Superstore Review: California Part One (Season 5 Episode 21)
I’m hesitant to call this a “season finale,” but regardless of what one chooses to call it, this is the last episode of Superstore that’ll air for awhile.
Superstore Season 5 Episode 21, “California Part One,” doesn’t feel like a season finale because, which is somewhat implied because of “Part One.” WIth the unexpected production shutdown, the originally planned penultimate episode is now serving as the season finale.
Obviously “California Part One” is written as the beginning of the exit for America Ferrera and Amy, so most of the plot developments are interesting but unsurprising. It also can’t help but cause speculation, because of the way it ends, how and when the other shoe is going to drop.
Because of course (spoilers), at the end of “California Part One,” Amy has gotten a job at Zephra’s corporate office and Jonah plans to go with her.
But we all know that Ben Feldman isn’t leaving the show – so the big question for the (eventual) resolution of the story is what is it that keeps Jonah on the show and allows Amy to leave it?
Outside of these influencing factors, Amy’s interview and new job story are extremely well executed. From the interview process to her conversation about the job with Jonah, Superstore uses the appropriate emotional beats at any given time.
It focuses on a natural but healthy response to Amy taking the new job — sadness that she’s leaving, but support for her in the endeavor — from both of her best friends, Jonah and Dina.
The Amy and Jonah relationship in particular has some fabulous moments at the end that hopefully keep shippers satiated for the time being. Ben Feldman and America Ferrera navigate these moments masterfully, and there are quite a few feels to be had.
Jonah: “I think you’re right. You gotta do this.”
Superstore manages this story masterfully, and though it remains to be seen how the show will be without Amy around, solace can be taken knowing that these creative people can delicately handle these emotional moments and still manage to make audiences laugh.
“California Part One” may be their best effort yet in terms of balancing serious and funny.
Though Amy’s impending exit is by far the most prevalent story – other stories exist on “California Part One” to make us laugh. Bo returns to Cloud 9 to help Cheyenne plan her party, and Glenn pushes Sandra to take a 17 year old foster child.
Both of these stories come with tremendous laugh-out-loud moments, and there will still be stories to resolve whenever Superstore is able to resume production.
A few stray thoughts:
- I can only imagine that the planned resolution of this story gives Jonah a reason to stay. Progress on the union? Perhaps a leadership role at Raise the Wage?
- The Amy story feels serious, but it brings some pretty great moments too. For instance – Dina covering for her with Jonah.
- Brett as the Easter Bunny is a pretty great choice. “Brett was born to wear that suit.”
- I wasn’t expecting Sandra’s story with the teenager to end the way it did. She actually seems pretty pleased by the end!
- There’s at least one interview out there suggesting that America Ferrera will return to the show to finish her arc once filming is allowed and safe. Fingers crossed!
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.