Pop's Schitt's Creek - Episode 5.08 "The Hospies"
Johnny and Stevie attend the regional hospitality awards, while Moira does everything in her power to stop Alexis from auditioning for Cabaret.
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of Pop's Schitt's Creek.
"The Hospies" was written by Rupinder Gill and directed by Jordan Canning
Emir was the first boyfriend that Stevie truly had. She has had plenty of flings over the years. And yet, Emir was the first person she actually developed romantic feelings for. It was a huge sign of growth for her this season. They made such a sweet and loving couple too. It was so special to watch as she slowly let other people in on this relationship as well. David and Johnny had their unique reactions to it. But they ultimately supported her and this chance at personal happiness. That's what makes it so heartbreaking when Stevie realizes she and Emir have different expectations with this relationship. She believes that the long distance thing can work. Meanwhile, he sees it as something that is casual but fun and special whenever he happens to be in the area. She was prepared to go on a weekend away with him while he was working. He had no idea she was planning that or even wanted her to tag along. As such, Stevie is in such a vulnerable place. Johnny could be too caught up in his own issues to be there for her in her time of need. And yet, he already receives the validation that he craves in that moment. He understands that Stevie needs to be saved from embarrassment and once again be back in her comfortable and stable environment. That shows that they truly are friends who understand each other despite all of the awkward run-ins that they have. Johnny is much more excited about this hospitality awards ceremony than Stevie is. She is only excited about seeing Emir again. And yet, Johnny never lets the award that the motel wins distract from the people who make the business a secure place to work. Plus, all of this is leading up to the reveal that Moira, Jocelyn, Patrick and Stevie will be working on the Cabaret production together. That is such a random collection of characters. But again, it's exciting to think that the show is still capable of shaking things up and surprising the audience. It's such an unexpected way to close the episode by having Moira visit Stevie in her apartment. She is there purely out of her own selfish interests of trying to get Stevie to star in the musical. And yet, that may still be the kind of comfort that Stevie needs at the moment. It may be healthy for her to throw herself into this production knowing that she can relate to her character's struggles. That could be very cathartic for her. Plus, it's a simply solution for Moira and Jocelyn as they have been having trouble casting this final role. Alexis believes she has the talents to step in and shine. She just isn't a great singer. That too is a wonderful reveal alongside the fact that she used to have a reality show that was quickly pulled because it required her to take acting lessons. All of this may also represent the kind of passion Alexis had in the past. She may still yearn to be the next Jessica Simpson. Right now though, she's simply better as the show's publicist which will allow her to tap into her new skill set even though Moira and Jocelyn still find a role amongst the ensemble for her to play. And finally, it continues to be great to see Patrick push back against the conventions of this world only to be embarrassed for doing so. He wants to present as a firm boss who will keep Ronnie on schedule with the construction of a useable bathroom at the store. He understands the importance of this for the overall business. But he also sees problems where none exist. That once again allows for some fantastic reactions from Ronnie as she is forced to put up with all of this from people who simply don't know what they are talking about.
