Recap: DMV "Stay In Your Lane"

 

On the hottest day of the year, things get intense at the DMV, and it's ultimately one person's fault. Here's a recap and review.

After a night of drinks following the pilot, the employees return to work with varying energy levels. Colette is ecstatic after securing a date with Noa to meet her adoptive dog, while Manager Barbara is dealing with a massive hangover. To make matters worse, Barbara has to contend with the fact that AC was approved by the HVAC guys on the hottest day. 

The pressure cooker explodes when one of the new employees completely freaks out after Colette helps a customer return an extra license plate. Watching this, Colette becomes determined to prevent Noa from succumbing to stress. Trying to take control of the situation, Colette impulsively turns on the AC without the HVAC guy's approval, which, naturally, causes the entire building to black out.

Chaos and Confessions

With the DMV on "deathcon one" (as you put it!), Barbara scrambles to get everyone to help. Meanwhile, Gregg decides the moment is right to clean out the notoriously disgusting office refrigerator. Colette, unable to stop meddling, drags Noa out of the office under the guise of administering a driving test to a customer who happens to be someone Noa knows.

This latest intrusion clearly upsets Colette. She finally confesses that she turned on the AC, and, distraught, she prepares to leave. However, Gregg steps in and tells her how important she is to the team. The three, Colette, Gregg, and Vic, soon head out for bubbes, bringing a moment of bonding to the chaotic day.

Review: The Balance of Heat and Heart

"Stay In Your Lane" was a fun, well-written episode with great moments from Colette, who just can't stop trying to save Noa from becoming yet another employee who freaks out under pressure. Her attempts to help, though well-meaning, often backfire, leading her to chaotic behavior. It reminds me so much of Lea Thompson's Carlone Duffy when she meddles in her friends' or others ' lives and causes more problems. Tim Meadows' character, Gregg, proves to be the grounded anchor the show needs, a perfect mix of deadpan humor and honest heart. The guest stars are also noteworthy; the show has already attracted talented actors, from Mark Feuerstein in the pilot to Jessica Camacho in this week's episode, who added a fun layer to the story. The show is still successfully developing its main cast and their chemistry. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

What did you think of this week's episode of DMV? Leave a comment. 

You can catch DMV Mondays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS and streaming the next day on Paramount+.