Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 543 of ‘Life After Lockup’ contains spoilers.

Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 543 of Life After Lockup on WE tv, along with a refresher clip!
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EPISODE 543 – “Ring & Run!” – Aired October 18th on We TV at 8pm ET/PT
Zeruiah’s confession shocks her family. Bianca crosses a line and Daniel gets cold feet. Britney reaches a breaking point. Kim demands Joey get a job. Louie busts his budget. Justine’s revelation stuns her daughter.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘La Maison’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Truly, the world collectively looks at the holiday season, as an outright, beautiful blessing. Where peace on Earth is indeed achieved and where love wins the days. For it is a time of renewal, a time to reflect on the gifts we’ve been given in every sense of the phrase, so it should indeed be as beautiful as possible. But in reality, we all know deep down, that collective view of the holiday season is nothing short of a pipe dream. For while it can bring wonder and joy, it can also bring sorrow and heartbreak. For the world doesn’t stop is ugly machinations just because pine trees are decorated, and a ham is about to be glazed. That means… the holidays can indeed be sour, a fact we were reminded of during this week’s episode of La Maison on Apple TV+.

For ‘Message in a Bottle’ took place shortly before Christmas itself and for a time, it seemed the Ledu family was embracing the spirit, despite dark clouds hanging over the season. For Vincent did indeed try to harm himself but went into therapy thereafter and found purpose and joy again, and of course… invited everyone to the island to celebrate the holiday. Making it seem as though unity could be found with the family. A possibility that only grew with Paloma’s continued hard work at revitalizing the family brand, and well, all this joy did indeed bring the family to the island for a holiday getaway and for a time… they were a family at last. For there was peace, there was love and laughter, and the resurrection of old traditions.

Since Vincent brought back the old act of writing beautiful messages and wishes in bottles to send into the world to manifest and spread cheer. But as mentioned before, the holidays are not a perfect time and all it takes is a slip up or an agenda to change everything, and well… revelations at dinner did just that. Because after the ceremony, Robinson came to discover that his loving boyfriend was a spy, and that he was working hard to bring Ledu down from the inside, and that brought forth chaos. The kind that saw Victor be banished from the house for any association with Ledu, despite pondering upon returning, and well… that was merely the beginning of chaos to come.

Because in many ways, having the truth come forth about Rovel and having a spy in place who clearly played a hand in Vincent’s downfall, gave Vincent new focus and new ideas. For it was heavily implied that he saw this as a window back to the top of the fashion industry, as though he could spin this to his advantage. So, he made sure to cozy up to Paloma and give her love and adoration. In part to be the father he should have been, but let’s be honest… Vincent is ruthless, and Vincent will do whatever it takes to have a legacy in place. So, it does stand to reason that Paloma plays into the plan, as though generations of Ledu can drive fashion forward, with Rovel ruined beneath their bootheel.

But while we wait to see what comes out of these revelations, we can bask in a story that truly did remind us that the holidays aren’t always so joyous. Courtesy of relatives and friends that have their own agenda in mind for the season, or because life just takes the twists and turns that only it can. All of which made for a fascinating episode, one that showcased the human side of the characters and what they are capable of when they don’t worry about anything but one another. But that aside, clearly what lies ahead is chaos. For a complaint will be filed, and legal battles will play out, and that will only continue to add to the stress of the apprentice and the master, as they work hard to forge their paths toward tomorrow. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Sweetpea’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular question we often wonder about people that commit sins in this life, is whether or not they feel some sense of remorse or have some understanding of what they’ve done. Because dark acts are hard for us to understand, since the rest of us have firewalls that prevent us from doing terrible things that would cause stunning harm to others. So, we instead wonder, ponder, and hope that perhaps they do… so that they can find redemption and peace and make those they hurt whole again. If anything, this particular thought is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of Sweetpea on STARZ bothers to answer that question in a fascinating manner for us.

