Recap: DMV "Stick Shift"

 

How far will Barb go to handle Vic's disruptive nonsense, and can Colette handle not being the center of attention when it comes to gift-giving? Here's a recap and review of DMV: "Stick Shift."

When Barb learns of an angry father whose son failed his driving test, she confronts Vic, the son's instructor, about needing to perform better. The confrontation quickly backfires when Vic misbehaves at work again. Instead of disciplining him, Barb makes a bizarre decision: she promotes Vic to Executive Driving Instructor.

Gregg, who advised her to discipline Vic, is angered by the move. Barb believed the fake title would inspire Vic, and it did at first. However, Gregg's patience runs out when Vic acts out while "helping" with the written exam by reading and giving the answers. Soon after, Barb decides on the final fix: she provides both Gregg and Vic with the same position as Co-Executive Driving Instructor.

Meanwhile, Colette tries to subtly improve the office, adding a picture with the inspiring message "Bee Better." This small act prompts Ceci and the others to admit that Colette has a habit of showing off.

So, when Colette secretly drops off a gift for Noa, a harmonica he loves, she won't admit to giving it to him. Instead, Ceci takes the credit. Things spiral down when Ceci puts some lip balm on the harmonica, causing Noa to have an allergic reaction that puffs up his face. The chaotic incident ends with Ceci telling Noa that Colette saved him, resulting in a grateful hug for Colette. Ceci admits that Colette truly earned her "Noa-points."

"Stick Shift" was a delightful and entertaining episode that beautifully highlighted the evolving relationship between Gregg and Barb as they tackled the confusing fallout of Vic's fake promotion. I loved how the episode wrapped up with Gregg and Vic agreeing to maintain the illusion of their co-promotions, adding an engaging, silly twist. Sometimes, a bit of silliness makes things more enjoyable.

The bond between Colette and Ceci was lovely to see, and it was fun watching Colette navigate the struggle of not claiming her good deed. The show remains a consistent source of fun, lighthearted workplace comedy. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

What did you think of this week's episode? Did you agree with Barb's method of "promoting" Vic? And should Colette have just taken the credit for the harmonica? Leave a comment!

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