Powerless Review: Sinking Day (Season 1 Episode 3)

Who’s really ‘Da Boss’ at Wayne Security?

That’s the question that begs for an answer on Powerless Season 1 Episode 3, “Sinking Day.”

As the series gets more comfortable in its footing, it seems to work more fluidly. The jokes come quickly, and all land with an uncomfortable cringe that leaves you wondering if it’s ‘okay’ to laugh.

The superhero world and the everyday world have struck a balance that feels right for this imaginary in-between of Charm City, and I, for one, am enjoying the final product.

While Van and Emily have their own power struggle trying to land a new client after their biggest ‘piece of [bleep]’ client quits on them (due to Van’s incompetence), the rest of the team occupy their time trying to figure out whether or not Alex, a fellow office worker, is secretly a superhero.

Spoiler alert: Alex is not a hero, though the investigation into his identity is pretty darn funny. (More on that in a moment.)

This episode puts a large, glaring spotlight on Van.

We know he’s an aloof, albeit lovable, boss. He has aspirations of working in Gotham City, but is too lazy to earn his place there.

When sales begin to increase thanks to Emily, he (naturally) finds a way to spin it so that he’s the hero.

But make no mistake, he’s no hero. His lack of initiative and common sense when it comes to clients lands him a big fat rejection – and a sour visit from his dad.

As the episode progresses, however, we learn that Van DOES have skills when he applies himself. He’s actually really great at learning about potential clients, schmoozing them, and saying all of the right things that will get that final, ‘yes,’ shocking Emily and his father.

It’s a win that I can’t help but compare to The Office‘s Michael Scott, especially seeing as how both stories are written almost identically.

On The Office episode “The Client,” Michael is desperate to land an account that will save Dunder Mifflin, and goes behind Jan’s back to invite the client to Chili’s, shower him with baby-back ribs and margaritas, and ultimately sweet talks him into that big ‘yes,’ a move that surprises the audience and Jan. We learn that Michael is good at his job, when he applies himself.

And on “Sinking Day” Van’s arc is eerily similar (though with 100% more half-circumcised fish people).

Is this a little ‘fishy?’ Sure.

But quite honestly, it doesn’t bother me. I love Van the same way that I loved Michael Scott – the layer of humanity that surprises me over time is a storytelling trope that I find comforting. And Alan Tudyk sells Van the same way that Steve Carell sold Michael.

I don’t mind seeing buffoonery from Van. In fact, I quite enjoy watching him sing bad songs on his guitar and lament his losses.

That tuna is probably delicious.

I really enjoy the ‘is Alex a superhero’ story that happens between Teddy, Ron, and Jackie.

Ron’s fascination with Alex’s disappearances lead him to setting up security cameras in the restroom, and timing his bathroom breaks, because 2 minutes is too long for a #1, but too short for a #2.

Really, what IS he doing in there?

Jackie’s horny-mom juice is going, and all she wants to do is sleep with Alex. I don’t think it matters to her whether or not he’s actually ‘super.’

I love Wendy taking matters into her own hands to smack Alex down, and that the big reveal was that he is NOT, in fact, a hero at all.

He’s just a dude who spends an odd amount of time in the bathroom.

And the story allowed for Ron Funches to deliver the biggest laugh out loud moment of the episode, at least for me. I’ve often questioned the existence of the Baldwin brothers. If Alec and Stephen never stand in the room together, ARE they actually the same person?

It’s a valid question.

Powerless is finding its way, slowly but surely. I’m still hopeful that the best is yet to come, and so long as the jokes keep coming, I’ll still be on board.

Super-Funny Speak: 

• Emily: “Brendan Fraser?” Van: “He’s revered in Atlantis for some reason…”
• Ron: “I’m from Atlantis.” Emily: “I thought you said you were from Atlanta.” Ron: “No, that’s Donald Glover, and it might be racist that you heard that.”
• The Atlanteans: “He’s even half-circumcised, which is our way!”
• Van: “You never speak of your mother. Did you drive her to suicide with these stories?”

What did you think of this episode of Powerless? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Powerless airs Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c on NBC.

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