Superstore Review: California Part Two (Season 6 Episode 2)
Superstore, at long last, has reached its 100th episode. However, this may be the single most bittersweet milestone episode of all time.
Superstore Season 6 Episode 2, “California Part Two,” celebrates the 100th episode milestone simultaneously with the departure of America Ferrera.
In a lot of ways, this approach makes sense. America Ferrera was the most billable star of the series when it began (and arguably still is), so to have her complete exactly 100 episodes before moving on feels just. As the most billable star, it makes sense to make “California Part Two” a tribute to her.
But that doesn’t make it hurt any less. And boy does it ever hurt.
It’s hard to imagine a scenario where Amy and Jonah could stay together and Ben Feldman could stay on the show. Sure, they could write in weekly Skype or Zoom dates or regular trips to California, but it would be tough for the show to sustain. So (spoilers) the break-up feels inevitable to me.
The way the break-up is presented seems old school, almost in a Sam and Diane from Cheers kind of way. But in no way does Amy and Jonah’s relationship status change feel final. It feels more like Amy will show up to stop Jonah’s wedding one day (to Kelly, perhaps?).
Obviously the break-up is the worst thing that happens on “California Part Two,” but it does allow for the rest of the Superstore cast to have a chance to shine.
Colton Dunn is at the top of his game as Garrett. He manages to be sincere with Jonah and Amy and seamlessly switch back and forth between the sarcastic and serious versions of himself. Really, outside of the break-up, Garrett is the MVP of “California Part Two.”
Although some might argue the MVP is Sandra, as she represents the viewers who ship Jonah and Amy and loudly expresses her views regarding it. The use of Sandra is incredibly meta and absolutely hysterical. Kaliko Kauahi absolutely nails every beat.
Glenn, Dina, Cheyenne, Mateo, and more all get chances to shine, too. This is really an episode about Amy and Jonah, and a love letter to America Ferrera.
Even with all of the sadness – break-ups, characters leaving the show, etc. — Superstore manages to deftly navigate the serious and comedic moments. Viewers may find themselves getting sad and then immediately laughing out loud, which is a tough road to tow, but Superstore makes it look easy on “California Part Two.”
A few stray thoughts:
- It’s easy to forget about the pandemic watching this one, but certain pandemic-isms creep in like the self-hug.
- Dina’s search for a work best friend is a hysterical running joke. I hope she picks Justine.
- “That’ll do pig.” “‘Scuse me?!”
- The tribute video is a fantastic way to tribute Amy/America Ferrera and film something socially distanced. Fantastic touch, especially including pics of the likes of Kelly and Myrtle.
- “Aqua socks Amy?!? F***ing aqua socks?!”
- It’s hard to swallow the break-up of Amy and Jonah, but it’s good for the show that at least Ben Feldman is staying.
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.