Good Sam Review: Butt of the Joke (Season 1 Episode 3)
Good Sam continues to find its footing in the medical drama landscape by elevating the dynamics between its female characters on Season 1 Episode 3, “Butt of the Joke.”
This episode all but directly spells out that Sam’s friendship with Lex is the greatest love story on this show so far.
It’s strained and going through a rough patch, but what epic relationship doesn’t have moments like those?
The first of two shining examples of their dynamic comes after Sam catches herself leaning into the misogyny Lex is dealing with from most of her male co-workers.
Jason Isaacs as Dr. Rob “Griff” Griffith. Photo: Ramona Diaconescu/CBS ©2021 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
It’s a grating example of Sam’s imperfections since she knows how to use sexism (even unconsciously) to hurt the person she cares about the most, which is ironic considering Griff is no stranger to that method.
Good Sam doesn’t overtly show the men in the hospital talking down about Lex until later, but it doesn’t have to for Lex’s anxiety to bubble under the surface.
Lex calls out Caleb and Isan for presumably talking about her when she enters a room, but that’s not the scene that seals the deal.
Gina Rodriguez’s direction of this episode catches something much smaller and more meaningful than that confrontation. Early in the episode, Sam and Lex walk past a few male colleagues in the hallway, and the camera stays on the women.
There isn’t a reason to specifically show what the men are saying or how they look saying it because that doesn’t matter nearly as much as Lex’s quick yet impactful reaction. Skye P. Marshall nails that scene!
Plus, it’s the perfect set-up for Sam’s professional takedown of the unnamed male characters later.
Sam’s decision to nip their discussion in the bud is a prime example of why she’s the right person for the job. Good Sam has yet to give us a reason to believe Griff would’ve done the same.
The next example of Sam and Lex’s superior dynamic comes after the “patient of the week” Tracy confesses to Sam how hard it is to find someone she can really gel with on dating apps. Then, the camera pans to Sam seeing Lex outside of the room.
If that blocking isn’t an exact representation of Lex being Sam’s greatest love story yet, what is? Love stories can be platonic — some of the best ones on TV are.
Good Sam thrives the most in that area because Sam and Lex are far more intriguing than any romantic relationships it’s teased or established thus far.
Nevertheless, it is a significant improvement that Malcolm has scenes outside of his ones connected to Sam during “Butt of the Joke.” His character is starting to have more definition, which is good.
Alternatively, it’s a shame Vivian and Asher’s relationship doesn’t land as well it could or should with Wendy Crewson and Sendhil Ramamurthy bringing it to life. But, their relationship is something that Good Sam could work out with more screentime.
It’s intriguing how Asher suggests Vivian may still have a blind spot (or two) for Griff. Unfortunately, it’s hard to grasp Griff and Vivian’s dynamic because Good Sam has yet to expand its universe outside of Lakeshore and events benefiting it.
Once it does, the show could test the characters in ways that either strengthen or weaken their interpersonal relationships regardless of their professional tracks.
Nonetheless, some of the joy of a show like Good Sam comes from how the women genuinely thrive in the workplace.
For the most part, Sam, Lex, and Vivian play by the rules, and Yanna McIntosh’s Dr. Glass throws a wonderful and necessary wrench in that ecosystem.
This episode doesn’t instill much confidence Sam will follow through with anything drastic to stop her father, but something needs to change before Good Sam writes its principle dynamic into a corner.
Sam and Griff’s back and forth is more humorous than serious during most of “Butt of the Joke.” Still, the show runs the risk of slipping back into a rivalry that’s already starting to feel repetitive.
The real intrigue of Sam and Rhonda’s partnership comes from what Rhonda may want from their agreement and the potential of Sam’s internal struggle with crossing a line her father likely defined.
Essentially, the women of Good Sam are rightfully thriving, and the men need to catch up before they fall too far behind. Frankly, that twist on TV’s dominant narrative is more than reason enough to tune into this show.
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Good Sam airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on CBS.
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Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.