Corner Gas: Season 5, Episode 11 - Top Gum (2008)

The episode "Top Gum" begins with Brent and the gang at the Corner Gas station. They are discussing the recent arrival of a new coffee brand, which has become quite popular among the locals. Brent is skeptical about the hype surrounding the coffee, while Lacey, who has taken an interest in the coffee business, is enthusiastic and encourages everyone to try it. The conversation is light-hearted, filled with banter, and sets the tone for the episode.

As the day progresses, Brent decides to conduct a taste test to determine if the new coffee truly lives up to its reputation. He gathers the staff, including Lacey, Wanda, and Hank, to participate in the blind taste test. Each person is given a cup of the new coffee and a cup of the regular coffee. The atmosphere is filled with anticipation as they prepare to taste the two options. Brent is confident that the regular coffee will win, while Lacey is rooting for the new brand.

During the taste test, the group takes their time to savor each cup. They express their opinions, and the reactions are mixed. Some prefer the new coffee, while others stick to the regular brew. The tension builds as they tally the votes, and ultimately, the new coffee wins by a narrow margin. Brent is visibly frustrated by the outcome, feeling that his coffee is being overshadowed.

Meanwhile, in a subplot, Oscar and Emma are dealing with a minor crisis at home. Oscar has misplaced his favorite pair of glasses, and Emma is trying to help him find them. Their search leads to humorous moments as they rummage through various places in their house, showcasing their quirky dynamic. Oscar's frustration grows as he becomes increasingly convinced that the glasses are lost for good.

Back at the gas station, Brent decides to take matters into his own hands. He devises a plan to sabotage the new coffee's popularity by creating a fake advertisement that highlights its supposed flaws. He enlists Hank's help, and they brainstorm ridiculous ideas to make the coffee look bad. Their antics provide comedic relief as they come up with over-the-top scenarios that exaggerate the coffee's downsides.

As Brent and Hank execute their plan, Lacey catches wind of their scheme. She confronts them, expressing her disappointment in their underhanded tactics. Lacey believes that competition should be fair and that they should let the customers decide what they like. This confrontation leads to a heated discussion about integrity and business ethics, revealing Lacey's strong convictions.

In a twist, the coffee company catches wind of Brent's sabotage and decides to retaliate. They send a representative to Corner Gas to confront Brent about his actions. The representative is stern and demands that Brent cease his campaign against their product. This unexpected turn of events puts Brent in a difficult position, forcing him to reconsider his approach.

Feeling cornered, Brent ultimately decides to come clean about his actions. He apologizes to Lacey and the coffee company representative, admitting that he let his competitive nature get the best of him. This moment of vulnerability showcases Brent's growth as a character, as he learns to accept defeat gracefully.

The episode concludes with a humorous twist. After the confrontation, Brent and the gang gather for another coffee tasting, this time with a new blend that has been introduced by the coffee company. They all take a sip, and to everyone's surprise, they find it to be delicious. The group shares a laugh, realizing that sometimes, change can be good, and they can appreciate different flavors together. The camaraderie among the characters is evident as they enjoy the moment, wrapping up the episode on a light-hearted note.

In the ending of "Top Gum," Brent and the gang face the consequences of their actions after a series of mishaps involving a gum-chewing contest. The episode concludes with a humorous twist as the characters reflect on their experiences, ultimately leading to a light-hearted resolution.

As the episode draws to a close, we find ourselves back at the Corner Gas diner. The atmosphere is filled with a mix of laughter and camaraderie as the characters gather to discuss the events that transpired. Brent, who had been the center of the gum-chewing contest, is seen with a slightly embarrassed but amused expression, realizing the absurdity of the situation.

Wanda, with her characteristic dry wit, teases Brent about his gum-chewing skills, while Lacey joins in, playfully ribbing him about the competition. The camaraderie among the group is palpable, showcasing their close-knit friendship.

Meanwhile, Hank, who had been overly enthusiastic about the contest, is still buzzing with excitement, recounting his own experiences and the ridiculousness of the challenges they faced. His energy is infectious, and even though he didn't win, he remains undeterred, embodying the spirit of fun that the contest was meant to inspire.

As the camera pans out, we see the entire group laughing together, a sense of unity and light-heartedness prevailing. The episode ends on a high note, with the characters embracing their quirks and the silliness of the situation, reinforcing the theme of friendship and community that runs throughout the series.

In this way, the episode wraps up with a sense of closure, leaving the audience with a warm feeling of connection to the characters and their small-town life.

As the final scenes of "Top Gum" unfold, we find ourselves back at the Corner Gas diner, where the aftermath of the gum-chewing contest is still fresh in the minds of the characters. The camera captures the cozy interior of the diner, with its familiar booths and the warm glow of the overhead lights, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Brent, the owner of Corner Gas, sits at the counter, a half-eaten piece of gum still stuck to his cheek. His expression is a mix of embarrassment and amusement as he reflects on the chaos that ensued during the contest. He chuckles softly to himself, shaking his head at the absurdity of it all. The contest, which was meant to be a fun distraction, spiraled into a series of mishaps that left everyone in stitches.

