Superstore Review: Carol’s Back (Season 5 Episode 19)
Superstore is a consistently funny show. More than that, it’s got a lot of heart. But sometimes, it can push things into cringeworthy territory.
Superstore Season 5 Episode 19, “Carol’s Back,” begins to step into cringeworthy territory. Fortunately, the cringeworthy moments serve as a catalyst for laughs more than anything else.
Of course the most cringeworthy story is Jonah’s attendance at the Raise the Wage protest. He and Cheyenne attend and he spends an uncomfortably long time trying to convince the leader he’s not a narc. Jonah certainly proves Bend Feldman’s aptitude for cringe comedy, but this isn’t one of his most cringeworthy episodes.
Cheyenne: I made up the no pants guy ’cause you were biffing it so hard
Rather, Jonah’s obsessiveness cues up several great jokes for Cheyenne and gives the pair a great story while everyone else is focused on Carol’s return to work.
The real story is Carol’s return to work after a leave of absence for “mental health issues” (AKA trying to kill Sandra’s cat as revenge for stealing Jerry). As a story, the effectiveness is mixed, but Carol’s return to the store is extremely effective as a catalyst for jokes.
There are two levels of cringe on “Carol’s Back.” The first is Jonah’s, which is a byproduct of his sincerity and desire to be liked and do good. The second is Carol’s, who hides manipulative psychopathy under the guise of “mental health issues.”
The Carol related cringe has always been present, but never at the forefront of an episode until now.
Props must be issued to Irene White, who plays Carol. Her mastery of subtle expressiveness and strange emphasis is second to none. Though Carol herself is off-putting at best and terrifying at worst, White does a phenomenal job portraying her.
Sayid: Hey Sandra! I’m going to slice you open while you sleep. I’ll take a smoothie please.”
Furthermore, Carol’s return to work gives some of the recurring characters a chance to shine. Marcus, Justine, Sayid, Janet, and more get some excellent featured jokes during “Carol’s Back.”
One of the most realistic things about “Carol’s Back” has to be the reluctance to call HR. They may have been sympathetic to the other Ozark Highlands employee needs in this situation, but nobody wants to go there.
Not everything on “Carol’s Back” works, but it’s still a hilarious episode. Ben Feldman’s directorial debut is a success in my book!
A few stray thoughts:
- I thoroughly enjoy the C-plot with Garrett and Mateo outsourcing their jobs while they listen to Celine Dion and eat snacks.
- It seems the tables between Carol and Sandra are turning. Sandra re-watches the security footage of the electrocution like a true psycho in the making. I love it.
- “Go crazy!”
- “You make the group text green.” This is one of the worst things ever. Just get an iPhone, people.
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.