Home Economics Season 3 Episode 12 Review: Limited Edition Boom Boom Dojo JollyBot, $45.99
On Home Economics Season 3 Episode 12, “Limited Edition Boom Boom Dojo JollyBot, $45.99,” Denise does some action-adventure shopping, Connor and Nicky begin dating, and the tables turn on the jealousy front between Tom and Marina.
It’s a fun-filled episode that makes up for the minor complaints in my review of Home Economics Season 3 Episode 11, “Gallon of Milk, $4.35.” I didn’t love the jealousy trope by itself, but with the switch up on this episode, it makes it a much more complex two-part jealousy storyline that I am happy to get behind.
And in the process we are learning more about Santiago (Eddie Cibrian), such as his love for Legos which we now know is also one of Tom’s passions. The two are so adorable as buddies that I hope the relationship blossoms.
However, Tom’s dream at the end of the episode may introduce some complications as it did with Marina. I say, bring it on.
Tom: I don’t want to jinx anything yet, but I think he might be my new best friend.
Oh, precious Tom. Sweet, precious Tom.
Not only does this episode’s storyline address my issue with the one in the previous but it puts such an interesting spin on the jealousy trope in this context. It’s a subtle bait and switch—which I fell for—that allows room for comedic bits and a thoughtful throughline.
Hunky and nerdy, Santiago is quite the provocative wrench thrown into Tom and Marina’s lives.
In addition to Santiago—or “Santi” as Tom calls him—Nicky is fitting in nicely as a romantic interest for Connor.
Jimmy Tatro and Pineda have instant chemistry and have me instantly rooting for them. The juxtaposition of the classy, high-end date with the health code violation of the second one is really funny and really well done.
And like we did with Santiago, we learn a little more about Nicky. Like the fact that she has an 18 year old son whom she also lives with. It’s intriguing to see how all the different family dynamics come into play.
Denise’s storyline isn’t quite as involved but it is super fun and super enjoyable to watch Denise rise to the epic line challenge for the noble cause of getting a gift for her well-deserving, straight-A son. The cartoon and video game effects work surprisingly well—partly do to the infectious enthusiasm that Sasheer Zamata brings to her character in this situation.
The scenes with Denise blend into and alleviate any tension that arise from the other two, and hers is the one who has storylines in common with both Tom/Marina’s and Connor/Nicky’s.
Kudos to Home Economics for juggling multiple humorous scenarios with such apparent ease.
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.