Ep 8. Motel Review

The episode “Motel Review” from season 3 of Schitt’s Creek takes place in the small town of Schitt’s Creek, where the Rose family is still trying to adjust to their new lives after losing their wealth and having to move to this rural area.

In the episode, we follow Johnny and Stevie, the owners of the local motel, as they prepare for an upcoming review from a prominent travel guide. The review could bring in new guests and significantly boost their business, but it could also damage their reputation if the motel fails to impress the inspector.

Johnny becomes obsessed with making sure everything is perfect for the inspection. He spends the entire episode cleaning, redesigning and perfecting the motel with the help of his sons, David and Alexis. The family also tries to lure the inspector with their signature Rose charm but quickly realizes how tricky it can be to impress someone who is trained to be skeptical.

Meanwhile, Moira, Johnny's wife, is dealing with the possibility of meeting her nemeses, the Crows. The Crows are a theater company that Moira has encountered throughout her career and have always undermined her. With her career in limbo, Moira is on the edge and is convinced that her encounter with the Crows could mean the end of her career. David and Alexis try to help her prepare for the meeting, but Moira’s paranoia and dramatic tendencies get the better of her.

The episode focus on the concept of self-reflection, as each character reflects on their past behaviors, mistakes, and situations. Johnny confronts his past decisions and laments over his previous mistakes regarding the motel's management and its service. He is convinced that the motel doesn't stand a chance for success, but his son David reminds him of the positive feedback they've received from their most loyal customers, including Stevie, who tells Johnny how much the motel means to her and the town.

Meanwhile, Alexis is dealing with the aftermath of losing her beloved high-school sweatshirt and is the soundboard for Moira’s fussiness. David, on the other hand, tries practicing ‘self-care’ by meditating and relaxing but then falls into self-doubt and ultimately reverts to his solipsistic ways.

The episode's humor is sharp, sarcastic and dry, which is the essence of the series' overall tone. The characters' comedic timing is flawless, and their banter is reminiscent of the classic sitcoms of the past.

Schitt’s Creek is a TV series that has a knack for portraying those finer character traits and provides valuable insight into how people with different personalities interact. The theme of ‘self-reflection’ in the episode speaks volumes, especially in the modern era of social media and validated self-worth. A strong sense of empathy is essential to understanding and relating to others, and that’s what Schitt’s Creek teaches us.

Overall, "Motel Review" is a highly entertaining episode that continues to showcase the greatness of the series. From the quirky personalities to unique issues and life lessons, the episode leaves lasting impressions on its viewers and provides an excellent opportunity to binge-watch the series from the start. Schitt's Creek's comedy tends to be relatable, intelligent and human, which is why it continues to be every fan’s favorite show.