Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 9, “Silence Was Golden” Spoilers Ahead
Finally—Emmett’s secret is out, and the relationship between him and Bobbie is sadly over. Yet, every part of this outcome is fully expected, and it makes the latest episode of Happy’s Place a strong showcase of what it means to be family. Because even though it led to the breakup we knew was coming, we’re now back at a place where everything feels more honest.
“Silence Was Golden” is also a tremendous showcase of how gifted Reba McEntire continues to be, because how she’s able to convey so much with so few words is an art form in and of itself. Masterful on all fronts and a stark reminder that comedy actors are generally some of the most underrated stars in our industry.
Bobbie and Emmett Break Up in Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 9
As someone who’s been rooting for Bobbie and Emmett to get together since the pilot episode, it’s a strange feeling to be okay with the turn of events in “Silence Was Golden.” Because really, having a relationship begin with a secret looming over a couple’s heads is worse than not having the relationship at all. But more than anything, because we know that Bobbie and Emmett love each other, we can be confident in the fact that this isn’t the end—it’s a temporary hindrance towards forever.
And in comes my favorite trope: the second chance romance. So ultimately, all of this works to my benefit because I get to not only see a pairing I adore, but I get to watch them live out my favorite trope. But in all seriousness, what this breakup can do for the show is huge because the second chance romance is such an emotionally gripping trope that where we’ll be the next time they get together can be amazing. The angst. The longing. The love that’ll grow day by day, even when they aren’t together. Truly, chef’s kiss.
Before Bobbie understandably ends things with Emmett, she’s getting ready to tell him that she loves him, and she even tells Isabella that this is sooner than she’s ever felt it before. The fact isn’t shocking to us as the audience because we know that Emmett and Bobbie were best friends long before, so the progression to falling in love was a long time coming. It makes every confession and every new milestone more seamless because they’re already so comfortable with each other. It’s also what makes Bobbie forgiving Emmett easier because while it’s hard to stay in a relationship knowing he’s kept the secret, it isn’t hard to understand him or to continue loving him. She can still love him as her best friend, and romantically from a distance, too.
It’s also what’s going to make their eventual reunion easier because trust here isn’t a bulldozed wall, but it’s a fractured piece of the foundation they’ve been solidifying for years. Bobbie knows Emmett’s heart, and she can understand that he never meant to hurt her, even if she can’t look past it. She also understands that her father was at fault for making him keep the secret in the first place. The bigger issue here isn’t that Emmett knew, but rather, he waited three months to tell her, which again, in a lot of ways, is also understandable.
Another plus side to how the breakup is written in Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 9, “Silence Was Golden,” is that everything’s okay with everyone at the tavern. On any other show, their breakup could’ve had an impact on the other characters, but because there’s so much love and respect between them, that isn’t the case here. Instead, everything’s okay, even if everyone’s a little sad.
It’s impossible to end this review without obsessing over McEntire a bit because she’s that sensational. Her expressions throughout the episode are going to haunt me throughout the hiatus, but the number of emotions she conveys with every look is indescribable. How one slight twitch of her mouth shows us everything she’s keeping tucked away is no small feat, and the hurricane of hurt that whirls in her eyes is enormous. Performer of the week, maybe the whole month, without a question.
Stray Thoughts
- Isabella making this trad wife joke is frying me. She’s not wrong!
- I also really appreciate how Emmett reacts to Isabella crashing their date and hinting that she knows about the secret. It’s a clear sign of how much it’s tormenting him and also how much he respects both women to be transparent with them.
- “Of course, we’re busy. No one wants to be alone with their thoughts.”
- Gabby’s mom stories are always so awful.
- “I’m just into the romance genre.” I got recs for you, girly.
- Steve’s straight face telling them both that Takoda’s in love with them is WILD.
- I’m still so sad over Gabby’s arc from last week’s “The Name Game,” and I hope we follow up with it when the show resumes.
Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 9, “Silence Was Golden?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)