Superstore Review: Favoritism (Season 5 Episode 13)
It was only a matter of time before the former Floor Supervisor and current Store Manager, Amy, began to face accusations of favoritism. She IS dating an employee after all.
Superstore Season 5 Episode 13, “Favoritism” slaps Amy with some accusations after she tries to hire Mateo under the table as her assistant. The employees don’t let it slide – which leads to a hilarious group interview.
What follows are hilarious antics as Justine, Sayid, Marcus, Mateo, and others complete interview tasks and feats of strength to become Amy’s new assistant after Myrtle’s passing. Everything from chatting with suppliers to get things done to singing karaoke and cooking meals ranks each interviewee in a point system.
All of these gags really land. Each of these smaller characters gets to flex their muscles in a new scenario on “Favoritism” and they all shine brightly.
The best part, of course, is that Marcus turns out to be a much better assistant than Mateo. Even in tasks specifically designed to make Mateo look good (like karaoke), Marcus outshines him. This may be Jon Barinholtz’s best episode yet as Marcus absolutely crushes an interview when no one expects it.
The resolution also makes Marcus more sympathetic as a friend to Mateo. “Favoritism” may be the best Marcus episode yet.
Elsewhere, Glenn and Dina are jockeying for power and Sandra becomes a pawn…at first. Perhaps the theme of “Favoritism” is for some characters to exhibit growth and exceed expectations, because Sandra stands up to her superiors in a delightful and unexpected turn. Kaliko Kauahi has long been an underrated asset on Superstore, and “Favoritism” shows audiences why.
Dina: You have diabetes. You’re not even in control of your own glucose
Finally, Jonah and Garrett. Their story in “Favoritism” is not my favorite, but it sets up perhaps the strongest emotional payoff down the line.
As you’ll recall, Garrett’s break-up with Colleen left him vulnerable and reaching to Jonah for a friend, but Amy convinced Jonah to dismiss it. Now, Jonah’s upset that Garrett is keeping him at a distance and accidentally screws up Garrett’s friendship (albeit, perhaps, a superficial one) with Randy.
Compared to the stories with Marcus and Sandra, this is the worst story on favoritism because it is NOT always fun to watch Jonah be awkward. And boy is he ever awkward here.
However, eventually this conflict between Jonah and Garrett will come out in the open, which presents an opportunity for both to grow, learn, and become better people. That potential alone is the saving grace of this story. It’s okay for dudes to be vulnerable, so I’m hopeful that’s the direction Superstore goes.
A few stray thoughts:
- As a regular visitor to Fort Wayne, Indiana, I have to laugh that Mateo doesn’t know where it is.
- Cheyenne is a treasure. Her tiny bits talking to the cops and boosting Mateo’s interview cred are hysterical.
- I love Amy’s references to Limitless. “Amy, no one saw that movie.”
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.