For ‘This Sort of Thing Needs Some Feminine Energy’ picked up the morning after Rhiannon murdered that man in a fit of rage and well, it didn’t take long for her to feel a sense of guilt, a sense of genuine remorse for what she did. Because she may have killed a genuine innocent. Which prompted her, to think best about how to reconcile these feelings, especially after the police found the body and began their investigation and after the paper started a story, and she decided to learn what kind of a man her victim was, to know if she did something worthwhile or if she was a monster. So, she wormed her way into the story to meet the man’s parents and what she learned, gave her peace.

Because it turned out, this guy was straight trash. He bullied others, including a former employer, to the point that a restraining order came into play. Which prompted her to get all the evidence she could for the article, one that she fought to have published in an honest manner, and she got her wish, and she even received respect from her editor for sticking to her wants regarding exposing the truth. All because, she wanted and needed justification, and she needed to find peace regarding her own guilty conscience, and uncovering the dark truth about her victim helped with that. Making it clear that yes, there is a measure of guilt for people that commit terrible acts and a sense of remorse, because they are human, and they don’t just magically shed their emotions. That… takes time, and that… is important to note because that too was put on display here.

For while this episode did answer our question in a palatable way, it also explored, why we have to ask that question in the first place. Which relates to the fact that not everyone comes back from the darkness and not everyone’s conscience is willing to override the darkness. In fact, some find joy in what they do and that is why they continue to embrace the ugly and the actions that make us question them, and sadly, Rhiannon did that here. Because she has so much pain to resolve, so much darkness in her soul, that the only way she believed she could ever find solace was by once more by killing once again. Specifically, someone that was a monster in their own right as well, and she also made plans… to murder the ultimate problem… her bully.

All of which made for a fascinating episode. One that explored some fascinating aspects of the human condition. Because that question isn’t one that is explored often, and for that matter, Rhiannon held up a mirror up to the rest of us. For we also work to justify our actions to find solace. But more importantly, this brought about the potential origin story of a serial killer really. Because slowly but surely, Rhiannon is transforming into a monster before our eyes, one that has motive and justification for her actions, and it will be interesting to see if there’s any chance of redemption for Rhiannon, or if we are about to see a marginalized soul be lost to the anger and the darkness, most of us learn to keep at bay. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Three Women’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we finally come to understand what we want in this life, we believe that getting hold of it will be easy to achieve. Simply because, the idea, the need, it has taken root, and it is all we can think about. So, we should be easily able to manifest what we want and cross our respective finish line no problem. Only for us to learn, that simply won’t be the case. For chasing after what we want, in any capacity, is hard work. The kind that will feature setbacks, harm and will test our mettle like no other and never was that truth more evident, than during the next episode of Three Women on STARZ. For ‘climax’ saw everyone chase after their newfound dreams and encounter that harsh truth in the process.

For instance, Lina thought stepping into the world of love with Aidan would be quick and simple. After all, they wanted and desired one another, and they could build upon that. So, Lina told her husband that their marriage was over, that he would spend time taking care of the kids now and again and she… she would have what she wanted, and she chased it with gusto. Going so far as to spend the night with her new beau and coax the L word out of him, giving rise to real joy and real wonder, and the tough reality… that it would take some time to get what she wanted. Because her husband wasn’t good with the separation and of course, she had to figure out how to balance a new life while raising her children. But in her mind, this was worth it, and she would keep fighting, and her encounter with this truth was the least troubling of them all.

In fact, in many ways, the show offered up varying levels of trouble regarding this truth, with Sloane dealing with the next tier in the matter. Because at last, she was given permission to have her forbidden love, and it was of course, reciprocal. For Will could not get her out of his mind and that prompted her to make the usual plans for her husband to watch so she and Will could finally consummate their want and for a time, this seemed like a great idea. For their lovemaking was intense and passionate, and she was even able to be near him for the night, and clearly planned for this to happen more. But the morning brought regret. For Will quickly left without saying much of a goodbye and clearly Sloane’s husband cannot be trusted on such matters despite his promises. Making it clear that Will is wounded, a line has been crossed and Sloane’s desire to make Will her regular lover will not go according to plan in the slightest. 

