Superstore Review: Steps Challenge (Season 4 Episode 11)
Superstore has proved time and time again that it’s the quintessential modern workplace comedy. Not only does it continue to innovate and make audiences laugh, but it also puts a funny twist on some classic sitcom stories.
Superstore Season 4 Episode 11, “Steps Challenge,” further proves this hypothesis by creating something we’ve seen on other classic comedies: the business business (or branch to branch) rivalry.
The Office gave us a Scranton vs. Utica rivalry.
Cheers traded pranks with Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern.
And now, Superstore‘s Cloud 9 has started a civil war between the Ozark Highlands store (home of the main characters) and the Bell Ridge store.
Admittedly, charting the same territory as these two classic sitcoms is terrifying, but Superstore makes it feel natural and new. It doesn’t feel like a retread of those stories at all.
“Steps Challenge” really presents the rivalry story through a modern lens as it the more and more common use of a step challenge becomes a competition between stores. When Amy thinks the prize (lunch with the Regional Vice President) might be good for her career, she and Dina turn to unconventional tactics to motivate the team.
This is the first indicator of the modern approach to this age-old story. In previous iterations, the rivalry wasn’t stoked under false pretenses by their own team.
But the text message trash-talk/encouragement board really gives this story a modern feel.
What really makes “Step Challenge” a funny story, though, is the way it lights all the wrong kinds of fires under the team at Cloud 9 Ozark Highlands.
Like when Marcus and some of the other team members actually visit Cloud 9 Bell Ridge and cover their break room in warm deer urine, or when Sandra gets amped up and throws things? None of the reactions are expected, which makes them extremely funny.
Mateo: We should I, Tonya them
Perhaps the best element of “Steps Challenge” is how it unites all members of the team (even though it’s largely under false pretenses). Usually, an episode of Superstore covers 2 or 3 (sometimes even 4) stories, but “Steps Challenge” deviated from the norm and put all of the characters in the same story.
And honestly? It works. They should do it more often.
A few stray thoughts:
- The accidental texts that start coming through on the board are so hysterical and true to life. “Kayley, Dad’s tired, I’ll pick you up from soccer.” “I make $4300 working from home.”
- The visual interludes are always enjoyable, but focusing most of them on Elias was a great choice.
- Even though “Steps Challenge” is a twist on a classic sitcom story, they still found a way to make it meta when Jonah points out all the logical flaws in their plans.
- It was a brilliant choice to put Glenn in a boot for this one, too. He and Mateo would’ve crushed the competition, so it was better to make it close.
What did you think of this episode of Superstore? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Superstore airs Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC.
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.