Customer Wars: Wild Horse Chase (A&E, Tuesday, February 4, 2025)

Customer Wars Key Art

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the mall, “Customer Wars” returns for a fifth season of retail mayhem. From unruly canines to horseback police chases, the premiere episode, “Wild Horse Chase,” doesn’t disappoint in its survey of human behavior at its most…fragrant.

In Miami, a pet grooming business draws a line in the sand (or perhaps the shag carpet) when faced with a particularly ill-behaved dog. Management decides that some pups are simply beyond the pale, leading to a standoff with the disgruntled owner. Meanwhile, in Albuquerque, a suspected shoplifter’s attempt to make a quick getaway turns into a Wild West-style pursuit, complete with mounted police. Let’s just say the suspect’s chances of outrunning a horse aren’t great.

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Shifting continents, we find ourselves in an Australian mall where a woman’s fashion choices spark a confrontation with security. One wonders if the mall’s dress code includes a clause about causing a scene. And back in the States, a Florida parking lot becomes the backdrop for a towing dispute that escalates into a full-blown melee between a group of diners and a tow truck operator. Apparently, early bird specials don’t guarantee a parking space.

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A Canadian flight attendant decides to spice up the pre-flight safety demonstration, much to the amusement (or possibly terror) of the passengers. Through it all, “Customer Wars” continues to offer a candid, if slightly voyeuristic, look at the daily struggles of customer service employees. One might argue it’s a public service announcement disguised as entertainment.

“Customer Wars” Season 5 Episode 1, “Wild Horse Chase,” airs on A&E at 10:00 PM on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Andrew Martins, reviewer, recapper, deep diver, scifi specialist. Thinks Blakes 7 is better than Star Trek. Yes I do go to fan conventions and no I don't dress up. Well okay maybe I do a bit.