Ep 1. Essential

In Superstore season 6 episode 1, titled "Essential," the employees of Cloud 9 are dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it brings to their working and personal lives.

As the episode begins, we see a group of employees huddled around the break room television, watching as the news reports on the latest COVID-19 developments and potential lockdowns. Store manager Glenn (Mark McKinney) is quick to reassure everyone that the store will remain open, as they are deemed an "essential" business.

Meanwhile, Garrett (Colton Dunn) is struggling to adapt to the changes brought on by the pandemic. As a wheelchair user, he finds it difficult to maintain social distancing and must rely on others to handle tasks like reaching high shelves or taking out the trash. When he accidentally drops a stack of boxes and injures himself, he is forced to take some time off work and confront his feelings of isolation and dependence.

Elsewhere in the store, Jonah (Ben Feldman) and Amy (America Ferrera) are struggling to balance their professional and personal lives. With Amy still working as a manager at the store and Jonah now a district manager, their relationship is strained as they navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship and competing professional priorities.

As the episode progresses, tensions escalate as the employees grapple with the implications of the pandemic and the impact it has on their work and personal lives. Dina (Lauren Ash) enforces strict social distancing protocols, leading to conflicts with customers and colleagues alike. Cheyenne (Nichole Sakura) and Mateo (Nico Santos) struggle to make ends meet as they face reduced hours and financial uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, the employees of Cloud 9 come together to support each other and keep the store running in the face of adversity. Through their struggles and triumphs, they show that even in times of crisis, humor, compassion, and hard work can help to build a community of support and resilience.

Overall, Superstore season 6 episode 1 offers a compelling and timely exploration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on everyday workers and their families. Through its nuanced portrayal of the challenges and opportunities of this unprecedented moment, the show offers a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, cooperation, and perseverance.