Ep 3. Forced Hire

When it comes to managing the fictional Cloud 9 Superstore, nothing is ever simple. And in the show Superstore season 5 episode 3 named Forced Hire, the employees are thrown yet another curveball.

As the episode begins, Jonah (Ben Feldman) is feeling the pressure of being an assistant manager, and his new responsibilities aren't helping matters. After all, juggling employee schedules, dealing with angry customers, and handling special requests from store hierarchy can be a stressful combination. What's more, corporate has informed Jonah that a group of new employees will soon be joining the team... whether he likes it or not. It's part of Cloud 9's initiative to boost diversity by hiring a certain number of veterans and other marginalized groups.

Not everyone is thrilled by the news. Sandra (Kaliko Kauahi) is particularly resistant to the idea of working alongside veterans who might trigger her PTSD symptoms. Meanwhile, Glenn (Mark McKinney) is nervous about the arrival of too many hires all at once, fearing the chaos that could ensue. He decides to take matters into his own hands by organizing a "Welcome Wagon" of sorts, to help the new employees settle in.

As the day of the new hires' arrival approaches, Jonah and Amy (America Ferrera) are tasked with interviewing potential candidates. One woman, who identifies as queer and non-binary, catches Amy's eye and they share a friendly interaction. Meanwhile, Jonah is pleased to discover that one of the candidates is a fellow graduate of his alma mater. However, things take a turn for the worse when Jonah realizes that one of the veterans is actually an old high school bully of his.

While Jonah wrestles with his emotions and tries to decide whether or not to bring up their past, Amy is given the unwanted news that she's required to hire someone who is wheelchair-bound. The problem? The new employee doesn't want special treatment and actually has a chip on her shoulder about it. As the two navigate through the pitfalls of workplace disability, they both learn a lot about themselves and each other.

Beyond the new hires, there are also plenty of amusing subplots and interpersonal dynamics at play in the store. Mateo (Nico Santos) is tasked with making a promotional video for Cloud 9, but when his co-workers refuse to participate in the shoot, he resorts to some underhanded tactics to get the footage he needs. Meanwhile, Cheyenne (Nichole Sakura) is dealing with an itchy situation in her personal life... not to mention in a sensitive place on her body.

Overall, Forced Hire is another solid episode of Superstore that deftly balances humor and heart. The writers continue to explore issues of representation and diversity in thought-provoking ways, without ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed. Moreover, the ensemble cast of characters remain endearing and relatable, making it a pleasure to spend time with them week after week.