Home Economics Season 3 Episode 7 Review: Model Train Set, $150

The siblings’ family drama takes center stage while Marina helps Denise deal with an issue that many inhabitants of rent-controlled housing typically face. Home Economics Season 3 Episode 7, “Model Train Set, $150,” is complex fare for a sitcom, but it is a challenge the series is able to meet head-on, and the outcome is satisfying. 

This intervention with their father about Harmony without Harmony is as much of a way of easing ol’ Marshall into it as it is for the audience.

Her presence is felt even though she’s physically not there, so it feels like a safe space for everyone, us included, to process this major Hayworth family development.

I appreciate this because on Home Economics Season 3 Episode 6, “Novel Signed by Author, $22.19,” some concerning red flags went up for me. I should’ve trusted Home Economics to handle it tactfully, and most importantly, comedically while keeping the characterizations authentic.

Of course Tom (Topher Grace) scripted the conversation ahead of time. Of course Sarah (Caitlin McGee) wants to utilize the expertise from her profession. And of course the two bicker over whose approach is better. Connor (Jimmy Tatro) is in denial.

Tom: It’s the right thing to do. I mean, she is our half-sister.
Connor: True. But she’s also half-not-our-sister. I’m thinking maybe we focus on that half. 
Sarah: Denial is not gonna make this go away.
Connor: Okay, I’m not in denial. I just don’t want to acknowledge that this is actually happening. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see the main storyline executed so well; I wasn’t expecting the side storyline to shine a light on the plight of those living under rent-control and in low-income housing. I will echo what I said above—Home Economics tackles this complicated topic with a commendable balance of comedy and decorum.

Marina (Karla Souza) uses her lawyer knowledge and Denise (Sasheer Zamata) uses her inherent kindness to conquer the evil landlord. It is such a clever way to examine this current, hot-button issue. And there’s plenty of dialogue to support it.

Denise: Marina, it’s a delicate dance. She says “no.” I make her cookies every week and in six months she puts in one outlet. Then, I bide my time, bake her a pie, and then she puts in two. That’s how you deal with a landlord. 
Marina: She’s taking advantage of you!
Denise: Now you get it. 

Not only does this showcase a social problem but it keeps in line with the overall concept of the series. Part of the siblings’ story might be going in another direction, but it’s still the same old Hayworths.

And that’s quite comforting when change is concerned. 

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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