Superstore Review: The Trough (Season 6 Episode 7)
Superstore saw Amy off several episodes ago, but so far really hasn’t dealt with Jonah’s feelings on the departure and their split. Until now!
Superstore Season 6 Episode 7, “The Trough,” explores how Jonah has been doing since the break-up (spoilers: not great).
Jonah, as it turns out, has not only been continuing to live in Amy’s old house and paying her rent. That’s bad enough. But he has taken a roommate — Marcus!
Kelly: Oh, Jonah. How did this happen?
This comes out in its own Cloud 9 way, of course, because Glenn thinks Jonah is sad and Mateo thinks he and Amy’s brother, Eric, deserve to live there more. So in what couldn’t be a truer Superstore fashion — Jonah’s “strong” facade begins to fade (Or rather, publicly come to a boil).
It’s sad, but also works to great comic effect!
What’s truly remarkable about Jonah’s story on “The Trough” is that the writers and Ben Feldman are able to take Jonah, who is already a bit of a sad sack, and create him into more of a sad sack, but in a funny way. There’s a tough line to toe when using people’s misfortune for humor, but Superstore manages it to balance it nicely here.
Ben Feldman’s portrayal of Jonah doesn’t truly get enough credit, but “The Trough” might be one of his best episodes. He shows several different sides and is still hilarious.
Funnier still are the antics surrounding Jonah. Marcus treats the relationship like a secret romantic one, Glenn dresses Sandra up as Amy, and Mateo brings Kelly over to the store to “work a shift.” Each of these moments is really funny in its own right.
Mateo: Everyone kicks Jonah while he’s down!
It’s really good to see Kelly Stables back, as she is a very underrated presence on Superstore. This is going to be unpopular, but I’d like to see Kelly and Jonah try it again. They have great chemistry, even when Kelly is annoyed and vaguely bewildered by everyone’s antics.
Though Jonah’s unresolved issues rule the day, “The Trough” has B and C stories that work well, too. Cheyenne has to babysit Carol, and Garrett and Dina go and hunt for “The Trough.” Both of these stories are hilarious, and perhaps hint at a rekindled Garrett and Dina romance?
All told, “The Trough” is a great episode that really lets Ben Feldman shine. It’s funny, it has heart and real emotion, and Sandra puts on an Amy wig.
A few stray thoughts:
- It’s funny that Cheyenne respects Carol now, but I’m 100% sure that it will come back to bite her or the store in the butt.
- “I like you, Warren. You’re shady but in a way that feels legally vetted.”
- Jon Barinholtz rarely gets recognized for the great work he does on Superstore, but he’s fantastic on this episode. Jonah and Marcus’ scene from the end is very sweet, too.
- Am I the only one who assumed, prior to this, that Jonah had moved back in with Garrett? Finding out he’s still at Amy’s is a little jarring.
- I’m only going to say this one more time – #TeamKelly.
What did you think of this episode of Superstore? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Superstore airs Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c 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.