Alright, folks, let's chat about Schitt's Creek. Specifically, Season 1, Episode 12. You know, the one with the "Surprise Party." Now, before you all start throwing virtual confetti, hear me out. This episode, for me, was a bit of a... well, let's just say it wasn't the showstopper I was expecting. And I know, I know, it's Season 1, and everyone's still finding their feet. But still!
We're talking about the legendary Rose family. You know, the ones who went from living in a mansion to a motel. Their entire life, upended. And here they are, throwing a surprise party. For whom, you ask? None other than their sweet, slightly bewildered motel manager, Moira. Oh, wait, no, it was for Roland Schitt. Yes, THAT Roland Schitt. The one who is, shall we say, a character. A character with a penchant for ill-fitting suits and questionable decision-making.
The setup is classic Schitt's Creek. It's all about the Roses trying to do something nice, but as usual, it descends into a chaotic, slightly cringeworthy spectacle. Johnny Rose, bless his heart, is trying to be the dutiful husband and orchestrate this whole thing. He's got plans. He's got spreadsheets. He probably has a whiteboard somewhere detailing the "optimal surprise party experience." And of course, it all goes gloriously wrong.
Then there's Moira Rose. Oh, Moira. Her vocabulary alone deserves its own spin-off. In this episode, she's trying her best to be a supportive wife, but her attempts at subtlety are, well, as subtle as a rhinoceros in a tutu. Her dramatic pronouncements and outlandish fashion choices are, as always, a highlight. You just know she's mentally critiquing everyone's outfit, even if she's outwardly feigning enthusiasm.
And we can't forget the dynamic duo: David and Alexis. David, with his ever-present black attire and his existential dread, and Alexis, with her glamorous but ultimately vapid past and her endearing inability to grasp reality. Their reactions to this whole "surprise party" situation are priceless. David is clearly appalled by the very notion of forced merriment, and Alexis is probably more concerned about whether her hairspray will hold up in the humid motel air.
The "surprise" itself is, predictably, not much of a surprise. Roland, being Roland, probably had an inkling. Or maybe he just wandered in because he smelled the questionable party food. The whole thing is a testament to the Roses' continued inability to actually execute anything with smooth precision. It’s like watching a beautifully dressed, incredibly wealthy train wreck unfold in slow motion.
"The Roses' attempts at normalcy are always a masterclass in unintentional comedy."
Now, here's where my slightly "unpopular opinion" might kick in. While I adore this show, and I truly do, this episode felt a little... less impactful than some of the others. It's funny, don't get me wrong. There are definitely moments that made me chuckle. But it didn't feel like a massive turning point for the characters or the plot. It felt more like a "let's see what chaos we can create with a party" episode.
Perhaps it's because Season 1 is still establishing the world and the characters. We're still getting to know the quirks and the underlying vulnerabilities. By this point, we've seen them grapple with much bigger, more existential crises, like trying to pawn off their remaining assets or dealing with the sheer indignity of sharing a bathroom. A surprise party for Roland, while amusing, feels a bit... low stakes.
However, and this is a big however, even in its less-than-perfect moments, Schitt's Creek is still miles ahead of most other comedies. The performances are already fantastic. Catherine O'Hara as Moira is a national treasure. Eugene Levy as Johnny is the perfect exasperated straight man. And the chemistry between the entire cast is undeniable.
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This episode also gives us a little glimpse into the evolving dynamics between the Roses and the motel residents. You see them, however reluctantly, starting to interact and, dare I say, care about each other. It’s the very beginning of that beautiful, heartwarming shift that makes the show so special later on. The seeds of their eventual acceptance and even affection are being sown, even if it’s happening amidst a backdrop of burnt appetizers and awkward small talk.
So, while "Surprise Party" might not be the episode that immediately comes to mind when you think of groundbreaking Schitt's Creek moments, it's still a valuable part of the journey. It’s a reminder that even the most glamorous, out-of-touch individuals can, with enough time and a lot of sheer desperation, learn to navigate the complexities of human connection. Even if that connection involves a surprise party for Roland Schitt. And honestly, who doesn't love a good, chaotic surprise party? Even if it's not the best one.
