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It’s the penultimate week before the last two episodes of Happy Endings of the season…and possibly ever. Sad face. But let’s focus on the positives and remember the good times: like that time Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.) pooped his pants. Or when Penny (Casey Wilson) banged the Car Czar (Rob Corddry).
Let’s review…
The first episode of the week is all about the art of parenting, and let me you, the Braverman clan (of NBC’s Parenthood) can learn a thing or two from this group. No wait, it’s the other way around. When Penny temporarily moves in with Brad and Jane (Eliza Coupe) they try to hook her up with one of her gym friends, but she inadverdently hooks up with the Car Czar…over and over again. Penny made a booboo. Of course mama Jane and papa Brad are none too pleased about this situation, especially having to listen to those two horny kids go at it.
There are so many great moments in this storyline, like Brad’s outraged father routine, and Jane heaving as she learns about all the sex Penny had. And while it’s hard to outshine Brad and Jane, I have to give props to Wilson who nails every desperate and pathetic moment. The scene where she licks whip cream off the Car Czar’s fingers should earn her an Emmy.
Courtesy of ABC
Meanwhile, Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) and Dave (Zachary Knighton) become pageant parents to Max (Adam Pally), but unfortunately they can’t agree on presentation style. Dave is a sucker for class, while Alex demands pizzaz, leaving Max confused and utterly unprepared. Although this storyline isn’t as funny as Brad, Jane and Penny’s, it certainly has its moments. And yes I am talking about Max’s “clubwear” look (see above). Work it honey! Max also rocks a Sonny/Gaga look but I’m going to have to take off points for removing Cher. It’s Cher, bitch! It should be Cher/Gaga, now that’s super gay.
Courtesy of ABC
In the night’s second episode, the theme moves from parenting to change, as Jane tries to transform Max into someone he’s not and Dave does the same to Alex. When Chase (Mark Paul Gosselaar) returns to seek out his revenge (called it!) he learns that Max’s life can’t be ruined because Max has no life. This prompts Max to take matters into his own hands…with a little help from Jane.
Now I won’t lie: part of me wants Max to be less of a slob. And by slob, I mean a disgusting pig of a human being. Seeing him transform into a well dressed, clean, assertive gay man is somewhat exciting. And he looks damn sexy in that suit. But I knew that it couldn’t last. It’s just not who he is. But those fleeting moments of cleanliness are greats ones, especially seeing Max handle the vacuum (insert hose handling joke here). I also really enjoyed Chase’s final scene in which he vows even more revenge on Max. Fingers crossed for another season and more Chase.
In the flip storyline, Alex is outed by Dave as a Groupon addict when he tires of her impulsive and flaky ways. Teaming up with Penny, they try to dash Alex’s goal of redeeming all her Groupons in the hopes that she will realize that she needs to grow up and be more responsible. Of course Dave forgets that this is why he loves Alex in the first place.
This storyline reinforces why I really love these two as a couple. The show has done a great job of bringing them back together while showing us why they work so well as a twosome. Brad and Jane might own the greatest couple award on the show, but Dave and Alex definitely own the award for the cutest (also the stupidest couple, but that’s part of what makes them cute).
I have to single out Cuthbert again because she has been killing it this season. While Alex was never really developed in the first two seasons, the writers made great strides in molding her into a comedic powerhouse, primarily because they’ve learned how to play to Cuthbert’s strength: her delivery. She may play a dumb blonde but Cuthbert imbues Alex with warmth, intelligence and so much more, and that’s a great thing. The prank episode itself is a classic example of her talent, and these two episodes reinforce what a brilliant comedic actress she is. She can take the smallest moment and make it one of the funniest parts of the episode. Side Note: I also love a good rib joint.
Funniest lines of the night:
Dave: “Who was that slice of peach pie?”
Penny: “Cute right?”
Alex: “So cute Penny! I mean, you should take him to Bone Town…you know that rib joint on Halstead? I love that place.”
Max: “Whatever, there’s a bunch of categories so I’ll just divide it up. Dave, you’ll take Q&A and talent. Alex, you’ll take club wear and gay fitness.”
Dave: “Fine, as long as Alex doesn’t mess this up.”
Alex: “Uhhh I think you have me confused with your hairstylist. Count it!”
Jane: “What is going on with you Penny?”
Brad: “You are a mess. You look like Coolio when he takes his braids out.”
Max: “What are all those red arrows for?”
Jane: “Oh those are all the areas that need improvements.”
Max: “But those are all of them!”
Jane: “Yeah, you got lots of bad areas. You’re like the Oakland of gay guys.”
What did you think? Did you heave a little when Penny hooked up with the Car Czar? Are you on team class or team pizzaz? Did you love Max’s transformation? Are you also a Groupon addict? Sound off below!
Happy Endings airs at 8pm and 8:30pm on Fridays on ABC