But truly, the most difficult iteration of this lesson came forth via Maggie. Who finally had her day in court with her former teacher/lover/abuser and well, that should have been a proud and bold day for Maggie. Because at last, his actions were going to be on the record and at last, people would know of his disgusting desire for teenage girls. But instead, this forced her to face the past in a manner she wasn’t good with. In fact, she was required to recall every detail for the state, and that took her on a horrible trip down memory lane. Where was able to look at the fateful night her life changed in an objective manner and that made her sick to her stomach and it overwhelmed her. As did the fact that her former teacher and abuser didn’t face an inch of the scrutiny she did. Reminding her of the harsh reality that women are always viewed differently in cases such as hers, and that the journey to justice would be painful.

All of which made, for a genuinely bittersweet story. Because on the one hand, these women were able to finally step into the world they wanted and indulge their desires and needs. But on the other hand, it’s clear there will be a price to pay. Giving rise to a supremely realistic story, one that once again spoke deeply to the duality that women receive in this life. Which makes this, a slice of life story. One that certainly leaves us eager to continue this journey. To see how these incredible characters tackle the challenges that now lie ahead and all ups and downs that accompany them as this incredible series continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Happy’s Place’.
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Whether we like to face it or not, there will come a day when we say goodbye to our parents, forever. For everything ends, including our lives, and when that difficult day arrives… we hope for one thing. A peaceful farewell. One where we can properly grieve with loved ones and start the healing process. But alas, that isn’t always the case. Because sometimes, death brings out the worst in people, even in our family or our friends and that can lead to conflict in a trying time. Not to mention, sometimes the passing of a loved brings forth major surprises. Wherein we learn that the person we adored carried secrets and skeletons in their closet, and that… can be quite the shock to the system. One that we hope we never face, but what if we did? How would we handle such a major surprise?

Well as it turns out, a brand-new sitcom on NBC is going to ponder upon such matters, and so much more. Which Happy’s Place informed us of in its ‘Pilot’ by introducing us to a woman named Bobbie, who is doing her best to keep it together and start a new chapter while she grieves. For her father just passed away, and that means she’s now without a man she adored, and it is up to her to keep the family business alive, a lovely little bar named Happy’s Place. When we catch up with her here, she is working hard to start that new chapter. For she’s fully in charge now and ready to keep the business thriving. Until quite the surprise drops into her lap. For one fine day, a woman, and a stranger, named Isabella steps into the bar, and she is there with a lot of nerves riding upon her shoulders. Because someone asked her to stop by the bar to give her some important news.

That someone, happens to be Bobbie’s lawyer and he lets them know… that the bar was actually left to more than one person. For Isabella is Bobbie’s half-sister, and co-owner of Happy’s Place and well… that brings about the exploration in question in the most direct manner possible. Because just like that, Bobbie learns that the man she adored, admired and loved with every fiber of her being, lied to her. Kept secret the fact that he had another family, and that puts her in a tough place. One where she struggles to process the reality that she has a new family member. And Isabella isn’t exactly in a great place either. Because just like that… her life has been turned upside down, and she learns in the blink of an eye that she had a father she never knew and a family she’s never known, and that makes for a powerful set up in this pilot. One that informs us, that the answer to that all-important question won’t come forth quickly.

For all the little moments in this story, where Isabella works to adjust to the new normal and where Bobbie fights to reconcile the lies, she’s been told… let us know that this would not be an easy task. That a person would need a long time to process the violation of trust, and the reality that they didn’t know their parents through and through. All to decide, how to feel about this and how to move forward with that knowledge. But as one works on that, there’s plenty they can do, and in this situation, they can offer grace and understanding and some measure of kindness over something that was out of their control. Which Bobbie does here by offering Isabella her rightful place at Happy’s Place, and a chance to learn about her past and a chance for them to learn from each other and about each other. Since they are family, and that’s forever and stronger than any lie.

