Superstore Review: Delivery Day (Season 4 Episode 5)
Uh-oh, Amy and Jonah shippers.
Superstore Season 4 Episode 5, “Delivery Day,” among other things, throws the first real wrench in the budding romance of its two leads: Amy’s baby with her ex-husband.
To the show’s credit, they aren’t shying away from the issue. They could ignore it, pretend that it’s totally normal for Jonah to be at the hospital with her and move on like nothing happened.
Instead, the awkwardness of the situation comes to the forefront, and it’s used to further explore Amy and Jonah’s relationship status.
Normally, awkward comedy isn’t my cup of tea, but “Delivery Day” really makes it work for their stories. It’s so very Superstore for Amy and Jonah to talk about the nature of their relationship while Amy is in labor with another man’s child.
I’m rooting for them to succeed, which means I’m not sure I’m satisfied with where they leave things at the end. I’ll say it: I’m worried about the future of Jonah and Amy.
Jonah: We’ll see an occasional movie and then sometimes I’m there when she gives birth to a baby
I take comfort though, knowing nothing has been conventional about the Jonah and Amy saga, which makes the delivery saga a powerful illustration of that. Jonah will definitely handle the love triangle thing poorly, too, which will make for excellent comedy in the future.
I also don’t think that Ben Feldman gets enough credit for how naturally he plays Jonah, who always seems to have genuine reactions to things.
Deeper still, Amy’s birth experience (and really, Dina’s too) is a reminder of the challenges that women face to get proper healthcare (Of course, Cloud 9 could just pony up for the same that Glenn and Dina get…), and equally so illustrates the less glamorous side to having a baby.
Sitcom childbirth has traditionally been a happy experience, but the C-section and the healthcare issues give it a more realistic backbone.
Of course, Superstore has never been one to shy away from realistic portraits. It still amazes me how accurately it captures the retail environment.
Speaking of Glenn and Dina’s story, it is also extremely awkward, but it works naturally for laughs anyway. Glenn’s annoyance that the baby is late is hysterical, and Dina decides she wants to look her best for the doctor who has to cut her open.
A few stray thoughts:
- I’m so beyond done with Carol after complaining about Amy’s water breaking on her shoes. She is the WORST.
- Anyone else recognize the hospital’s insurance lady as Will Smith’s mom from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? No? Just me?
- If it makes Garrett feel any better, I think “Happy Zeroth Birthday” is hilarious. Mateo just has no sense of humor.
- Conspicuously absent from most of the episode – Cheyenne and Sandra.
- I always enjoy the visual interludes that take place in the store, but switching that up for the hospital on this episode was a master stroke. Especially the guy coughing without covering his mouth.
What did you think of this episode of Superstore? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Superstore airs Thursday at 8/7c on NBC.
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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.