Happy’s Place season 1 episode 18 “Alarm Bells” sets the stage for something deeper happening between Bobbie and Emmett. But in a lot of respects, this episode feels like filler. I felt like I had the same problem with Happy’s Place season 1 episode 18 “The Doctor is Out.” While I loved the exploration of Steve’s mental health issues, it felt out of place in the season structure. That’s especially true after episode 16 “Whiskey Business.” Now that episode felt like a season finale. But I’m trying not to complain as much about getting more episodes of my favorite TV show added to the docket. Because when it comes to comedy, Happy’s Place is it for me. I haven’t felt something as joyful or as connecting since my Reba days. Then Happy’s Place happened.
When it comes to Bobbie and Emmett, I get where they’re coming from. We as the viewer have been dropped into the middle of this adventure. We don’t know the ins and outs of the years that Bobbie and Emmett have spent together. And it’s not like them being a couple came out of nowhere. In Happy’s Place season 1 episode 11 “Heart of the Matter,” it was made clearer that Emmett is Bobbie’s best friend. He’s not just some grumpy guy that works in the kitchen or someone who used to hang out with her dad. They are genuinely friends and a relationship between them could be what this show needs. But from the viewer’s point of view,I think the ship needs some time to cook.
Make no mistake though, “Alarm Bells” made me see what everyone else does. When Bobbie was trying to show Emmett how to shoot in that zombie game, it felt effortless. That’s what happens with someone who is your best friend. And I love that we got a shout out to Happy’s Place season 1 episode 8 “Dear Jack” with Isabella reminding Bobbie that she’s comfortable. And what if she misses the love of her life because she’s comfortable? It goes to show you that Happy’s Place continues to build up on the content it delivers, even if at the moment you’re not quite sure why we were having a journey through why Isabella should break up with her boyfriend Jack.
I also want to note that Reba McEntire and Rex Linn, they’re actually dating in real life. According to PEOPLE, they’ve known each other since 1991 but it wasn’t until 2020 that they started dating. So of course that easy smile that pops up on Bobbie’s face when Emmett is behind her and cradling her in his arms, it’s easy to attribute that to the real life romance they have. But this is Reba McEntire we’re talking about. She’s been in the acting business for a very long time. She knows what she’s doing. And whether it’s with Linn or another actor, she knows how to make a scene and sell it.
In the midst of all of this Bobbie and Emmett, Happy’s Place also managed to balance out including moments between Bobbie and Isabella. They continue to be the heart of this comedy. And they went from strangers, with one of them desperately wanting to know the other more, to the family that they are now. Comedy sometimes loses itself in creating an episode worth watching first. Happy’s Place hasn’t lost its heart. And it was really important to see Isabella support Bobbie when it comes to things outside of their relationship, because that’s what you do with loved ones. You listen, you advise, and you support them as they go through the ups and downs of life.
Even though “Alarm Bells” was more focused on Bobbie and Emmett with Isabella pushing the narrative, the other characters had enjoyable storylines that added to their characters. We got to know a little bit more about Takoda and how good he is at skeeball. We also got to learn a little bit about his relationship with his kids. Here’s hoping we actually see them in season 2. We also got to see the friendly rivalry between Steve and Gabby continue. Those two might annoy each other a lot. But they’re family. And family allows for these silly and fun moments.
Overall Happy’s Place season 1 episode 18 “Alarm Bells” adds to their show bible in a way that I know will pay off later on in the series. That makes it all worthwhile. And that makes it so I want to go back and rewatch the season before we get our second one. And maybe the little hiccups that I noticed in season 1, they’ll be washed away in season 2. Because by that time, the minds behind the show will have managed to understand what works, what doesn’t, and what they want to expand upon. Personally, I would like to see Isabella’s life outside of the restaurant. But I would also like to see more of Gabby’s storyline as a mom and maybe even a potential romantic interest for her. I miss the Barbra Jean days from Reba even if she was messy. Either way, I know I want more of Happy’s Place. That’s enough for me right now.
Happy’s Place airs Fridays at 8/7c on NBC.
