Happy Endings, Season 3, Episode 10: “Kickball 2: The Kickening”
Written by Beth McCarthy-Miller
Directed by Jackie Clarke & Gil Ozeri
Airs Sundays at 10pm (ET) and Tuesdays at 9pm (ET) on ABC
Who wants to play kickball?! That’s the main and pretty much only focus on Sunday’s episode of Happy Endings. The episode (which was originally supposed to air in season two, btw) brings not only the kickball tournament, but tons of hilarity from the entire cast.
The episode kicks off (no pun intended) with Alex informing the group that she’s signed them up for a kickball tournament. The group will be representing her store, Xela (which is pronounced SHAY-la, apparently something the group didn’t even know). After much pressure the group finally agrees to help Alex. Later on though, we find that Jane wants to be on a winning team and she’s already signed up for another company’s team.
Having pretty much all six of them together is a definite change of pace from the previous weeks, but also a breath of fresh air. The actors are comfortable with each other and their camaraderie makes it so believable that we are almost convinced that they hang out with each other socially on a regular basis.
The episode mostly has an underdog feel to it. Team Xela is not the strongest leader in the pack, but as they pull together they have a shot at winning things. Especially when Jane decides to call it quits with her team and join back up with Xela. Every single cast member is on their A game with the episode, as are the writers. It’s a shame that it has taken over a year to get this episode on the air, but it was well worth the wait.
Perhaps the most laughs come from Casey Wilson’s Penny and, surprisingly, Zachary Knighton’s Dave. Wilson playing in six inch heels, and her reason for doing so, is hysterical. She has always been exceptional at physical comedy and this episode just proves it even further. Knighton debating what under liner to put on, plus his fear of kicking the ball, are both just priceless. Even though the episode was originally part of season two, it shows just how far Knighton has come since the first season. The writers should really consider giving him more things to do than just playing the straight man in every episode.
It was a close and tight race, but the MVP of the Week needs to be handed to Casey Wilson. She brings the comedy gold to the episode, from the physical to the quick quips. Knighton was close, but ultimately with the final blow to the face, Wilson took the lead.
Again it’s a shame that we had to wait this long to get this episode, but it was well worth the wait. The episode doesn’t disappoint on any levels. So until our next outing with the six lovable goofs, go sign you and your friends up for a kickball tournament! Have fun!
Josh Bouye