Superstore Review: Blizzard (Season 4 Episode 12)
Living in the midwest mostly feels safe, but there are some dangers unique to that area. Tornadoes, rising crime rates, and of course…blizzards.
Superstore Season 4 Episode 12, “Blizzard,” uniquely captures the way that midwesterners react to blizzards, while putting all of its characters in close proximity overnight.
“Blizzard” perfectly illustrates the way that midwesterners panic when there’s a threat of any kind of snow at all. They try to go home early because the roads are bad, and they stock up on milk, bread, and other apocalypse supplies.
Garrett: I’m no meteorologist but I believe the technical term is ‘Snowy AF’
Superstore simply uses this as an opportunity to put all of their characters in close proximity by spending the night in the store. The ensemble is a primary strength of Superstore, so overall this works extremely well, despite its simplicity.
What really makes “Blizzard” interesting is that instead of just trapping employees in the store overnight (which has actually happened before), they’re trapped with a handful of customers as well.
So not only do the Cloud 9 Ozark Highlands employees have to spend the night, they also do so with a man unable to meet his mistress, a mom and her six year old son, and (among others) Sandra’s ex and Carol’s current boyfriend, Jerry.
More than anything, “Blizzard” is a sweet story about Sandra and Jerry’s relationship versus Jerry and Carol’s.
(Major spoilers ahead)
The culmination of the sweetness between Sandra and Jerry and the awfulness of Carol is Dina walking in on Sandra and Jerry…erm…rekindling their romance. Though technically this is cheating on Jerry’s part, it’s hard not to cheer this relationship that’s so obviously the right fit.
In fact, it draws a pretty strong parallel to Amy and Jonah. (Except that Glenn didn’t try to separate Sandra and Jerry!)
The parallel to Amy and Jonah is interesting because it forces viewers to reckon with the questions of what is and isn’t OK in relationship situations. There isn’t necessarily a correct answer, as we do not live in a black and white world. The important thing is to wrestle with these questions, not necessarily to answer them.
A few stray thoughts:
- “Blizzard” is the strongest ensemble showcase that Superstore has done in awhile. They’ve got great comedic actors and pairs, but putting them all together is hysterical.
- Another midwestern reference: people saying “So much for Global Warming” when it snows a lot.
- The bonding between and subsequent tearing down of co-workers was really fun. I’m here for it.
- Maybe my favorite interlude: Finding out Brett did all the puzzles.
- Kaliko Kauahi does not get enough credit for her portrayal of Sandra. She’s incredible.
- Thanks to “Blizzard,” the only character on Superstore that I know far too much about is Marcus, who both poops in the shower and sleeps bottomless. Could’ve gone longer without that knowledge.
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.