Trust DMV to deliver a radical transformation just in time for the midseason finale. Episode 9, "The Next Window," delicately nudges Noa and Colette's relationship into a meaningful new direction, showcasing the season's best guest star in the form of the inimitable Leslie Jones, and crafting the most convincing vibe between the East Hollywood DMV employees we've witnessed so far.
Admittedly, the episode's hook – Noa and Mary's breakup, creating a brief window for Colette to capitalize on – conveniently unfolds off-screen between episodes, which can be frustrating. However, Colette is unphased. Despite the DMV's customers remaining unimpressed by the holiday decorations' quasi-cheer, Colette is brimming with festive spirit. And just in time. Colette decides to use the long journey to the office holiday party in Sacramento as a six-hour driving lesson, but the rest of the crew – sadly sans Ceci – tags along, making for an awkward yet compelling ride.
The episode features the highly anticipated Leslie Jones cameo as Sally, the assistant to the Sacramento director. While she plays a more upbeat version of Barb, her scene with a mishap involving a Christmas tree is one of the season's standout moments of physical comedy. I sincerely wish Molly Kearney had more to do and that the focus wasn't solely on Colette and Noa. The same sentiment applies to Gregg and Vic. "The Next Window" unexpectedly picks up a plot thread from the previous episode, with Gregg attempting to track down the elusive "Kevin" at the party. While we know Kevin is an AI chatbot, Gregg remains unaware, and Vic tries to perpetuate the illusion to avoid hurting his friend's feelings (and revealing his prior knowledge). Despite its silliness, this sequence offers a heartwarming character moment, highlighting Vic's genuine loyalty to his friend.
However, the crux of the matter remains the ever-evolving relationship between Noa and Collette. For the first time in this journey, a spark truly seems to have ignited between them. They share a dance, a dance that speaks volumes about their growing closeness. Collette even offers insightful advice without crossing the line into exaggeration, her words gentle and poignant. Yet, in a poignant lesson on the delicate balance of honesty and openness, her profound wisdom inadvertently paves the way for a repaired relationship between Noa and Mary, inadvertently closing the door on her own potential opportunities. As the title suggests, she must wait for "The Next Window," and so must we.
Unfortunately, DMV is on an extended break until February 2026, which, while a bit of a disappointment, also presents an opportunity to reflect on where things stand. The development between Noa and Collette, though brief, is a validation of her relentless pursuit. And to end on a high note, with Collette, Gregg, and Vic all gathered together at 6 am to savor a glass of champagne, is a moment of togetherness that resonates deeply. It's been a long journey to get to this point, but I find myself eagerly anticipating the next chapter, eager to see what these three have been up to in the coming months.
