Happy Endings Season 3 Episode 5 Recap: Quaint
The dialogue on Happy Endings moves faster than any other sitcom on TV at this very moment. It moves so fast that the show has referenced that itself once or twice in past episodes. At times it moves too fast and can be hard to keep up with, and I think it moves so fast that some dialogue that’s a bit vulgar, goes right past you (and the censors, clearly) We’ll get to the episode as a whole in a bit but for me, this episode was made x10 better than it really was if only because of this line “Quaint? Like the place between a gal’s goal and her goalpost?” Think about it…. There you go. Right? RIGHT!? This line went over my head for a brief second and then when I got it, I lost myself. HOW WAS THIS EVEN ALLOWED? Who cares? It’s amazing and a perfect example of what this show is doing what the other shows aren’t.
And then there was the rest of the episode, which I mostly enjoy. Penny’s storyline, as always, was the saving grace of an otherwise standard episode of this show. It just felt…forced. Most of the jokes fell flat or were forced (especially concerning the Dave/Max storyline). Again, it was a fine episode, but coming off of having just re-watched the entire second season (some episodes twice or three times) it fails in comparison, which isn’t fair, I know, but something is happening with this season and I can’t put my finger on it. The second season mostly worked with situational storylines and it was much more episodic than with a continuing, yearlong storyline like this season seems to be going after, and for me, that approach worked better.
As for everyone else? I thought Jane’s storyline was fairly conventional and Eliza wasn’t left with much to do, allowing Damon Wayans Jr. to come in for the save. This is how they work as a pair though, right? If one isn’t working with the best material, they never try to over compensate but let one another shine (my point ties into their plotline perfectly). Brad’s final few minutes in the car dealership were absolutely brilliant and that final scene with the pig was a nice touch (and I think it might’ve been a little off the cuff which made me love it more). But then there is Dave. Oh, Dave. Our “friend” Dave. We Need To Talk About Dave. Dave continues to be the black hole of this entire show, even when the episode is great. Zachary Knighton isn’t at fault (entirely) but the character is just so boring and dry in comparison to everyone else that when he’s given the spotlight, it sucks the life out of the episode. I wish this would change soon.
This episode was also filled with guest stars which is a hit or miss moment for most sitcoms. Some have been great (Megan Mullally) and some have not (Damon Wayans) and tonight’s episode had 3: Nick Zano, Rob Corddry and Jon Daly. Nick Zano was the only one I found to be remotely interesting, even his comedic timing (or lack of original storyline) isn’t there. I’d like to see more of his relationship with Penny (deemed P&P Love Factory by Penny herself, naturally).