Courtesy of ABC
It’s time for the Christmas themed episode of Happy Endings. I love Christmas episodes, I still watch the My So Called Life xmas episdoe every year along with the Popular episode (from season 1…the good season). There’s nothing like seeing some of our favorite characters get into the spirit. And unlike last year’s mediocre offering, this year is a pleasant surprise. Could this season have finally hit its stride? Let’s review.
We all have friends that have birthdays around or on Christmas, and we all feel sorry for them. Especially if they get the dreaded Christmas/Birthday gift. So it’s easy to feel sorry for Jane (Eliza Coupe) after we learn about her true birthday…day. Luckily for her, the gang bands together to banish Christmas in lieu of Janemas. (insert jazz hands) Of course they probably should have learned not to surprise her with this announcement. Especially after the last surprise birthday party went awry. Luckily for us, they didn’t remember and we got to see the gang get pepper sprayed…again.
Banning Christmas proves to be a harder task to accomplish, but Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.) is not going to let his lady love down…even though he can’t help but get down with Hip Hop Santa. But, I mean, who could resist the sweet moves of that awesome toy. If only Hip Hop Santa was the only obstacle in Brad’s way. No, he has to contend with Max’s (Adam Pally) addiction to eggnog (yarg) and Alex’s (Elisha Cuthbert) obsession with opening gifts. It’s fun to see Brad try to contain these two, and although I usually fawn over Brad I have to give it up to Max and Alex- they’re hilarious in this episode.
Max has definitely been lackluster since he broke up with Grant (James Wolk). He is actually my least favorite character on the show, but this week he charms his way back into my cold, empty heart. Which is funny because I find eggnog gag inducing so I guess two wrongs do make a right in this case. Seeing Max try to hide his addiction is hilarious, especially after Alex stabs him in the back and his secret stash sprays out all over the gang and the apartment. Pally can sometimes overplay his moments but he does a great job in this episode of toning down a bit of the craziness.
But the real treat this episode has to be Alex. Her crazy and somewhat scary addiction to opening presents on Christmas day was gut busting. Especially her increasing uneasiness over the fact that no presents are being opened. Culminating in the funniest moment of the night. (see below) I love when Alex get’s crazy and tough, and although I enjoy her dim wittedness, my favorite part of her character has to be her hidden bully.
Courtesy of ABC
While everyone else was going crazy over Janemas, Penny (Casey Wilson) and Dave (Zachary Knighton) were trying to find the perfect present for Pete (Nick Zano). Wow, a three episode boyfriend for Penny, that’s a real commitment. I was excited to see Dave and Penny hang out again, they haven’t had a storyline together since last season. And while I thought this would allude to their will they or won’t they quasi-romance, nothing was mentioned. Which makes me think they might have put this idea to rest. Sorry all you Penny/Dave fans, looks like that ship has sailed…for now.
This episode definitely continues the winning streak that started with last week’s episode. We had some great laughs and some sweet moments. That big ass candle was so adorable. As well, everyone got to be funny this week. Christmas truly is the season of sharing…the laughs.
Best lines of the night:
Penny: “I’ve never done Pilates. I just go to a bakery every Sunday….Oh i thought we were all admitting stuff….so just Jane?”
Jane: “And you know, a summer birthday really matches my easy breezy vibe.”
Dave: “Easy, breezy vibe? I thought you had more of a dead of winter, Girl With a Dragon Tattoo, Saarsgard, murder house vibe.”
Penny: “Yes! Yes!”
Penny: “I love this, I’m glad we got tossed out, because now we have time to find the perfect present for Pete. Although what is going to be opened on Christmas? Gas station, drugstore, Israel.”
Alex: “Recycle? What is this Portland?”
Alex: “I mean, I guess it would be wrong to open presents without Jane right? But Penny can open her gift from Pete, I’m sure he went to a lot of trouble right?”
Penny: “Nah I can wait.”
Alex: “Just open the f*cking gift Penny.” (funniest moment of the night!)
What did you guys think? Was this a great Christmas episode? Who was your MVP? Are you hoping the gang get’s pepper sprayed again next week? Sound off below in the comments section.
Happy Endings airs Tuesday nights at 9pm EST on ABC.