Happy’s Place season 1 episode 7 “Ho-Ho-Howey” made me cry. Not just regular tears either. I burst out into tears. And it’s just as surprising to me as it probably is to you. I’m a critic. I should have a little more control. And I do. But I’m also a fan. And it’s the reason why I’m in this business in the first place. I love TV and film and exploring other people’s lives through this visual medium. So, when I say I cried watching Happy’s Place, I want you to understand that it comes from a place of love and appreciation for the stories that Reba McEntire has been part of since I was a child.
I grew up watching the 2000’s series Reba. It was a sense of comfort then and it remains one to this day. And when I need a breather, or to make sense of this world just a little bit, I sit down and put on Reba. So to be sitting there, minding my own business enjoying Happy’s Place, and Steve Howey just walks in… it knocked the wind out of me. I started watching Happy’s Place because of the mini-reunion that was Reba and Melissa Peterman. And watching Van, who became a son to Reba throughout their series, it made me feel like a kid again.
MORE: Ready to jump into the next episode? Read our review for Happy’s Place season 1 episode 8 “Dear Jack.”
This mini-Reba caught me in the feelings even more when NBC posted a blooper where Howey’s entrance goes a little different. Instead of doing his scripted bit of lines he stops, looks at Reba and asks, “Mrs. H?” The look on Reba’s face said it all. She knew he was going to do it but it still caught her off guard. And she didn’t truly burst out laughing until Peterman ran in, got called Barbara Jean, they hugged it out, and Howey yelled out “Cheyenne’s drunk. She misses you” as he exited the scene. Haven’t seen the moment? I got you below.
Besides the heartwarming reunion of it all when it comes to Happy’s Place “Ho-Ho-Howey,” this episode was funny. Everyone got tested when it came to their acting chops, even Belissa Escobedo. And they all matched each other’s energy, not one actor outshining the other because they were all doing such a great job. I will say though that Escobedo caught me off guard with her pretending being in a box. And Steve pretending to be Emmett in particular reminded me of my favorite TV trope, when characters body swap. It’s a great test for the actors and makes us look at the characters with new eyes.
The tender moment that Bobbie, Gabby, and Isabella shared after they made their confessions is also something worth talking about. There’s a reason why this show got a full season order. Because if that moment can be a marker of how far these characters have come in the span of 7 episodes, imagine what they can do with a full season order? Or even another season? The characters NBC has formed in Happy’s Place can stand the test of time and I think more time with the main cast, and the supporting characters, could lead this network to have another comedy staple in the vein of The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Will & Grace.
Additional Thoughts About Happy’s Place season 1 episode 7 “Ho-Ho-Howey”:
- Only Gabby would end up going to a dog park to talk to people. Even though she doesn’t own a dog.
- Emmett, thank you for helping Steve when he had to cook the scallops.
- And thank you to Pablo Castelblanco for the face you made when you put your hand in that slimy container. Your character is growing. Also he’s a little sh*t who delights in chaos. Unless he’s in it.
- Belissa Escobedo continues to elevate herself as an actress with her comedic timing. 10/10. Giving Reba and Melissa a run for their money!
MORE: There’s more to explore when it comes to this show. Read our review for Happy’s Place season 1 episode 8 “Dear Jack.”
Happy’s Place airs Fridays at 8/7c on NBC.
