Happy’s Place Season 2 Episode 1 “Promises, Promises” didn’t go the way I expected. At all. And that isn’t a bad thing. But I’m just not sure if I like what it could signal for the future of this tavern and its inhabitants.
Last we left off in Season 1 of Happy’s Place, there was a spark between Bobbie and Emmett that was born from being longtime friends. For some it felt random. For people like me, it felt like a natural progression. Because in real life, who wouldn’t want your partner/boyfriend/husband to also be your best friend? I know I would.
Coming into Season 2 we see Bobbie and Emmett tiptoeing around this blossoming relationship. And even though Isabella thinks that they’re taking things too slow, this works for them. Bobbie hasn’t been in a relationship since her late husband. And for Emmett… well, we just thought he was hesitant because this was Bobbie, his long-time friend and the daughter of Happy, his other friend.
This is where the crash and burning comes into play.
MORE: How did Season 1 of Happy’s Place end? We break it all down.
HAPPY’S PLACE — “Promises, Promises” Episode 201 — Pictured: Reba McEntire as Bobbie — (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)
We don’t get to see romances blossoming on TV like we’ve seen with Bobbie and Emmett. TV is ageist and once you hit a certain age range they relegate you to the mother, caretaker, or guardian role. And looking at someone like Reba McEntire, I remember her character on the show Reba. She was given the role of mother and caretaker and never found another great love. She tried. But the show kept her in a box while Brock galavanted around with Barbra Jean.
Happy’s Place feels like an opportunity to give another McEntire character something Reba never got, a second chance romance for someone who has done the whole marriage and kid thing. And I kind of hate that the show positioned Bobbie and Emmett in this space of talking and being honest with each other for the big reveal being that Emmett knew about Isabella and said nothing. That is kindling for pain and it’s not going to just disappear because this is a comedy or because romance.
HAPPY’S PLACE — “Promises, Promises” Episode 201 — Pictured: Rex Linn as Emmett — (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)
We saw in Season 1 how Isabella’s appearance in the tavern affected Bobbie. She was confused, angry, and wanted no part of Isabella. And Bobbie’s absolutely within her right to be livid with Emmett when she finds out the truth, because she will be. Now, Emmett wasn’t responsible for her dad’s mistakes. But he was complicit in hiding a secret from Bobbie. And Bobbie is going to think about the years she could’ve had with Isabella and the choice that was taken away from her.
This could destroy the tavern. And could destroy Bobbie and Emmett. Not forever. But for a while.
I’m just really bothered by this beautiful bravery that came from Bobbie in asking Emmett out. And it’s not because she did anything wrong. It’s that all the signs were there for her, from Emmett directly that there was a romantic spark between these two. And then he shut her down without another word. We as the viewer understand he feels guilt for hiding the secret of Isabella. Bobbie doesn’t know this. Bobbie just got rejected by a close friend. And it happens. But it’s the betrayal of hiding the truth about Isabella, that’s what will rightfully set her off.
MORE: Make sure to check out our review for the Happy’s Place Season 1 finale!
HAPPY’S PLACE — “Promises, Promises” Episode 201 — Pictured: (l-r) Belissa Escobedo as Isabella, Melissa Peterman as Gabby, Pablo Castelblanco as Steve, Tokala Black Elk as Takoda — (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)
In my anger at Emmett and how hurt Bobbie was… I have to say that I loved that Steve had Emmett’s back. Sure, it was a little jokey joke in the beginning. But when it came down to it, Steve stood up for Emmett. Better yet, Steve listened to Emmett. That conversation in the kitchen between these two men felt like the set disappeared and you were watching two people who truly care for each other. That matters.
As for what comes next after Happy’s Place after “Promises, Promises”… I just don’t know. Drama dictates that this secret blows up the tavern. I’m used to drama. But comedy and Happy’s Place track record means they’re going to talk and smooth things over. And then there’s the fact that Happy’s Place has continously surprised me when it comes to show beats. Either way, please let Bobbie have a steady and healthy romance. Give her what Reba didn’t get.
Happy’s Place airs new episodes every Friday at 8pm ET on NBC.