DMV (S1, Ep. 18) "Abuela"

With the series finale near, DMV's episode was heartfelt and playful. 'Abuela' highlighted the social scene at East Hollywood, showing that winning a coworker's grandmother is a new level of influence. From fitness challenges to humorous corporate 'hatchet men,' it set a heartfelt tone for saying goodbye to our civil servants. Here's my recap and review.

The social hierarchy of the DMV is under fire as Colette attempts to elevate her "work friend" status with Ceci to "BFF" level. Seeing an opportunity, Colette volunteers to oversee the driving exam for Ceci's grandmother, an offer Ceci initially tries to steer toward the more laid-back Gregg. In typical Colette fashion, she dives in headfirst, only to accidentally administer a test to a total stranger with the same last name. Once the confusion clears, Ceci finally lets Colette take the wheel, but a moment of distraction leads Colette to accidentally fail the real Abuela. Determined to make things right, Colette runs a third, successful exam. The win turns emotional during the license photo session; seeing her grandmother officially embrace this next chapter of independence moves Ceci to tears, finally cementing a genuine and very messy bond between her and Colette.

While the girls were bonding over road tests, Gregg was fighting a war against Father Time. The office became obsessed with the "sit-and-stand" mobility test, a move everyone (except Barb) conquered with ease. Gregg’s refusal to participate was initially framed as "above it all" cynicism, but the truth came out when he finally hit the floor and couldn't get back up. It took hours of Noa’s motivational coaching (and the strategic placement of a celebratory cake) for Gregg to find the strength. Ultimately, it was a mid-crisis Colette, barging in with her own drama, that provided the adrenaline Gregg needed to finally push himself up. Meanwhile, the office faced a different kind of threat: the return of Beau, the charismatic North Hollywood manager who is scouting branches for potential closure. Beau spent his visit trying to psych out Barb, but his psychological warfare was cut short by a severe case of food poisoning, giving Barb a temporary victory and a much-needed confidence boost heading into next week's finale.

"Abuela" was a heartfelt episode blending comedy with character growth. The 'corporate visit' plot was convenient for stakes, but the highlight was the warm friendship between Colette and Ceci, a well-deserved payoff after a season of icy shoulders and sharp comments. It reminded us why we'll miss this crew when the series ends. The episode also resolved the Vic-Barb tension and gave Noa and Gregg a funny B-plot. While not as deep as a finale, it was full of humor and charm, making it a delightful, feel-good watch.

Harriet Dyer and Gigi Zumbado share wonderful chemistry. Watching Colette’s adorable need for approval clash with Ceci’s confident exterior brought some of the funniest—and surprisingly heartfelt—moments of the season. While Tim Meadows is an absolute comedic gem, his silent effort to stand up was a fantastic display of physical comedy. Noa’s funny "cake motivation" is something many can relate to, especially those who've ever struggled with exercise. Randall Park’s return as Beau, the ideal foil for Barb, was great to see, though his visit was sadly cut short by a bad taco; his presence always lifts the energy for the East Hollywood crew.

Overall, I give this episode a 7.5/10.

What did you think of "Abuela"? With the branch still on the chopping block and Beau likely coming back for vengeance after his recovery, do you think the East Hollywood team has done enough to prove their worth, or will the series finale end with the one thing every DMV employee fears: a 'Closed' sign on the front door? Leave a comment.

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