Superstore Review: Lady Boss (Season 5 Episode 11)
After what seems like an eternity, Superstore is finally back on television.
Superstore Season 5 Episode 11, “Lady Boss,” details the fallout from the recent buyout of Cloud 9 and the failed union negotiations.
Anytime there are changes at a company it creates speculation, rumors, and general unrest. Superstore does an excellent job illustrating the various aspects of a takeover from the ground floor perspective.
If you’ve ever worked retail, you’re familiar with how rumors get started, even if they’re totally made up on the spot by Marcus. The Superstore creative team really captures this well.
“Lady Boss” is a master class in getting laughs out of sticky situations. The takeover is scary, but turning it into a farm for fragile masculinity and subsequent laughs works well.
Some of the anti-feminist references are a little on-the-nose and heavy handed, which can be off putting to viewers who already get it. The point it’s trying to make is pretty clear, but they spend a little extra time driving it home.
It does lead to some good one liners from the likes of Marcus and Sayid, though. Hawaiian shirts. The Octagon.
But mostly, Superstore deftly navigates the political implications created by the takeover, and ultimately uses them to cleverly install Glenn as Floor Supervisor (Amy’s old job). The management revolving door has now completed a full turn.
Jonah’s turn on “Lady Boss” works well, too. His need to do good in the world is stunted by the failed negotiations and his cause eventually falls to the unhappy men of Cloud 9. It’s played for laughs, but Jonah searching for his purpose has a truthful and heartbreaking undertone.
It’s really elsewhere on “Lady Boss” that has the best bits, though. Garrett and Dina getting involved in what appears to be Carol’s extremely drawn out manipulation of Sandra is both hilarious and terrifying.
Garrett: She needs to hear it from you. Mostly cause we ain’t gonna try again.
The best part is – it’s obvious to Dina and Garrett that Carol is up to something, but they quickly lose interest in helping, which is good for some hilarious moments. I can certainly relate to them, though. I want no part of upsetting Carol.
The balancing act between the political commentary and the laughs on “Lady Boss” doesn’t always work, but when it does, it works very well.
A few stray thoughts:
- Cheyenne having to research feminism for the first time is a pretty great bit. Nichole Bloom is a treasure.
- It’s okay that they were low on produce, because the customers were a little husky today.
- There’s also a really great point in “Lady Boss” about companies capitalizing on feminism and charging more for women’s clothes.
- I still think my favorite revelation from “Lady Boss” is that Sayid was saving up for a Hawaiian Shirt. “I was going to look so chill.”
- Best interlude? The lady who buys the Bacon t-shirt.
- This episode is directed by America Ferrera, and she does an excellent job.
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.