If I could sum up this episode with one word it would be annoying. It’s such a shame given how much I actually do love James Wolk (Grant) and how much I thoroughly enjoyed the previous episode and even noted it as a season highlight. Maybe because it’s episode title is a play on Everybody Loves Raymond; never bound to be a great episode and doomed from the start.
This week centred on Max’s new boyfriend Grant being introduced to the gang, and each of them falling in love with him and all vying for his attention. Happy Endings is a show I’ve stated previously that does a good job repeating familiar story lines to the sitcom but making them feel fresh and exciting. However, I’ll be happy if I never see a storyline involving having best ‘couple’ friends ever again. 
For some reason I feel like even this show has done this before it was that familiar and I was very bored by it. In this case, Brad and Jane fight for Max and Grant as their new best couple friends over Penny and her new boyfriend Sean. Brad and Jane were fabulous as always (they continue to be the best and most entertaining married couple on television) but Penny, who I usually quite enjoy was practically intolerable this week between desperately trying to shove Sean down everybody’s throats and psychotically trying to get Grant to like her (run, Sean, run!).
Elisha Cuthbert as Alex worked her usual schtick just fine this week, she continues to be a bright spot of the show but Dave is proving to be more problematic. He walked around with an annoying swagger trying to prove to everybody he was the ‘cool Dave’ of the group and while a few of the gags were funny, by the end of the episode I just wanted him to go away. There’s only so much scarves, David Caruso shades and the word ‘chillax’ I can take in a twenty minute period. It’s almost like the show knows he isn’t cool or ever had anything interesting to do – more Steak Me Home Tonight, please.
Yet this episode was all about the seemingly perfect Grant, who Max thought was too perfect but proved to be just as flawed as everyone else. Despite these flaws coming to the forefront it is still quite apparent Grant is way to good for Max (seriously, what does Grant see in him?) Oh well, much like Grant this episode was definitely flawed. The show has had episodes like this in the past so I have no doubt it will rebound and be amahzing next week.
Other favourite tidbits:
- In their sitcom group identities Dave is The Dave, Alex is The One with the Store, Penny is The Single One, Jane is The Type A One, Max is The Lazy One, and Brad is The Married One.
- “We’ll be the friendliest people he’s ever met!” — Alex, once again failing at joining in on the ‘m’-related jokes
- “I used to think Michael Caine was perfect. Until I met Grant” – Brad being wonderful.
- “You’re smarter than you are tall! Good day, tiny madam!” — Max to Alex
About the Author
So I’m finally on board with this show and soaked in one and a half seasons over the past week – and I’ve really enjoyed it so far.
I wouldn’t call this episode the show’s best either, but I still somehow enjoyed it.