Photo credit: www.tvfanatic.com
As we near the conclusion of our coverage for the series “Happy Face,” it’s evident that the show hasn’t gained the traction I initially anticipated. Nonetheless, I’m pleased to share two additional scene-by-scene recaps, which were intended as supplementary content alongside reviews. Despite the absence of the reviews themselves, I appreciate those who have engaged with the coverage thus far.
(Ed Araquel/Paramount+)
The latest developments open with a boy departing from home in the early hours, just before dawn. Elijah is abruptly roused from his slumber by a phone call.
Meanwhile, Melissa is unpacking at home after another trip, while the murder weapon is undergoing processing.
Hazel enters a convenience store to purchase candy and a burner phone, later returning home where Melissa spots a new pair of shoes. Curiosity piqued, Melissa asks Hazel if there’s anything she wants to share. Hazel downplays the seriousness of having had an abortion during high school, despite her embarrassment. Melissa insists that it’s important to maintain open communication if similar situations arise in the future.
Curious about the progress of the murder case in light of the weapon’s discovery, Hazel reflects on the evidence collected from the night Heather was killed, wondering about the implications for Elijah. She inquires about her grandfather, but Melissa, with a hint of concern, expresses relief that Hazel will never have to know him.
(Ed Araquel/Paramount+)
Joyce makes a visit to Elijah, during which he shares the details of a dream he had. Though the visit is brief, Joyce plans to return soon. A nagging feeling suggests that Elijah might face dire consequences while incarcerated.
Another inmate named Nico inquires about Elijah’s first meal post-release, illustrating a stark contrast to their current situation.
Hazel’s father, Ben, prepares for an interview regarding the regional manager position. While slicing pizza, Hazel is texting someone known as “Joshyboy,” leading Melissa to question if it’s a romantic interest, to which Hazel reveals it’s merely her friend Eva.
In a troubling turn, Melissa discovers a pizza cutter hidden in Max’s backpack, a precaution against any possible confrontations involving Ash at school. She reassures him that such measures are unnecessary, while wondering if Max feels more anxious about his father’s reactions than the impending visit itself.
Overwhelmed, Melissa begins to cry. She thought she was making progress while away, only to return to unsettling changes—Hazel’s new sneakers and suspicious text conversations, along with Max’s alarming choice to carry sharp utensils to school.
Ben lists various reasons for optimism, including the potential return to Melissa’s makeup career, but his comment visibly disheartens her.
(Ed Araquel/Paramount+)
Melissa collaborates with Ivy on a story concerning the murder weapon. Lacking DNA results, they’ve adjusted their approach accordingly. Dr. Gregg expresses disbelief at securing the murder weapon but still urges Melissa to reach out to his agent for further assistance.
In Texas, Elijah’s attorney, Gabriella, meets with Bob’s supervisor, Alice, who exhibits a brusque demeanor. Bob had earlier claimed that the necessary evidence didn’t exist. Alice barely investigates the evidence’s location before dismissing it entirely. She comments on how the DA’s office routinely processes “purge” cases to clear space, revealing that critical case evidence was destroyed after a last-minute decision by the DA to include it in the purge.
Calloway from the DA’s office remains unconcerned, asserting that Elijah’s situation will remain bleak even if DNA results are positive. He suggests a plea bargain where Elijah would admit guilt for another ten years of imprisonment, a proposal that seems nonsensical at best. Finally, they mention Denise, hinting that her testimony could be pivotal, and Melissa offers to engage with her.
(Ed Araquel/Paramount+)
Gabriella presents the deal to Elijah, who considers the plea if it means avoiding worse consequences. Joyce, however, is adamant about his innocence and the desire for him to be exonerated. They grapple with the reality that an admission of guilt would mean Elijah spends years behind bars, leaving him with a daunting question of morality.
Nico prompts Elijah with questions about prison life, triggering memories that highlight the dire stakes of their circumstances.
