Home Economics Review: Animatronic Gorilla, $2,200 (Season 2 Episode 19)
The eldest Hayworth sibling turns the big 4-0 on Home Economics Season 2 Episode 19, “Animatronic Gorilla, $2,200.” Not only is it a milestone birthday for Tom, it also marks his self-imposed deadline of completing his novel.
It’s not just Tom feeling the pressure—Marina and Connor both stress over their gifts to him. Marina’s is boudoir photos that Denise talks her into taking and Connor’s is a full-blown recreation of the birthday he ruined for Tom ages ago with a full pantsing in front of the whole party.
The latter traumatic memory has caused Tom to forgo celebrating his special day. It’s nice that Connor wants to make it up to him all these years later but, of course, it’s over-the-top. It is Connor we’re talking about here.
Additionally, Tom’s fortieth inspires his wife and his father. With Denise’s encouragment, Marina embraces her sexuality and really gets into the sexy photoshoot, even going as far as a Full Marina. Marshall decides to dust off his own manuscript and give writing another shot.
Tom would probably be fine with this development if his dear old dad didn’t horn in on his class in the process. But, this way we get to see Professor Hayworth in action, and as expected, he tries to play it cool and his students aren’t buying it.
Marshall, as “a retired gentleman” who has “recently been inspired to pursue the writing arts,” emphasizes this dynamic by somehow being the cool guy Tom wishes he was. The other students gush over his story and criticize Tom’s, calling his characters—his family—unrelatable.
Not to mention they deem the character based on himself to be The Worst™.
It’s not turning out to be the best birthday for Tom, but lucky for him, his family, unlike his students, love and actually like him—despite their constant teasing. They make sure he knows that through some really thoughtful gestures.
From the “low-key double-cheese chicken-Parm birthday” to a (unintentionally) smoke-filled rager with sexy photos of his wife in between.
Although, it’s the gift he gives himself that’s the most meaningful. He accomplishes a huge goal of finishing his book, and it is very fitting that they are all together at Connor’s for his 40th birthday when he sends the first draft of Home Economics to his agent.
The way things come full-circle by the end of the episode gives it a finale feel and a tingling of anticipation for what’s in store for the next chapter.
Extra Expenditures:
- Once again let me sing the praises of the epic Marina/Denise friendship.
- Very interesting that Sarah is the level-headed one in every situation on this episode. That’s growth.
- Simon being an anti-science flat-Earther is totally out of nowhere, and I think that’s why it works.
- “Our Napa cottage is on fire! Whoops!”
- Burt Silverbackarach
What did you think of this episode of Home Economics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Home Economics airs Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC.
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Erin Allen
Erin is a former script supervisor for film and television. She's an avid fan of middle aged actresses, dark dramas, and irreverent comedies. She loves to read actual books and X-Files fan fiction. Her other passions include pointing out feminist issues, shipping Mulder and Scully, and collecting pop culture mugs.