Happy’s Place season 1 episode 2 “Tapped Out” doesn’t just move on from the bombshell thrown into Bobbie’s life in episode 1. Neither does it wallow in the pain caused by Bobbie and Isabella’s dad. Instead, it keeps the pain and discomfort of their new relationship present throughout the show while moving them forward. And in two episodes we’ve witnessed the kind of people both of these women are and who they could be if they let their walls down and get to know each other. Altogether, it’s a strong episode 1 for a show that continues to hit you with nostalgia while providing something grounded in 2024.
Righteous or Be Liked?
Admittedly, I struggled with Isabella in “Tapped Out.” She’s coming into a home that is established, friends who know each other, and a routine that is well-worn. That would grate on my nerves just like it did for Bobbie. And I could see that Isabella was trying. She was giving her opinion on things, trying to fix things by the book, and contribute to how the bar is being run. Isabella wants to learn. But the way that she’s going about things was more about what she deserved or what was owed instead of wanting to be there for herself and for Bobbie.
That’s why Emmett’s words in the kitchen were so important. Isabella had to choose. Does she want to be righteous or be liked? By the end, she took that in, processed it with what she was feeling inside, and came to a decision. That’s why she told Bobbie that she wanted to fight for their relationship. Not Happy’s Place. Their relationship. As sisters. Isabella stood her ground while making space for what Bobbie wanted. And that give and take was the right move that felt well-paced for Happy’s Place and proves that this show knows how to balance humor with heart.
MORE: Need a reminder of how it started? Read our review for Happy’s Place season 1 episode 1.
It’s also important to note that even thought Isabella and Bobbie are the heart of this show, we’re still seeing things from Bobbie’s perspective. We’ve seen her tavern, home, friends, and patrons. So of course, we as the viewer are going to side with her. It’s all we know. But in 2 episodes we’ve learned small tidbits about Isabella. We haven’t seen it. We’ve just heard it. She never had a dad, doesn’t have strong familial ties, she’s about to break up with her boyfriend, and is living in a motel. Isabella doesn’t have ties to anyone. That’s why Bobbie reciprocating her feelings on wanting to make this work, even if it’s hard, is so huge. It’s a place where Isabella can belong.
Bobbie’s Anger & Her Choice
Bobbie is angry. She’s angry at her dad for cheating and having another daughter. She’s angry that Isabella is shaking up her way of living and how things have run at the tavern since her arrival. And she’s angry at herself for not seeing the opportunity in front of her for new family because she’s angry. All of these things can be true at one time. And they are for Bobbie. That’s why I like her character. Because feelings are messy, don’t make sense, and sometimes contradict each other. That’s just life. And I’m glad that Happy’s Place isn’t shying away from that. They’re instead embracing it.
Often enough, I find that comedies are scared of hitting on those heavy and ugly feelings. The things that make you uncomfortable. Happy’s Place is looking at those ugly things in the face without stewing in the shock Bobbie felt in episode 1 but not bulldozing through and suddenly everything is ok. It’s not. But unlike in episode 1, Bobbie is choosing to fight for Isabella. Not the tavern. They haven’t figured that out yet and there’s no way that two different generations are magically going to figure out how to work together. Bobbie is choosing Isabella. For herself but also what they can be together.
MORE: Ready for the next episode? Read our review for Happy’s Place season 1 episode 3.
Bobbie is also choosing to let Isabella see her outside of the tavern, something that will deepen their bond. Like everything else, it’s not going to be easy. But hopefully living together, occupying space, will allow these two women to let their guard down. And maybe eventually they’ll realize how similar they are; both head strong women who are set in their ways but missing a connection that can be found in family. Either way, I think that Happy’s Place is setting up the framework for a bond between two of the most unlikely people. And I’m here for it.
Additional Thoughts About Happy’s Place season 1 episode 2 “Tapped Out”:
- Gabby and Steve are the comedic relief I didn’t know I needed. Honestly, it might be better than Gabby and Bobbie.
- These two challenge each other in a way that feels like they match each other’s level of freak. And him psyching her out with the beer elevated the out-of-pocket moment from episode 1 with the air can.
- Takoda is also just as hilarious as these two but in a different way.
- His sincerity and dry delivery on things somehow makes me crack up.
- Reba’s character Bobbie also has these unexpected moments of humor that remind me of her character Reba. I’m talking about the kitchen scene where she was saying something lovely to Isabella but she sounded angry. Only Reba McEntire can deliver these lines. And it was done in a way that had the fire of her show’s OG character but with a levity that comes from Bobbie and the complexity of her character’s current journey.
Watch Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman answer fan questions below:
Happy’s Place airs Fridays at 8/7c on NBC.
