Summary
DMV returns after a long layoff in “Hot Gurlz”, and while it doesn’t feel any different, it still just about works as a comedy.
DMV has been off the air for a long while, and Episode 10 feels less like a triumphant return than a reminder that this show only really has one mode. Colette is up to her old tricks again, embarrassing herself profoundly for no real reason, though at least she isn’t just pining after Noa. After the midseason finale breathed a bit of life into that dynamic, it’s a little disappointing that we seem to have moved away from it so quickly and completely.
And yet, as ever, the show’s funny. It’s not the kind of sitcom that’s going to win any awards or develop a cult following, but it definitely has a couple of laughs in it, and “Hot Gurlz” is no different. If only the quality of joke-writing matched up with the character writing and plotting, CBS would be on to a winner. As it stands, it feels like we’re just waiting in line.
As per, Colette is the focal point of the A-plot, which finds her trying – with characteristic desperation – to be included in the DMV’s titular “Hot Gurlz” text chain, which is naturally presided over by Ceci. But being a hot gurl isn’t just a visual thing; it’s a state of mind, a sense of being. And Colette, with her generally fussy, awkward demeanour, doesn’t have it.
Not one to take “no” for an answer, Colette decides to prove herself to Ceci by flirting with the maintenance man, who happens to be her cousin, Miguel, and as soon as that relationship is revealed, you can predict where it’s all going. But it remains kind of fun during the journey. Colette’s awkward flirting and vocal fry get her added to the text chain, but also earn a little more of Miguel’s attention than she would necessarily like, especially once Colette realises he’s much shorter than she is. She attempts to get dumped on Vic’s – characteristically awful – advice, but she’s later unhappy with the justification since Miguel’s disinterest turns out to be on account of her weird feet, and not the crazy clinger attitude she had adopted to put him off.
Defensive about her feet, Colette attacks Miguel about his height, upsetting Ceci. Again, predictable. But in a funny little subversion, Ceci can’t help but add her to the text chain full-time anyway, since the way she savaged Miguel – even though they’re related – was in keeping with the “Hot Gurlz” brand. Again, won’t be winning any awards, but it’s fine.
The B-plot of DMV Episode 10 is way better. Here, Gregg is trying to sue the DMV on account of a broken office chair, but Barb keeps trying to get involved since the branch isn’t doing well at the best of times, and corporate keeps threatening to shutter the place. Gregg remains the best character by a mile, and his dynamic with Barb is fresh enough to give this subplot legs. But the best bit is a climax wherein Gregg is offered a $100,000 settlement, but only if Barb is fired. For all his chair woes, Gregg won’t let that happen. It’s a nice moment of solidarity that doesn’t feel too forced.
A deep-cut C-plot brings back a minor character from the premiere for Noa and Vic to make fun of, but the highlight here is that it provides a genuinely novel way for service workers to deal with anyone who tries to pull off the tried-and-true “I’m not happy about this charge” move of paying for something in pennies. If nothing else, I reckon this specific aspect of DMV might become a bit of a thing in real life. It’s more staying power than the show can usually achieve, that’s for sure.
