Superstore Review: Playdate (Season 5 Episode 18)
Superstore is always hitting hard with the funny yet relevant stories for working class folks.
Superstore Season 5 Episode 18, “Playdate,” is absolutely no exception. Though always sprinkled with smaller stories, the main one addresses different approaches that working-class parents take to childcare, and the ways in which it gets surprisingly competitive.
Setting the stage: Amy has to bring Parker to work with her, so Jerusha comes by the store and watches him for her. However, turns out Glenn and Jerrutia have a much different approach to parenting than Amy.
This turns into an illustration of not only different approaches to parenting, but also the way that parents get irrationally competitive over their own parenting style.
Jonah: She kinda smells like…and I don’t even know what I mean by this…a parlor
Superstore has always handled these realistic conflicts well. Neither Jerusha nor Amy is wrong in the way that they parent, but nonetheless Superstore finds the humor in their irrational competition.
And yes, it’s VERY realistic. I can’t tell you how many stay-at-home parents I’ve unfollowed for their preachy “screen time” posts. But it’s also hard to stay in your own lane and support other parents at the same time.
Superstore manages to capture these competitive parents in a funny, down to earth way. It doesn’t take sides, but it does help the audience to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.
In and out of that story, Superstore still brings both heart and humor full force. The B plot explores Garrett trying to help Dina plan out a date so that she doesn’t come on way too strong. She wants to ignore him and writes him off as jealous, but (as happens quite often) he’s the only sane person in the room.
This is easily the funniest story that “Playdate” offers. It never crosses the line into cringeworthy, but manages to use Colton Dunn and Lauren Ash’s comedic strengths together harmoniously. They’re both true to character and both hysterical.
What’s more, though, is that there’s a strong hint of lingering romantic feelings between Dina and Garrett. I don’t think anyone believed the birds were the end of them, but now it’s all but confirmed. Hold onto your butts, shippers!
“Playdate” dabbles in realism, heart, and humor, and all of them work together well.
A few stray thoughts:
- SO sad to hear news of America Ferrera’s departure. There will still be a great cast without her, but she’s the glue that holds it all together.
- I loved creepy, no boundaries Sandra on this episode. Hilarious.
- It’s so hard to credit one comedic performance on “Playdate,” because the one liners are flying from every direction. That said — Sayid has some great ones.
- “This is about Parker and Rose and how to decide which one’s better”
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.