Ep 11. Top Gum

The show Corner Gas is a Canadian sitcom that premiered in 2004 and revolves around a group of quirky characters who live in the small fictional town of Dog River, Saskatchewan. In season 5 episode 11, titled "Top Gum", the residents of Dog River are up to their usual shenanigans.

The episode opens with Brent Leroy (played by series creator Brent Butt) struggling to open a jar of pickles at the gas station. His friend Hank Yarbo (Fred Ewanuick) suggests he try chewing gum to help ease the strain, but Brent isn't convinced. Meanwhile, Lacey Burrows (Gabrielle Miller) is trying to organize a town-wide garage sale and is enlisting the help of Emma Leroy (Janet Wright) to drum up some interest.

As the day wears on, more and more residents of Dog River get involved in the garage sale, including Wanda Dollard (Nancy Robertson) and Davis Quinton (Lorne Cardinal). While they're all busy haggling over old books and knick-knacks, Brent's dental woes come to a head when his filling falls out. He's in such excruciating pain that he's forced to close the gas station and seek help from Dentist Hank.

Of course, nothing in Dog River is ever straightforward, and Brent's dental emergency turns into a source of endless amusement for his friends and neighbors. When Hank suggests using a piece of gum to temporarily fill Brent's cavity, everyone gets involved in trying to find the perfect brand of gum for the job. Davis insists that Bazooka Joe is the way to go, while Wanda swears by Big League Chew.

As the various residents of Dog River attempt to cure Brent's toothache, other minor subplots unfold. Lacey's garage sale becomes a hotbed of gossip and intrigue when Brent's ex-girlfriend, Sandra (played by Erica Durance), returns to town. Meanwhile, Oscar Leroy (Eric Peterson) is dealing with his own dental issues and is convinced he's dying of an abscess.

As always, the heart of the episode lies in the interactions between the characters. Brent and Hank have always had a love-hate relationship, and seeing Hank as a makeshift dentist is both hilarious and cringe-worthy. The banter between Brent, Wanda, and Davis as they debate the merits of various chewing gums is also a delight.

At its core, "Top Gum" is a classic sitcom episode. It's light, funny, and filled with zany hijinks that will keep audiences laughing from start to finish. What sets it apart, however, is the warmth and affection that the characters have for each other. Even when they're teasing each other mercilessly or causing each other pain, there's a sense of genuine camaraderie that makes the show feel like a warm hug.

In many ways, "Top Gum" is a microcosm of what makes Corner Gas such a beloved television show. It's a small, quirky comedy that's full of heart, and it perfectly captures the joys and foibles of small-town life. Whether you're a long-time fan of the show or a newcomer, this episode is sure to leave you with a smile on your face.