Take Three: Reboot

Reboot: Season 1, Episode 3 “Growing Pains” (B+)

I’m glad to see that this show is really diving into all of its characters, giving them many subplots and humorous ways to interact. Gordon showing up to the writers’ meeting and mistaking everyone for diversity hires was a problematic start, and the two teams of writers were not doing a great job at communicating or coexisting. But seeing Hannah trip as she tried to forcefully quit and exit was a good way to bring them together and remind them of what’s funny, and this will surely not be the last disagreement about what to write. Reed getting too excited on set was a productive opportunity for Bree to bond with Timberly and for the two of them to enter into a romance that’s definitely going to cause friction down the road. Zack leaned fully into the idea of his TV dad being with his real mom, and after Clay scrambled to figure a way out of the relationship, he found out the impressive truth: that Zack’s mom had broken that windshield from the inside of the car with her foot and has absolutely no interest in commitment. That’s perfect for Clay, of course, the kind of personality who unfortunately does surely exist in the real world but really should not given his disgusting habits and generally chauvinistic behavior. It’s fun, however, to see his relationship with Zack, who he can’t stand but also seems to gravitate towards, unexpectedly open to getting burgers together even if he was not about to drive together to get them.