Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 3, “Straw Man” Spoilers Ahead
Happy’s Place follows up on a significant matter and actually makes a concrete decision that’s going to change the trajectory of a character’s life, but secrets are still buried elsewhere. Sigh. But really, it’s okay, because “Straw Man” is Gabby and Isabella’s episode, and it’s a good one at that. It feels…right. Lovely, in every way.
And if nothing else, it’s another solid reminder of how steady these friendships are—how real and true. Friends like this don’t come by often, and when they do, holding on for dear life makes every tough decision easier.
Gabby Makes a Decision in Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 3
After going back and forth multiple times—and rightfully so—because choosing a sperm donor is a big decision, Gabby finally chooses someone she believes will be the best match for her. And I also appreciate the fact that they were called out for trying to lure Chance to the tavern in the first place. So it’s not him, but it’s…drum roll—Luigi. And hopefully he’s as good a match as Gabby thinks, but what we really need to talk about here is the gorgeous performance Melissa Peterman delivers when Gabby asks Emmett if he thinks she’ll be a good mom.
There’s so much sincerity and genuine heart in that moment that screams so loud, it broke my heart and stitched it back together. Gabby was a standout character in last week’s “I’ve Got a Secret,” too, so this is especially easy to appreciate. At the same time, what she expresses are deeply understandable fears that almost every woman has, making it profoundly relatable to anyone who wants a child. You could want one so bad, but it’s an entire human life you’re responsible for, and what if—just what if—you mess it up?
More than anything, for this scene to occur with Emmett is what’s so important because he means every word when he says that she would be. There’s no doubt about it. Gabby would be a great mom because Gabby cares deeply and she’ll consistently go out of her way to do whatever’s necessary to care for her child. It’s wholesome in every way, and it’s exactly what makes Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 3, “Straw Man,” such a sweet episode.
Isabella Finds Some Clarity
Isabella also gets a great arc in this episode as she agrees to go to Takoda’s daughter’s school to talk about what it’s like to be an entrepreneur. The problem is, Isabella can’t offer the type of advice most people would need because much of it fell on her lap. However, that doesn’t mean it’s been easy for her, nor does it mean that it’s easy for anyone.
We’re living in such different times than we were back in the day. Today, for most people, the payoff of hard work takes years and years longer. On the surface, that can sometimes make someone feel like failure, but it’s the polar opposite of it because all it means is that they’re (we’re) continuing to try. Isabella is trying, even if so much of her life is moving in a different direction than she thought it’d be.
The detail that each of these characters continues to have such intriguing complexities while they all continue to show up for one another is what makes Happy’s Place so lovely. None of them are perfect. None of them have it together. And yet, they have each other, which these days equates to everything.
Stray Thoughts
- “And why isn’t it juvenile when Emmett makes a joke?”
- Oh my God, Isabella’s fit is so perfect!!
- “We only care about what’s in his genes.” “Yes, I heard that.” 😂
- Aw, Takoda’s daughter!
- “That’s how you know God is a man.” 😂
- Guys, I really, really hate that Emmett is still keeping this secret. They’re so precious together, but it’s marring everything a little bit. Like hot? Keep kissing, please. But OMG JUST TELL HER!
- “I like country songs. I don’t want to be one.”
- Gabby ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 3, “Straw Man?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)