Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 1 Review: ‘Promises, Promises’

Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 1, “Promises, Promises” Spoilers Ahead

Happy’s Place is finally back with the type of bombshell episode that makes “Promises, Promises” an excellent premiere. So much of what happens throughout the episode is thoroughly unexpected, and yet, that’s exactly why it works. The wide range of emotions it manages to evoke in us is something that’s about to make the show even more gripping in its sophomore year, and if that’s not a good sign, then I don’t know what is.

Taking into account all the revelations from its Season 1 finale, “Alarm Bells,” Bobbie and Emmett are no longer subtle about their feelings for one another. However, there’s a huge wall standing before them, and it’s not about to fall any time soon. Or is it?

Bobby and Emmett Sitting in a Tree … Sort Of 

Nothing is more apparent than the fact that Reba McEntire and Rex Linn are having an absolute blast playing off each other in Happy’s Place’s “Promises, Promises.” The ridiculous banter that’s now ten times more obvious is both hilarious and precious, but more importantly, it feels entirely believable because we have concrete evidence of how they got there. While it was easy to expect that the two of them would maybe take things a bit slower, it makes sense that these changes would also be hot and cold.

Neither of them is ready for a real relationship, and yet at the same time, they are. Human emotions can be so fickle sometimes, and the whirlwind we’re getting between these two not only feels believable, but it’s perfectly in character for them. It feels right that they’d stay up all night talking, then openly flirt with each other, but hesitate to take that final step toward becoming a couple. It feels right that secrets would be standing in their way, but also that Bobbie would be the one to make the first move in finally kissing him.

It also feels right that the show would honor its debut season premiere by bringing another secret into the equation to stand as a wall before the characters. It allows every narrative choice in the episode to make sense, and it also justifies character actions in a way that makes every emotion feel more raw and precious. 

Emmett’s Shocking Promise in Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 1 Brings a Big Cliffhanger 

But of course, no road to a happy ending could ever be easy, and it’s unclear how long Bobbie will stay in the dark about Emmett’s real secret. Still, it’s something that can deliver the type of necessary angst that’ll contribute to the show’s charm in a way that’s bound to make everything more captivating. Comedies need higher stakes, too, and this is ideal for my angst-loving heart on all levels.

Emmett knowing about Isabella for years is a massive twist. Bobbie could’ve forgiven her baby sister and even Happy for keeping this identity a secret, but it’ll naturally be harder to forgive Emmet. He was supposed to be her best friend. This should’ve come out years ago, and the fact that she likely won’t find out from him but by some accidental version is likely going to make forgiveness that much harder. (It bears saying that I don’t actually know the series will address this, but assuming the worst is always better than a more positive outcome.) But say it with me, angst. 

The angst that follows this will be good for both Bobbie and Emmett, and it’ll help them navigate this new relationship better. A large part of the reason the other characters are hesitant to see them get together is that their breakup would impact them all, and that’s likely something that’ll happen at least once after they get together. Still, when the two of them cross that bridge and find their way back to each other, breaking down this final wall is going to be the thing that makes them even stronger as a couple. It’s necessary and important, proving that thoughtful writers are still at the helm.

Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 1, “Promises, Promises,” is the type of solid season premiere that’s bound to stir conversations. Feelings are up in the air, but hope is still at large, and everything is a little brighter now that we’re back at our favorite fictional tavern. 

Stray Thoughts

• What an opening! What’s happening?!!! 
• Steve and Takoda mimicking Bobbie and Emmett is everything to me. 
• This time jump is wild. I’m getting whiplash.
• Bobbie looks so cute in this episode, I’m crying again. 
• Are these two okay?!!!!
• “You want to spit it out, or are you gonna do some more community theatre first?” took me out.
• HE MADE A PROMISE TO HAPPY?!!!!
• SWIM OR DIE. 
• Bobbie’s so unserious. I would do anything for her.
• He’s known about Isabella for Y E A R S??!!!! Guys, I’m crashing out so hard over this.

Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 1, “Promises, Promises?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)