The ’Burbs Episode 3 Recap: “Sardine” Exposes Cracks in the Cul-de-Sac
- Je-Ree
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The cul-de-sac is officially heating up and we aren’t just talking about the suburban humidity. In the third installment of Peacock’s reimagining of The ’Burbs, titled "Sardine," the tension between manicured lawns and messy secrets reaches a breaking point. While the premiere set the stage, Episode 3 dives deep into the basement of suburban paranoia, proving that even a "supportive husband" and a stunning wardrobe can’t hide the scent of a fishy situation.
Date Night Disasters and Postpartum Reality
The episode kicks off with a visual red flag: Darla the dog is seen burying a bone that is far too large to be from a steakhouse. This immediately puts Gary (Justin Kirk) in the crosshairs of our resident amateur sleuth, Samira. Keke Palmer continues to carry this show with a performance that is as hilarious as it is grounded. Can we talk about how amazing she looks? Even when she’s "dressing up the titties" for a rare date night with Rob (Jack Whitehall), she is pure fire.
Unfortunately, the date is derailed by a relatable "leaking" incident. The dialogue is top-tier: “Get these titties all dressed up and this is how they betray me,” Samira laments. Rob earns "Husband of the Year" points by pivoting to pajamas and Shark Tank, but the domestic bliss is short-lived. Samira’s obsession with Gary is fueled further when she spots Darla and that giant bone again during a nightly walk with baby Miles.
The "Sardine" Heist: Pretzels, Pipes, and Betrayal
The meat of the episode or should we say the fish, happens when Darla goes missing. Samira uses the dog’s disappearance as a Trojan horse to rally the neighbors, including Dana, and Todd to infiltrate Gary’s house.
Once inside, we meet Gary’s wife, Betsy, who is giving major "something is wrong behind these eyes" energy. In a scene that serves as a delicious homage to the 1989 original, she offers them a snack of sardines and pretzels. It’s weird, it’s salty and it’s perfectly uncomfortable. While the group distracts Betsy, Samira and Dana sneak into the basement.
The investigation takes a turn when Samira admits she isn’t looking for a dog; she’s looking for the missing Allison. However, the "dig" only yields an old pipe before Gary catches them red-handed. To make matters worse, he’s found Darla, making Samira look like the neighborhood's most paranoid new mom.
Is Rob Too Good to be True?
While the girls are playing detective, Rob is out at a bar with Naveen, where he runs into Cop Danny. Danny is a total tool, but he manages to plant seeds of doubt regarding Samira’s mental state. When Rob returns home and catches Samira leaving Gary’s, the couple has their first real blowout. Rob’s points about boundaries are valid, but our hearts break seeing the honeymoon phase end.
The real kicker? The episode ends with Samira watching Rob return from the woods late at night. His excuse? He "went to get some water." We are all rooting for you, Rob, but that is a lie straight out of the "shady husband" handbook.
As the credits roll on "Sardine," one thing is clear: the neighbors are shady, the basement is empty, and the trust in the cul-de-sac is thinner than a sardine tin.
For more deep dives into your favorite cul-de-sac chaos, keep it locked on The TV Cave.
Which neighbor do you think is hiding the biggest secret? Drop your theories in the comments!
What did you think?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So