching as he aspired to become a principal. Yet, he has demonstrated consistency, dedication, and continuous improvement. These aren't the reasons he was selected for the award—tokenism played its part—but he deserves accolades nonetheless, just as Williams does. Initially, Gregory is baffled by his selection. On paper, it defies logic; how can he be Educator of the Year when he hasn't even been teaching for a full year? His colleagues concur that he isn't necessarily worthy, but the optics of honoring a Black man overshadow logic.
Throughout the episode, Gregory is bewildered as the local news and Elizabeth Washington, the chief education officer for the Philadelphia Board of Education, shadow him to "highlight" a teacher who "exemplifies exceptional education." They plan a post-school ceremony, a blatant display of performative diversity: the school board orchestrates a children's choir comprising little Black faces belting out their hearts, while a young Black boy recites spoken word. Gregory's hilarious staff photo, featuring his unsmiling face awkwardly gazing at the camera, adorns posters throughout the gym. Ashley, Melissa's former aide, receives the Teacher's Aide of the Year Award as a nod to "Latin-X" contribution. To encapsulate the "diverse, kaleidoscopic perspective" that will "bridge the gap between culture and education," Washington tasks Melissa with presenting the award to Gregory, ensuring that Italian American representation isn't overlooked. White women matter too, Gabagootz!
Janine finds herself grappling with a challenge diametrically opposed to Gregory's when a parent labels her an inadequate teacher. Throughout the school year, she has been wrestling with the behavioral issues of one of her students, who has seen his outbursts escalate from failing to raise his hand to hurling books across the room. In desperation, she convenes an emergency meeting with the student's mother, Cassandra, but the encounter swiftly descends into a tempest. Cassandra refuses to acknowledge her son's behavior as her concern, shifting the blame onto Janine and berating her for falling short in her duties. It is an injustice heaped upon Janine—as Quinta Brunson eloquently articulated in her SNL monologue (a source of immense pride for her), teachers are not appliances; they are flesh-and-blood individuals. They are not a miracle cure that guarantees children's success. Teachers and parents should form an alliance, recognizing the intricate link between what transpires at home and in the classroom.
Yet, not all parents grasp this concept, and some lack the means to be fully involved around the clock. Moreover, some parents, being mere mortals with children, can behave abominably. Cassandra seems to embody all these traits, exploding at Janine, declaring, "If this is the best you can muster, you are the worst teacher I've ever encountered." These words strike Janine deeply; her identity and self-esteem are intricately woven with her aspiration to be the finest educator possible. She breaks down in tears, and Gregory, her chivalrous savior, discovers her sobbing in her classroom. He escorts her to Barbara, seeking her guidance to rectify the situation, feeling powerless to ameliorate it himself.
Barbara is engrossed in completing her continuing education courses, which she has been procrastinating to avoid grappling with technology. Jacob skillfully assists her in setting up the computer, facilitating an "intergenerational" dialogue with a fellow educator. As if bestowed by divine providence, this conversation lands in her lap. She consoles Janine, who is overwhelmed by distress, having never confronted such an ordeal. As a seasoned educator and a maternal figure, Barbara exhorts Janine to rise, brush herself off, return to work the following day, and continue fulfilling her duties. She confides in Janine, who is still in the throes of personal growth, that she has been dubbed a poor teacher countless times. She remarks, "People have defamed my character, while others have bestowed praise. But to me, it's all part of the garden."
In a mentoring moment Janine has long yearned for, Barbara imparts a crucial lesson: it's not about consistently possessing a solution. It's about showing up every day and giving your best. Sometimes, success doesn't resemble neatly packaged resolutions but embodies perseverance and self-compassion. After wiping away her tears, she has Janine sign off on her worksheet, marking the completion of that aspect of her training.
Melissa and Gregory convene prior to the commencement ceremony, with Melissa eager to map out her speech's content. Gregory, however, finds himself spiraling into a quagmire of self-doubt, contemplating myriad reasons why he is unworthy of the accolade. Meanwhile, Melissa hits upon a brilliant idea: to repurpose a tribute she once penned for Jalen Hurts. Ironically, this improvisation proves remarkably fitting, as Melissa remarks that while Gregory may not reign supreme as the school's most esteemed educator, he excels as a stellar rookie.
Ascending the podium, Gregory delivers an acceptance speech that resonates deeply. He expounds on the essence of teaching, asserting that it is not about aspiring to be the best, but rather about striving to do one's utmost — a wisdom imparted to him by Barbara, who once shared it with Janine. His discourse underscores the significance of being a steadfast presence in his students' lives. The camera lens gently glides to capture the faces of some young African American students in the audience, gaze fixed intently on Gregory. This poignant scene mirrors not just Williams's enduring presence in our visual landscape throughout his career, but also the invaluable impact of Black role models across the globe. It embodies the celebrated adage, "You cannot become what you cannot envision."
Though Gregory may not rank among Abbott's most accomplished educators, he grasps the profound significance of mere visibility. In an interview with GQ, Williams confesses that portraying Gregory holds a special place in his heart. "What captivates me most about Gregory is witnessing his endeavor to span the divide between what he has yet to witness and what his students desperately crave," he muses. "I believe countless Black men are endeavoring to carve paths uncharted by those who came before us." And for that, Mr. Gregory, we will forever hold you in high esteem!