All of which makes for a magnificent pilot. One that is as funny as it is thoughtful. Courtesy of writing that finds the humor in some serious situations, to make the reality of what we’ve dealt with or will a bit more palatable and through some stunning performances. Since this cast understands comedy and knows how to deliver in the moment, with Reba leading the charge since she hasn’t missed a beat from her prior sitcom stint. Giving rise to a brilliant comedy series really, one that has heart, one that is intelligent and funny, and downright relatable. Which means it is outright safe to say, that we’re all eager to return to Happy’s Place. To see these characters heal and grow and learn what it means to really be a family, be it chosen family… or blood. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Premiere of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the Season Two Finale, click here.
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More often than not, stories that explore healing or recovery or putting a family back together, tend to rush to the finish line resolution wise, and understandably so. For these stories want the reader or the viewer to walk away from the story with good feelings and hope in their hearts. Wherein they now know that with some dedication, they can get better, they can bring about healing and find a better tomorrow. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means, because who doesn’t want to feel better about their day? But there is a slight downside in going this route, in that, it tends to do the audience a disservice and help them believe that this process is simple in nature. When in fact, healing is not an easy journey.

There’s a lot of work that goes into it, and a lot of tough days and a lot of learning. So, stories should instead show the complete journey and help people to understand that they will get their happy ending, when they put in the work and figure out how to handle the tough days and the setbacks and that is one of the many reasons why the hit NBC series, Lopez vs Lopez, is of note. Because it doesn’t hold back in such arenas. Since we’ve seen George struggle with his sobriety and endure setbacks in being a better father, and now, as we enter the third season of the show… it’s clear that the series will expand such explorations to everyone. For ‘Lopez vs Wedding’ laid down the framework for a season long exploration that will ponder upon… how does one put a family back together?

Because that’s the thing, while peace and love indeed exists in the Lopez and Van Bryan household, they haven’t truly put everything back together. Of course, there’s no shame in that, because that’s not an easy question to answer, but several important aspects to making that happen, were pondered upon in this tale. In that, communication is a big key, as is trust and that was uncovered by way of a worrisome choice on Mayan and Quinten’s part. Because Rosie and George were eager to use their money to fund the wedding of the century. Which meant… they would have influence upon the wedding, and these lovebirds weren’t keen on that. They believed that this was a new chapter for the family, one they had complete and utter control over. So, they entered into a contest at a wedding expo, to win twenty-five thousand dollars to fund their wedding. Where all they had to do, was showcase how well they knew one another.

But of course, that went south. In part, because they came to learn they hadn’t learned everything about one another yet, and also because a couple that did know each other intimately, entered the contest. Specifically, Rosie and George. Who won the whole thing. But the fallout of that moment, led to some honesty between everyone and helped them to learn… they all had to stop pulling in different directions and stop with imparting specific and selfish goals upon one another. If they wanted this wedding to go smooth and make this family unified… they had to communicate. They had to trust one another and find common ground, and that led to a bold choice from Mayan and Quinten to merge the family name and Rosie and George let it be known that going forward, they would be helpful in a healthy manner. Giving rise to those first steps for this family to unify and heal, while informing us… how perhaps we begin to do that in our lives if we need it.

All of which made, for a magnificent season three premiere. One that as always, found ways to be utterly hilarious along the way. Courtesy of that wedding competition and the expo and through Chance and Oscar. Since Oscar served as the babysitter while everyone was out, and taught Chance how to be the best, best man he could be. Which led to some great laughs for certain. If anything, it is just wonderful to have this series back on the air and see that it is eager to further explore healing in ways that we don’t talk about enough in popular media. Because few stories ever speak upon the need for communication and trust. But this one did, and that’s great, because it made for a realistic tale that has us ready to watch this family heal, and possibly see two individuals rekindle an old love, since George and Rosie had some fiery chemistry here… as season three continues along. Until next time.

Learn more about season three of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’, and enjoy some personal thoughts and anecdotes from some of the cast, via our interviews with the actors who play Oscar and Quinten, Al Madrigal and Matt Shively.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 26003 of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions revolving around sexual assault, which may be triggering for some individuals.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve pondered upon some fascinating and unsettling topics, courtesy of the new season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC, and understandably so. After all, this series is indeed as smart as they come, and it is always ready to dig into the darkest aspects of the human condition and leave us with plenty to think upon when the episode comes to an end. But what makes this series so incredible and dynamic, is the sheer fact that it knows when to break away from its dark explorations of the worst parts of what we do, to offer up what the series is as its core. Which is a crime drama, and never was this more evident than during last night’s episode of the show.

