‘Happy’s Place’ Recap: ‘Dear Jack’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

HAPPY'S PLACE -- "Dear Jack" Episode 108 -- Pictured: (l-r) Melissa Peterman as Gabby, Reba McEntire as Bobbie, Rex Linn as Emmett, Tokala Black Elk as Takoda -- (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 108 of ‘Happy’s Place’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one question, we ask ourselves often in this life, it would be… what is the point of family? Because sometimes, our family, be it chosen or be it by blood… frustrates us to no end. Because they make poor choices in the moment or sometimes take on bad advice, and we are the ones that have to help them see the light and right the wrong and that’s tough. But we do it, because family is everything, and they would be there to help us if we needed it and it often takes those tough moments to appreciate what we have, and that is top of mind today, because everyone went through those ups and downs of family life in the next episode of Happy’s Place on NBC.

For ‘Dear Jack’ saw a few things take place in the bar. Such as how a review of the bar made Gabby feel inadequate and it wounded her. Mainly because the review praised Emmett over anyone else and called her out with the wrong name and that just sent her into a tailspin. Because she wanted to feel recognized and loved and important, and she lashed out at Emmett over this. Going so far as to try and outcook Emmett and snap at him. Which Takoda pointed out was mean and wrong and that prompted Gabby to be reminded of how we need to celebrate the wins even when they’re off by a bit. Since the article DID praise her, and respect others and celebrate their wins too. Because family is all in it together and that made for harmony once she learned that lesson.

While Gabby learned that lesson, Bobbie was learning some of her own about the ups and downs of family life via Isabella. Since she revealed she had a boyfriend back home that she refused to break up with. Despite the fact the relationship was not going well, and that Isabella was unhappy. Which prompted Bobbie to offer up an old remedy, the Dear John letter. Which should have put an end to this quick since the words within it were strong and decisive. But alas, it somehow motivated Jack, Isabella’s boyfriend, to pack up his life to be near Isabella. Which she quickly accepted for reasons that outright broke Bobbie’s heart. Because Isabella just spoke to how she found safety within a status quo, and that she likely would never do better.

But Bobbie knew Isabella was destined for more, and that with honest advice and the right guidance that only family could provide… she could find more. So, Bobbie spoke from the heart and talked up her little sister and that did indeed prompt Isabella to stand tall and take agency of her life. Because better was out there and she could have it. All of which brought forth… a perfect examination of how family life both frustrates and inspires. Because it is filled with rivalries and stupid decisions like what Gabby did here. But it is also filled with tempered minds and kind souls that keep us on track and remind us to be better to others, and of course… it showcased how we have a positive impact on family in both storylines. Since Takoda did guide Gabby back to the light side and Bobbie… was just the best here.

Because she really did play the part of big sister, and she really did the right thing here once she looked past the letters and the fluffy manner in which she thought this could end. And in doing so, she gave Isabella one hell of a boost. One that she will carry with her for some time and all of this… made for a beautiful episode. One that just reminded us of the beauty of family, and how it really is worth its weight in gold. Because where else do you get the honesty, we saw here? The love we saw here, and well… that made for a satisfying and funny journey. One that definitely left us with our hearts filled, and our minds ready… for more beautiful lessons from this downhome series about the people we call… kin. Until next time.

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