Superstore Review: Myrtle (Season 5 Episode 12)
Superstore said goodbye to one of its own this week.
On Superstore Season 5 Episode 12, “Myrtle,” the Cloud 9 Ozark Highlands team paid tribute to Myrtle after the actress who portrayed her, Linda Porter, passed away in September of 2019. Porter has been in a few Season 5 episodes, and her presence is certainly missed.
Though the premise of the episode centers on the loss of Myrtle and all the quirky yet endearing antics she participated in, there are plenty of other stories packed into “Myrtle.”
The main one is Dina’s saga with her absent father (played by Dean Norris of Breaking Bad fame). An attempt to make him feel guilty turns into an attempt to reconcile on his part.
Norris is great in the role, and Lauren Ash masterfully contrasts between Dina’s excitement at seeing her dad again and his pride in her, and her disdain for his previous actions. Some great comedic moments turn quickly into some heartbreaking ones, giving “Myrtle” a full range of emotional displays.
Dina’s story with her dad is great all-around, but perhaps the best reason is that it’s not black and white. He clearly regrets what he did and she’s clearly upset with him, but their interactions are nuanced. It’s very well done.
Elsewhere – Myrtle left Jonah one thousand dollars (to Sweet Prince Jonah, from Cloud 9), with no note or strings attached, and that turns into a hilarious exchange of barbs and cash. He gives it to Glenn, who seems to miss Myrtle the most, who in turn gives the money to his pastor to guarantee Myrtle gets to heaven.
The debate ensuing of how the money should be used and who deserves it gets some laughs. It’s such an absurd plot, but it’s hilarious.
Myrtle wasn’t a central character in very many stories, and honestly this may be the best one in which she was. The use of her Cloud 9 hologram was a nice touch, and a fitting send-off for an impactful side-character.
Cheyenne: Her email address was from YAHOO
And besides – she WAS getting less racist near the end.
In all of the stories in “Myrtle,” Superstore masterfully balances both heart and humor. Linda Porter will certainly be missed, but the Superstore fandom’s loss should be comforted by an appropriate send-off.
A few stray thoughts:
- Cheyenne and Mateo’s involvement in the pyramid scheme is a fantastic send up – both of outside perception and the harsh realities of participation.
- Jonah and Amy’s banter re: marriage is one of their best back forth bits of Season 5. It’s a sweet moment that turns into a really great joke.
- Superstore has always been good at the interludes – but the guy finding his own face on a cereal box is next level hilarious.
- Although, the gentleman holding up earrings to his chest is pretty great, too.
What did you think of this episode of Superstore? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Superstore airs Thursday 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.