Superstore Review: Minor Crimes (Season 4 Episode 14)
Most Superstore fans had an inkling that Glenn stepping down as manager would lead to a management career for Amy. That’s pretty obvious.
On Superstore Season 4 Episode 14, “Minor Crimes,” viewers learn the story of Amy becoming store manager, which is far more wacky and hilarious than any normal promotion story.
Lori, the district manager who replaced Jeff, is not Amy’s biggest fan. The audience obviously isn’t meant to like Lori, though, as it turns out she’s a fun-sucking, nepotism practicing cokehead.
Really, Lori’s revealing character traits are just an excuse for Amy to become manager in the most wacky circumstances possible. What kind of sitcom would Superstore be if she just got the job?
Dina: Take a big fat 17B on her desk
In the retail world, the wrong people are selected for positions like this all the time. People quit their jobs over management personnel decisions. So it’s easy to understand why Amy would eventually take one for the team and take the job under absurd circumstances.
I predict that Amy as manager will mark a bold new chapter in the Superstore saga, and I’m here for it.
Outside of Amy’s promotion journey, the social commentary is still strong. Garrett and Cheyenne being forced to go without their phones for their entire shift brings a funny-but-also-poignant look at people’s phones as security blankets and being unable to put them down for any length of time.
Even if you just want to look up Gary Oldman on IMDB.
…Or watch “Hot Nuts” videos while you’re on the clock.
Sometimes, Superstore episodes with three or more stories feel a little full. “Minor Crimes,” though, strikes just the right balance with its third story, as Jonah and Mateo help Glenn who has inadvertently committed a crime.
Jonah and Mateo have had several stories together in Season 4, which should happen more often. Nico Santos and Ben Feldman are a strong comedic duo, and make me laugh far harder than anything else on “Minor Crimes.”
“Minor Crimes” overall is a triumph. It has women advancing in their careers, silly videos, social commentary, and Glenn, Jonah, and Mateo destroying the store to cover up an inadvertent crime. It sounds weird when you say it like that, but I promise you it’s extremely fun.
A few stray thoughts:
- As a fan, I’m hoping that Lori’s problems will lead to her eventual downfall and Jeff’s re-installation into his previous position. I miss Jeff.
- Best part of the episode: the comparison of embezzlement to bedazzling, which is “also a crime” according to Mateo. Gold.
- Mark McKinney is a real comedy pro, and I’m excited to see Glenn become floor staff.
- I am a little worried that the manager change is going to lead to a The Office style Jim Halpert and Michael Scott co-manager situation. Or a Ryan Howard as the big boss situation.
- I foresee one issue with Amy becoming manager: her relationship with Jonah, who is now technically her subordinate.
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.