Schitt’s Creek Season 6, Episode 3
“The Job Interview”
Posted by Gillian
For a show that values and celebrates love above all else, it would have been understandable – expected even – for Schitt’s Creek’s final season to veer a bit more into saccharine territory, showcasing sweet, satisfying moments of unqualified character growth and tying up storylines in neat little bows to assure us everything would be alright in plenty of time to say goodbye to our beloved small town residents. But so far the Schitt’s Creek team has masterfully managed to march us all steadily toward that satisfying conclusion without sacrificing jokes or pulling focus from how stunningly ridiculous these characters can be. The show has been so focused on character development from the start (and has always been so thoroughly kind) that even moments and plot lines obviously intended to position characters for a happily-ever-after sendoff feel organic. Situations that have been specifically designed to move a character toward their inevitably satisfying conclusion have such a solid foundation and are well constructed enough to also serve as playgrounds for the characters to remind us who they’ve always been. Forward movement needn’t preclude absurdity or silliness or good old fashioned friendship rivalry, and this show gets that.
Witness: David and Stevie, in a dazzling return to form. Two highly enjoyable episodes into this final season, the one thing I’ve been missing has been their particular dynamic. And then “The Job Interview” came all the way through for me. The main storyline in last week’s episode, which sees Stevie and David competing for the same job at Larry Air, is a perfect illustration of the show’s ability to provide a way forward while still enjoying the hell out of what’s happening now.
The interview storyline works so well because it both advances Stevie’s trajectory and is absolutely drenched in one of the most established and enjoyable dynamics of her relationship with David: David being obnoxiously competitive and Stevie playing along just enough to keep him going for her own entertainment.
And although, at first, working for an airline seemed to me like an odd choice for Stevie’s first step toward a new future, the fact that it would allow her to travel and explore is pretty perfect. And the Frontier-like Larry Air seems like the exact airline to appreciate what I’m assuming would be her take on flight attending. I’m really curious to see if the job offer she apparently received actually becomes a job, or just serves as a springboard for a more confident Stevie to continue to pursue other opportunities. If nothing else, we’ll always have that group interview (and Stevie and David’s conversations before and after) as an example of how fun these two are to watch, and how (eventually) there for each other they are.
While Stevie marches on as David tries to elbow her aside, Alexis is still hanging out in limbo, where she’s (mostly) been so far all season. I’m hoping next week’s The Crows Have Eyes 3 trailer (!!!) will give Alexis Rose Communications more to do, or at least think about. And given the repeated cries this episode that she and Ted have been apart for weeks, her flight to the Galapagos should be coming up not long after. I’m really psyched to see what that trip (nay, journey) will have in store for our favorite world traveler, and how it might change her current plans for the future. For now, we get a little peek into her and Ted’s long-distance relationship.
Although Ted and Alexis are clearly missing each other terribly and having trouble staying in touch, their separation is arguably bringing them closer together. Ted’s love of puns continues to rub off on Alexis, she buys a pet turtle to try to approximate a shared experience (despite Moira’s insistence that the key to longevity is having as little in common as possible), and they each name an animal after each other, which is an undeniably adorable bit of coupley mirroring. And, while telling your girlfriend you have something to “tur-tell” her isn’t the most suave way of initiating cyber sex that I can think of, it does suggest Ted’s grown more comfortable with the kind of playful, adventurous intimacy Alexis seems to enjoy since their sink-breaking role play had Ted all kinds of tongue-twisted and flustered. It’s unfortunate they’re physically apart for their anniversary, but they certainly seem to be going strong.
And speaking of relationships, the elder Roses and Schitts officially have a new phase of theirs to celebrate.
When Johnny and Roland’s attempt to secure a loan to purchase Betty and Benny Terkstra’s motel fails due to Johnny’s lack of sufficient assets (unfortunately they went to one of those banks that doesn’t offer faith-based loans) and despite Roland’s romantic past with the loan officer’s mom (too bad Marnie from the unemployment office doesn’t moonlight at the bank), they bring in Moira and Jocelyn to reel in supposed big fish Bob as an investor. It seems like a solid plan – any couple splurging on hair plugs and leather suits and fancy yoga clothes clearly has money to burn. But when their Allez Vous-worthy pitch devolves into poor Bob confessing he’s on the verge of divorce and in need of a loan himself, Roland and Jocelyn demonstrate incredible faith in not only the Rosebud business, but their friendship with Moira and Johnny, taking out a second mortgage on their house so they can invest in the business themselves. After having just witnessed Johnny’s disappointment at yet another business dead end, informing Moira the motel he’d been after has been sold, it was such a delightful surprise to learn who’d actually bought it. At least for most of us.
