The hilariously disastrous attempt to create enchiladas and the iconic, nonsensical phrase “fold in the cheese” originate in Season 2, Episode 7 of Schitt’s Creek, titled “The Olive Branch.” This episode showcases the Roses’ continued struggles to adapt to their new reality, highlighting their incompetence in even the simplest of domestic tasks.
The Anatomy of a Viral Moment: Understanding “The Olive Branch”
“The Olive Branch” is far more than just the episode where David and Moira attempt to bake enchiladas. It’s a potent cocktail of dysfunctional family dynamics, comedic timing, and quotable dialogue that cemented its place in television history. The episode revolves around several intertwining storylines: Johnny tries to convince a fruit wine distributor to buy Rose Apothecary’s products, Alexis attempts to rekindle a romance with Mutt, and most memorably, David and Moira take on the challenge of preparing dinner for the entire family, using a recipe they found online.
The culinary disaster unfolds slowly, fueled by Moira’s theatrical pronouncements and David’s utter lack of cooking skills. The phrase “fold in the cheese,” repeated with increasing frustration by David, becomes the central comedic pillar of the scene. The absurdity of the phrase, coupled with the Roses’ general cluelessness about basic tasks, resonates with audiences on a deeply relatable level. We’ve all been in situations where we’re hopelessly out of our depth, trying to navigate a task with little to no guidance.
The Genesis of “Fold In The Cheese”: A Breakdown
The brilliance of the scene lies not just in the phrase itself, but in the escalating tension and miscommunication. Moira, convinced she is a culinary genius despite demonstrably not being one, dictates vague instructions to David. Her command to “fold in the cheese,” repeated without any further explanation or demonstration, becomes a symbol of the Roses’ disconnect from reality.
David’s frustration is palpable. He interprets the instruction literally, attempting to physically fold a block of cheese. Moira, meanwhile, is oblivious to his struggles, convinced he is simply being difficult. This comedic clash of expectations and misunderstandings is what makes the scene so enduringly funny. The resulting enchiladas, unsurprisingly, are an inedible mess.
Why “The Olive Branch” Resonates: More Than Just Food Fight
Beyond the hilarious “fold in the cheese” sequence, “The Olive Branch” underscores several key themes within Schitt’s Creek.
- Family Dysfunction: The Roses, despite their wealth and privilege, are a deeply dysfunctional family. Their shared incompetence in domestic tasks highlights their reliance on staff and their general detachment from everyday life.
- Adaptation and Growth: While initially resistant to their new surroundings, the Roses gradually begin to adapt and even thrive in Schitt’s Creek. “The Olive Branch” shows them struggling with this transition, highlighting the difficulties of embracing a simpler life.
- Humor in the Mundane: Schitt’s Creek excels at finding humor in the everyday struggles of life. The “fold in the cheese” scene is a perfect example of this, transforming a simple cooking task into a comedic masterpiece.
The episode’s humor isn’t just about slapstick; it’s about the absurdity of privilege and the challenges of adjusting to a completely different way of life. The Roses’ struggles with even the simplest tasks serve as a constant reminder of their former lives and the vast chasm between their expectations and reality. This contrast is what makes Schitt’s Creek so relatable and hilarious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Fold In The Cheese” and “The Olive Branch”
Here are some common questions about the iconic “fold in the cheese” scene and its surrounding episode:
FAQ 1: Is “Fold In The Cheese” a Real Cooking Term?
While the phrase “fold in the cheese” is literally correct, its use in the Schitt’s Creek episode is intentionally nonsensical. Folding is a real cooking technique used to gently incorporate ingredients without deflating the mixture. However, the way Moira instructs David, without any context or demonstration, makes it utterly confusing.
FAQ 2: What is the Significance of “The Olive Branch” as an Episode Title?
“The Olive Branch” refers to Johnny’s attempt to negotiate a deal with the fruit wine distributor. He sees this potential partnership as a peace offering, a way to revitalize Rose Apothecary and bridge the gap between his past and present.
FAQ 3: What is the “Recipe” David and Moira are Trying to Follow?
The “recipe” is never explicitly shown, adding to the comedic ambiguity. It’s implied to be an online recipe that Moira found, further highlighting her reliance on technology and her detachment from practical cooking skills.
FAQ 4: Why is David so Frustrated in the “Fold In The Cheese” Scene?
David’s frustration stems from Moira’s vague instructions and his own lack of cooking knowledge. He doesn’t understand the technique of folding and is left to interpret Moira’s command literally, leading to the hilarious misunderstanding.
FAQ 5: What Kind of Cheese is Supposed to be Folded In?
The type of cheese is never specified, further emphasizing the ambiguity and absurdity of the situation. It’s likely meant to be a soft cheese, such as cream cheese or ricotta, but the lack of clarity is part of the joke.
FAQ 6: Has “Fold In The Cheese” Become a Popular Meme?
Absolutely! The “fold in the cheese” scene has become a viral meme, widely shared and referenced online. Its simple yet absurd phrase has resonated with audiences, making it a popular shorthand for situations where instructions are unclear or tasks are overly complicated.
FAQ 7: Did Catherine O’Hara (Moira) Improvise the “Fold In The Cheese” Lines?
While the Schitt’s Creek writers created the framework of the scene, Catherine O’Hara’s improvisational skills undoubtedly contributed to its comedic brilliance. Her delivery and mannerisms added layers of absurdity to the already hilarious situation.
FAQ 8: Beyond “Fold In The Cheese,” What Makes “The Olive Branch” a Good Episode?
Beyond the iconic scene, “The Olive Branch” is a strong episode because it balances humor with character development. We see the Roses struggling to adapt to their new lives, but also beginning to find their footing. Alexis’ attempt to reconnect with Mutt shows her growing maturity, while Johnny’s business venture highlights his resourcefulness.
FAQ 9: Are the Enchiladas Actually Made in the Scene?
Yes, real enchiladas were made (or rather, attempted) during filming. However, the final product, as seen on screen, was likely manipulated to appear even more unappetizing for comedic effect.
FAQ 10: How Does “The Olive Branch” Contribute to the Overall Arc of Schitt’s Creek?
“The Olive Branch” is a pivotal episode in the show’s second season. It showcases the Roses’ continued struggles and their initial incompetence but also hints at their potential for growth and adaptation. It reinforces the show’s themes of family, community, and finding happiness in unexpected places.
FAQ 11: Where Can I Watch “The Olive Branch” and Other Episodes of Schitt’s Creek?
Schitt’s Creek is available on various streaming platforms, including Hulu, Netflix (depending on your region), and Amazon Prime Video. You can also purchase episodes or entire seasons on digital platforms like iTunes and Google Play.
FAQ 12: Is there any real-world equivalent of “folding in the cheese” I can use in cooking?
Yes! While the Schitt’s Creek scene exaggerates the process, folding is a crucial technique for incorporating delicate ingredients like whipped cream or beaten egg whites into heavier mixtures without losing volume. Think of adding airy meringue to a custard base or carefully mixing fruit into cake batter. The key is gentle movements and avoiding over-mixing. So, while “fold in the cheese” might be a comedic catchphrase, the underlying principle is a real and valuable culinary skill. You just need clear instructions!
Conclusion: “Fold In The Cheese” – A Recipe for Success
“The Olive Branch,” and its iconic “fold in the cheese” scene, remains a testament to the comedic genius of Schitt’s Creek. The episode’s enduring popularity is a testament to its relatable characters, witty writing, and timeless themes. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity and incompetence, laughter and connection can be found in the most unexpected places.