For ‘Divide and Conquer’ saw the SVU and the Intelligence arm of the NYPD team up to look into a real potential problem in the city. For there was chatter that a group of thieves were roaming about the Big Apple, the kind that had quite the reputation. For these guys were all about the big score and were meticulous and their arrival in town likely meant they had eyes on something huge, and well… they did and they most certainly struck hard and true, and did something out of the ordinary. Because up until this case, they never harmed a single soul. But here, they assaulted one of their victims and that was why SVU had to be involved in the matter, and well… this act and the grand theft of gold and weapons from a safe their target harbored, prompted a massive manhunt.

One that saw both departments work hard to make sure it was the robbery group they thought it was. Because for them to break their modus operandi just did not make sense whatsoever. But thanks to the fine work of both teams, they began to find some clues, and it turned out that, yes, this was the group, and one of their members, was new and he had a rap sheet involving assault, and those clues allowed for them to discover… he was on the run and wounded. Because the group wasn’t keen on having someone put this much attention upon them, and they wanted revenge, and botched the kill. Prompting the NYPD to search the streets harder while both teams also worked to figure out how this group even discovered the haul they landed. Because it was nothing short of a massive secret and well, that allowed for the team to learn… that this was an inside job.

For a business manager decided it was time to get his hands on some serious money and retire, so he ratted out the haul to this group and of course, paid the piper since the cops uncovered his plot. But what he had to offer about the group, alongside the resurfacing of the rogue agent, was enough to bring this case to a close. Because once the rogue monster was caught, he sang like a bird and offered up all the details on where his cohorts were hiding, in exchange for a deal of course, and they in turn ratted on one another. Bringing an end to a long running string of crimes and peace to the harmed. For at last, she would be whole again and could put this madness behind her. Courtesy of the work of NYPD’s finest, and all of this made, for one engaging and intense tale. 
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Because this was just an old-fashioned crime drama. One filled to the brim with high stakes, such as saving the soul of the woman that was attacked, alongside a high-risk manhunt, and that made for compelling television. The kind that moved along at a brisk pace and featured some lovely twists and turns and did indeed bring forth much needed justice. Plus, it also featured the return of Kellli Giddish as Sergeant Amanda Rollins, and it was wonderful to see her back in action and as sharp as ever, and well, just like that, it’s onto the next case. One that will either dive deep into the darkness that men do or offer up more compelling and engaging stories such as this one. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 24003 of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
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The vast majority of us out there, have little to say from a negativity standpoint, regarding our family. Sure, we have some complaints and concerns, but that’s really about it. Because so many of us grow up in a healthy family environment, one where respect exists and good lessons come into play, and that is why we are always so shocked when we hear horror stories from the folks that are the exception to the rule. Who speak to how their family life was and/or is a disaster and where they have incompetent parents and siblings that drive them mad and cause them trouble. In fact, rough and tumble siblings are of note, because there are plenty of stories out there about how they step in and cause problems and ruin lives and that just seems shocking to us. Because how could our own blood decide to wound us?

Well, it just so happens that the next episode of Law & Order ponders upon that very question. For ‘Big Brother’ saw Detective Vincent Riley be reintroduced to his little brother, Matt, once again under awful circumstances. Since Matt was screwing around with arms dealers and in an effort to prop his family up, Vincent pulled some strings to keep Matt out of trouble. A move that appeared to keep their little game intact, until a famous basketball coach turned up dead one day. For that made the back and forth from this duo far more complex in nature. For Matt was seen talking to the coach the day he died and initially Matt denied everything regarding involvement. He simply spoke to how he was a fan and wanted to say hello, and that was that. But soon, it became clear that Matt knew so much more than he was leading on. 

