Happy’s Place season 1 episode 5 “Ladies Night” is a firm reminder that just because someone is goofy and happy on the outside come, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t some heavy emotions going on inside. That’s the case with Gabby. And we saw her friends and family come together to let her know how loved she was in response to her pain.
This episodes shift in focus to Gabby, like I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, enriches the show overall. It makes it so that every character is important and valued. And as the show continues to do that, we see all the individual relationships in a new light. More so, we as the viewer more confident in the ability of Happy’s Place to take us on this journey, wherever it may be going.
What Is Going on with Gabby?
There’s no denying that Gabby is a ray of sunshine. She is accepting of herself. And was shown in the pilot episode of Happy’s Place to live her life at the beat of her own drum. But we can’t deny that this show has dropped small hints along the way that Gabby is dissatisfied with her life. The main one being disappointed that Bobbie has a sister because she desperately wants to have a bond like that.
In “Ladies Night,” we see Gabby’s storyline explored a little more to the point where we understand that her wanting a bond goes beyond wanting a sister. She has been trying to find that bond with men. And I disagree with Bobbie that Gabby is trying to find that sense of self within a man. Gabby knows who she is, always has known. But there is a loneliness within her and she wants to pour that love she has for life into someone.
Ultimately, I’m not sure if Gabby will have a baby. That’s a huge change in someone’s life. But I love that her friends and family took the time to reassure her that they loved her more than anything. Gentle ribbing is something you do with family. And I think Gabby needed that reassurance that they had her back and that they didn’t think she was a joke. But more than anything she needed someone to accept her choices and be there as she figures everything out.
Gabby has that.
The Growing Relationship Between Bobbie and Isabella
In Happy’s Place ‘Fish Fry Monday’, Bobbie and Isabella were partnered up with different characters. That gave them time to bond with others outside of their growing sisterly bond. In “Ladies Night” we saw Bobbie and Isabella back together. And honestly, I’m glad that they’ve entered the scheming together phase of their relationship. Now that is some sisterly bonding!
Bobbie and Isabella saw that Gabby was hurting. Since Bobbie has been here longer, she understands what’s going on with Gabby. She realizes that maybe Gabby needs something more than a root beer float and plans. And Isabella, she dives right in to help. Not because she’s trying to fit in with Bobbie or the tavern crew. She already is part of the crew and she feels more secure about her bond with Bobbie. Isabella joined in on trying to help Gabby because she cares for Gabby independent of everyone else.
Overall, it was really heartwarming to see how far they’ve come from the pilot episode of Happy’s Place. Because they’ve grown as people, welcoming that their way isn’t the only way. But in many respects they’ve remained the same people. Bobbie and Isabella still (gently) clash with their pop culture references. And they have different wealth of experiences. What I’m looking forward to now is how they continue to build on their experiences together and how their relationship will be tested (or not) when Bobbie’s daughter reappears. Because it’s been teased. And it’s totally going to happen and cause tension.
Additional Thoughts About Happy’s Place Season 1 Episode 5 “Ladies Night”:
- I love that the men were shown as being chismos aka gossips. A lot of time gossip is seen as a tradition within the feminine space. But that’s not true. Men love gossip just as much. And I’d love to see more opportunities of them coming together to tackle issues or just to have a beer.
- Often times people forget how important it is to have LGBTQ+ representation in spaces outside of just focusing on our trauma. Reba McEntire is a country icon and her show pushed the boundaries in the early 2000s by covering topics that no one was talking about or afraid to include in their shows. And now in 2024, we have a show with Reba and Melissa Peterman, where the character of Gabby is open to the thought of this being a queer ladies night. It just is. And it’s a way for the show to normalize the queer experience as being part of this world.
- Not Takoda folding like a house of cards as soon as he spotted Gabby. Admittedly, the scene is a little silly. But humans are complex. And we can be teasing you one moment and then feeling bad for how far we let things go.
- Steve and the hug was everything. He hates germs and he often clashes with Gabby. But they care for each other. And if he had to hug her to prove it, then so be it.
- The salute with Emmett was very him.
- We need more of Gabby and her dance career.
- GABBY’S REAL NAME IS BLANCHE!?
Happy’s Place airs Fridays at 8/7c on NBC.
