Happy’s Place Season 3 Episode 4 “Love Birds” managed to find a perfect balance between humor and some serious commentary about moving on. Because Bobbie and Emmett are still on the outs after the way that their relationship imploded. That makes it so their interactions are a touch awkward when they see each other because they don’t want to hurt each other. But at this moment they can’t be together. So why not explore?
On the Bobbie side of things, a handsome patron played by guest star James Denton shows interest in her and asks her out. And what’s a funny little moment at the bar turns into something serious when she goes and talks to Emmett. To be clear, I don’t necessarily think she was asking Emmett permission to date someone. Bobbie is a grown woman. She’s talking to Emmett because she cares for him and has known him for years. It’s a sign of the mutual respect they hold for each other.
MORE: Need a refresher on last week’s episode? Read our review of Happy’s Place Season 3 Episode 3 “Full Gabby.”
Admittedly, my knee jerk reaction in “Love Birds” when she went to talk to Emmett was how she didn’t need to ask him if she could go out with somebody else. But I think it’s important for Bobbie to acknowledge for herself how she feels. And having this conversation with Emmett was part of that. She still loves him. Bobbi then went on to see Steve with his duck, realizing that she can’t just stop and wait because things aren’t happening with Emmett. She can desire more. And that’s more than ok.
Is this the end of Bobby and Emmett? Of course not. And maybe Bobbie will date JB for a couple months and that’s it. But she should get out there and not because time is running out. It’s because she owes it to herself to desire and want more for herself. Plus I just want her to date more because I’m still bitter about how in the actual show Reba, Brock got married and had a whole kid and then Reba just stayed practically single for the entirety of the show. Bobbie deserves a chance to date and jump them bones!
MORE: How did Season 2 of Happy’s Place start? Read our review of 3×01 “Office/Space.”
Another part of wanting more in “Love Birds” had to do with Steve, who I’m extremely proud of. His issues haven’t magically been fixed. There are still limitations to his OCD and aversion to touch. But he took a chance on that cute little duck and found himself having a safe experience that made him change his mind. Maybe he doesn’t even have it all figured out why the duck changed him. But it happened. And Steve did that. It should be celebrated.
I am a little bit concerned about that cage outside, especially because city cats are a thing. But this is a comedy show. That duck is going to be just fine and live a long life. Plus Junior has a godfather now, somehow the silliest and sweetest twist of “Love Birds.” Because it proves that yes, they’re family because they work at the same place. But they’re family because they choose to be, even in the small things like this cute little duck that was running around and tied with a balloon.
Happy’s Place airs new episodes every Friday at 8p.m. ET on NBC.
