Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 13, “A New Chapter” Spoilers Ahead
“A New Chapter” is indeed, as the title promises, a new chapter with substantial changes in store for Gabby as Happy’s Place finally brings her mom into the picture. Things aren’t always what they seem, and that’s especially the case as Gabby’s mom, Val, puts everyone on edge, making them all question…well, everything.
The focus on Gabby also gives Melissa Peterman exceptional material to work with, showcasing that her acting chops extend far beyond comedy. It’s a solid episode, and features another excellent guest star like last week’s “Social Discontent” did, which makes it a win two weeks in a row.
Jane Lynch Guest Stars as Gabby’s Mom Val in Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 13
We all pointed to our screens like Leonardo DiCaprio in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood and screamed Jane Lynch, right? The Happy’s Place team could not have found a more fitting person to fill the shoes of a character we only knew about through flashes, and it’s brilliant on all fronts to see her play opposite Melissa Peterman.
The two women were wholly entertaining together as Val played a completely different game than what Gabby had prepared for us, making the entire episode intriguing from start to finish. It’s easy in scenarios like this to think that maybe women like Val can indeed change, but as Lynch expertly makes it clear through a nuanced performance, Val is a conundrum who knows exactly what she’s doing. A master puppeteer in the art of ensuring that she’s always taking care of herself first and foremost. “A New Chapter” essentially reveals that the only reason she’s back is due to the fact that she’s divorcing Gabby’s dad and no longer has a place to stay, all while Gabby momentarily basks in the love she’s always wanted.
The narrative provides a really interesting space to deep dive into motives as Isabella and Steve question whether Gabby has embellished some of the stories she’s told them. But as we subtly see, Val is a master manipulator. And it’s interesting to see it through characters, too.
However, where Gabby is concerned, it’s also so deeply human and so normal for her to lose herself in the temporary attention as Val voices her excitement about Gabby wanting a baby. All of that comes to a head when Bobbie convinces Gabby to come forward with the truth, but her mom still keeps up the front, trying to secure a place to stay. The shift in placing mother and daughter at an odd sort of balanced spot for the time being makes me hopeful that we might see Lynch back again in the future. There’s a lot that Gabby has to learn in coping with the damage her mother had caused, but as Bobbie reminds her, she’s already been through the storm. And the word through is what’s important here as we move forward. She’s done the work. She’s made substantial changes.
Bobbie Continues to Have Gabby’s Back
There are few things lovelier than strong female friendships on TV, and the episode does a gorgeous job of reminding us that Bobbie and Gabby belong on the list of greats. The two women have been through a great deal tougher, and the working relationship between Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman makes it extra special. Even if audience members weren’t aware of the fact that they’ve known each other for years, we can feel the comforting familiarity between them through the performances. We can understand exactly why their dynamic is so special.
And in Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 13, “A New Chapter,” there’s a certainty in how fiercely Bobbie stands beside Gabby. She doesn’t just believe the stories she’s been told, but she sees it in how Gabby carries herself, and as a mother, she understands that no one should have experienced what she has. That’s why it’s so much easier for her to not only remind Gabby of all that she’s been through and can continue to survive with her strength, but she can also wordlessly threaten Val, reminding her that she’s always watching.
Now, sure, Val wordlessly fires back with the reveal that she’s also watching Bobbie, but we all know that if there’s one person who’ll have Gabby’s back through the end, it’s her Bobbie. It’s her found family—Isabella, Emmett, Steve, and Takoda, included—who’ll always ensure that whatever love she’s always been desperate for from her mother, she can find it in them. And there’s a lot of beauty in that knowledge. A lot of comfort, too.
Stray Thoughts
- Gabby’s moving on from wanting a baby.
- Oh, so this episode is a horror movie.
- Melissa Peterman is clearly having a blast with the beginning of this episode!
- JANE! LYNCH!
- “There she is, Bobbie! The root of all evil!”
- “She’d never show up without an invitation. She’s like a vampire” is sending me!
- What game is this woman playing?
- “A lot of people don’t appreciate zucchini.” It’s because a lot of people can’t actually make zucchini taste good or it isn’t fried.
- Barrata isn’t the forgotten cheese.
- Gabby’s parents were together? Why have we never heard of her dad?
- Gabby just wants a connection. ☹️
- Not Val triggering Steve’s OCD with that dirty tissue!
- “Children can ruin your life.” Diabolical.
- THOSE FINAL LOOKS.
Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Happy’s Place Season 2, Episode 13, “A New Chapter?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)