This week’s DMV explores the fragile egos of public servants when faced with two terrifying things: automation and WNBA legends. Here's a recap and review of DMV "Power Shift."
The workplace dynamic is thrown into chaos when Barb introduces a sleek new self-service photo machine. Ceci takes it personally, feeling her job is being "phased out" by a lens and a flash. Her anxiety taps into a very real fear facing many workers today: that technology will render their roles obsolete, no matter their dedication or experience. The episode captures how automation in the workplace doesn't just streamline tasks, but can upend people's sense of security and self-worth.
The ruse falls apart when the leak becomes a flood. Ceci admits she isn't ready for management, confessing she failed her real estate exam and felt the machine was the final nail in her professional coffin. The two reconcile, but the "peace" is short-lived: while trying to dismantle the machine, it falls on Barb’s other foot. Double boots it is!
When WNBA legend Renee Montgomery stops by the office, Vic can’t help but let his toxic masculinity fly, claiming he could easily outshoot her. Colette, desperate to humble him, arranges a one-on-one game.
Fearing a blowout, Vic fakes a terminal illness to get Renee to go easy on him. He nearly wins until Colette exposes his lie. What follows is less "friendly challenge" and more a direct send-up of every underdog sports movie—think Dodgeball but with fragile egos in khakis. Renee, taking the gloves off, proceeds to dominate Vic 10-0, leaving his bravado in ruins. Then, in a move worthy of the best sports comedies, Renee fakes an injury to let herself off the hook. Colette, seizing her shot at glory, jumps in for a chaotic final play: she accidentally elbows Vic in the face while launching a blind, over-the-shoulder shot that somehow swishes, landing an improbable feminist victory and poking fun at the usual gender dynamics in sports. The debate, for now, is settled.
Gregg spends the episode in a cold sweat, fearing his wife has broken their strict "no-gift-giving" policy. With Noa’s help, he crafts a counter-gift (a Hello Kitty watch and a heartfelt letter). The twist? The mystery package was actually for his brother-in-law. Ever the strategist, Gregg decides to keep the gift anyway, viewing it as a "power move" to keep his wife on her toes.
"Power Shift" is a delightful and charming episode that, while a bit predictable, truly shines thanks to its wonderful ensemble of characters. It's a lighthearted and enjoyable installment that captures our hearts through its memorable character moments, not just the story. DMV remains one of the most dependable and enjoyable comedies on the schedule, always bringing a smile to our faces.
Fearing a blowout, Vic fakes a terminal illness to get Renee to go easy on him. He nearly wins until Colette exposes his lie. What follows is less "friendly challenge" and more a direct send-up of every underdog sports movie—think Dodgeball but with fragile egos in khakis. Renee, taking the gloves off, proceeds to dominate Vic 10-0, leaving his bravado in ruins. Then, in a move worthy of the best sports comedies, Renee fakes an injury to let herself off the hook. Colette, seizing her shot at glory, jumps in for a chaotic final play: she accidentally elbows Vic in the face while launching a blind, over-the-shoulder shot that somehow swishes, landing an improbable feminist victory and poking fun at the usual gender dynamics in sports. The debate, for now, is settled.
Gregg spends the episode in a cold sweat, fearing his wife has broken their strict "no-gift-giving" policy. With Noa’s help, he crafts a counter-gift (a Hello Kitty watch and a heartfelt letter). The twist? The mystery package was actually for his brother-in-law. Ever the strategist, Gregg decides to keep the gift anyway, viewing it as a "power move" to keep his wife on her toes.
"Power Shift" is a delightful and charming episode that, while a bit predictable, truly shines thanks to its wonderful ensemble of characters. It's a lighthearted and enjoyable installment that captures our hearts through its memorable character moments, not just the story. DMV remains one of the most dependable and enjoyable comedies on the schedule, always bringing a smile to our faces.
Unlike many athlete cameos that can come across as stiff, Montgomery felt genuinely natural, playing off Vic’s ridiculousness with an excellent "straight-man" vibe. It’s a nice change to see Barb take on the role of the 'villain' in an episode, and witnessing her panic as Ceci actually succeeded was such a funny twist on the typical "incompetent boss" stereotype. Tim Meadows has a wonderful talent for making any line about Sanrio characters hilarious. His "power move" ending was just the perfect punch to wrap things up.
It's understandable that the "sabotaged plumbing" and "fake illness" tropes are quite common in sitcoms. Although the cast handled them well, the writing felt a bit safe this week. We all love a feminist victory, but Colette’s obsession with beating Vic got a little intense towards the end—though, on the bright side, the blind basket was a hilarious physical gag.
Overall, I give this episode a 7.5/10.
What did you think of this week's episode of DMV? Like it, hate it? With Barb now confined to (maybe) two boots, will Ceci take over as "Acting Assistant Manager," or will the office descend into a "Double-Boot" dictatorship? Leave a comment.
It's understandable that the "sabotaged plumbing" and "fake illness" tropes are quite common in sitcoms. Although the cast handled them well, the writing felt a bit safe this week. We all love a feminist victory, but Colette’s obsession with beating Vic got a little intense towards the end—though, on the bright side, the blind basket was a hilarious physical gag.
Overall, I give this episode a 7.5/10.
What did you think of this week's episode of DMV? Like it, hate it? With Barb now confined to (maybe) two boots, will Ceci take over as "Acting Assistant Manager," or will the office descend into a "Double-Boot" dictatorship? Leave a comment.
You can catch DMV Mondays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS and streaming the next day on Paramount+.
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