Ep 2. Brett Is Dead

Brett Is Dead, the second episode of Superstore season 3, takes place in Cloud 9, a fictional megastore where the most unlikely and colorful group of employees work.

The episode follows the aftermath of the accidental death of Brett, a co-worker at the store. The employees are visibly shaken by the news, and efforts are made to create a makeshift memorial by the side of the building.

As they try to come to terms with Brett's demise, the characters struggle to find the right words to comfort each other. The death of a co-worker they seemed to have known for a long time moves the characters in different directions, some re-thinking their priorities, some trying not to cry, and others trying to cope using humor.

At the same time, store manager Glen has some unexpected news to share with the employees. He summons them all to a meeting to reveal that their beloved store is up for sale. Worried about what will happen to their jobs and their livelihoods, the characters begin to strategize on how they can help team Cloud 9 stay in business.

Much of the episode is devoted to the characters mourning. Jonah, who has never met Brett, is for the first time seeing the other faces that make up the store. The loss of Brett gives the viewers a clearer view of those who work with him because in their grief, they bare many of their vulnerabilities. Garrett becomes emotional, and Sandra remembers the pair of sneakers Brett liked that she always thought were not good.

Overall, Brett Is Dead highlights how much has been happening at Cloud 9 since the first season. There is tremendous growth for all the characters, and a clear sense of intimacy has developed among the employees. Watching them cope, in their different ways, with the loss of Brett, has the mark of realness to it, and the audience can't help but feel the emotions they show.

The episode portrays the universality of mourning, from heartfelt eulogies to comical anecdotes about a departed colleague. It is as touching as it is funny, and it shows how superstore can deal with such heavy events while retaining its unassuming, lighthearted touch. Ultimately, the episode leaves you feeling both somber and happy and wanting more of these characters.