Abbott Elementary has always pushed its characters to grow and change. From Ava (Janelle James) becoming an unexpected hero to Janine (Quinta Brunson) and Gregory (Tyler James Williams) officially starting their relationship, the show keeps its characters fresh and interesting.
In the latest episode, it’s Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) who gets a new twist. Known for her tough personality, Melissa usually has a strong stance with everyone. This episode does not change the character fans have loved, but it shows a surprising new side to her.
Melissa’s Level of Affection in “Class Pet” Is Surprising
Melissa has always been a complex character. She has a flirtatious side, enjoys cooking, and has a party-girl vibe, as seen in the Season 3 finale. In the episode “Class Pet,” viewers see a part of her that even she did not know existed.
When the school district gives Janine money to buy class pets, Melissa is not happy at all with the guinea pig she receives. She tells Janine that she has never liked pets because she grew up without them. However, things change when she meets the little guinea pig. She names him Sweet Cheeks and soon feels a strong attachment to him.
This is a fun twist for the character, as Melissa is usually very set in her ways. The audience gets to watch this change happen, which is exciting and engaging. Melissa’s new affection becomes very noticeable when she becomes so attached to Sweet Cheeks that she lies to her class.
She says that Sweet Cheeks has died so she can take him home and keep him safe from the students. This behavior is interesting because Melissa is usually very honest. She often speaks the truth in a blunt way.
In the past, she has had romantic relationships, such as with Gary (Bruno Amato), but none of those connections compare to the love she feels for Sweet Cheeks. Once she finally comes clean about her actions, viewers understand why she did it. The twist on her character fits perfectly into her full personality.
Melissa’s Empathy Has Been Inside Her Character All Along
Melissa may seem rough around the edges compared to other teachers at Abbott Elementary, but she has always had a soft spot for the things and people she cares about. This element of her character has become clearer over the years.
For example, even though she often disagrees with Jacob (Chris Perfetti), she lets him move into her home. She shows a similar attitude toward Janine. At first, Melissa does not like Janine, but as they get to know each other, Melissa becomes a mentor and a friend to her.
Still from Abbott Elementary (Credit: ABC)
Moreover, Melissa’s dedication to her students is even stronger. During a read-a-thon event, she does everything she can to help a struggling student succeed. Melissa’s new love for Sweet Cheeks reflects her true self beneath her tough exterior. She has always shown fierce protection for her school and her friends, even when she feels frustrated.
Melissa has a history of going above and beyond to protect her students’ needs. She has worked with some not-so-great people in the past, all for the sake of her students. Her decision to take Sweet Cheeks home and her little white lie is just her way of trying to do what she thinks is best. She does not trust her students to take care of Sweet Cheeks, especially after seeing how they have acted in the past.
True to her character, Melissa eventually has to come clean about her actions. She still takes special care in telling her students the truth. Instead of telling them what really happened, she says that Sweet Cheeks has a twin.
This way, she avoids potentially traumatizing the kids. Melissa’s actions confirm that this new side of her has been part of her character from the beginning. Her fierce guardianship is what makes her a great teacher, loyal friend, and now a loving pet owner.
The Emotional Depth of Melissa’s Character
The character of Melissa is not just tough and straightforward; she also has layers that the audience can relate to. Her backstory reveals her experiences, which shape who she is today. Growing up without pets has made her more resistant to change and new experiences. Her struggle to connect with Sweet Cheeks shows her journey toward vulnerability and emotional growth.
The emotional depth of Melissa’s character comes out clearly in her interactions with her students. When she helps them, she demonstrates a caring and nurturing side that is often hidden under her tough facade. The way she cares for Sweet Cheeks is a powerful metaphor for how she cares for her students. Just like Sweet Cheeks, her students need love, attention, and protection.
This connection makes her character relatable. Many people can understand the struggle of balancing their tough exterior with their inner feelings. They may relate to Melissa’s challenges in showing affection and love.
The Role of Friendship in Melissa’s Journey
Friendship plays a key role in Melissa’s development in the series. Her relationship with Janine, for instance, showcases how friendships can transform a person. At first, Melissa and Janine do not get along. However, as they spend more time together, Melissa starts to appreciate Janine’s dedication and passion for teaching. This friendship becomes a crucial part of Melissa’s emotional journey.
Melissa also shows kindness and empathy toward her colleagues. She often supports her friends, even when they make mistakes. This is evident in her willingness to let Jacob stay at her home. She provides him with a safe space, demonstrating her loyalty and care for those close to her.
Through these friendships, Melissa learns that it is okay to be vulnerable and show her emotions. The bonds she creates with others help her to discover her softer side. These relationships play a vital role in shaping her character and revealing her true self.
