Our chefs are put to the test as the moment they’ve prepared all day for becomes a reality. Food is rationed and space is slim as it’s revealed Richie didn’t cancel a single reservation, leading to creative table settings to accommodate the overflow.
As Syd and Carmy become impromptu tour guides, Uncle Jimmy is having an existential crisis. To save his shirt and the restaurant, he’s made a deal to sale his bother’s keepsake watch. However, when the bidder arrives, Richie dismisses him with a suave excuse.
Amidst juggling the chaos, Natalie has a moment with Pete. Given both their busy schedules and raising a newborn, the silent hush of rain and rancid trash aroma becomes a natural aphrodisiac. They make love right there behind the building. With all the love in the air, Syd questions Jessica about her moment with Richie.
Once the rain stops, Richie maximizes a new plan, organizing an outside dining area to prepare for the 7 p.m. rush that all arrived early. Meanwhile, Cheese uncovers Ebra and his franchise proposal.
A shouting match finally erupts between Marcus and Luca, leading to a touching moment between him and Syd. We learn he invited his dad to finally see his accomplishment because he couldn’t invite his mother. Syd reassures him that the building doesn’t define them – they do. And it’s them that’ll remain tomorrow.
As Marcus leaves to apologize to Luca, Syd screams her frustrations with Carmy. He understands and doesn’t fault her, highlighting that he would have chosen to scream at everyone else. “We’re different,” he quips.
The episode closes with the team preparing for their last run as the Michelin star reviewer is set to arrive. To the question of any ideas, Marcus replies, “One.”
This episode hummed with remnants of past episodes, as our dining staff rushed to meet the night’s challenges. But, rather than steer the ship with brute force, we witness a more controlled treading through the crashing waves. Carmy ultimately identifies Syd as the source for the successful voyage.
Speaking of Sydney, Ayo Edebiri shines throughout with each scene partner. Whether reluctantly accepting Richie’s mind-boggling scheme, or being the wind in Marcus’ sails, she balances each moment with poise and earnest. And Ebon Moss-Bacharach’s evolution as Richie is one of the best character arcs in recent years. Given purpose and community, the once wayward cousin is a shining lighthouse guiding this group safely to shore.
Rating: 9/10
Photo credit: Courtesy of FX Networks