Ep 12. American in Saskatchewan

In the episode "American in Saskatchewan" of the Canadian sitcom Corner Gas, which is the 12th episode of the show's second season, the residents of the small town of Dog River are thrown into excitement and chaos when an American tourist arrives in their Saskatchewan community. The episode explores the cultural differences and humorous misunderstandings that arise when Americans and Canadians interact.

The episode opens with Brent, the owner of the local gas station and the show's protagonist, getting a phone call from an American tourist named Jack who is lost and looking for directions. Brent happily obliges and offers to show Jack around town. However, the rest of the townspeople are far less welcoming, with many of them feeling suspicious of this foreigner invading their small community. In particular, restaurant owner Lacey is angry that Jack has brought his own food and expects her to cook it for him.

As Jack tries to explore Dog River and immerse himself in the local culture, he inadvertently causes a number of small mishaps and misunderstandings. He insists on handing out American money instead of Canadian currency, which nobody is willing to accept. He also mispronounces many Canadian names and cultural references, much to the chagrin of the locals. Despite his best intentions, he seems to be constantly running afoul of the community's expectations.

Meanwhile, Hank, Brent's dim-witted friend and employee, becomes obsessed with trying to claim the reward money for finding Jack, who has gone missing. He spends all of his time searching every nook and cranny of Dog River, frustrating his friends and colleagues. Eventually, Brent and Oscar, the town's resident curmudgeon, discover that Jack has been staying in an abandoned house outside of town, but they decide not to claim the reward money.

The episode comes to a head when Jack throws a small party and invites the whole town to attend. Although many of the residents are hesitant to attend due to their suspicions of Jack, Brent convinces them to give him a chance. At the party, Jack reveals that he has been working on a documentary about small town life in Canada, and that the people of Dog River have been his favorite subjects. He thanks everyone for their help and hospitality, which finally breaks down some of the barriers between the Americans and the Canadians. In the end, everyone comes together to celebrate their mutual respect and understanding, showing that even the most unlikely encounters can lead to positive outcomes.

Overall, "American in Saskatchewan" is a classic episode of Corner Gas that showcases the show's trademark humor and clever social commentary. Through its exploration of cultural misunderstandings and the quirks of small town life, the episode manages to be both lighthearted and thought-provoking. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will enjoy this hilarious and heartwarming installment of one of Canada's most beloved sitcoms.