Melissa’s Journey as a Teacher
Melissa’s role as a teacher is an important part of her identity. She has a deep commitment to her students and their education. Throughout the series, she goes out of her way to ensure her students receive the best possible learning experience. This commitment is evident in how she approaches challenges and obstacles in the classroom.
In the episode “Class Pet,” Melissa’s dedication to her students shines through her actions. She is not just focused on her love for Sweet Cheeks; she also cares deeply about her students’ reactions and feelings. When she lies to them about the guinea pig’s death, it is because she wants to protect them from disappointment. This shows that she considers her students’ emotions as part of her responsibility as a teacher.
Her teaching style often combines tough love with genuine care. She challenges her students to do their best, while also being there to support them when they struggle.
This balance is what makes her such an effective teacher. She knows when to push her students and when to be there for them, helping them grow both academically and personally.
The Impact of “Class Pet” on the Series
The episode “Class Pet” is significant for the show. It adds depth to Melissa’s character and gives viewers new insights into her personality. By showing her relationship with Sweet Cheeks, the show emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion in education.
This episode stands out because it combines humor with heartfelt moments. The audience gets to laugh at Melissa’s antics while also feeling a deeper connection to her character. The mix of lightheartedness and emotional depth is a hallmark of Abbott Elementary, making it a beloved series among fans.
The impact of this episode also extends to other characters. It encourages them to show their own vulnerabilities and emotions. As Melissa opens up, her friends and students may also learn to be more open and honest about their feelings. This growth creates a more supportive and understanding environment at Abbott Elementary.
Conclusion
In the end, Melissa’s journey in the episode “Class Pet” illustrates the complexity of human emotions. It shows that even the toughest individuals have soft spots. Melissa’s love for Sweet Cheeks reveals her hidden kindness and empathy. Her character growth reminds us that it is okay to be vulnerable and to care deeply for those around us.
Still from Abbott Elementary (Credit: ABC)
Abbott Elementary continues to deliver engaging and relatable stories, and Melissa’s transformation in this episode is a great example. It highlights the importance of friendship, love, and understanding in both personal and professional relationships. Melissa’s character is a testament to the idea that people can change, grow, and find new ways to express their feelings, no matter how tough they may appear on the outside.
As viewers continue to follow Melissa and her friends, they can expect more moments of growth and discovery. Abbott Elementary is available to stream on Hulu, where fans can enjoy the journey of these characters as they face the challenges of teaching and friendship.
Like many superhero films today, Venom: The Last Dance includes both a mid-credits sequence and an end-credits scene. This film marks a significant moment in the story of Eddie Brock, played by Tom Hardy, and the Venom symbiote.
It serves as the conclusion of their saga, bringing together elements from previous films while hinting at new adventures in the future. In this third installment, Eddie and Venom face the powerful forces of Knull, portrayed by Andy Serkis, who calls himself the “King in Black.”
As the credits roll, the film leaves viewers with exciting hints about what is to come. One of these hints pays off a line of dialogue from the film’s first act, while another one suggests future plots in the Venom franchise. This article will show the mid-credits and end-credits scenes in detail, giving you a comprehensive look at what they mean for the story.
The Battle Against Knull
Venom: The Last Dance culminates in a high-stakes battle where the Venom symbiote sacrifices itself to stop a group of symbiote-hunting creatures known as xenophages. These creatures are after the “codex,” which is a special piece of biomatter that could free Knull from the dark prison where he has been trapped for centuries. This moment is crucial as it showcases the bond between Eddie and Venom.
Despite Venom’s ultimate sacrifice, the mid-credits scene reveals that Knull is still alive and very much a threat. Knull ominously declares, “The King in Black is coming, and your world will burn.”
This chilling statement signifies that even though Venom has destroyed Knull’s chance for freedom, the threat from Knull is far from over. He remains a powerful figure shrouded in darkness, hinting that his reign is only beginning.
The visuals in this scene are striking. Knull, who has been mostly hidden in shadows throughout the film, suddenly looks up. His appearance is terrifying and matches the portrayal of him in the comic books created by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman. This powerful imagery serves to remind the audience of the real danger that Knull poses.
Knull’s Ongoing Threat
The fact that Knull remains a prominent character aligns with what writer and director Kelly Marcel told IGN. She mentioned that “The King in Black is way too powerful for ‘one and done.’” This statement suggests that Knull is not just a temporary villain but could serve as an overarching threat in future films, similar to how Thanos operated in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga.
Still from Venom The Last Dance (Credit: Sony)
Knull’s power and presence open up many possibilities for future Venom films. With Knull still lurking, filmmakers could show a deeper storyline involving his character.