Wanda, ever the pragmatist, approaches Brent with a smirk. "You know, for someone who runs a gas station, you really should have a better strategy for chewing gum," she quips, her tone teasing yet affectionate. Brent rolls his eyes but can't help but smile at her playful jab. Their banter highlights the easy rapport they share, a testament to their friendship.

Lacey, the newcomer to the group, joins in on the conversation, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I think you should stick to selling gas, Brent. Leave the gum-chewing to the professionals," she adds, her voice light and teasing. The camaraderie among the trio is evident, showcasing how Lacey has seamlessly integrated into the group.

Meanwhile, Hank bursts into the diner, his energy palpable. He's still riding the high of the contest, animatedly recounting his own experience. "Did you see how I almost won? I was this close!" he exclaims, holding his fingers inches apart. His enthusiasm is infectious, and even though he didn't come out on top, his spirit remains unbroken. The others listen, chuckling at his antics, their laughter echoing through the diner.

As the scene progresses, the camera shifts to show the entire group gathered around a table, sharing stories and laughter. The warmth of their friendship fills the room, creating a sense of belonging that resonates deeply. Each character contributes to the conversation, their unique personalities shining through.

Brent, now more relaxed, leans back in his chair, taking in the moment. He feels a sense of gratitude for his friends and the simple joys of life in Dog River. The contest may have been chaotic, but it brought them all together, reinforcing the bonds they share.

As the episode nears its conclusion, the camera pulls back, capturing the lively scene in its entirety. The laughter, the teasing, and the shared memories create a tapestry of friendship that defines the essence of Corner Gas. The characters, despite their quirks and flaws, find solace in each other, reminding the audience of the importance of community and connection.

The final shot lingers on the group, their faces illuminated by the soft diner lights, a snapshot of happiness and togetherness. The screen fades to black, leaving viewers with a warm feeling, a reminder of the joy found in the little moments shared with friends.

In the episode "Top Gum" from Season 5 of Corner Gas, there is indeed a post-credit scene. After the main storyline concludes, the scene shifts to the exterior of the Corner Gas station. Brent is seen standing outside, looking contemplative. He is holding a piece of gum, which he chews thoughtfully.

As he chews, he glances around the quiet town of Dog River, taking in the familiar sights. Suddenly, he notices a group of pigeons pecking at some crumbs on the ground. With a playful smirk, he decides to blow a bubble with the gum. The bubble inflates impressively, but just as he is about to pop it, a pigeon swoops down unexpectedly, startling him. The bubble bursts, leaving gum residue on his face, and he laughs at the absurdity of the moment.

This light-hearted scene encapsulates Brent's easygoing nature and the quirky charm of Dog River, providing a humorous and fitting end to the episode. It highlights the show's ability to blend everyday life with comedic moments, leaving viewers with a smile.

Brent and Hank discover a large stash of gum in the back of the gas station and decide to sell it to make some extra money. They come up with a plan to market it as a premium product, but their enthusiasm leads to a series of comedic mishaps as they try to attract customers.

Lacey is initially skeptical about Brent and Hank's gum-selling scheme. She expresses concern over the ethics of selling something that might not be safe or of good quality. As the episode progresses, her disapproval turns into amusement as she witnesses the chaos that ensues.

Oscar, Brent's father, becomes inadvertently involved in the gum-selling scheme when he tries to help Brent and Hank. His attempts to contribute often lead to misunderstandings and humorous situations, showcasing his well-meaning but bumbling nature.

Emma, Oscar's wife, is portrayed as the voice of reason throughout the episode. She expresses her disapproval of the gum-selling venture, worried about the potential consequences. Her reactions highlight her protective nature and concern for the family's reputation.

The gum-selling venture leads to a series of comedic situations, including miscommunication with customers, unexpected reactions from the townsfolk, and the absurdity of their marketing tactics. These moments are filled with physical comedy and witty dialogue, showcasing the show's signature humor.

"Corner Gas" is generally considered a family-friendly show, known for its light-hearted humor and relatable small-town scenarios. In the episode "Top Gum," there are no overtly objectionable scenes, but there are a few moments that might be mildly concerning for very young children or sensitive viewers.

1. Mild Language: There may be instances of mild swearing or slang that some parents might find inappropriate for younger audiences.

2. Adult Themes: The episode touches on themes of competition and rivalry, which could lead to some tense moments, though they are handled in a comedic manner.

3. Emotional Conflict: Characters experience feelings of jealousy and frustration, which could be upsetting for sensitive viewers, but these emotions are portrayed in a humorous context.

Overall, the episode maintains a comedic tone and is suitable for most family viewing, with only minor elements that some might find slightly objectionable.