Happy Face Episode 8 Review: Emotional Journey Satisfies But Final Twist Feels Rushed and Weak

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Warning! Spoilers ahead for Happy Face episode 8, “The Star!”

In simpler terms, the final episode of “Happy Face,” titled “The Star,” wraps up many plot points while introducing some new mysteries, but it lacks a significant surprise to reinforce the show’s message. Essentially, “The Star” exemplifies the pacing issues that have been present since the beginning of Happy Face, as events move too swiftly and effortlessly, diluting the emotional weight when Melissa wins and solves Heather’s murder case. Despite occasional suspenseful moments, they are hastily resolved to ensure the series completes its narrative in a timely manner.

In episode 7 of “Happy Face,” it seemed the season’s emotional pinnacle unfolded as Melissa acknowledged the truth about Keith, realizing he wasn’t responsible for Heather’s death. This shift in focus enabled “The Star” to primarily delve into uncovering Heather’s murderer and the details surrounding that fateful night. Interestingly, this episode demonstrated to me that Heather’s story resonated because we grew attached to Elijah’s fate rather than Heather herself, as her character hadn’t been developed enough for those late-game disclosures to pack a punch.

The Happy Face Finale Speeds Through The Action & Answers It’s Been Teasing Since The Beginning

With So Much Ground To Cover, Happy Face Can’t Take Its Time In “The Star”

In the show “Happy Face,” we don’t see Elijah or his sister Joyce in this episode because their storyline has already concluded. The fact that we learned about Elijah’s release in the previous episodes weakened the emotional impact of “The Star.” With so many climaxes and twists earlier, the confession scene of Heather’s killer didn’t have as much weight. Although it was good to finally know the truth, the revelation felt unexpected rather than engaging. Essentially, the reveal in “Happy Face” wasn’t properly set up, making it come across as random instead of intriguing.

In a pivotal moment during the scene when the killer confesses, Melissa demonstrates her resilience as both an investigator and individual. The episode primarily revolves around Melissa, and by the end of the season, there have been significant changes from where we began. However, Happy Face often emphasizes the dialogue that highlights the show’s main ideas and themes more than necessary. It assumes the audience may not fully grasp the journey, so the series overtly underscores the deeper messages, which can be heavy-handed and disregard subtleties.

Toward the closing of episode 8 in Happy Face, there’s an emotional scene between Melissa and Hazel, suggesting that their differences have been resolved, although Hazel’s hidden frightening sketches remain unaddressed. This heartfelt exchange between mother and daughter serves as a poignant moment in the series, yet it would have added more dramatic intrigue if Happy Face had challenged Hazel to step over a line. However, I’m content with this family reunion, as the characters could benefit from some resolution at this stage in the storyline.

The sequence of events – Keith’s heart attack and his subsequent revelations about falsifying evidence and abusing his daughter – didn’t provide a fully convincing explanation. His last conversation with Melissa was not significantly distinct from their past encounters this season, but it appears that Melissa is determined to break away from him permanently. However, the storyline in “The Star” of Happy Face seems inconsistent because it presents Melissa as cutting ties with Keith, yet at the same time leaves a window for Keith to manipulate her and potentially re-enter her life.

Happy Face Leaves Breadcrumbs For An Uncertain Season 2

There Are Opportunities For Additional Plots, But Emotionally, Happy Face Has Reached Its Peak

For Melissa, leaving her father’s hospital room was the point where she wanted the story to end. However, the show ‘Happy Face’ seems intent on setting up possibilities for a second season. Somehow, Keith figures out that Ben was behind the botched attempt on his life, and it’s implied that this revelation, combined with Melissa’s new position as a full-time producer, could drive the plot of ‘Happy Face’ season 2 if the series is renewed.

Although Melissa seems to have no other emotional avenue left, if “Happy Face” intends to center on Ben in season 2, they haven’t managed to create a character who evokes sympathy, as I find myself more annoyed by his actions than sympathetic towards his motivations. The series might have benefited from omitting this plotline altogether, but it didn’t significantly undermine the season’s conclusion and Melissa’s hinted future career as a true crime journalist. Despite “Happy Face” suggesting that it would challenge the true crime genre, the final episode indicates that it has stuck to its conventions instead.

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2025-05-01 16:41