Courtesy of ABC
Is this the end? Who knows, but if it is we can all take solace in knowing that our friends went out doing what they do best, making us laugh until we pee a little. This week’s double dose of Happy Endings are the last two episodes of the season, possibly the series, and they leave it all on the floor, like the ballers we’ve come to love. Let’s review.
In the first episode of the evening Megan Mullally and Michael McKean return as Penny’s (Casey Wilson) mom and Dave’s (Zachary Knighton) dad. The last time they were in town they started dating which freaked everybody out. This time they’ve returned to freak Penny and Dave out again by announcing they want to adopt a baby. Penny and Dave band together to stop their parents from what will surely be a catastrophic mistake by trying to steal a baby. Wait, what? Of course kidnapping a baby also seems like a bad mistake, but who’s keeping score?
I love when Penny’s mom shows up and having Dave’s dad there is just a bonus. While not the funniest storyline of the night, I still enjoy seeing Penny and Dave band together, even if it is insane. Like seriously, they tried to kidnap a baby. That shit is crazy! Crazier than Dave trying to scat, to show how jazzed he is. Penny’s reaction is simultaneously hilarious and appropriate for that scary display of musicality.
Courtesy of ABC
Now during Penny and Dave’s momentary lapse in sanity, the rest of the gang is busy playing an epic tennis game that will seal the fate of Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.) , Jane (Eliza Coupe), Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) and Max (Adam Pally) forever. Okay well, it has more to do with a country club admission, but the game itself is hilarious. Seeing Jane and Brad give the beat down to Max and Alex is by far the funniest part of the episode, especially their colorful display of sportsmanship at the end. When Jane grabs Alex’s racket and started smashing it, I lost it.
There are so many great moments in this episode, and everyone brings their A game. Especially Max’s hair. Also, Max and Alex walking up to Brad and Jane at the club with coconut drinks in hand, classic. It certainly is a wonderful day for tennis-ing.
And if you were worried that the second episode couldn’t possibly continue that level of hilariousness, well have no fear. The second episode brings the goods. Centring around Jane and Alex’s other sister, Brooke (Stephanie March) and her pending nuptials, the episode not only brings the funny but also the bittersweet as we learn that Dave and Alex have broken up.
I am a little sad over this development. I was really getting used to these two as a couple and found them to be a sweet if somewhat dim-witted duo. I will hand it to the writers who handle the break-up perfectly. While not wallowing in the sadness they give us just a few scenes between Dave and Alex to show that there is still love there but just as friends…for now. I won’t lie I am still rooting for them as a couple, but I can accept that they want to be friends.
Courtesy of ABC
And let’s be honest, I still have my favorite couple, Brad and Jane, who are feeling the pressure as Brooke and her new man, Elliot (James Lesure) are winning over everyone. It’s great to see Brad and Jane sweat a little. Especially Jane who’s neurotic perfectionism can sometimes get a little annoying. Seeing her freak out and lose her cool reminds us all that she is in fact flawed, and lovably so.
Not to mention Brad who’s annoyed that Elliot is so easily accepted by the Kerkovich clan after he had to prove himself over and over again. It can be a hard and lonely road as the trailblazer. Especially without the companionship of Blair Underwood.
Both episodes remind us just how great this show can be, and it would be a shame if ABC decided not to renew this show, depriving us of one of TVs greatest comedies. If that does happen, we can only hope that the rumours of a network switch are true. Hey it worked for Cougar Town right?
Funniest lines of the night:
Penny: “What do we think? This is great news. What flavor are you thinkin’. Black, Asian, original recipe?”
Penny: “This is now officially my worst nightmare. That’s right Jason Giambi sex dream, you’re out!”
Jane: “Really? You fit in? Alex, you’ve asked three people if they have any Grey Poupon.”
Alex: “Sure.”
Jane: “And Max, you look like John McEnroe’s fat cousin, John Mac n’ Cheese”
Dave: “So we both agree, we don’t tell everyone till after your sister’s wedding, right?”
Alex: “Yeah, it would be too much of a distraction. Plus my family is so gossipy and they always get the story wrong. Remember that one time you said you liked Sinead O’Connor and by the time it got back to us you were teaching Wicca at a women’s college.”
Dave: “You’re the only one that I told.”
Alex: “Exactly.”
Brooke: “Well thank you for having us in your home Jane. Have you been renovating? Because it looks like everything is covered with a thin layer of dust.”
Jane: “Good catch, yeah I must of just cleaned thoroughly instead of compulsively.”
Jane: “Good note Brooke….lamination Jane? Why don’t you just cover it in glitter you cheap whore!”
Aunt: “So Alex, drinking? In your condition, isn’t that..”
Penny: “Acceptable in Europe, yes. How very French of you Alex.”
Alex: “Yes it is. Oh la la. Pepe La Pew. French Stewart.”
What did you guys think? Did you love the tennis match? Were you loving Max’s hair? Are you upset that Dave and Alex broke up? Did you enjoy seeing Brad and Jane sweat? Sound off below, or just reminisce about your favorite episode of the series. Let’s share the love.
Happy Endings airs Friday nights at 8pm and 8:30pm EST on ABC.