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Happy Endings, Ep. 3.11, “The Ex Factor”: “I’m just working on my ‘shups!”

Happy Endings, Ep. 3.11, “The Ex Factor”: “I’m just working on my ‘shups!”

Happy Endings S03E11 promo pic1

Happy Endings, Season 3, Episode 11: “The Ex Factor”
Written by Leila Strachan
Directed by Fred Goss
Airs Sundays at 10pm (ET) and Tuesdays at 9pm (ET) on ABC

The opening image of Roslita’s means that the gang is having their normal sit down drink. Within the first minutes we discover that Jane’s ex is coming to town and that Max has gotten a new roommate, who he continues to hope is better than his last (poor Dave!). After some discussion back and forth with each other, the episode kicks off into its respective storylines. Unlike the last episode, where the group was all together, this one has them split into three different arcs. Max, Alex and Dave are together, Brad and Jane are in their apartment, and lastly Penny is with Pete. (Congrats to Pete for making it this long! That’s got to be a record!)

Brad is in for a treat when he finds out that Jane’s ex is actually a woman. At first he gets all excited until Jane’s ex brings up the fact that she and Jane said “I love you” to each other. Damon Wayans Jr. gets a chance to shine, even in his crazy ways. From the way he first approaches the relationship to his jealous tendencies that come in in the second half, his facial expressions and even his voice fluctuations are perfect. Wayans knows how to play the lovable crazy Brad, but also the jealous Brad. The way he does it, though, makes the two sides flow together believably. It’s not like you are seeing a completely different person, which can happen on some television shows.

Happy Endings S03E11 promo pic2

This show has proven in the past that when Dave, Alex, and Max get together there is always trouble to be had. Like in the first season, when they ended up setting an apartment on fire because they wanted to shoot their neighbor with a Nerf gun. That being said, this situation is even more entertaining. The three of them definitely find interesting ways to entertain themselves. Having these three stalk Max’s roommate, who was played by none other than Mark-Paul Gosselaar, is fantastic. Adam Pally, Elisha Cuthbert, and Zachary Knighton all play well off of each other. It’s surprising and interesting to find that Dave is actually the ring leader of the operation. The writers must be catching on to the fact that if Knighton is given material and guided well then Dave will come off just as zany as the rest.

Sadly, the weak link storyline of the episode would be Penny and Pete. While it is exciting to see Pete back and there are some laughs that come forth, the entire story just doesn’t seem as engaging as the other two.

All together, the episode is good though and it certainly brings some pretty good laughs and quotes to bounce back and forth to your friends. The MVP would probably have to be given to Damon Wayans Jr.; the way he handles all of the situations that are thrown at him is exceptional.

Sadly though, that means that there is not another new episode for a whole week, so until then do some ‘shups and rewatch another fantastic episode of Happy Endings!

Josh Bouye

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