Home Economics Season 3 Episode 6 Review: Novel Signed by Author, $22.19
Home Economics Season 3 Episode 6, “Novel Signed by Author, $22.19,” is a spooky Halloween episode that takes the Hayworth siblings’ story in a whole different direction.
I have to say I am concerned. This is a big development, and one I fear could change the whole vibe of the show. It’s a serious dynamic that has the ability to disrupt the comedic harmony (pun intended) Home Economics has already established.
Like Sarah (Caitlin McGee) on this episode, I spent the half-hour on edge as to what Harmony’s deal actually was, hoping the plot didn’t go in the stalker direction it continually hinted at since the tag scene on Home Economics Season 3 Episode 5, “Live with Kelly and Ryan Hoodie, Complimentary.”
The stalker angle is a bit overkill—the bait and switch is not subtle or cunning, and the pay-off isn’t a funny punchline but an awkward, life-changing situation thrust into the story.
Although, Casey Wilson as Harmony is good casting. If there’s a chance of Harmony becoming a regular Hayworth, then it’s promising to have Wilson in the role.
The stalker bit isn’t effective, but using Marina and Denise’s true crime obsession works wonderfully well, as do Marina (Karla Souza) and Denise (Sasheer Zamata) together. They are one of my favorite fictional friendships currently on TV.
Marina: You know this would make a great true crime podcast.
Denise: I was just thinking that. We can call it “Killer Fan” or “Murder She Did” or “Only Murders in the Bookstore.”
Marina: Literal chills. This is so exciting …and concerning.
As per usual, Tom (Topher Grace) is made the butt of the joke—as Denise points out, it is “very easy” to do—but it is doubly harsh on this episode.
His book signing does fill the bookstore on Halloween night, but that success is overshadowed. First by the potential danger of an obsessed fan, and then by the whole half-sister revelation.
Poor Tom gets so few wins, I was hoping to see him actually bask in genuine praise from satisfied book lovers.
As for the side plot, paralleling big sister/little brother storylines between Sarah and Connor (Jimmy Tatro) and Shamiah (Jordyn Starr Curet) and Kelvin (Jecobi Swain) is executed flawlessly.
McGee and Tatro do well to avoid making the sentimental outcome too mushy, the comedy from beginning to end is just the right amount.
The connection back to Shamiah and Kelvin is not heavy-handed, either. Home Economics is able to achieve nuanced sitcom fare through its writing and performances.
So, perhaps, there is nothing to be concerned about going forward with this half-sister business. If any show can make it work, it’s Home Economics.
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.