S4E5
Cooperative Escapism in Familial Relations
⚠ Spoiler alert This recap gives away what happens in this episode.
Episode Summary & Review
Summary
The study group heads to Shirley’s for a Bennett filled thanksgiving, which is so awkward that they immediately begin plotting their escape. Meanwhile, Jeff heads to his estranged father William’s house, whom he hasn’t seen since he was a child.
Our Take
A mixed bag that leans too hard on a Shawshack riff for its Thanksgiving dinner plot, though it lands enough jokes to keep things moving. The real story is Jeff confronting his dad, and Joel McHale sells the hurt well even when the writing gets soggy around the edges. Worth it for that half alone, just don’t expect the A-plot to pull its weight.