by Bethany McHugh
via The AV Club
I think it’s more than ironic that on tonight’s “Cougar Town,” Laurie’s story arc, focusing on starting her own business and utilizing the help of unpaid interns, mirrored my own, as I took a break from job searches and applications to watch this episode. Call me a broken record, but it’s why this show is so good. It’s realistic and poignant. And funny. I don’t know, but those are three things more than a lot of programs currently airing.
Jules and Grayson have broken the happy bliss of engagement and careen toward their married-people problems, starting first with their monetary assets and how it will not just affect them as a couple, but especially Jules as a business woman. When Andy brings to light numerous expenses that would make her business more profitable, she is uncomfortable with the outcomes of any of the changes–the first being to relocate for a lower-rent facility, and the second to fire Laurie. Ultimately, she decides to fire Laurie – or Laurie quits? More on that below.
There’s nothing I love more than some Andy/Bobby/Ellie-being-jealous-third-wheel action, and tonight was satisfying. When Andy convinces Bobby that his water bottle will refill from the air (because “science and magic are the same thing”), Andy feels immensely guilty and goes to lengths to ensure he won’t be found out. Which is why I was surprised that Andy didn’t follow Bobby when he decides to go on a hike bringing nothing but his empty water bottle. I thought for sure that Andy would follow him and harm himself in order to protect his friend. Of course, Andy does realize the error of his ways (no thanks to Ellie), and comes to his rescue and comes clean, where obviously – because they’re “bromates” – all is forgiven. Much to Ellie’s chagrin.
It’s hard to watch the show and not wonder if we’re approaching the last episodes not just of the season, but of the entire “Cougar Town” run. I will say this–if Travis and Laurie make major steps toward a relationship in the series finale – as they prepare to in this episode – and ABC decides not to renew, I will organize the battle to send wine corks to the network in protest. The most real moment came when Laurie, unsure of how to make her business as a cake-maker a success and while still working for Jules, discusses her fears with Travis. The care and affection he feels for Laurie radiates off his face, and it’s so clear that any relationship between the two of them would be pure and, well, pretty much perfect. Travis convinces her to follow her dream, prompting Laurie to quit working for Jules, but splitting the rental with her so she can run her business next door and continue to see each other every day. This is a comedy. Everyone ends up happy. Usually.
MVP: Courtney Cox. Because only Jules would find it totally acceptable to bring her friends with her to therapy.
Best line: “Failed screenwriter. Failed screenwriter. Failed screenwriter.” – Travis commenting on the poor souls in the coffee shop with Laurie.
Bethany McHugh is a staff writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.
