Schitt’s Creek Review: Rebound (Season 6 Episode 9)

Breakups are never fun, but they do make for some particularly hilarious rebound stories.

At least that’s the case for Schitt’s Creek Season 6 Episode 9, “Rebound,” which sees Alexis move on from Ted almost immediately, and her family respond with the utmost humility and dignity in her time of need.

No, I’m just kidding. David’s eyes nearly bug out of his head at the revelation that Alexis’s new, much older, man refers to her as “Lexi”. But we do love the views from David’s petty high horse as he takes in the dumpster fire that is his sister’s current dating life.

The growing pains of the Roses ever-evolving relationships aren’t always pretty — but they are sincere and that’s more than we could ever ask for.

Schitt’s Creek immediately replacing Ted with a man that wears neck scarves and sells mobile homes no doubt feels like salt in the wound. But it also feels like a natural progression of the storyline this series is constructing, both comedically and emotionally.

That’s the beauty of Schitt’s Creek. The comedic agenda almost always benefits the overall journey of the characters.

Alexis falling into a toxic pattern of rebound dates is comedy gold, but it is also the best way to pay homage to her old socialite ways and demonstrate that this isn’t a misstep in her development, it’s just a human way of showing she is hurting.

Murphy plays beautifully into the chaos of her character’s actions by calling Arthur babe in front of Johnny and glossing over her family’s judgemental stares with canned laughter. Life after Texis is not easy, but it’s still very much about making Alexis something more than a stereotype — and how could we not love that journey for her?

It’s not just Alexis who experiences growing pains. A careless comment has Moira fighting to regain the respect of a companion she has taken for granted far too long.

Schitt’s Creek has become so much more than a last resort for Moira, yet she continues to act as if this town is a punishment. So the bit about her car getting egged for a backhanded comment she made about the town to the press isn’t just funny, it’s also incredibly warranted.

Forcing Moira to take a step back and realize that just because she has had a taste of freedom doesn’t mean she should gloat in the face of her solace — especially when that place is where her greatest friendships and fans currently reside — is a character development that has been long overdue.

Thankfully, the series doubles down on her reality check properly by offering up a truly delightful tourist video that doubles as the cringest of apologies. We couldn’t be more proud of the brand this show has cultivated for itself.

Although I have to say the scene with the angry mob holding those protest signs outside the council office feels very off-brand for Schitt’s Creek — and we know how David feels about the brand.

The door to one relationship may have slammed shut, but it has allowed a new one to open in the form of a beautiful father-daughter relationship.

After Alexis and Ted’s breakup, Johnny suddenly finds himself attempting to make up for all the times he wasn’t there to shield his daughter from heartbreak and those pesky Somalian pirates. However, it’s in the ashes of his epic crash and burns, rather than his success as a father, that we see a promising bond emerge.

I love the two layers of this relationship that are on display within “Rebound”.

You have Johnny, who takes on this sweet but naive idea that his daughter needs him to protect her, when in reality Alexis is very much in control of the situation because she has had to be for so long. Then you have Alexis, who is hurting and really just needs someone to see her actions as a plea for help.

Yet, these heartfelt moments don’t have to be witty or convoluted to have an impact. Sometimes they just have to be as simple as Alexis taking off her earrings and slipping into her father’s embrace for a good cry. Heaven knows, we all needed one.

Not to be left out, David and Patrick pitch in with their version of a Rose Apothecary comedy fillibuster.

Sometimes Patrick’s ability to push past David’s doubts and see the good in people doesn’t quite pan out. This is one of those times sadly as we see Jocelyn brutally turn down a generous offer to work at the store because she thinks she can do better.

While Patrick nurses that burn, we are reminiscing over how fun it is to have such a comedic storyline for Jocelyn and David to shine in as complete opposites. Sometimes it pays to be a little catty, Patrick.

But if we’re being completely honest, Jocelyn’s bell is the real scene-stealer here.

Coming off the cusp of devastation, the comedy of “Rebound” is subtle and appreciated.

However, the jokes never overpower the ramifications of Ted’s departure or play into the trappings of any potential stereotype behaviour.

No, this latest episode of Schitt’s Creek is pretty darn good for a show that just ripped our hearts out and stomped all over them. There’s something almost irritating about how effortlessly this series deals with change.

What did you think of this episode of Schitt’s Creek? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Schitt’s Creek airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on CBC and Pop TV.

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