Which leads us right into our first superlative for the week:
Love That Journey For Him: Johnny finally gets a business break!
I’m so proud of Stevie for taking actual, concrete steps in the general direction of a possible new future, but seeing Johnny so excited about his expanding motel empire was truly heartwarming. His enthusiasm is so satisfying because it’s so very earned. He’s had so many false starts, so many moments of being alone in his particular ambitions. His delighted surprise at the good news – unmarred by any hint of hesitation or disappointment at the identify of his new business partners – is filled with so much relief and joy, it’s contagious.
And the fact that it’s Roland of all people who made it happen is perfect – somehow both unexpected and inevitable. If Johnny had simply gotten the loan on the strength of his business proposal alone, it would have felt too easy. Too much like all his time in Schitt’s Creek and energy making it feel like home was for nothing. Getting to realize his business dream not just alongside but because of the First Couple of Schitt’s Creek is a wonderfully apt achievement for Johnny. Despite his (understandable) initial feelings about Roland, he and Jocelyn really have become Johnny’s and Moira’s best friends over the past few years. It’s only fitting they be a meaningful part of their future.
It’s also comforting to know that, should Stevie find another life path to pursue, Johnny won’t be left without a partner who cares about him and their business. Even if it’s someone with ever so slightly less business finesse than Johnny himself.
Moira’s Rose’s Garden’s Honorary Rose of the Week 4856: Twyla
Twyla is such a fascinating blend of clueless and wise, accommodating and insistent. Sarah Levy infuses her with just enough lightheartedness to make her optimism feel genuine and believable, despite a frankly worrisome family life and personal history. She has a quiet unflappability – and genuine kindness – that makes her the perfect person to offer help to the members of the Rose family just when they need it, even when they don’t admit or acknowledge that they do. She advises Alexis on matters of the heart, treats Mr. Rose to meatloaf when he’s feeling down, and makes sure David’s champagne never wants for raisins. Despite getting very little in return, Twyla’s so often there for the Rose family, especially Alexis.
In the most recent example, Twyla patiently offers her usual listening ear and supportive advice in response to Alexis’ fretting over the difficulties of her long-distance relationship. Never mind that Alexis potentially just released a walking health hazard into the cafe. Twyla goes above and beyond, putting Ted’s anniversary plan into place and ensuring he and Alexis get their private, romantic date despite being thousands of miles apart. Her Meadow Harvest smoothies may run right through you, but Twyla’s still always the person you want behind the counter. Especially when you need someone to shoot you a text and toss your escaped turtle a carrot or two if he waddles by.
The “I’m Darlene’s Cousin, Who the Fuck Are You?” Award for Outstanding Achievement in Guest Starring: Carol
Larry Air has three touchstone policies: no seat changes, complimentary is not in their corporate vocabulary, and ability to debone a branzino mid-turbulence does not a flight attendant make. And Carol masterfully enforces them all. Her almost instinctual ability to put David in his place, casually shutting down attempt after attempt to charm his way through the group interview process, is a true skill and a thing of beauty.
“Roland in the Bedroom” Funniest Bit: David’s Competitive Nature on Full Display
Make way, please, the least qualified candidate with the most confidence in his qualifications is here.
The Larry Air group interview is the perfect environment for David’s overconfidence and competitive nature to bloom. And not much can compete in terms of comedic value with David being slowly and systematically taken down each and every peg he confidently sauntered up the moment Stevie told him about her interview, especially by the representative of an airline that’s only just unveiled completely private toilets.
David’s flight attendant role play – shushing a baby thrice and offering free booze – probably would have gotten him through to the next round with any airline whose founding didn’t result from a guy selling his chain of delis to buy a bunch of planes. But he’s completely wrong for any job at this airline, and blissfully (for us) unaware that every decision he makes and answer he gives makes that glaringly obvious to everyone watching. It’s wonderful.
Dan Levy’s gifts for physical comedy and facial expression acrobatics are on full-display throughout the episode, as usual. But it’s not that often we get to see him be so unabashedly cocky. It’s a delight to watch, especially when he’s being this bratty. And seeing him go after the job so brashly and zealously makes his reactions to being cut – and later to learning the airline chose Stevie – all the more satisfying. And hilarious. And quintessentially David.
The “David Plucking at the Plastic Sheet” Funniest Moment: David’s Reaction to Alexis’ Cybersex Plans
I know I’m talking a lot about Dan Levy’s face and flawless reactions, but in my defense, have you seen his face and flawless reactions in this episode (and always)? The entire cold open – especially David’s reactions (from his obvious and shameless disappointment that Ted is dressed to tattling to Johnny about Alexis’ cyber-plans) – is extremely funny. But one moment has made me laugh harder on every watch than anything else in an all-around hilarious episode: David’s delighted gasp of “siick!” in response to Alexis demanding everyone leave the room so she can “finish off with Ted.”
