Saying goodbye to a good show
It’s amazing how a show can become a friend. Shows that pull you in and make you feel like you’re a part of the group are so much fun and so valuable. In some ways they help us to remember to be and stay connected. Sometimes they give us the words or explanations we didn’t quite know how to put it all together.
Superstore was one of those shows for me. It sucks to say was because I wasn’t ready for it to end. Most shows that have a run longer than four or five seasons are exhausting and overstay their welcome in my opinion. I’m like, okay but this is a soap opera now. Why? Make it stop. I personally felt that Superstore could’ve ran another season or two.
Then I wonder would that actually be too long? Would I be half way through the next season wanting it to end? I will never know.
They did such a great job at mimicking the world around us. No group of friends or coworkers is the same personality. When there is diversity you address things that maybe uncomfortable to address. You show up for each other and get all in people’s business that is not yours to be in. Superstore did all of that very well.
From an actor on the show’s tweet Superstore was cancelled or not renewed for another season. Maybe the writers had a bit more in them. It seems some of the actors did. Even with America Ferrara leaving the show they were able to write a strong story. The show was truly an ensemble effort.
The writers did do a great job of packing up in short notice. Often times we are left wanting more when a show is cancelled or not renewed. We’re often left having to write our own alternate ending at least in our minds. This show knew it was happening and made a call to tie it all together and leave me smiling in tears.
Garrett the sarcastic yet most sober minded of all the characters did his last announcement and struck a chord in me. It is nothing new but it was a reminder that as much as working or life in general sucks there is joy, connection, and good that is in and with those around us. Shared experiences do connect us, whether you are an actual big box store employee or play one on television. Whether we do meet up again when the job is over, or literally never see each other again, we were there together in space and time.
It made me think about how I as a comedian have had to adjust from live in person shows to virtual shows and looks like back to in person shows, and how I had some very strong connections during a pandemic. I don’t want to end meeting up every week on Zoom for an open mic with people I likely won’t hang out with in real life. Yet I can cherish these last moments and appreciate what we built together. One day I may see some of them in the same room again and we can take some time to connect on memory. Yet others I may never know outside of the virtual world, but we once were together and we made a moment in life good.
Thank you Superstore for being a very good show and for leaving strong. I’m for sure crying and smiling.