In another meeting, Melissa communicates with Denise about the prevailing truths surrounding Heather’s absence. Denise expresses a somber perspective, indicating that she feels lost in the void left by Heather, prompting Ivy’s sarcastic remark about the meeting’s effectiveness.
As they leave, Ivy notices trash outside Denise’s house and decides to retrieve it, sensing there might be leads to follow.
Meanwhile, Hazel uses a school pass to call Keith, who has been working in prison and recalls the teasing he endured during high school. Hazel candidly discusses her own experiences with bullying, and Keith expresses his disdain for the names people call them.
(Ed Araquel/Paramount+)
Keith commends Hazel’s entrepreneurial spirit for selling his artwork but implies she could have fetched a better price. Concerned, she jokes about the potential consequences if her mother discovers her dealings. Keith then reveals that he accepts responsibility for the murders of multiple women, claiming that the narratives surrounding him are misleading.
He requests a photo of her, expressing his wish to send her drawings, as he questions Hazel’s motivations for connecting with him.
While sifting through Denise’s refuse, Ivy reflects on whether Melissa will resume her career in makeup, questioning if that path is truly what Melissa desires. Shortly after, Keith sends a text with a picture of Brendan, hinting at the consequences for him.
Upon learning of Heather’s lack of living relatives, Ivy and Melissa feel compelled to inform Hazel personally. This visit allows Melissa to examine Joyce’s murder board, unveiling a photograph of Joyce and a young Elijah that stirs up emotions.
(Ed Araquel/Paramount+)
Joyce, having lost faith in luck, notes that tequila has consistently been her dependable escape. Canadian actress Jennifer Spence portrays Renee, who visits to check on Max and expresses her curiosity about living with a family member involved in such heinous crimes. As a therapist, her interest seems rooted in genuine concern.
Rather than sending a typical text to Keith, Hazel opts for a Polaroid, attempting to foster a deeper connection.
Ben candidly shares his recollections of meeting Keith during their time in prison and the circumstances surrounding Hazel’s conception, revealing the complexities of that time. Though he started positively, he hesitates, indicating that memories of difficult times linger.
Melissa recounts traumatic experiences, sharing how her father outed her abortion, invoking Joyce’s fury and highlighting the impact of past choices on their present lives.
(Ed Araquel/Paramount+)
Faced with Joyce’s struggles, Melissa reflects on the necessity for Denise to understand Joyce’s journey. She believes that Denis shares feelings similar to those of Ash concerning Melissa. The criminal justice system frequently portrays victims’ families positively while vilifying the accused and their families.
When Denise is informed that Calloway has removed the threat of the death penalty, Joyce reevaluates her stance, ultimately providing them with DNA evidence.
Joyce chuckles at Elijah’s surprise that Denise didn’t shoot her—emphasizing that the complexities surrounding their interactions are rooted in deeply personal experiences.
Elijah now faces a critical decision regarding the plea deal, weighing Joyce’s concerns against the potential ramifications. He recalls his mother’s wisdom about truths that cannot be hidden, leaving him resolute in rejecting the plea—insisting on his innocence.
(Ed Araquel/Paramount+)
In a climactic development, the DNA results confirm a match to Heather, leading to an announcement from DA Calloway regarding a press conference. In a poignant moment, Hazel discovers a drawing placed in her locker, sparking a conversation with Keith, who fondly remembers her mother feeding newborn kittens.
As Hazel admires the artistry of the drawing, she inquires about its subject, realizing it represents Desiree, one of Keith’s past victims. Keith’s uncomfortable admission about possessing Desiree’s belongings as trophies raises unsettling aspects of his psyche.
He recounts stashing their items away at a motel, suggesting a chance of closure he never pursued until now.
(Ed Araquel/Paramount+)
He acknowledges an enduring desire to apologize to the victims’ families, hinting at unspoken burdens he has carried throughout his life.
In a shocking turn, DA Calloway seeks to label Elijah and Keith as co-conspirators in Heather’s murder, a move that would allow for prosecution against both individuals, underscoring the complications of their entangled fates.
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