Universal Basic Guys heads to the Poconos for some quality family time, and that's what the Hoagies got while spending a weekend at a relative's cabin. But you know Mark and his more subdued brother, Hank, will cause a scene (or two) wherever they're at, and the Poconos Mountains is the perfect place to cause some chaos.
Oh, the Hoagies' serious next-door neighbor, David Jinglebells, comes to the cabin for a totally different reason, and tries to separate himself from the Hoagies' family bonding. It's not the easiest task to attempt, but I give the man credit for his commitment.
I got to admit, that I'm enjoying these past few episodes of Universal Basic Guys, as they're more in-depth with the storytelling. I love how the writers are incorperating more Philadelphia/South Jersey culture as it gives us more hints of who the Hoagies really are a a unit and what their appeal is.
So, let's get into the review of Sunday's episode, "Poconos."
Reviewing Universal Basic Guys "Poconos"
"Poconos" begins with David struggling with his story at his writers group and the members are being more than critical. Despondent, David's urged by the club's leader to create a story in three days, and naturally, he's stressed. For some writers, the words just naturally flow, and others, it can take some time to get one typed or written.
We all know that feeling, David, but it's one to overcome if you want to make accomplishments in the writing industry. Failures will happen, disappointment will happen, hate will happen, rejection will happen, and constructive criticism will happen. The ailments are discouraging but are also part of the journey and will only strengthen the talent and work.
In a kind-hearted move from Mark (in his own way), he offers David his deceased uncle's cabin in the Poconos for the weekend. It's peaceful, quiet, secluded, and surrounded by mountains and pine trees. It's the perfect place to get some writing done. David accepts but doesn't realize that the Hoagies will soon "join" him.
The weekend was meant to share Hoagies family traditions, no matter how weird or outlandid
Here's when things get to the hilarious factor. After being banned from the slopes for illegal inner tubing and crashing into the resort's window when Tammy's enjoying cocoa, the family is stuck in the cabin. Darren, Tammy's son, wants to be that typical teen and play video games. He does, but only for a short time. He's soon pulled into the Hoagies' version of board games, and when Tammy brings one up from the cellar, despite Mark's objections, it has the family playing for their lives.
The game turns out to be a magical witch trial journey, where the family must guess correctly who the actual witch is by team cooperation and experiencing the actual 1692 trials. Darren appointed the judge, who could only make the final accusation based on the witnesses' inquiries regarding the suspected witches. It turns out that Mark was right the whole time about who the actual witch was, and if Tammy had listened to him, perhaps the game would've been done quicker.
Darren gives both his parents a reality check about listening instead of arguing, and it opens up their eyes about being a couple, plus other benefits.
There was another purpose to the weekend. Mark wants to become Darren's father legally, as he grown connected to him, and shows Darren the adoption forms. It's a very sweet gesture, as you don't have too many shows depicting becoming a blended family. I'm thrilled that Universal Basic Guys has taken this critical step, as this could realy define their narrative.
Meanwhile, David completed his story, following the advice by one of the game's spirits about not caring what others think and write what you like. It's sound advice, and while his group thought it was terrible, there was a few that did. But the cabin, being entrapped inside a small room, nearly going stir-crazy, and realizing that he hating writing, really helped David find his confidence.
It's not the most positive outlook, but this is Universal Basic Guys, so it's the norm.