Pop's Schitt's Creek - Episode 6.01 "Smoke Signals"
On their way to drop off Alexis at the airport, David stops to scout a potential wedding venue and holds things up. After a week in the closet, Moira finally emerges, and with a sudden newfound lease on life, she convinces Johnny to join her for a romantic picnic by the creek.
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the season premiere of Pop's Schitt's Creek.
"Smoke Signals" was written by Daniel Levy and directed by Daniel Levy
It's frightening to see a depressed Moira Rose. She has dealt with shortcomings and disappointments before. But she always held onto the belief that her career could be stable and successful no matter what. The Crows movie was really the first opportunity given to her for success again as an actress. As such, it was devastating for her when she heard the film was shelved. It was enough to send her into the closet and struggling to emerge from that confined space. Her family is concerned about her. However, they aren't letting her depression disrupt their lives in any significant ways. That can be healthy. David still includes his parents when it comes to touring a potential wedding venue. They can't make that engagement and he has to go with Alexis instead. But it's thoughtful that he wants his mother to be included despite her being in this depressive spiral. It isn't a good day for her at the top of this premiere. She emerges only because she is forced out of the motel by a fire. That's scary as well. It seems as if she is trapped in that closet incapable of escaping even when she understands she needs to in that moment. Roland is probably the last person she would want to rescue her. In the moment though, she is eternally grateful while also more than willing to send him back into the room to save her numerous wigs. She continues to care more about her hair than anything else in the world. This brush with death may just be minor in the grand scheme of things. However, it's enough to offer her a new perspective on life. She understands that there can be catharsis that comes from retiring as an actor. She doesn't have to deal with the constant ups and downs of her career anymore. Instead, she can make that declarative statement and move on to embrace something new wholeheartedly. She has already had to do that. She is in this town and has formed relationships with people who haven't always been willing to embrace her specific charms. She has her family. That can be enough for her because she trusts what they have accomplished in their own lives. But it's also insanely believable for her to become reinvigorated by the prospects of acting as soon as the Crows movie finds a new place to stream. That may be all that she truly cares about. Again, the show keeps suggesting that the film isn't all that good. However, it remains a true bright spot in Moira's life. It is her own personal victory after the family's fall from grace. Similarly, it should be fascinating to see if any member of the Rose family actually makes it out of Schitt's Creek by the end of the season. This is the final season after all. That was once the core premise of the show. The family was reluctant to stay in this town. They have planted down roots though. In fact, it seems likely that Johnny and David could stay because of their thriving businesses. Moreover, it would be quite sentimental for David and Patrick to have their wedding at the motel. It may not be as fancy as the location they look at here. But it will provide a truly resonant note for the family that has gone through so much together in this place. It honors the lives they have built in this town. Again, the overwhelming feeling may be for the family to leave. Alexis is eager to reunite with Ted in the Galapagos Islands. However, she scheduled her flight incorrectly. As such, she doesn't leave for another month. A lot can happen in that amount of time. Sure, it would be lame if the show kept Ted away for a long time as well. But that presents as the most apparent lifeline outside of this place. Even Stevie may buy into the idea that her dreams could take her far away from this town. That may be a unifying theme around these characters. However, they still have each other and know that Schitt's Creek is a warm place they can now call home. They need each other in their lives. Sure, David and Alexis may always push each other away but they can't celebrate the big moments of their lives without the other being present. David needs Alexis at his wedding. That makes the planning a little more complicated because of her own schedule. A creative solution that creates an impromptu ceremony isn't necessary just yet. But again, the show is already teasing an epic conclusion and a celebration of love and family. That makes this a very welcome and rousing premiere.
