Pivoting Review: Doompa-Dee Doo (Season 1 Episode 8)
On Pivoting Season 1 Episode 8, “Doompa-Dee Doo,” Amy and Luke’s principal engage in activities that make Jodie cheating on Dan look tame. Get your mind out the gutter—or maybe don’t—because I’m referring to an actual drug deal.
It’s uncomfortable trying to laugh at actions that even the show itself acknowledges are blatantly unethical and that carry the potential for legal consequences. Many comedies handle characters with a drug problem poorly, but this takes even that too far.
We do stumble toward somewhat safer comedy. Luke’s principal “pays” Amy back by giving the poor kid a lead role in a play that he doesn’t even want. Henry fixes the whole mess with his own backdoor deal in an exchange of hair loss supplements that’s much easier to make light of.
Nonetheless, we know how a scene in which a character hands someone a handful of pills from a false prescription would play out in any other genre. I would lean on the show’s dramedy side and the notion Amy has a real problem, but I’m not sure we’ve gotten in that deep yet.
It’s almost (almost) enough to make the whole affair a palate cleanser. At least here the dose of humor is more effective, as Jodie leans on her friends for a needlessly detailed cover story after accidentally sending her husband a sext meant for Matt.
As ever, there is so much here to root for. Even a hookup in Matt’s mom’s basement almost turning extremely awkward isn’t enough to turn off his charm. And if Dan does anything else to show how he pales in comparison, I’m going to file divorce papers on Jodie’s behalf.
So why not bite the bullet, fess up, and come what may? The mostly likely reason is that this season is just ten episodes long, and the drama is being saved for the season finale. All I’ll say now is that I don’t want to wait even that long.
We know Jodie is rightfully unhappy with Dan and still torn by his few good moments and her own guilt. She’s also certainly considering her kids and their feelings in the matter. But the writing is on the wall. The truth would be best for all, but we know it’s not coming just yet.
Sarah doesn’t get a lot to do in this episode, but comparatively speaking, it’s probably a good thing. Instead, embracing the idea of giving herself good things, she spends most of the time lounging around in Jodie’s bathtub.
Cue Dan arriving home, prompting by Jodie’s message and all too ready for unexpected encounters of a different type. I’m surprised it’s taken this long for two characters to walk in on each other naked. Over the top as it is, it’s one of the more laugh-out-loud moments here.
We do get a fair share of comic character interactions to make up for a lack of growth, but I’m ready for all three main characters to start taking steps forward again, even knowing steps back will be a part of it. There’s so much to root for in them. Let’s hope to see more if it in the last two episodes.
What did you think of this episode of Pivoting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Pivoting airs Thursdays at 9:30/8:30c on Fox.
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Caitlin Wyneken
Caitlin is an elder millennial with an only slightly unhealthy dedication to a random selection of TV shows, from PBS Masterpiece dramas to some of the less popular series on popular networks. Outside of screen time, she's dedicated to the public sector and worthy nonprofits, working to make a difference in the world outside of media.