Wednesday, April 22, 2026

DMV (S1, Ep. 17) "Drive-ory Tower"

 



This week, Colette found her position and disliked it. 'Drive-ory Tower' explored the unseen lines between the front desk and examiners' booths, showing that bridging 'us' and 'them' often leaves everyone feeling displaced. From nickname crises to a poignant confession about a bird injury, the episode reminded us that bureaucratic hearts have history. Here's my recap and review.

The social order of the South Hollywood DMV is thrown into chaos when Colette discovers a devastating truth from Ceci and Noa: the front-desk staff has a condescending nickname for the examiners. They are known as 'Debs'—short for 'Driving Examiner Babies.' Desperate to shed the label and prove she isn't some elitist 'baby' in an ivory tower, Colette launches a campaign of radical inclusivity. She invites the front-desk crew to take their breaks at the examiners’ desks, but the plan immediately backfires. The resulting overcrowding and noise send the high-strung Colette fleeing for a quiet reading spot, only for Gregg to inadvertently lead the pack right back to her. In a final, desperate attempt to shed her 'Deb' status, Colette tries to work the front window herself. The experience is a total disaster, but it leads to a moment of mutual respect; Colette realizes that Ceci and Noa are absolute warriors, and the duo appreciates Colette’s genuine, if clumsy, effort to walk a mile in their shoes.

While Colette is fighting for her reputation, Vic is fighting for his life against an 'evil' bird. What begins as a comedic battle with a feathered foe ends with Vic suffering a legitimate ear injury that he stubbornly refuses to treat. The subplot takes a serious turn when Barb, during her own driving exam, tries to force him to see a doctor. Vic’s explosive resistance finally gives way to a rare moment of vulnerability as he reveals the source of his medical phobia: he lost his grandmother in a hospital, a tragedy that led to his entrance into the foster care system. The revelation pivots the episode from slapstick to heart, as Barb provides the steady support he needs, eventually escorting him to the clinic with the promise of milkshakes to follow.

"Drive-ory Tower" is a charming episode that really highlights what makes the show special: the wonderful chemistry among its diverse cast. While Deb's story brought lots of laughs, the pairing of Vic and Barb added warmth and heart to the story. It's a fun and breezy episode that also gives us a peek into the characters' growth. It’s a sweet reminder that even when the DMV team are not seeing eye to eye, they shine brightest when they support each other—even if it takes a bird attack and a silly nickname to bring them together.

Watching Colette’s descent into madness as she tried to be "one of the people" was such a memorable moment for her character. It beautifully showcased her unique brand of neuroticism and her heartfelt desire to be loved. Vic’s backstory was a delightful surprise, offering us a warm peek behind his tough exterior. Connecting his fear of doctors to his childhood experiences in the foster system really added a meaningful depth to a character often seen just as grumpy. Although it was smaller in scale compared to the main plots, the humorous showdown between Vic and the bird brought a cheerful, lighthearted touch that balanced out the more intense emotional scenes.

Overall, I give this episode a 7/10.

What did you think of this episode? Leave a comment.

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


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