Home Economics Season 3 Episode 10 Review: Santa Suit Rental, $25 Per Day
Home Economics Season 3 Episode 10, “Santa Suit Rental, $25 Per Day,” celebrates the Hayworth family’s unique and loving generosity with each other.
A dramatic shift in the brothers’ financial hierarchy, if only metaphorically, brings out inventive cheering up, innocent yet misguided fundraising, and a mojo-regenerating game of Monopoly. The holiday spirit and a bit of perspective play a big part in rounding out this festive fall finale.
The family rallies around Connor in his rare hour of need with sweet gestures of generosity.
His fiscal loss is his familial gain in the form of love and support. And though the deficit is nothing the average person deals with economically — Tom, Marina, and Denise’s reactions to the numbers hilariously drive that thought home — it is still so heartwarming to watch everyone do what they can to cheer him up.
Connor exercises his charitableness with his family year-round because he has the means. When his means lessen, however one views the significance of this loss, he learns he can count on them to return the favor no matter what their own monetary means are.
Sure, Connor’s problems are rich, white people problems, but the reasons this financial hit hits so hard are universally human.
As we saw on the flashback episode Home Economics Season 3 Episode 4, “Wedding Bouquet, $150,” Connor was rather directionless until he learned about his knack for market equities (or whatever it is that he does). He found something he was searching for and something he was really good at.
While it may be difficult to understand being upset about money loss at his level, looking deeper at the issue reveals vulnerability; and that’s where loved ones come in to offer support in ways money never could.
Additionally, the swapping of roles between the brothers is the source of much of the comedy on this episode. It reminds me of Seinfeld Season 5 Episode 22, “The Opposite,” where George becomes successful while Elaine’s life falls apart (and Jerry stays Even Steven in the middle).
Connor: Tom, nice sweater. Finally wearing something I would wear.
Tom: Well, I thought I should upgrade from my usual hoodie, you know, as a New York Times bestselling author.
Connor: 100% virgin wool. Very nice.
Tom: Thank you. Hey, how do they know that the sheep haven’t–
Connor: Not what that means. I have so much to teach you now that you’re not buying your clothes at Costco.
The jokes here are strongly written and delivered. And though its not necessary for every episode to stick with the overall theme of the series, it feels like a bonus when they do.
The side plot of Marina lurking on her new partner’s Instagram is a cute way to highlight how thankful Marina is for how Tom decided to spend his book money on the previous episode, “Sunday New York Times, $6.”
It may be a minor plot, but it does have the dream team, Marina and Denise, on a mini buddy holiday adventure. I love that Santiago’s hotness never registered for Marina, that’s how dedicated she is to her new-found passion as well as her generous hubby.
Home Economics Season 3 Episode 10, “Santa Suit Rental, $25 Per Day,” brings a lot of warmth and holiday spirit through shenanigans only the Hayworth clan can get into. Although Sarah’s absence is felt throughout, her appearance at the end is very well-suited to the episode.
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.