Superstore Review: Essential (Season 6 Episode 1)
As shows debate whether to include or skirt around the ongoing global pandemic, one of the shows that has always been most likely to include it has been Superstore. The way that Superstore reflects both real life and an industry heavily impacted by the pandemic is unmatched.
Superstore Season 6 Episode 1, “Essential,” explores life at Cloud 9/Zephra as the pandemic hits, and navigates life as a retail worker who is considered a “hero” and, well…”Essential.”
Superstore has always shown an innate mastery at illustrating the world as it is — and “Essential” highlights that ability in a powerful and yet still hilarious way. One might think that people are watching television to escape the realities of the world they live in, but Superstore‘s presentation is unmatched.
“Essential” takes viewers from Amy’s announcement of her new job at Zephra through the first several months of the pandemic through the lens of the Cloud 9 employee. It visits highlights like the water bottle and toilet paper shortages, the personal protective equipment (PPE) crisis, and more.
“Essential” deftly navigates through all of the cultural happenings from the past several months, from social unrest to Tiger King, and it’s incredible to watch.
Honestly, “Essential” might be one of the best episodes Superstore has ever done. It paints a vivid picture of what retail life has been like for the past several months, while still managing the heart and humor that Superstore is known for. “Essential” achieves a really nice balance between real world issues and comedy.
It’s clear that the cast came with their A game. Garrett, Dina, Glenn, Sandra, Cheyenne, Marcus, and more get tons of laughs in their first episode since April.
Glenn Sturgis: “In my panic dream last night, the person clubbing me to death was Topher Grace.”
Even Amy, oft the straight woman, gets to play some funny moments with another pandemic related inconvenience – Zoom calls! Amy’s impending exit is extended by one episode so that America Ferrera can also take part in the pandemic-related shenanigans, but also because the fact that Zephra would have her wait to move and start at her new California office is a realistic reflection of the times.
But the roughest part comes next for Superstore fans. They now have to say goodbye to Ferrera’s Amy. Most people have come to ship them almost as hard as Sandra does, so this might be toughest on them.
Regardless of the impending departure, “Essential” manages to find the humor in a serious situation, as Superstore often does. It’s hard to ask for better after a long hiatus.
A few stray thoughts:
- Sandra’s excitement about Jonah planning to go with Amy to California is all of us.
- “So if anyone’s been hanging out with Marcus, you should probably leave now” (Spoiler alert – no one leaves).
- My favorite running gag might’ve been Glenn and Dina’s enjoyment of being called “heroes.”
- “I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION!” I bet that character is named Karen.
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.