‘Happy’s Place’ Recap: ‘Emcee Squared’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

HAPPY'S PLACE -- "Emcee Squared" Episode 109 -- Pictured: (l-r) Reba McEntire as Bobbie, Melissa Peterman as Gabby, Tokala Black Elk as Takoda, Belissa Escobedo as Isabella, Rex Linn as Emmett, Pablo Castelblanco as Steve -- (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Happy’s Place’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Something we don’t consider all that much when someone we love dearly passes away, is how best to honor their memory. Because they’re gone now, and all the special moments they brought into the world are things we want to keep alive and well… that really is a reality that eludes us early on in the healing process. But it is an important question to ask ourselves as we heal and one that requires deep consideration. Because it will come up down the line and being prepared for it will allow for us to honor them quickly. But of course, that’s easier said and done because of the power of grief from loss and because of life, really, since it can help us to forget such matters.

So, how then do we honor those we love when we realize it is important? Well, it just so happens the next episode of Happy’s Place on NBC takes the time to explore just that. A feat that ‘Emcee Squared’ accomplished by way of the arrival for an important event at the bar. For the bar’s Anniversary Party was on the horizon and well, Isabella and the audience learned that this was something the regulars looked forward to. For it featured a raffle, some good old-fashioned karaoke, and a big-time roast. One where Happy used to give the regulars the business and it was such a fun moment that all loved it and Bobbie, wanted to keep that alive and honor her father in doing so. The only question was… who was best suited to honor Happy in that manner?

At first, Bobbie felt she was the right one to make that happen. After all, she was Happy’s daughter and felt she could muster up some fine jokes that would make her daddy proud. But Gabby wanted in on this too and also believed she could fire off some great jokes and also elicit that sense of pride and well, that led to an agreement to bring forth quite the challenge. Wherein Bobbie and Gabby would square off to determine who should be the Emcee, and that led… to a lot of laughs. Since Bobbie and Gabby employed Isabella and Steve, respectively, to write their jokes. Which in turn brought about some intense competition between that duo, all because they wanted their side to win. But all laughs aside, Takoda did correctly point out that there was something amiss about going this route.

For it really did pit friend against friend and likely wasn’t in the spirit of really honoring Happy. So, he wanted no part of it and that made for a tense showdown between Gabby and Bobbie, wherein it was Emmett that addressed all the issues with this. For he correctly pointed out, in his own special way… that Gabby and Bobbie were trying to replace Happy, and that was impossible, and that it was about honoring him in a manner that was satisfactory to his spirit. So, he suggested they both host the roast, and play off of one another’s strengths. Because then, it was done in the spirit of Happy and it would not divide a soul, and prompt so many to keep his spirit alive by thinking fondly upon him in that moment, while embracing a new chapter.

Which brought forth, another beautiful and funny tale from this series. Since it really did hammer home the answer to our question in a dynamic manner that helps all. One that truly speaks to our own unique experience with the person we lost, while also reminding us, that we are stronger together and that we should always acknowledge how much impact a single life has upon so many. But make no mistake about it, the jokes were great here. In fact, the rivalry between Isabella and Steve was epic and unexpected and is worth revesting. But in the here and the now, this was just a lovely tale, one that stayed true to what this story stands for. Since it is about healing and moving forward, and it will be interesting to see what other beautiful lessons await us, as season one of this heartwarming show continues along. Until next time.

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