Home Economics Season 3 Episode 4 Review: Wedding Bouquet, $150

Home Economics takes us back in time to 2009 for Tom and Marina’s wedding on Season 3 Episode 4, “Wedding Bouquet, $150.” 

This super sweet flashback episode is loaded with lovely callbacks and origin stories. We see how “Lulu” came to be a term of endearment between Sarah and Denise, and how Connor made the switch from collegiate lacrosse player to private equity virtuoso. 

We’ve had flashbacks before but they were mere flashes and really there to enhance the comedy of the present day scene. Home Economics Season 3 Episode 4, “Wedding Bouquet, $150,” graciously gives us an entire episode on the disastrous nuptials of Tom (Topher Grace) and Marina (Karla Souza).

Intros into a full flashback episode can often come across as clunky with an obvious and unimaginative segue, but not on Home Economics.

The set-up is so clever. The Hayworths reminisce on that eventful day because the chapter of Tom’s book about the wedding has been given a sneak peek in a major publication. It is titled “Bride The Comes Here,” a play on how their big day went in reverse with the cake served before the salmon and a sped-up ceremony at the end. 

They go about explaining it to the kids which takes us into the flashback where we remain until the end. Then they conclude the story only to look up and see the kids on their devices, bored and not listening. 

Shamiah: Well, there’s 47 minutes of my life I’ll never get back.

Not only does Home Economics nail the intro but the transition back to present, too. And there’s even a little Lupe (Lidia Porto) appearance as the tag scene where she describes Tom hilariously. 

Everything in between, which is the topsy-turvy wedding, is stellar as well. Hanging with the Hayworths in a different decade is a delight. From the late 2000-specific references—Pokemon, LimeWire, MySpace, flip phones and Sidekicks—to jokes about pre-fortune Connor (Jimmy Tatro), all the right beats hit, just like a “Zune full of absolute bangers.”

In addition to the episode’s comedic strengths, it excels in the heart department. I’m not much for sentimentality on sitcoms, and I was a mushy mess at several moments. Particularly the one-two punch of back-to-back scenes where Denise (Sasheer Zamata) and Connor give advice to the bride and groom, respectively. 

Marina: I feel like today the messaging from the universe has been extra loud.
Denise: Well, the thing about signs is that they are just signs. They’re not orders. Ultimately, you get to decide whatever you want to do.

Wise words from Denise, which is not at all surprising. It is, however, to see Connor already supporting his big bro—with emotional support, that is. 

Connor has reminded a panicky Tom before to be grateful for the life he has on past episodes (which are set in the present). It’s cool to see him step up here with sound advice. 

Connor: Your life is great, dude. You’re still marrying a smokin’ hot babe. You’re about to become a best-selling author.
Tom: C’mon, man, you don’t know that. 
Connor: No, but I believe it. 
Tom: You do?
Connor: Yeah. You’re my big brother. And Marina believes it too. Otherwise she wouldn’t be marrying you. 

Lastly, but certainly not least are Tom’s wedding vows. The actual ceremony is rushed, which is utilized well to comedic effect but also allows for Tom to have the romantic, hero-of-the-story moment that he so deserves. 

And going back for a proper, swoon-worthy kiss is such a leading-man move. Way to go, Tom.

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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