Superstore Review: Shoplifter Rehab (Season 5 Episode 7)

Superstore has been a little hit and miss lately. Sometimes in the same episode.

Superstore Season 5 Episode 7, “Shoplifter Rehab” is fortunately far more hit than miss. Though there are certainly some cringeworthy moments, the laughs ramp up and so does the potential for conflict. 

One of the best things “Shoplifter Rehab” does is bring Cheyenne’s husband, Bo, back to Cloud 9 for some antics. Bo is one of the best recurring characters on Superstore, and he really gets to shine on “Shoplifter Rehab” as a (you may have guessed it) rehabilitating shoplifter.

Bo’s return represents a return to comedic form for Superstore, who has recently struggled with balance between its ongoing stories about the unionizing and Mateo’s immigration status and maintaining the show’s comedic voice. Johnny Pemberton slips back in to Bo like no time has past, and his comedic prowess shines in this story.

Bo: I thought I saw a manatee on the side of the road. Turns out it was just a gray sweatshirt. That sweatshirt was HUGE!

Are there still a few cringeworthy moments? Sure. Amy naturally gets flustered in front of Maya when she makes a surprise visit, which leads to some cringeworthy attempts to create an impression.

But unlike some of the other cringeworthy moments of Season 5, these felt smaller scale and truthful. It’s natural to be anxious in front of a new boss, and I imagine even more so when she may or may not be aware of union activity happening in the store. America Ferrera communicates this feeling with expert prowess.

It’s pretty clear that Maya has an inkling what is happening, and seems to be schmoozing Amy for a corporate job in hopes of curbing said union activity.

This creates an interesting dilemma, as Amy is pro-union and her boyfriend/subordinate, Jonah, is leading the charge at the employee level. Surely Amy is considering her corporate aspirations despite the precedent they’ve set with Jeff, and Jonah could continue to be caught in the middle. 

Another interesting tidbit of note: the other major story on “Shoplifter Rehab” is Dina and Mateo leading the Shoplifter Rehab course. By the end of this story, there’s a major knock on the ethics and tactics that corporate uses. It’s interesting that these are mentioned in the same episode as Amy’s potential for becoming a corporate asset. 

Regardless, Superstore has impending conflicts coming. “Shoplifter Rehab” begins to foreshadow these conflicts in a truly funny way. Especially thanks to the inclusion of Bo. 

A few stray thoughts:

• Less relevant to the main plot but still hilarious: Carol and Sandra’s quality time ending with Sandra jumping out of the car. 
• Carol totally tipped her hand, by the way, that her turnaround is not genuine. This could get ugly.
• “Jonah, get my back!” “I’m not going to do that.”
• Can Bo work at the store for real? I would die.
• It was good to briefly see Glenn’s cloud tie again. I miss Manager Glenn.

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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