Additionally, it could lead to the introduction of new characters who will also bond with symbiotes. Eddie Brock is not the only one capable of hosting a symbiote, and shifting the focus could help keep the Venom franchise alive while bringing in fresh perspectives.
The End-Credits Scene: A Humorous Callback
While the mid-credits scene sets up a serious tone with Knull’s threatening presence, the end-credits scene takes a lighter approach by delivering a humorous callback to earlier moments in the film.
When Venom: The Last Dance starts, Eddie is still in the same bar where he found himself during the end credits of Spider-Man: No Way Home. He talks to a bartender, played by Cristo Fernández, about the events in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) while enjoying some drinks.
Suddenly, Eddie is hurled back to his own universe. In this new bar, Fernández plays a different bartender. The scene takes a turn when a strike force led by General Rex Strickland, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, arrives and takes the bartender into custody.
They also seize a piece of the Venom symbiote for further study. This setup leads to the end-credits scene, where the bartender reappears, stumbling out of the wreckage of Area 51 after Venom’s epic battle with the xenophages.
As the bartender calls for help, he notices a broken vial lying nearby. Next to the vial is a cockroach, which becomes a significant part of the scene. This moment pays off a previous joke made by Dr. Teddy Payne, played by Juno Temple. Dr. Payne joked to Strickland that cockroaches would be the only things to survive. This callback adds a layer of humor to the scene while also hinting at future plot developments.
Hints at the Venom Symbiote’s Survival
The end-credits scene suggests that the Venom symbiote may not be as dead as The Last Dance leads viewers to believe. Throughout the film, the symbiote takes control of various beings, including people and animals. The idea of the symbiote potentially inhabiting a cockroach to ensure its survival opens the door to a range of possibilities for future stories.
This concept may seem strange, but comic book fans are accustomed to unusual occurrences in their beloved stories. The notion that the Venom symbiote could find a way back to Eddie Brock through a cockroach is not far-fetched when considering the bizarre nature of comic book narratives. This potential return of the symbiote could allow the franchise to continue and evolve, showing new characters and storylines.
The Future of Venom and Its Characters
Despite the title Venom: The Last Dance, the film suggests that this may not be the end for Eddie Brock and the Venom symbiote. During a panel at New York Comic Con, Kelly Marcel hinted at this possibility. She said, “The plot for Eddie and Venom closes here. But as you know, there are lots of symbiote stories in the canon.
There are lots of places to go, and maybe there are a few Easter eggs in here that might start that journey off.” This statement is exciting for fans who hope to see more adventures in the Venom universe.
The mention of “lots of symbiote stories” indicates that the filmmakers are interested in showing other characters and narratives within the same universe. There are many symbiotes in the comics, each with their unique backstories and personalities. This opens the door for new characters to emerge, possibly leading to a greater storyline that connects them all.
One potential avenue could involve introducing characters like Spider-Man or other Marvel heroes who have interacted with symbiotes in the comics. This crossover opportunity could create exciting storylines and engage a broader audience. The combination of various characters and their relationships with symbiotes could lead to rich narratives filled with action, drama, and humor.
Fan Reactions and Theories
Fans of the Venom franchise have shared a range of reactions to the mid and end-credits scenes. Some fans are thrilled at the prospect of Knull returning as a major threat. They see this as an opportunity for the franchise to show more significant and complex storylines.
Others are excited about the humorous elements introduced in the end credits, appreciating the balance between serious and lighthearted moments in the film.
Many fans have also started to speculate about potential future storylines. Some theorize that the Venom symbiote might take over a new host, leading to a fresh take on the character. Others wonder if Knull will form alliances or confront other villains from the Marvel universe. These discussions highlight the enthusiasm and engagement within the fan community, showing how much they care about the future of the franchise.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Venom
Venom: The Last Dance effectively combines thrilling action with humorous moments while setting the stage for future stories in the Venom universe.
Still from Venom The Last Dance (Credit: Sony)
The mid and end-credits scenes are crucial to this, offering viewers both a sense of closure and exciting hints about what might come next. Knull’s ongoing threat suggests that the story is far from over, while the end-credits scene provides a comedic twist that leaves audiences smiling.
With the potential for new characters, storylines, and unexpected turns, the future of the Venom franchise looks promising. Fans can anticipate more adventures, new challenges, and the return of beloved characters. Whether through Eddie Brock’s journey or the scheme of other symbiotes, there are many paths for the franchise to take.
As the Venom saga continues, audiences can look forward to more thrilling moments, intriguing characters, and the ever-evolving relationships within this unique universe. Whether you are a long-time fan of Venom or new to the story, the possibilities are endless, and the journey is just beginning.
