WARNING! SPOILERS ahead for Happy's Place episode 13, "Mama Drama."Happy's Placeepisode 13, titled "Mama Drama," sets up a potentially strong story for Isabella (Belissa Escobedo). Although Happy's Place demonstrates its biggest flaw during the episode, it also opens up several potential storylines. "Mama Drama" revolves around the relationship between Isabella and her mother, Maritza (Justina Machado). At first, Isabella is thrilled to introduce her mother to Bobbie (Reba McEntire) and the staff. However, the relationship quickly implodes after Isabella learns that her mother blames Bobbie for Isabella's latest life choices.
Isabella resents her mother's attitude and refuses to talk to her or spend time with her, leading Bobbie to confront Maritza. It soon becomes clear that Maritza longs for a relationship with her daughter in Happy's Place. Thus, Bobbie must convince Isabella to give her mother another chance. It's especially important for Isabella to have a story like this, considering how quickly Happy's Place resolved its main conflict between her and Bobbie.
Happy's Place Episode 13 Reveals That Isabella Gave Up Her Dream To Meet Bobbie
Maritza Blames Bobbie For Isabella's Decision
In an early scene of "Mama Drama," Maritza confronts Bobbie while they are alone at the bar. She blames Bobbie for Isabella's decision not to pursue graduate education in psychology at Stanford, as Isabella instead moved to Tennessee to live with Bobbie. This surprising reveal reverses what little has been established about Isabella's character in Happy's Place— Isabella constantly refers to her psychology degree and talks as if she has worked as a therapist in the past.
One Happy's Place character isn't getting the storylines they deserve. The Reba McEntire comedy needs to fix that before it's too late.
Isabella's decision to give up her dream is a source of conflict between her and her mother. Isabella is adamant that she moved to Tennessee because she wanted to, not because of Bobbie or anyone else. Additionally, she wants to know more about the late father she and Bobbie shared. Thus, Isabella is resentful that Maritza won't answer her questions about Happy. Maritza's attitude in Happy's Place about Isabella's decision not to go to Stanford only adds fuel to the fire.
Isabella Can Still Pursue Her Dream In Happy's Place (& That's Better)
She Could Study Psychology While Working At The Bar
Nothing stops Isabella from pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a psychologist. While she can't take classes at Stanford while remaining at the tavern (unless there is a remote learning option), she can enroll in a local college or take online courses from any accredited institution that offers them. Deciding to do so might be the perfect compromise for Isabella, as she would be able to study psychology while still working at the bar and living with Bobbie.
Isabella pursuing her dream career in Happy's Place would mean her time at the tavern is likely limited, and that could bring up complicated feelings for Bobbie.
If Isabella decides to return to school while remaining at the bar, it could lead to an intriguing storyline for Happy's Place. Isabella pursuing her dream career in Happy's Place would mean her time at the tavern is likely limited, and that could bring up complicated feelings for Bobbie. Bobbie initially didn't want Isabella around but has grown to love her, and won't want to let go of her. Assuming there is a Happy's Place season 2, Isabella's studies could be a strong season-long arc.
Isabella's studies would also give her character more depth. Right now, not much has been established about Isabella in Happy's Place except that she's Bobbie's half-sister, that she's perky and optimistic, and that she inherited half the tavern. Isabella embracing a major life change would help flesh her out and make her more relatable.
Happy's Place Needs To Flesh Out Its Characters
The Comedy's Biggest Weakness Is Its One-Dimensional Characters
Happy's Place has a lot of potential as a sitcom, but it needs to make its characters more three-dimensional. Its premise is solid — however, it's hard to relate to Happy Place's characters because they all seem to be defined by one or two traits. This flaw also makes it harder to create genuine comedy. The characters often feel as if they exist to create punchlines rather than comic moments resulting from the characters being who they are. This problem results in the comedy often feeling forced rather than genuine despite its talented cast.
Happy's Place has fallen short of proper character development for almost everybody.
Isabella is not the only character who needs more definition than she has been given. Happy's Place has fallen short of proper character development for almost everybody. One way this weakness manifests itself is in a bad habit of dropping intriguing Happy Place storylines instead of finishing them. For example, Gabby's desire to be a mother disappeared after being the focal point of episode 12. Giving Isabella a long-term storyline revolving around her desire to study psychology would be a badly needed departure from this pattern, so Happy's Place should strongly consider adding this arc.
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