Toledo Truth Blog ('The Paper' NBC)
Review: The Paper - Season 1, Episode 10: "The Ohio Journalism Awards"
My name is Esmeralda Grand, and I'm so very sad for all these dead people.
As the season finale of Peacock's "The Paper", Episode 10 delivers a fitting cap to this mockumentary-style comedy about the scrappy staff at the Toledo Truth Teller (TTT), a local newspaper fighting for relevance in a digital age.
Created with clear nods to "The Office"—thanks in part to writer Paul Lieberstein and director Jeffrey Blitz—this episode shifts the action from the newsroom to the glitzy (by Ohio standards) Ohio Journalism Awards, where the underdog team faces nominations, rivalries, and personal reckonings. It's a high-stakes night that blends cringe-worthy humor, heartfelt moments, and workplace satire, wrapping up Season 1 on an optimistic note while teasing more chaos ahead.
The plot centers on the TTT crew navigating the awards ceremony, with editor Ned (played with awkward charm by the ever-reliable lead) downplaying his nerves about potential wins, while reporter Mare brings a surprise date that stirs jealousy. Meanwhile, interim managing editor Esmeralda (Sabrina Impacciatore in a breakout role) steals scenes with her over-the-top antics, and accountant Oscar (Oscar Nuñez, reprising a familiar vibe from his "Office" days) grapples with the intrusive documentary crew. Subplots weave in romantic tensions, like Nicole confronting her fling Detrick over his unexpected commitment, and side characters like Ken scheming for hero moments that inevitably flop. Without diving into spoilers, the episode builds to a series of wins—both literal and emotional—that feel earned after a season of setbacks, culminating in celebrations that highlight the show's theme of finding validation in small victories amid industry decline.
What shines brightest here is the ensemble's chemistry and the sharp comedic timing. Impacciatore's Esmeralda is a chaotic force of nature, channeling a mix of Michael Scott's obliviousness and Italian flair—her dramatic red gown entrance and onstage "twirl" (mishearing "winning" as "spinning") had me laughing out loud, embodying the show's knack for physical comedy and second-hand embarrassment. Nuñez brings quiet depth to Oscar, turning a puzzle win into a poignant speech that nods to the meta-documentary format. The budding romance between Ned and Mare feels fresh and grounded, avoiding overplayed will-they-won't-they tropes for something more authentic, with their shared dance crashing a nearby wedding adding a sweet, rom-com energy. Fans of Lieberstein's style will appreciate the subtle homages, like deadpan puns and escalating awkwardness at the event.
Thematically, the finale underscores hope for local journalism, portraying the TTT's modest triumphs (like awards for investigative sewage reporting and innovative puzzles) as beacons in a "terrible" media landscape riddled with sensationalism and cutbacks. It's a feel-good respite, much like the show's overall vibe—uplifting without being saccharine, and a welcome contrast to darker true-crime fare flooding streaming services. That said, the 31-minute runtime feels a tad rushed, cramming resolutions for multiple arcs (romantic breakups, confessions, and team dynamics) that could have benefited from more breathing room in a longer season. Some character beats, like Esmeralda and Ken's antagonism, border on exhausting, though they provide reliable laughs.
Overall, "The Ohio Journalism Awards" sticks the landing as a hilarious, heartwarming closer, earning the TTT—and the series—a well-deserved pat on the back. With strong fan buzz for its bingeable charm and calls for deeper Toledo lore in Season 2 (already renewed), this episode sets up exciting potential for more newsroom antics, romantic developments, and Esmeralda's eccentric growth. If you're craving smart workplace comedy with a side of optimism, this one's a winner.
Rate it 4.5/5.
The episode juggles multiple threads with the TTT staff navigating personal and professional chaos. At the center is a PR nightmare for the paper's parent company, Softees, stemming from a prior scandal (the infamous "Man Mitts" controversy). Ken (the bumbling manager) and Travis embark on a misguided apology tour involving peppermint-scented toilet paper handouts to kids, which predictably spirals into disaster. This sets off a chain of blame-shifting and damage control, culminating in a hilarious TV interview prep that showcases the show's knack for escalating awkwardness.
