The legendary “Fold In the Cheese” scene graces our screens in Season 2, Episode 4 of Schitt’s Creek, titled simply “Finding David.” It is arguably the show’s most iconic and meme-worthy moment, encapsulating the Rose family’s comedic ineptitude in everyday life and their endearing, albeit frustrating, dependence on each other.
The Anatomy of a Comedic Masterpiece
This episode, while centrally focused on David’s brief disappearance and subsequent return, uses the “fold in the cheese” subplot as a crucial vehicle for showcasing the dynamic between Moira and David. Moira, ever the flamboyant actress, is attempting to create a promotional video for their motel as part of a contest. She envisions a culinary masterpiece, a cheese and herb dip, but utterly lacks the practical skills to bring her vision to life.
David, despite his own anxieties about his brother’s whereabouts, is tasked with helping Moira. The fundamental problem, of course, is that Moira doesn’t understand the basic concept of “folding” ingredients. She repeatedly demands David “fold in the cheese,” but is unable to explain what this even means, leading to escalating frustration and pure comedic gold. The scene perfectly balances Moira’s theatricality and David’s deadpan exasperation, creating a hilarious and relatable moment that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The brilliance of the scene lies in its simplicity. It’s not grand physical comedy or elaborate wordplay; it’s the mundane task of making a dip, made absurd by a lack of basic culinary knowledge and a clash of personalities. The phrase “fold in the cheese” itself has become a shorthand for miscommunication, unrealistic expectations, and the inherent humor in everyday struggles.
Deeper Dive: Beyond the Laughter
Beyond the obvious comedic brilliance, the “fold in the cheese” scene also subtly highlights the growth of the Rose family. While their privileged past insulated them from practical matters, their experience in Schitt’s Creek forces them to confront their limitations and rely on each other. David’s eventual (and grudging) attempt to help Moira, despite his initial reluctance and confusion, demonstrates a budding sense of familial responsibility.
Furthermore, the episode subtly showcases Moira’s vulnerability. Behind the dramatic pronouncements and extravagant outfits, she is, at heart, a person struggling to adapt to her new reality. Her inability to understand “fold in the cheese” underscores her disconnect from everyday life, making her character more relatable and sympathetic, despite her often-eccentric behavior.
FAQs: “Fold In the Cheese” Edition
Here are some frequently asked questions about the iconic “Fold In the Cheese” episode and its enduring legacy:
1. What exactly is “folding” in cooking terms?
Folding in cooking is a gentle technique used to incorporate delicate or airy ingredients into a heavier mixture without deflating them. You essentially use a spatula to lift a portion of the bottom mixture and gently turn it over the top of the lighter ingredients, repeating the process until just combined. This prevents overmixing, which can toughen baked goods or deflate whipped cream.
2. Why is the “fold in the cheese” scene so funny?
The humor stems from a combination of factors. Moira’s utter lack of understanding of a simple culinary technique, David’s exasperated reactions, the repetitive nature of the phrase, and the overall absurdity of the situation all contribute to the scene’s comedic impact. The scene also plays on the relatable experience of struggling to explain something seemingly simple to someone who just doesn’t understand.
3. Did the actors improvise any of the “fold in the cheese” dialogue?
While the general outline of the scene was scripted, there was room for improvisation. Catherine O’Hara (Moira) is known for her improvisational skills, and it’s likely she added some of the specific phrasing and delivery that makes the scene so memorable. Dan Levy (David) also excels at reacting authentically to O’Hara’s antics, further enhancing the comedic timing.
4. What type of cheese is Moira trying to fold in?
The type of cheese is never explicitly stated, but based on the context and appearance, it’s likely cream cheese or a similar soft cheese. This makes the absurdity of Moira’s confusion even more pronounced, as cream cheese is relatively easy to fold into other ingredients.
5. Has “fold in the cheese” become a popular meme or catchphrase?
Absolutely! “Fold In the Cheese” has transcended the show and become a widely recognized meme and catchphrase. It’s used to describe situations where someone is struggling with a simple task, when there’s a miscommunication, or simply to express general frustration and bewilderment. It’s a testament to the scene’s enduring popularity and cultural impact.
6. How does this episode contribute to the overall arc of Schitt’s Creek?
This episode, and the “fold in the cheese” scene specifically, exemplifies the Rose family’s initial disconnect from everyday life and their gradual adaptation to their new circumstances. It highlights their dependence on each other, even when they are constantly exasperated by one another. This is a recurring theme throughout the series, as they learn to navigate life without their wealth and privilege.
7. Who came up with the “fold in the cheese” concept?
While the writers of the show collaboratively contribute to the storylines and dialogue, Dan Levy has specifically mentioned that he came up with the “fold in the cheese” bit. He wanted to illustrate Moira’s utter cluelessness about basic domestic tasks.
8. Is there a “fold in the cheese” recipe that actually works?
While the scene is humorous because Moira doesn’t know how to fold in the cheese, any cheese dip recipe that requires folding is a potential “fold in the cheese” recipe. Typically, this would involve softening cream cheese and then gently folding in herbs, spices, or other ingredients.
9. Are there other similarly memorable cooking-related scenes in Schitt’s Creek?
While none quite reach the iconic status of “fold in the cheese,” there are other humorous food-related moments in the series. For example, Johnny’s attempts to help at the motel, often involving cooking or serving food, are usually met with disastrous results.
10. How has the “fold in the cheese” scene impacted the actors’ careers?
The “fold in the cheese” scene has undoubtedly boosted the careers of Catherine O’Hara and Dan Levy. It solidified their status as comedic powerhouses and introduced them to a wider audience. It’s a defining moment in their performances on the show and a testament to their comedic talent.
11. What does the success of “fold in the cheese” say about the show’s writing?
The success of “fold in the cheese” highlights the brilliance of Schitt’s Creek‘s writing. It’s a perfect example of how the show can take a simple concept and turn it into a memorable and hilarious moment. The writing is sharp, witty, and relatable, allowing the audience to connect with the characters and their struggles.
12. Beyond the humor, what is the deeper meaning of the “fold in the cheese” scene?
Beyond the laughs, the scene touches on themes of communication, family dynamics, and adapting to new circumstances. It demonstrates the challenges of understanding each other, especially when individuals have different backgrounds and experiences. It also highlights the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of frustration. Ultimately, it shows how even the most absurd situations can bring families closer together.