Superstore Review: Managers Conference (Season 4 Episode 8)
In a world of silly shows, Superstore takes silly to another level. But just as importantly, they explore issues that real people, both in retail and otherwise, face everyday.
Superstore Season 4 Episode 8, “Managers Conference,” speaks to multiple issues to both retail and the world at large.
First, Amy and Jonah use Glenn and Dina’s tickets to the Cloud 9 Managers Conference.
Once there (after Jeff uses his “pull” to get them in) they are amazed at how large the managers are living, while disparaging the floor workers and their wages.
Watching Jonah and Amy impersonate two random managers at the conference (large party) is funny, but feels a bit on the nose and exaggerated.
Since they weren’t using their own names, I’m also expecting them to get busted any second. They don’t, so don’t let that dampen your viewing experience like it did mine.
I recognize that floor workers and upper management have a huge disconnect and lots of issues being raised on this episode are valid, but some of the characters Amy and Jonah interact with don’t feel real to me. They’re far too caricature-esque.
The best part of this story is Jeff, who is still trying to pretend that his job is a big deal but nobody knows who he is. I wish they had more for Jeff to do.
The other main story follows Mateo, an undocumented immigrant, through the store’s new “E-Verify” procedure.
This story works far better than the other. It works as an illustration for the fear that real people in the United States face on a daily basis, and it pairs Cheyenne and Mateo, which is always a great time.
Including Sayid made for an interesting layer. They use him to differentiate between refugee and undocumented immigrant and give Mateo someone to (unnecessarily) work against.
One of the best parts of the episode as a whole exposes Glenn for the kind-hearted man he is. Thanks to to the E-Verify policy, Glenn discovers Mateo’s secret, but the moment shared between them at the end is sweet, poignant, and simple.
Cheyenne: You’ve been legal this whole time?! How much attention do you need?!
A few stray thoughts:
- I don’t know that there is a single more relatable thing on this episode than Garrett’s complete ineptitude at gift-wrapping. Garrett, I’m right there with you.
- Also, Garrett’s speech about not believing in wrapping presents is something I can relate to (Guess I should’ve just done a paragraph on Garrett)
- Shoutout to “Managers Conference” for giving the Garrett/Dina ship some love.
- The guy who looked like Santa was priceless. I love how he acts like Garrett is being a jerk. Just shave, dude!
- “Lying like a Syrian.” Classic.
- I doubt that most retail giants spend money on ridiculous parties for their managers, and I SERIOUSLY doubt that they give away iPads at those functions. Still, it’s pretty funny.
- It’s good to have Marcus back, but I’m missing Sandra and her boyfriend drama.
What did you think of this episode of Superstore? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Superstore airs Thursdays 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.