Quick recap: When an article about the dessert bar comes out in a magazine, a professor from Wharton asks Caroline and Max to give a lecture to one of his classes. Upon arrival, Max finds out that Caroline didn’t party much and was known as “Buzzkill Channing” when she was an RA, so Max decides to throw a huge party. At first, Caroline spends her time disciplining the party guests, but eventually lets loose and ends up kissing a girl and dancing on a table. The next day, Caroline lets Max give the lecture to the class after Max reveals she has hurt feelings over Caroline barely mentioning her in the article about the dessert bar. Meanwhile, back in Williamsburg, Sophie tries to keep Oleg from bonding with Baby Barbara.
I really enjoyed seeing Caroline take center stage in this episode, not just because she is my favorite character, but also because using Wharton as the back drop was a really good choice. We’ve heard so much about Wharton (considering Caroline brings it up every chance she gets) and I’m so glad we finally got to see that side of Caroline. At first I thought it was unrealistic because her behavior at the party was so Type A, but then I realized that because she has grown so much as a character as she distanced herself from Wharton, money, and prestige, it would make sense that being back in that environment would give her a blast from the past. This juxtaposition really showed just how far she has come as a person. Additionally, when we finally got to see her let loose, it was absolutely hilarious.
The Max and Caroline mini-fight was also a strong point of the episode. Honestly, when the article was brought up at the beginning of the episode, I thought it was just being used as a way to get the characters to Wharton. Max made a quick joke and eye roll about barely being mentioned by Caroline and that was that. I was then pleasantly surprised when Max revealed that she was upset that Caroline didn’t view her as part of the mastermind behind the M&C Dessert Bar. In an episode that was mostly about how far Caroline has come in the last 6 years, it was great that Max’s development was not overshadowed in the process. Although I think the show is funny in it’s own right, their chemistry and relationship is why I’m hooked and I love episodes where they fight and become stronger for it.
Sophie and Oleg’s story did not work for me as well as Max and Caroline’s this week. The previous episode was so strong because Sophie and Oleg were the focus and their wacky parenting antics were fleshed out. Here, I felt as though there wasn’t enough screen time for their arc to develop. I think the writer’s biggest challenge this season is figuring out how they can give Sophie and Oleg strong parenting moments and storylines in episodes that don’t focus on them. That’s not to say they weren’t funny in this episode, but I didn’t buy into why Sophie didn’t want Oleg to bond with Barbara in the first place.
Random thoughts: Earl and Han were barely in this episode, but I didn’t mind that much. I love their characters but this episode had a lot going on, so giving them substantial storylines may have made it overstuffed. Also, did anyone else notice that the bar had customers?! I like that it wasn’t packed, but still had some people in there. As I’ve mentioned in my previous reviews, the writers should make the girls continue to work for their success, so I liked how the show’s creative team is slowly adding in customers, showing that success doesn't happen overnight.
Overall Grade:
B+. Caroline and Max’s storyline was meaningful and funny, but Sophie and Oleg’s need a little bit more development. Overall, still a funny episode though!
Favorite Quotes:
Han: And now, I’m about to pull a rabbit out of a hat!
Max: Big deal. I just pulled half a raccoon out of the toilet.
Caroline: Our piece is right here next to this
Walking Dead ad. Oh wait… that’s Michael Douglas.
Max: Caroline Channing’s Dessert Bar? This place isn’t like your sex life, Caroline. You’re not doing it all by yourself.
Sophie: Maybe you can bond with the baby later, like when she has a baby.
Oleg: I can’t wait 12 years!
What were your thoughts on
2 Broke Girls’ trip to Wharton? Let me know in the comments!
About the Author - Doug Greer
Doug Greer is a TV obsessed Leo from the Bay Area. His TV origin story begins in 7th grade, when his friend lent him her Buffy the Vampire Slayer DVDs and 144 episodes (and 9 days) later, he was hooked for life. All time favorites include (but most certaintly not limited to) everything Joss Whedon, Charmed, The 100, Nikita, Battlestar, and anything with a laugh track. More recently, Doug produced and help write a webseries for The CW called CW FanTalk and also produced webseries for actors such as AnnaLynne McCord and John Lehr. For the 2016-2017 season, Doug will be reviewing 2 Broke Girls and The Good Place.
