Happy’s Place Season 2 Episode 16 “AI-AI-No” sees Steve trying to make a sacrifice that no one wants. The speakeasy that Isabella took a chance on, isn’t doing well. So after sitting down and trying to find some sort of solution, he finds one. He should be fired. The problem is that Steve isn’t as replaceable as he thinks, making this episode an exploration that I personally have been waiting for as a viewer.
MORE: Need a refresher of last week’s episode of Happy’s Place? Read our review for “Emotional Real Estate” here.
When it comes to Steve, we know a lot about him. He’s kind and considerate to his friends. He’s also willing to go the extra mile, even if his aversion to germs skeeves him out. And in this episode we’ve come to realize something we haven’t touched yet. Steve has self-worth issues. Because when it comes down to it, yes he’s trying to save money for Happy’s. But he thinks he’s replaceable. And that’s grounded in a lack of self-worth.
As a viewer, this revelation is really sad because we’ve watched him clearly prove over two seasons how much of a central member of this family he is. But it’s also the most relatable that Steve has been, at least for me. I can’t relate to his fear of germs or love for accounting. But I can relate to feeling like if it came down to it, everyone would be okay if I just disappeared. And just like it’s not true for me, it wasn’t true for Steve.
Sometimes that little voice in your head whispers lies. And sometimes we let it take over to the point where we can’t see the world clearly through this distortion. That’s why you need friends like Isabella and Bobbie to listen and then wake you up to reality. They tried out the solution that he suggested when it came to the AI accountant, and they still chose him. So they showed how much they trust his opinion but also how no matter what, they want him to be there with them.
I will say I am getting a little concerned with the amount of AI episodes on TV. Because the reality is that every single company is going the route of AI to my displeasure. And I know that the writers of this show are not their company. But sometimes I do feel like it’s rich for studios to approve episodes like this, when they are probably replacing people with AI as we speak because AI is cheaper. But again, the Happy’s Place writers are not the production companies that air their shows. So maybe this is a form of protest. Or at least I hope it is.
Outside of the Steve of it all, we did have some fun hijinks moments with Emmett and Gabby. And yes, it was hilarious watching Gabby try to teach Emmett about emojis and Emmett trying to navigate the dating scene. But at the heart of it all was one person trying to help their friend move on from heartbreak. And then on the other side, you have someone who is usually closed off showing how much they appreciate this person’s advice.
We will also admit we’re kind of sad that Emmett is moving on with Monica. He deserves love, just like Bobbie does. And if it’s not together, maybe it’s with others. But we’re still holding onto hope that this is just a moment and they’ll find their way back. At the same time, here’s hoping Happy’s Place doesn’t make the mistakes of Reba. I want Bobbie to also date and get out there. She deserves it.
This mixing and matching of characters that Happy’s Place continues to do in Season 2 Episode 16 is proof once again that they know how to create a rich tapestry that adds weight to every moment while also teaching a lesson. Because this is a comedy. But it’s a comedy with heart. Now they just need to give me a Takoda episode. Because little hints here and there about his personality are great. But no one is happy all the time. And I would like to see this family have his back like he has theirs all the time.
Happy’s Place airs new episodes every Friday at 8pm ET on NBC.
