Happy’s Place season 1 episode 4 “Fish Fry Monday” saw this show do it’s first shuffle of characters as a means of strengthening the cast. By this I mean that the first 3 episodes were focused more on Isabella and Bobbie meshing together after the startling news that they were sisters. Now that they’re a little more settled it’s time to mix and match characters, put them in new situations, and show that the relationship between Isabella and Bobbie isn’t the only important one.
Admittedly they’ve dabbled in small moments in the first 3 episodes that showed every one’s importance. But this is different, with Isabella and Bobbie really not spending any time together. And that’s ok because the show is about Happy’s Place and the people inside. That includes Gabby and Emmett too.
Gabby Mentoring Isabella
“Fish Fry Monday” saw Gabby and Isabella bonding. But before that comes the clash. Because Gabby is used to doing things a certain way just like Bobbie. She’s been around for a while and change is hard. Let’s not let Isabella get off easy though. She’s very used to things having to be her way. And I don’t think she’s as ok when it comes to actually listening and being mentored. Together Gabby and Isabella went on a journey that I wish TV would do more often; that just because something works for you, it doesn’t work for everyone. And maybe someone does something a certain way for more than sh*ts and giggles.
MORE: Need a reminder of how it started? Read our review for Happy’s Place season 1 episode 1.
I really think that Isabella entered the mentorship with Gabby because she thought she was a ditz. But just because Gabby is fun and goofy doesn’t mean that she doesn’t care about her job. She does and she has learned a lot over her years bartending. So when Isabella asked to be mentored, she took that as an opportunity to bond with their newest member at Happy’s Place. And when Isabella pushed back and practically declared herself ready after some videos, I think that hurt Gabby because it felt like Isabella was saying that her job is something easily learned and with no real hard work behind it. It is hard work. Just because it’s the service industry, it shouldn’t be dismissed as something you can watch a video of and already know.
As for Isabella, I think she went and watched those videos instead of asking Gabby because she’s got a hyper independent mindset. Why wait to let someone teach her something when she can speed run the lesson and get from point A to point B in less time? That’s her mindset. And I don’t think it comes from being malicious, because if so she wouldn’t have made up with Gabby at the end. Isabella’s attitude when being mentored comes from trauma. She’s always had to do things on her own. Don’t believe me? Where is her family? Why haven’t they appeared and become part of Happy’s Place? Because Isabella’s had to do things on her own. And at this tavern, she doesn’t have to anymore.
Bobbie Mourning with Emmett
Just because someone is quiet, doesn’t mean they don’t have big things to say. That’s the case with Emmett in Happy’s Place season 1 episode 4 “Fish Fry Monday.” He keeps things close to his chest, but when he thinks something important needs to be said, he says it. That causes confusion sometimes with people who are a little bit more chatty; case in point Bobbie. It’s the reason why I loved that Emmett took Bobbie under his wing and did something with her that he did with her dad. And it’s the reason why I loved that Bobbie asked Emmett why he missed her dad’s memorial.
For Emmett, he’s been supporting Bobbie since the very start of this show. And he’s given her good advice as she’s dealt with the big changes coming for Bobbie in the form of Isabella. So he took her fishing because in supporting her, he sees her father. And if he supported her father with trips to go and “fish” and disconnect, he’s going to do the same thing with Bobbie. She needed that break. And Emmett needed some distance from the tavern where he could reconnect with his best friend. In addition, he did that reconnecting by doing something her dad would’ve wanted; for him to help his daughter, any way Emmett could.
MORE: Isabella and Bobbie are now living together!? Read our review for Happy’s Place season 1 episode 3.
Then there’s Bobbie. She takes Emmett’s advice because he’s a mainstay of the tavern. But there has been this disconnect with him that I only noticed in this episode. And I realized it when she asked him why he missed her dad’s memorial. She thought it was because he didn’t care. Turns out, he cared way more than she thought. And Emmett’s memorial was about him, because we don’t have to do what everyone else does just because “that’s how it’s always been.” Everyone has their own traditions and ways that they move in life. And as long as it’s not hurting you, then you either accept them or move on. Bobbie chose to accept and embrace him and his Fish Fry Monday traditions.
Additional Thoughts About Happy’s Place season 1 episode 4 “Fish Fry Monday”:
- Bobbie has her checks and balances at Happy’s Place.
- Gabby watches Isabella.
- Steve watches Gabby and Isabella.
- And Takoda watches Steve watching Gabby and Isabella.
- Love the bit about asking for ID’s. Because sometimes flattery gets you places. And if it means a bigger tip for you, why not?
- Also it goes to show you that Gabby might be silly, but she moves with purpose.
- Isabella hasn’t learned about moving with purpose yet. Example being yelling at those patrons asking for their gin and tonics.
- Your tips are going to meager there.
Happy’s Place airs Fridays at 8/7c on NBC.
