*Contains spoilers
Netflix recently released the fifth season of “Workin’ Moms,” an original Canadian TV series that has gained massive popularity for its comical nature and relatability. The show not only shows the struggles of being a mom while trying to balance home and work life, but also the true meaning of friendship and the special moments shared with family. For these reasons, “Workin’ Moms” has truly made a name for itself.
We were left off with a few cliffhangers back in season 4, such as Anne (Dani Kind) deciding to move to Calgary for her husband Lionel’s (Ryan Belleville) new job and to give her daughter, Alice (Sadie Munroe), a fresh start after being bullied. Frankie (Juno Rinaldi) asked Bianca (Tennille Read) to move in with her and shortly after, Frankie finds out that Bianca’s sperm donor is a scam artist. Kate (Catherine Reitman) decides to stay with Nathan (Philip Sternberg) instead of Mike (Victor Webster), which was wise as Mike turned out to be not how Kate perceived him. Lastly, Jenny (Jessalyn Wanlin) sparked a #MeToo movement in her office, which led to her boss, Malcolm (Alex Mallari Jr.) succumbing to Jenny’s demands of wanting a promotion, higher pay and a daycare in the office. Malcom and Jenny begin a romantic relationship which torches Jenny’s marriage to Ian (Dennis Andres).
Now that we’re all caught up, what happens in season 5? Anne and the family end up moving to Cochrane, a miserably small town with breathtaking views, instead Calgary like they were promised. Shortly after they move, they are hit with the news that Covid-19 has led to a *temporary* lockdown, forcing the family to stay longer than they wanted to. In Anne’s boredom, she decides to involve herself with school activities and a new “fun mom” group. Things begin to take a turn when Kate, Frankie and Val (Sarah McVie) visit Anne after the lockdown is lifted.
It was smart to add in the Covid-19 lockdown, as it helped emphasize the trapped feeling Anne has throughout the first couple episodes. She is in a new place, without her besties, forcing her to make new friends that she isn’t too fond of. She also doesn’t have a job, so time seems to be standing still for her, much like how many of us felt during the lockdown. It was also great to see that they picked up the show in a post-Covid era, because we all need a sense of normalcy again.
Kate seems to bite off more than she can chew in this season after befriending and becoming business partners with Sloane (Enuka Okuma), a self-made woman, who’s driven and doesn’t take no for an answer. This inspires Kate to make a risky business move of her own, which may or may not end up working in her favor. Kate and Anne’s friendship is tested after Sloane agrees to take on one of Anne’s projects, but it seems too good to be true, leaving Kate with the decision of choosing success or friendship.
Tension between Kate and Anne was necessary to include in this season, as it’s a familiar thing to go through in our typical lives. Kate wants to do everything she can for her friend but ends up having to stab a few people in the back to make it happen, even if one of those people is somebody she deeply cares about.
In this season specifically, a lot of issues were casted into the spotlight that we haven’t seen this show produce much of before. Anne struggles with an addiction to anxiety medication, as we’ve heard of in past seasons where it was only mentioned. The unfortunate truth is that nobody around her even knows she is struggling with her addiction again, as it’s something she doesn’t talk about openly. Since nobody notices, she’s left to piece herself back together on her own.
Malcolm comes out as bisexual this season, to which he isn’t greeted with the utmost support. We learn a little bit more about homophobia, such as the misunderstanding of bisexuality and how it affects bisexuals when they are deemed straight when with a partner of the opposite sex. Jenny struggles to adapt to Malcolm’s sexuality. She wants to make things work with Malcolm and decides to pull out some of her old tricks. As you could guess, this doesn’t work out in either of their favor by the end of this season.
We’re left with even more questions as season 5 comes to a close, but season 6 is just around the corner. In the last episode, Anne and the family decide to move back, but Lionel has a mess he needs to clean up in Cochrane. Frankie is able to shift the blame of a horrific incident from her to her selfish boss. But the real drama is when Kate is visited by an unexpected guest during the final minutes of the last episode, which calls for an explanation in season 6.
Overall, “Workin’ Moms” is hysterical. From catty drama to accidentally sending a “hole” pic to the entire mom group from school, this show has it all. Even if you aren’t a parent, this show is still enjoyable for its comedy alone. “Workin’ Moms” also addresses issues of addiction, depression and LGBTQ+ issues, to keep up with the times and bring awareness to these important topics. Season 6 is rumored to be released this winter and we’re all looking forward to it.
“Workin’ Moms” is available to stream on Netflix.
By Mia Godorov