Superstore Review: Customer Safari (Season 5 Episode 20)
Superstore is one of the best shows out there in terms of capturing real life.
Superstore Season 5 Episode 20, “Customer Safari,” is perhaps one of the show’s most hilarious real life emulations. Essentially, this is Garrett creating a game out of the Cloud 9 version of People of Wal-Mart to hilarious end.
A game of “Customer Safari” is basically just a scavenger hunt for people who are doing and wearing ridiculous things, and for a $200 prize. This is one of the most true to life topics that Superstore has tackled yet, because real people show up to stores dressed ridiculously, and real retail employees make fun of them. I can say that with certainty.
The “Customer Safari” really isn’t even the main story. But it IS hilarious, especially as the game escalates and the employees try harder to hide it from Glenn and Dina.
No, the real stories are all about relationships and honesty. Dina is completely unprepared for an impromptu boyfriend visit by Brian, and Amy and Jonah go to lunch with Jonah’s parents and brother.
Needless to say, honesty is a recurring theme, and “Customer Safari” excellently depicts both the positive and negative consequences of being honest. At the Simms family lunch, lots of secrets come to light that begin to end relationships.
The Simms family dinner is an excellent story, though. Jason Ritter really enhances the scenes as Jonah’s “douche” of a brother, and it’s also a really sweet story for Jonah and Amy. Amy rushing to Jonah’s defense amid the razzing he receives is also a breath of fresh air for that relationship.
Amy: This high road thing looks better on Michelle Obama.
Jonah: That’s not fair, everything looks better on Michelle Obama.
Meanwhile, Dina’s relationship blossoms in a moment of honesty, as she doesn’t know how to handle the spontaneous visit. Her honesty with Brian turns into a moment of growth for their relationship and allows Brian to participate in some reverse “Customer Safari” shenanigans.
Part of me believes, due to the recent announcement about America Ferrera’s exit, that Dina’s relationship with Brian may try to replace Amy and Jonah as the main relationship on the show. Brian may not be to that level yet, but he’s certainly likable enough.
Either way, Superstore combining stories about weird customers with stories about relationships and honesty culminates in a strong half-hour, both funny and endearing.
A few stray thoughts:
- Amy gets a call about a corporate job at the end, which is pretty obviously the way they plan to write her out.
- Sayid has been on a hot streak lately. Let’s get more of him!
- My favorite safari find has to be “Aggressively Patriotic T-Shirt”
- “I didn’t know veterinarians used tongs. Is that for dog guts?”
What did you think of this episode of Superstore? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Superstore airs Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.