It really doesn’t feel like a new year has arrived until CBC’s Tuesday night comedy block of Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms has begun. So, here we are, with Season 4 of the Rose’s madcap adventures in that little town they’ve reluctantly called home.
When we last left them, Moira (Catherine O’Hara) had established herself not only on town council but as a member of the Jazzgals, David (Daniel Levy) had opened a business and begun a relationship with Patrick (Noah Reid), Alexis (Annie Murphy) graduated from high school and Johnny (Eugene Levy) had teamed with Stevie (Emily Hampshire) to run the motel. The Rose’s, who once so badly wanted out of Schitt’s Creek, have finally settled into life there. That’s good because it means a constant expansion of the world for themselves and viewers … and laughs.
When Episode 1—written by Daniel and directed by The Kids in the Hall‘s Bruce McCulloch—kicks off Tuesday at 9 p.m., it’s the day after the Season 3 finale. The motel parking lot is packed for the first time, a nod to the success Johnny and Stevie have made it. It’s a personal triumph for Johnny, who has (hilariously) struggled to find something he’s good at. Yes, I’m happy to see the motel packed, but I do miss the days he spent at a dirty desk in Bob’s garage. Of course, this being Schitt’s Creek, it can’t all be sunshine and rainbows. So when Stevie reveals there’s a dead guy in Room 4—also the name of the episode—things quickly head south, especially when Roland (Chris Elliott) swings by. I love it when Elliott and Eugene Levy are in a scene together; their facial expressions and eye-rolling give me the giggles every time.
Alexis, meanwhile, is indignant that David has gotten romanticly involved with Patrick so quickly, seeing as he was against she and Ted rushing into things.
“Patrick is a sweet little button-face,” Alexis advises her brother. “So don’t mess this up.” And David doesn’t plan to, except he’s worried Patrick might have regrets. As for Patrick … well, he’s not ready to rush into anything. For me, the strength of Schitt’s Creek isn’t just about the funny moments and the miscommunication, but the heart. Patrick and David may be going through a super-awkward time but you’re emotionally invested in them as a couple. The same can be said for Ted and Alexis. My heart aches every time those two are in the same room because of things left unsaid when they broke up.
It promises to be another great season of Schitt’s Creek, especially with one humdinger of a story twist revealed in next week’s second instalment. Hang onto your hats fans, because the Schitt’s going to hit the fan.
Schitt’s Creek airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on CBC.
Images courtesy of CBC.
