Superstore Review: Curbside Pickup (Season 5 Episode 9)

Superstore got off to a rocky start earlier in Season 5, but has now recovered with a couple of strong installments.

Superstore Season 5 Episode 9, “Curbside Pickup,” successfully lampoons the latest retailer trend of orders brought to cars, and simultaneously gives some hilarious character moments.

Curbside pickup is an ever-growing trend in the retail world. Admittedly, it’s especially convenient when you’re out of food in your house and have children who are difficult in public. 

But it seems to be chaotic at best, and Superstore certainly levels that accusation. But regardless of that, “Curbside Pickup” presents a wonderful episode of physical comedy.

The sheer chaos surrounding the “30 minute guarantee” makes for some excellent gags, both passing and otherwise. Cheyenne and Jonah being stressed out and labeled “incompetent” for instance, is a real treat. And of course they fall down in dog food, which is pretty great.

Even funnier still are the shorter interludes, as each team member struggles with customers and their small cars, children, and impatience. Sandra chases after a car. It’s fantastic.

There’s even a Myrtle pushing a huge appliance scene, featuring late actress Linda Porter! (RIP, Myrtle!)

Ultimately, what the curbside pickup story shows is that Superstore thrives in chaos. The more chaotic the goings on at Cloud 9 Ozark Highlands, the better the episode. Not many shows do busy well, but Superstore kills it. 

Glenn: I’m not on order fulfillment, I’m on apologies

But of course, nothing beats seeing Dina get hit by a car. A true spit take moment.

Easily the worst part of the episode is watching Amy flounder to get Mateo and her brother, Eric, to go on a date. As we all know by now, Amy doesn’t exactly let things lie. 

America Ferrera is an excellent actress, which is the only reason this story holds up as well as it does. Otherwise, it’d just be cringeworthy and awkward. 

But instead, viewers are treated to a new romance budding and a fantastic moment where Marcus rips down the shelf that Eric just built. They have to put up with Amy’s awkwardness, but the reward is totally worth it. 

The true strength of “Curbside Pickup” is the laugh out loud moments. The combination of one liners with well-crafted physical moments makes for perhaps the strongest Superstore episode of the season. 

A few stray thoughts:

• Justine and Marcus were doing stuff? But now they might be related? *shudder*
• Garrett and Jerry’s budding friendship makes me very happy. I almost forgot Garrett is Jerry’s best man.
• The challenge Jonah and Cheyenne issued to Dina’s confidence is one of the greatest payoffs of the show so far.
• One thing this show has always done well is interludes, but “Curbside Pickup” is a standout in that respect. Myrtle pushing the appliance, and the curbside pickup done via bicycle. Brilliant.
• Would their curbside pickup really be that busy on Day 1? I have my doubts.

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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