American Auto Season 2 Episode 13 Review: Judgement Day

American Auto Season 2 Episode 13, “Judgement Day,” finds Team Payne resorting to last-ditch efforts to raise the company’s stock price before it’s too late. It’s not the show’s strongest outing comedically, but it’s a solid season finale that delivers a satisfying conclusion. 

We don’t know whether the series will return for Season 3, but “Judgement Day” serves as both a season and series finale, finding a resolution for the seasonal arc while leaving a few loose threads should NBC greenlight a third go-round. That alone will make viewers content as there’s a pliability there narrative-wise. 

WESLEY: Penis, penis, penis, penis, penis. Oh, I was scared I was gonna say it. 

“Judgement Day” doesn’t boast as many clever comedic moments as a typical American Auto episode. However, there are memorable highlights, such as Cyrus, Elliot, Jack, Wesley, and Dori transforming a janitor into Warren Buffet for a photo op and the gang trying to persuade analyst John Hampton, who’s hospitalized because of a burst appendix, to lean in Payne’s favor. 

That said, this episode doesn’t soar because of the comedy — it soars because of its sheer earnestness. The team’s conviction that they’ll succeed is what drives the story. It’s hopeful and optimistic in an infectious way. 

You want this team to succeed because we’ve spent 23 episodes discovering who they are and falling in love with them, warts and all. You want them to rise like a phoenix from the ashes because, let’s face it, they’ve spent most of this show’s run crashing and burning (with the occasional upward failure), and they could use a win to boost morale.

KATHERINE: What are we not gonna do? 

EVERYONE: Give up. 

KATHERINE: Now it sort of sounds like we’re chanting “Give up.”

After spending a season watching the Payne crew tirelessly use every tool in their arsenal to keep their jobs, it’s all the more satisfying to see them win big. It simultaneously feels earned and surprising. And after spending our days in perpetual purgatory as the 24-hour news cycle pummels us with utterly demoralizing and devastating stories, it’s nice to escape to the happy place “Judgement Day” provides. 

It’s a testament to the power of comedy, as is the always-stellar performances from this magnetic ensemble. It’s challenging to pick a favorite character because they all bring something uniquely lovable to the table (even if their morals are occasionally questionable). Every performer gets a standout moment in this episode, though Ana Gasteyer is and always will be the constant anchor for this show. Her comedic prowess is in fine form here. 

In “Judgement Day,” Jack and Sadie finally take the next step in their relationship. Their will-they-won’t-they appears to be parked firmly in front of “will.” Harriet Dyer and Tye White’s chemistry is endearing and sweet, and they both turn up the charm in the Season 2 finale. 

CYRUS: That would be a fun story to tell the other inmates while you’re begging for redemption at Shawshank.

While American Auto‘s future is in the air, one thing’s certain: “Judgement Day” sticks the landing as a season finale. It’s humorous, hopeful, and triumphant. The performances shine, and the story is compelling. As always, the character dynamics are the backbone of this hilariously charming series. Now that their stock price is up and the Pika is selling out, here’s hoping Payne Motors will live to see another season. 

Stray Observations: 

• Sadie mentions that Katherine and Wesley’s disastrous appearance on Margin Call makes her “kind of miss the fire.” That’s a reference to the wildfire from Season 2 Episode 1, “Crisis.” 
• Like Wesley, I, too, would’ve struggled to prevent myself from letting out a string of “penises” after being told I couldn’t say the word. 
• If Payne ever decides to invent a fake position, Chief Sarcastic Officer (CSO) would be perfect for Cyrus. 
• I’m thoroughly Team Jadie (Jack and Sadie). I’m rooting for those crazy kids. Same workplace, be damned. 
• The Elliot/BFG remark elicited a nice snort-laugh from me. 

What did you think of this episode of American Auto? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

American Auto Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Peacock.

 Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

American Auto: Ana Gasteyer on the Evolution of Katherine Hastings [Interview]