Because the death of that coach, and Matt’s whereabouts all tied back to one man. A bar owner named Jack Costa. Who had a lot of sway in the neighborhood and pretty much told people how to act and when to act and the more the police looked into his affairs, the more it became clear that Costa was somehow involved and well, Matt’s relationship with him was the key to cracking the case wide open. But of course, Matt refused to help. Didn’t want to be a snitch, as he so eloquently put it. Forcing Vincent and the team to work with what they had to bring the case to trial, and they did have a lot. They just wanted that red letter evidence that would end the trial quickly, and well… since the momentum in the case bounced back and forth, Vincent and the team turned to Matt once again to press him hard on giving up evidence that Costa was involved.

Which he initially agreed to do, until he took the stand. For in that moment. He opted to be defiant again and said anything to help Costa, walk free. But some fine maneuvering from ADA Price, and a fine case against the accused, led to a win for the prosecution and the end of Jack Costa’s freedom. But the damage was done. For Vincent looked the fool in this case through and through, and likely kept his job because of the conviction that came forth and well, that prompted him to really think upon his brother’s actions and his own and how best he should handle this. Wherein Vincent decided, that enough was enough and that his little brother had worked the system enough and pulled in enough favors and needed to be held accountable. So, all deals with the city and the state were rescinded and Matt, faced charges and accountability for his actions.

All of which made it clear, that it isn’t hard for family to turn upon one another. It just takes the right path and the right lifestyle. For instance, here, being in the thick of the streets, learning its code and learning its ways both good and bad, allowed for Matt to choose that over law and order. Because that life was easier, and that life required no fight, and that doesn’t mean other family failed, it just means… people make some awful choices sometimes and hold to their agency and that will motivate them to betray blood. Especially when they feel they don’t matter to their family or have done it before. Which made for a fascinating episode, one that also featured some amazing guest star power. Because Chris Bauer was simply incredible as Jack Costa, and Katee Sackhoff was equally as impressive as his scuzzy lawyer and now that we’ve reached the end of this fascinating tale, it will be interesting to see what lie ahead for the Riley family. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Found’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Whenever we are faced with a woefully complex problem in life, our mind instantly assumes… that the only way to solve it, is to look for a complex solution. For in our minds… tit for tat is the only way to solve our problems in this life, largely because we do learn that lesson as we travel through life, courtesy of moments where equal force or a matched energy handles business for us. But that isn’t always the way to approach the complex issues we face in life. In fact, sometimes the best way to be rid of our problems is to look for the simplest solution possible, and for proof… well then look no further than this week’s episode of Found on NBC.

For ‘Missing While Lonely’ saw Gabi and the team facing some supremely complex problems. For instance, they were dealing with a missing person’s case that just didn’t make any sense. For a sweet little old lady named Betty went missing and judging from the bank records of her felon husband and the behavior of her son, it seemed as though money was the root of this evil, and that finding the evidence to prove one of them sent her away to clutch her fortune, was the key. But no matter what lead they tracked down, which were often complex and big in nature… they could not find Betty, and they could not tie either suspect to her disappearance. Leaving them at an impasse for certain.

Not to mention, Gabi was still haunted by Lacey and how best to bring her home. Because Sir was on the move after nearly being caught, and he even went so far as to torch any and all evidence that could lead the team to Lacey. Which prompted everyone to dig deep and look for all the clues possible to track him down to his next location. With minimal luck. Because despite finding a credit card that showcased purchases made by Sir, his classy behavior in those stores and his odd purchases of books brought them no closer to Lacey’s location. In fact, much like in Betty’s case, the deeper they dug and the more complex thinking that was applied to solve the case, simply went nowhere, and that was worrisome, since Lacey was indeed badly injured and her life hung in the balance.

