Superstore Review: Ground Rules (Season 6 Episode 8)
Superstore is a funny show. It finds the funny moments in outrageous circumstances, and tells stories that need to be told. Sometimes, though, it struggles to move beyond funny into anything meaningful.
Superstore Season 6 Episode 8, “Ground Rules,” has some fun elements, but doesn’t truly have anything meaningful to say. It’s good, not great.
“Ground Rules” has a decent enough premise. Superstore wants to show viewers that Cheyenne is actually good at her job and likes it (maybe for the coming Carol-related storm?), that Garrett and Dina are on a pathway back to each other, and that Jonah is struggling to get back out there.
Simply put, the execution isn’t always there. Garrett, who has been better about opening up lately, keeps his feelings for Dina under wraps as she and Brian open up their relationship. The story seems intended to lay the groundwork for an eventual Dina/Garrett relationship to be rekindled, but it doesn’t track very well.
Garrett ending up being OK with it feels like a backslide for the character. But I’m guessing they’re building to a confession of love from either Garrett or Dina to the other.
Jonah’s story with Tony and Nia is more cringeworthy than anything else. Sometimes it’s fun to pick on Jonah, but other times it’s the worst part about the show, and “Ground Rules” is definitely the latter. His story and failed attempt at asking Nia out is hard to watch.
Ben Feldman is excellent at making you cringe, though.
The best story on “Ground Rules” is truly getting to see Cheyenne in action as floor supervisor. Nichole Sakura deftly illustrates how Cheyenne’s character fits into the role. The employees get to play silly games to trade unwanted assignments and get to participate in the process.
Cheyenne’s story in “Ground Rules” makes for a great case study in leadership and management. Her character isn’t one you initially think of as a great managerial candidate, but adding in her own personality makes everything click. That’s exactly what good managers do.
In fact, Cheyenne is so good at the job that Mateo thinking she isn’t is truly off-putting. His criticism of her is unwarranted at best, petty at worst, and (while the ensuing gags of them playing each other are hilarious) the logic doesn’t track at all.
Most viewers wouldn’t have expected Cheyenne to be good at this job, and she isn’t. She’s GREAT!
A few stray thoughts:
- The only redeeming quality of Jonah’s story is the thought of he and Glenn bonding over dinner at the Chinese restaurant.
- I’m officially going to start saying “mid-pando” when referring to the middle of the pandemic. Thanks, Garrett!
- Mateo’s best bit? Referring to Cheyenne’s “party bus of a husband.” Brilliant line.
- Glenn and Sandra coddling Tony is also hard to watch. It’s a little funny, but mostly very sad.
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.