Meanwhile, reporters Ned and Mare hit the road for an investigative piece on a potential cult leader, leading to some of the episode's best moments: a messy car ride complete with spiders, passive-aggressive banter, and a revealing phone interview that exposes tensions in their boss-employee dynamic. Back at the office, Esmeralda grapples with an obsessive "curse" involving dreams of colleague Barry, resulting in an improvised kiss that's equal parts funny and uncomfortable. And Oscar fixates on a vicious online troll, only for the team to uncover a surprising twist that flips the script on office pettiness. The episode ties things up with a feel-good nomination for journalism awards, hinting at bigger stakes ahead.
What shines here is the ensemble's chemistry. Ned comes across as a relatable everyman—sensible yet endearingly quirky—while Mare asserts her journalistic chops with fiery independence. Their road trip banter feels authentic, blending humor with genuine character growth around themes of respect and trust. Ken's micromanaging panic mode is comedy gold, especially when he tries (and fails) to shift blame onto the capable Nicole, who steals the show with her quick thinking and on-air poise. Esmeralda's subplot adds a layer of wild eccentricity, and the improvised kiss scene (inspired by actress Sabrina Impacciatore's on-set antics, as revealed in behind-the-scenes chatter) lands with perfect timing.
The writing smartly weaves in meta-elements, like breaking the fourth wall during Oscar's spotlight moment, which adds a fresh twist to the mockumentary format. Compared to "The Office", "The Paper" boasts more likable characters overall—fewer outright antagonists like early Michael Scott—and the humor feels less mean-spirited, focusing instead on the absurdities of local news and corporate overreach. It's entertaining, with snappy pacing that keeps the subplots from dragging.
Not everything lands perfectly. The cult investigation feels underdeveloped; Ned and Mare's trip builds intrigue but fizzles without concrete evidence or payoff, leaving it more as a vehicle for character moments than a compelling story. Some interactions tip into passive-aggressive territory without much resolution, which can feel frustrating rather than insightful. And while the troll subplot is clever, it resolves a bit too neatly, missing a chance to dig deeper into online harassment's toll on journalists.
"Matching Ponchos" is a step up from mid-season lulls, offering more laughs and merit than some predecessors. It's not groundbreaking, but it solidifies "The Paper" as a binge-worthy comedy with heart. If you're into workplace satires with a journalistic edge, this episode is worth the watch—especially for fans of character-driven hijinks.
Rate it an 4/5: fun, flawed, but ultimately satisfying as we head toward the season finale.
Created with clear nods to "The Office"—thanks in part to writer Paul Lieberstein and director Jeffrey Blitz—this episode shifts the action from the newsroom to the glitzy (by Ohio standards) Ohio Journalism Awards, where the underdog team faces nominations, rivalries, and personal reckonings. It's a high-stakes night that blends cringe-worthy humor, heartfelt moments, and workplace satire, wrapping up Season 1 on an optimistic note while teasing more chaos ahead.
The plot centers on the TTT crew navigating the awards ceremony, with editor Ned (played with awkward charm by the ever-reliable lead) downplaying his nerves about potential wins, while reporter Mare brings a surprise date that stirs jealousy. Meanwhile, interim managing editor Esmeralda (Sabrina Impacciatore in a breakout role) steals scenes with her over-the-top antics, and accountant Oscar (Oscar Nuñez, reprising a familiar vibe from his "Office" days) grapples with the intrusive documentary crew. Subplots weave in romantic tensions, like Nicole confronting her fling Detrick over his unexpected commitment, and side characters like Ken scheming for hero moments that inevitably flop. Without diving into spoilers, the episode builds to a series of wins—both literal and emotional—that feel earned after a season of setbacks, culminating in celebrations that highlight the show's theme of finding validation in small victories amid industry decline.
What shines brightest here is the ensemble's chemistry and the sharp comedic timing. Impacciatore's Esmeralda is a chaotic force of nature, channeling a mix of Michael Scott's obliviousness and Italian flair—her dramatic red gown entrance and onstage "twirl" (mishearing "winning" as "spinning") had me laughing out loud, embodying the show's knack for physical comedy and second-hand embarrassment. Nuñez brings quiet depth to Oscar, turning a puzzle win into a poignant speech that nods to the meta-documentary format. The budding romance between Ned and Mare feels fresh and grounded, avoiding overplayed will-they-won't-they tropes for something more authentic, with their shared dance crashing a nearby wedding adding a sweet, rom-com energy. Fans of Lieberstein's style will appreciate the subtle homages, like deadpan puns and escalating awkwardness at the event.