Which left Gabi unsure of how to proceed, and she even began to prepare herself for failure through the death of her darling sister. But ironically, Sir, presented her with all the solutions she needed. By calling her in a desperate need to be seen and heard, wherein he expressed that she needed to look for the obvious and that was when it hit her regarding both cases. In that, the person that stood to gain the most from Betty was her own attorney and he was the one who kidnapped her and intended to use his vast knowledge of the law, and outright time, to get what he wanted, and knowing this, freed Betty at last. That in turn informed Gabi that Sir’s actions were less about power and revenge and more about sending a signal as to what he really wanted in this life.
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In that, he wanted Gabi, and the whole point of keeping Lacey, was to get Gabi within his clutches. Which prompted Gabi to turn herself over to Sir, to save her sister and to atone for her mistakes. But thanks to Lacey’s quick thinking, Sir returned to the world, and she was able to come home. Giving rise to an imperfect yet welcome ending to this story. One that truly spoke to how we overthink solutions sometimes, and how difficult it can be to see things objectively once we have that complex solution in our minds. But when we do step back and think, wonders are accomplished. All of which made for an incredible episode. One that was intense, engaging and outright thrilling from beginning to end, and it also once again… upped the stakes for this series. Because now a wounded and angry, and unfulfilled Sir is on the loose… and who knows what ugly things he will do to claim Gabi at last. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that the hit sitcom, Reba, was nothing short of a pop culture phenomenon. In large part because it offered up one catchy theme song that people still hum and sing to this day. But also, because it served as the next generation of sitcom. One that harbored a little more heart than we were used to and one that really did resonate with audiences, and it also felt as though… it was its own singular chapter for the Queen of Country, Reba McEntire, who was of course the star of the show. For upon the show’s finale in 2007, that was seemingly that for Reba. For while she still remained at the top of the pop culture lexicon in various ways, she simply did not return to the sitcom world.
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But that changes tonight. For this evening will see the debut of Happy’s Place. A new sitcom on NBC that features Reba as the star and well, it is safe to say that a lot of questions surround her return. Because while fans of Reba and fans of television are indeed excited for more Reba, since she’s wonderful on screen… there is always that concern that the new show might be trying to replicate lightning in a bottle or just serve as a clone of what worked well back in the day. Especially with Kevin Abbott, a former EP on Reba and former co-star Melissa Peterman joining this show as well, and thankfully, we here at NTG are happy to report, that any concerns you have about this being a clone or being something familiar can be put to rest.

Courtesy of the fact that show harbors a wonderfully unique story. One where Reba plays Bobbie, the new owner of Happy’s Place, a comfortable bar in Knoxville, Tennessee and she is the new owner simply because the old owner, her father, recently passed away and handed it down to his daughter. With a twist. For just as Bobbie is ready to implement a new chapter for the business, Isabella walks into her life. Who turns out to be her half-sister, and according to the Will, the new co-owner as well. Which puts this duo at odds as they work to navigate a shocking new normal and get to know one another because they are indeed family, and family is forever. Which really is… a refreshing plot for a sitcom, one that is loaded to the brim with depth and heart.

Simply because, this is that rare comedy that examines loss and new chapters. Since Bobbie is not only dealing with the pain of losing her father, but the fact that he lived a life she knew nothing of and fathered a second family she also knew nothing of. Which is a lot to process, and it’s a ton to process for Isabella as well. Who really didn’t know her father and is now thrust into a world and a life she doesn’t understand, and we quickly see those elements play out here and offer depth and gravity to this story, and that does indeed make this sitcom special. Since it presents us with a refreshing story, we find ways to relate to since we’ve all dealt with loss, or will, and there are folks out there who come to discover their parents have some real skeletons in their closet. 

However, it isn’t all deep moments and reflections at Happy’s Place. As mentioned before, it is a sitcom, and it is a funny one at that, courtesy of the fact that the show knows exactly when to lean back from the heavy stuff and fire off a joke, and the cast only adds to the wonder of the comedy and this show. For it is one that is diverse and filled with actors who give wonderful life to their characters, and harbor amazing comedic timing. And it is wonderful to see Melissa Peterman back on our screens as the goofy Gabby. But truly, it is Belissa Escobedo and Rebca McEntire that lead the charge here, since they are the central actors that drive the themes and the jokes, and they play off of each other well as Isabella and Robbie, respectively, and really help to sell the laughter and the tender moments and the best news of all, is that you don’t have to wait all that much longer to enjoy Reba’s delightful return to comedy. For Happy’s Place debuts tonight on NBC, and we certainly hope you give it a look. For this series really is the beginning of something quite heartfelt, and special.

