Pete's new attitude of embracing his Rear D duties is challenge by the husband of a deployed soldier. When things go too far, Pete must make amends. Meanwhile, Cody enlists Jill's help with a private matter.
"Embrace the suck."That's the new realization that Pete comes to at the start of the "Rear D Day." He's stationed here so he might as well just embrace and enjoy what he's being asked to do. Even when that comes to Rodney Spratz (Andy Daly) - a man who lives on the base with his son while his wife is deployed. Now, Rodney needs some help around his house and with his new attitude, Pete is more than eager to do every task Rodney asks him to do. It's very humorous too as the platoon is just waiting for Pete to go off - and become T-Man, famous for his many past outbursts.
Things start off simple enough - Rodney just needs the platoon to move his washer from the ground floor to the top floor. But then, Pete commits the platoon to helping Rodney completely redesign his fire ant and snake infested backyard. As the task gets more demanding, Pete does manage to keep a level head. It's not until Rodney utters that "it's good enough for you not being real soldiers" that T-Man emerges and completely destroys the batting cage they just set up - but offered the funniest line of the episode with J'Mort proclaiming that "T-Man's kind of uncoordinated." It was a great bit of physical comedy for Geoff Stults - but Pete than gets time to reflect on what he just did and it's the opposite of Christmas. Pete and Rodney make nice over some terrible beer and everything is fine once again by episode's end - which includes a wonderful video created by the platoon and the kid, which was just all kinds of great.
"Rear D Day" also included a great B-story involving Cody and Jill - as they are forced to spend a lot of time together, both wanting different things from the other. Cody wants to learn how to connect with his daughter while spying on her on a date. Jill wants to be seen as a leader and not just "a woman one." It's a very poignant and emotional story once it gets to where it wanted to go. We got some interesting backstory on Jill as well as a relaxed and open Cody. Her lines about the oranges and freezing them were so awesome. As was the totality of this episode.
Some more thoughts:
- "Rear D Day" was written by Kevin Biegel and directed by Phil Traill.
- "Rear D Day" is yet another episode shown out of order. It was actually the second episode produced - after the pilot, of course. In continuity errors, Derrick says it has only been two weeks since Pete punched the general in Afghanistan and got reassigned.
- Cody's praises to Pete were all great too. He gave him the real smile!
- A thermos is gender neutral apparently.
- Seriously, how is Dobkiss still alive?
- Crappy Batman = George Clooney
- Dark Park has met her match in fire ants.
- At Rear D, they look after their own - except for Chubowski who gets hurt sliding with grease, falling down stairs and being hit by a baseball.
- I shall close this review by remembering how much I love my mother. (Quietly sobs to himself)
