Season 1, Episodes 9 and 10
Air Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 8/7c on NBC
Rating:
“If it gets out our unpaid intern isn’t going to school, we could get sued.” – Katie
Greg and his Gram
With the discovery that Biscuit Blitz isn’t just a game, the race is on to get the story out before any other networks. Even though Katie (Briga Heelan) can connect the game to the ongoing hacking scandal, one question still remains – who owns Biscuit Blitz? As Katie tries to put the final pieces together, she learns of a bomb threat at Carol’s (Andrea Martin) school. Fearing the worse, Katie drops everything to check on her mom.
Turns out, Carol hasn’t been attending class as required to be an intern. She explains to Katie how she dropped out because of a bully. “I have to do his homework for him; he tells me what to do, and where to sit, and when to go to the bathroom.” Knowing Carol, it’s no surprise she’s talking about her teacher. Katie puts off her research into Biscuit Blitz to help her mother pass the midterm. This decision proves costly when another station reports the connection between the game and the hackers. Despite the setback, Katie assures Greg (Adam Campbell) there’s more to the story.
Am I the only one who let it slip from memory Carol was supposed to be attending class? In my defense, Carol’s education wasn’t mentioned in the last few episodes so it was easy to forget. Angie (Vicki Lawrence) and Carol’s attempt to convince Katie they’re in school by recreating scenes from Happy Days over the phone is so funny. Who can’t relate to Carol covering her body with her notes in order to pass a test? Well, other than me because I always studied.
“Carol Has a Bully” is an entertaining episode that does a good job of setting up the season finale. While many of the storylines this season have dealt with Carol’s professional relationship with Chuck (John Michael Higgins), “Carol Has a Bully” brings the focus back to her personal relationship with Katie. I’m amazed how emotionally impactful Carol’s talk to Katie about sacrifices is. I wouldn’t be surprised if that scene persuades more than a few people to call their mothers.
Meanwhile, Greg (Adam Campbell) prepares for a visit by Mildred (Christina Pickles), his wealthy, estranged grandmother. Unbeknownst to the rest of “The Breakdown” staff, Greg’s “Gram” is also the owner of the station. As word of her impending visit spreads, so do the rumors that she’s a “serious business bitch.”
Gram is less than impressed with Greg’s leadership, especially when it comes to Katie. Given the constant questioning of his management style, it’s no surprise when Greg finally snaps. Instead of being upset by his outburst, Gram appreciates the backbone her grandson shows. Thrilled he’s finally in his grandmother’s good graces, Greg is eager to prove he’s not one to let his staff take advantage of him. His newfound authority is put to the test when Gram prompts Greg to fire Katie.
Panic Attack
In the season finale, “Carol’s Eleven,” several weeks have passed since Greg terminated Katie. Determined to get Katie her job back, Carol confronts Greg, causing him to have a panic attack that sends him to the hospital. The build up to Greg’s medical scare is hastily done; I would’ve preferred more scenes showing the network with Katie gone.
Despite being unemployed, Katie finally realizes the reason Greg’s grandmother is so eager to get rid of her; Mildred owns Biscuit Blitz. Greg must finally choose between his grandmother and his staff. In a surprising twist, Mildred doesn’t deny the accusations, instead reminding the inquisitive duo who owns the network and controls the news.
Determined to get the story out before Mildred can stop them, Greg and Katie devise an Oceans 11-esque caper. The result is hilarious as “The Breakdown” crew creates two newscasts, one for Mildred to supervise, and one that will actually air. I love how the writers incorporate a memorable prop from “The Red Door” to help pull off the ruse. In the end, Gram is taken down and while “The Breakdown’s” future is safe, Katie’s fate is left unresolved.
Will they or won’t they?
As much as I’ve praised the writers for not making Greg and Katie a romantic item, I enjoy the potential seeds that have been planted for next season. “Carol’s Eleven” provides a satisfying conclusion to the celebrity hacking storyline, as well as a touching season finale. I adore how Kingston Foster, who plays six-year-old Katie, is used throughout the episode and hope we see more of her in the future.
I’ve been a big fan of Great News but having ten episodes in five weeks felt rushed, especially when the hacking storyline covered four episodes. I assume the short quick season made it difficult for the writers to lay groundwork for any long term storylines other than the hacking scandal. Little things throughout the season, like casual references by Greg about how awful his grandmother is or Carol pretending she’s heading off to class, would have made the truth that is revealed in “Carol’s Eleven” even more shocking. Thankfully, with the recent announcement of a second season for Great News, it appears NBC will be spreading out the episodes more.
Tweet me @Staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “Carol Has a Bully” and “Carol’s Eleven.”
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Photos © 2017 NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Greg Staffa
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