Thematically, the finale underscores hope for local journalism, portraying the TTT's modest triumphs (like awards for investigative sewage reporting and innovative puzzles) as beacons in a "terrible" media landscape riddled with sensationalism and cutbacks. It's a feel-good respite, much like the show's overall vibe—uplifting without being saccharine, and a welcome contrast to darker true-crime fare flooding streaming services. That said, the 31-minute runtime feels a tad rushed, cramming resolutions for multiple arcs (romantic breakups, confessions, and team dynamics) that could have benefited from more breathing room in a longer season. Some character beats, like Esmeralda and Ken's antagonism, border on exhausting, though they provide reliable laughs.
Overall, "The Ohio Journalism Awards" sticks the landing as a hilarious, heartwarming closer, earning the TTT—and the series—a well-deserved pat on the back. With strong fan buzz for its bingeable charm and calls for deeper Toledo lore in Season 2 (already renewed), this episode sets up exciting potential for more newsroom antics, romantic developments, and Esmeralda's eccentric growth. If you're craving smart workplace comedy with a side of optimism, this one's a winner.
Rate it 4.5/5.
The episode juggles multiple threads with the TTT staff navigating personal and professional chaos. At the center is a PR nightmare for the paper's parent company, Softees, stemming from a prior scandal (the infamous "Man Mitts" controversy). Ken (the bumbling manager) and Travis embark on a misguided apology tour involving peppermint-scented toilet paper handouts to kids, which predictably spirals into disaster. This sets off a chain of blame-shifting and damage control, culminating in a hilarious TV interview prep that showcases the show's knack for escalating awkwardness.
Meanwhile, reporters Ned and Mare hit the road for an investigative piece on a potential cult leader, leading to some of the episode's best moments: a messy car ride complete with spiders, passive-aggressive banter, and a revealing phone interview that exposes tensions in their boss-employee dynamic. Back at the office, Esmeralda grapples with an obsessive "curse" involving dreams of colleague Barry, resulting in an improvised kiss that's equal parts funny and uncomfortable. And Oscar fixates on a vicious online troll, only for the team to uncover a surprising twist that flips the script on office pettiness. The episode ties things up with a feel-good nomination for journalism awards, hinting at bigger stakes ahead.
What shines here is the ensemble's chemistry. Ned comes across as a relatable everyman—sensible yet endearingly quirky—while Mare asserts her journalistic chops with fiery independence. Their road trip banter feels authentic, blending humor with genuine character growth around themes of respect and trust. Ken's micromanaging panic mode is comedy gold, especially when he tries (and fails) to shift blame onto the capable Nicole, who steals the show with her quick thinking and on-air poise. Esmeralda's subplot adds a layer of wild eccentricity, and the improvised kiss scene (inspired by actress Sabrina Impacciatore's on-set antics, as revealed in behind-the-scenes chatter) lands with perfect timing.
The writing smartly weaves in meta-elements, like breaking the fourth wall during Oscar's spotlight moment, which adds a fresh twist to the mockumentary format. Compared to "The Office", "The Paper" boasts more likable characters overall—fewer outright antagonists like early Michael Scott—and the humor feels less mean-spirited, focusing instead on the absurdities of local news and corporate overreach. It's entertaining, with snappy pacing that keeps the subplots from dragging.
Not everything lands perfectly. The cult investigation feels underdeveloped; Ned and Mare's trip builds intrigue but fizzles without concrete evidence or payoff, leaving it more as a vehicle for character moments than a compelling story. Some interactions tip into passive-aggressive territory without much resolution, which can feel frustrating rather than insightful. And while the troll subplot is clever, it resolves a bit too neatly, missing a chance to dig deeper into online harassment's toll on journalists.
"Matching Ponchos" is a step up from mid-season lulls, offering more laughs and merit than some predecessors. It's not groundbreaking, but it solidifies "The Paper" as a binge-worthy comedy with heart. If you're into workplace satires with a journalistic edge, this episode is worth the watch—especially for fans of character-driven hijinks.
Rate it an 4/5: fun, flawed, but ultimately satisfying as we head toward the season finale.