Happy’s Place Season 1, Episode 14, “Accountability” Spoilers Ahead
Sure, Happy’s Place spreads an important message about paying attention, but “Accountability” is sadly the dullest episode thus far. The emotional narratives that often keep this show exciting are missing and while the jokes are unquestionably funny, it simply doesn’t hit.
It’s tax season, and when Isabella questions Steve’s work by making sure she has to read everything, it turns into a weird game of manipulation where it’s all about as the title promises. Elsewhere, Gabby is preparing for her baby by taking more steps and treating her body like a temple.
Happy’s Place Season 1, Episode 14 Misses the Mark
I’ve not made it a secret that I not only relate to Steve’s OCD but how I admire the way the show handles conversations around it. For a moment there, it felt like we’d get a bit more insight into how it feels when people question our abilities to do our jobs, but instead, the episode masks that very real frustration with unoriginal jokes and a game that goes on for too long. As a stickler for following the rules and not wanting to mess things up, I get the importance of an episode like “Accountability” however, the execution falls under the cracks.
Yes, Bobbie should read things, and yes, she should let Steve do his job thoroughly by breaking everything down, but this wasn’t something that needed to turn and turn until we got to some gotcha moment. In addition, because the episode doesn’t touch on how frustrating it is when someone’s job is undermined, it makes the whole thing that much more lackluster. If we’d at least explored how it’s insulting for Steve to be questioned, then the emotional crux of that issue would ensure that the execution would feel more earned.
Similarly, Happy’s Place Season 1, Episode 14, “Accountability,” explores the same matter with Gabby, but even that feels like it occurs in a clipped manner. I would’ve loved to see more of Takoda and Gabby interacting like this, so it’s odd that the balance is lacking. It’s especially jarring because, for thirteen episodes now, the show has proven that it’s excellent at balancing its heart and humor. Only, this episode unfortunately lacks balance, focusing more on the humor than anything else.
There’s also something to be said about how accountability isn’t something someone can learn in a single day. There’s a lot that goes into changing someone’s way of operating when it comes to what they’re responsible for, so it feels a bit strange that this episode kickstarts the matter and seems to close it simultaneously. If it comes back around during the rest of the season, then there’s something to discuss about how authentic the portrayal feels because few things are truer than the fact that human beings are flawed and nothing is an overnight fix.
Overall, Happy’s Place Season 1, Episode 14, “Accountability,” isn’t the worst episode I’ve ever seen, but it lacks the show’s general charm that makes it a wholesome balm on TV. Though knowing this show and these characters, imperfect episodes aren’t a bad thing. They’re sometimes understandable for the sake of establishing tone, characters, and shifts in the narrative.
Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Happy’s Place Season 1, Episode 14, “Accountability?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)