Nerds That Geek was also able to attend the NBC Segment of the Television Critics Association 2024 Summer Press Tour, where ‘Happy’s Place’ was showcased and where Showrunner Kevin Abbott, and stars Reba McEntire (Robbie), Belissa Escobedo (Isabella), Melissa Peterman (Gabby), Pablo Castelblanco (Steve), Tokala Black Elk (Takoda), and Rex Linn (Emmett)  offered the following thoughts on the show’s depth, Reba’s return to comedy and reuniting with Melissa, what it was like for Belissa to work with a mega-star and education regarding their characters and their journey to being cast in the show.

Kevin Abbott: “We like to tell stories that are reflective of little dilemmas that people actually encounter and to try to find humor in those encounters.  So it's just a pleasure to be able to kind of take everything that we have gone through in our lives and the growth that we've had and continue to apply them.  I mean, it's nice to do this at a tavern as opposed to a family show because we're both now at our stage where the kids are grown, so it's more interesting to us I think to do more adult stories even though they are told for a family.”

Reba McEntire: “Ever since we stopped doing the “Reba” TV show, we have been looking for another project to do together because we had fun, we had more stories to tell. When Kevin’s wife, Julie, came up with this idea, we all said, “Yes, let’s go for it!” I love the sitcom genre. Out of all the things I get to do, this is my favorite because it’s camaraderie, it’s fun, you just get to go to work and play, and it’s creative. It’s very comforting to me.  I absolutely love it and get to work with these folks? Icing on the cake.”

Melissa Peterman: “Twenty years since then, we've never really left each other.  I mean, the show ended.  We've been friends ever since.  We've done other things together.  I got to go on tour with her and open the show and do standup, and we vacation together.  We hang out, and we just were waiting for another project so we could actually go to work together again.  I think it's evolved to even -- you know, we had six years together, a 100-and-some episodes, we have such a shorthand, so it's such a luxury to come into the sitcom and to have Kevin, who knows my voice so well and can write to that, and Reba -- like it's just easy.  It's like riding a bike.”

Belissa Escobedo: “No, but, truly, Reba is Reba in like the biggest way, but when you walk in it's just Reba.  She's so sweet, and she made me feel so at home on set, in the room.”

Pablo Castelblanco: “So, Steve is the accountant of the bar, and he does his work at the bar, but he has OCD.  So, he doesn’t like change. Pushing himself out of his comfort zone is going to be most of his experience right now because he had a world set up in which, the bus was there and he was dealing already with Gabby, who's a lot of energy right in front of him.  He somehow is surviving.  Then comes the new co-owner of the bar.  Now his whole world is going to be really shaken.  I'm just really excited to show that kind of person dealing through life. We all go to therapy.  We all do our work.  So, I feel like we can see in Steve that kind of heart -- like a family environment -- and I feel like "Happy's Place" highlights how a place where your co-workers are your family lets you have some safety net to grow and get better.  So, that's what I'm excited for Steve.”

Tokala Black Elk: “I like to have fun.  I’m a guy that plays a character who is supposed to be the nicest person you're ever going to meet.  That is the essence of ‘Happy's Place’ for me as far as looking at it through my character as well.  That's his happy place, right?  So, I'm looking forward to meeting you at my character's happy place, and I look forward to it being your happy place as well.”
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Rex Linn: “When she agrees to play a role, I'm looking at her, going [GESTURES].  You know what, it's funny because starting with ‘The Hammer,’ there was a role in that movie, and Reba was 110% behind getting me to be a part of it.  So, that was wonderful.  It really is Reba because then ‘Big Sky’ came along, and she was talking to the producers on Zoom.  They were talking about her character.  They were campaigning for her to be on the show.  So, I just walked back in the background a couple of times, out of focus, which always happens, and then pretty soon, Reba wondered if her character had a husband, and I was going [GESTURES].  Anyway, that happened too.  And now, I'm really glad to be a part of this.  I owe it all to Reba and Kevin and everybody that's brought me on board, and I just feel really lucky about it.”