Dan Levy is a master of injecting thinly veiled glee into his supposed disgust and outrage, and this moment is a perfect example.
Aw, David! Sweetest Moment: Alexis and Ted Celebrate Their Anniversary
After the unfortunate Skype snafu that starts off their anniversary – wonderfully reminiscent of the family barging in on David one by one after his afternoon delight with Jake in Season 3’s Opening Night – Ted manages to arrange a truly lovely dinner at the cafe, complete with limo transportation for Alexis and an announcement that a newly discovered species has been named after her. And while a fly who mates with itself (yum!) might not be the legacy Alexis had in mind for herself, it’s still an incredibly sweet gesture. And besides, Alexis is just happy to see her little Galapaguy’s face. These absolute cuties.
Blouse Barn Durability Award for Best Look of the Episode: Bob’s Lace-up Leather Daddy Ensemble
As much as I loved and appreciated David’s Patrick cosplay (dress for the youth pastor job you want!), this award was Bob’s long before we even learned his leather pants were lace up. It undoubtedly would have packed a punch no matter what, but the fact that it seems to come out of nowhere – we don’t find out poor Bob bought it because he’s trying to woo his bad-boy-loving wife back from Parson Jim until well into the episode – elevates it to a whole other level. And though he doesn’t seem completely comfortable wrapped in leather, thankfully it doesn’t limit his mobility so much that he can’t still do his trademark casual jog.
Bonus points for what I’m confident in assuming will be the most actually-durable outfit that will ever clinch this title.
A Vocabulary Lesson from Schitt’s Creek’s Resident Sesquipedalian
Frangible [fran-juh-buhl], adj. Easily broken; breakable. As in, “If your coupling is too frangible to survive this brief disunion…”
Holstein [hohl-steen], n. One of a breed of black-and-white dairy cattle, raised originally in North Holland and Friesland, that yields large quantities of milk having a low content of butterfat. As in, “Look at you, Robert. With the hides of a herd of Holstein on your back!”
Penny-wise [pen-ee-wahyz], adj. Greatly concerned with saving small sums of money. As in, “Oh, surely there’s some penny-wise townsperson with a hidden rainy-day reservoir.”
A Lotta Bit Alexis
As with the last episode, “The Job Interview” only provided us one glimpse into Alexis’ past, but it’s a telling one:
And, as a treat, we got a Tiny Bit of Twyla, too:
- Her mom once had a turtle dove that was eaten alive by her fiance’s snake…on Valentine’s Day…and said fiance was a satanist.
- She knows turtles thrive outside of captivity. Honestly, why does everyone know so much about turtles? What’s in Moira’s past that has her so aware of and freaked out by the risks of turtles as pets?
Estate Sale Auction Items
- I can’t help but think at least part of what had David acting so…well, Davidly in the face of Stevie’s opportunity is a bit of creeping fear of losing her to a new life. I don’t doubt he wants her to find something that makes her happier than the motel, but this is the first real step she’s taken to find that something, and the idea that it could take his best friend away from him must be scary.
- The second David and Stevie walked into the interview together, I said to my friend, “He’s literally dressed as Patrick,” and I felt so validated when that was confirmed by David himself moments later. Also, he looked GOOD in those clothes. Thanks for the loan, Patrick.
- This is what you call continuity, friends:
- As is Moira’s begrudging invitation to Alexis to join her and Johnny for dinner. Guess those index cards with possible conversation topics could only last so long.
- “Look at the way this guy bounced back from total financial ruin.” I know Roland isn’t everyone’s favorite, but I truly love how bad he is at trying to help.
- Feeling like a Wolf of Wall Street while serving Sloppy Jocelyns is the most Jocelyn thing I can imagine.
- ARE THESE ALEXIS’ BEACH WAVES??
- I REALLY wanted Moira to be the one to find Turtle Ted crawling around the motel rooms. Sure, she shouted for Alexis the second Johnny mentioned seeing a turtle, but we all know we were deprived of a shattering Moira shriek, and I for one require at least one consolation scream in the future.
- Speaking of Turtle Ted, isn’t Alexis’ flight to the Galapagos only like a week or two away at this point? What’s going to happen to the little guy then? What are the chances she tries to bring him with and the poor thing gets seized at customs?
How did you like “The Job Interview?” Did Carol embarrass herself by sending David away in front of everybody? Was the entire group shocked by that decision? And how relieved are you that Ted the Turtle came out of hiding just in time to toast the new Rosebud Motel? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image Source: Pop/CBC
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