Happy Face: Season 1 Episode 2 – Recap/ Review

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Episode 2 “Killing Shame” Details

Air Date	March 20, 2025
Network	Paramount+
Director	Jennifer Getzinger
Writer	Andrew Gettens, Lauren Mackenzie

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Recap

You Could Make A Difference: Elijah, Melissa, Ivy, Gabriela

In Jefferson, Texas, Melissa and Ivy meet with Gabriela, Elijah’s lawyer. It becomes clear that if something isn’t done, Elijah will be executed for Heather’s death, and to make matters all the more complicated, Melissa is pushed to believe she’ll have to speak up. Now, it is one thing to talk to Keith and get involved with getting this case out there for the Dr. Greg show. However, it seemingly didn’t dawn on Melissa till now she would have to put herself out there.

The resistance isn’t lost on Ivy, and you could submit that Ivy maybe set up Melissa to meet Elijah’s sister to possibly guilt her into action. However, Melissa is still torn. She spent decades of her life trying to move on, and while confessing could save someone else’s life, it means a major sacrifice, and not just for her.

Those First Few Days In 1995: Melissa, June

Louise Nelson is the woman who triggered Keith’s confession and downfall. As soon as June learned of his arrest, she did her best to protect her children by collecting all the newspapers she could. However, that doesn’t stop people from finding out and bullying Melissa.

It isn’t clear what happened to her siblings or how it affected June back then. Still, even without social media, you can assume it was a daunting time that somehow blew over long enough for Melissa to eventually take control of her life’s narrative.

Why Is Doing The Right Thing Sometimes So Hard?: Hazel, Ben, Melissa, Ivy, Dr. Greg

Ben, being who he is, is torn about the idea of Melissa coming out regarding who her father is. He understands the importance because it potentially means a man’s life is saved, but he also knows the effect of Keith being Melissa’s father could have on her in a wider sense – maybe also on his possible promotion.

But, while they worry about that, Hazel is having it hard too. She is already being bullied for having a bit too much hair and the classic situation of a middle school friend turning into a frenemy of sorts. So, adding on a grandfather who is a serial killer? There is this desire to hope it could give her cool points, but it could also ostracize her too.

Either way, she ends up on her parents’ radar only when she accidentally steals something to handle her hair situation. But, at least, while Ben is unsure, Hazel gives Melissa the encouragement she needs to step into the spotlight and talk about the case, and, by extension, Keith.

Now, let it be known, by no means is it easy, especially since Ivy and Dr. Greg treat Melissa like any other guest and don’t just focus on Elijah’s case but the sensational part of the story, which could go viral. Ben says nothing while in the audience, and you can see Melissa get emotional as Dr. Greg asks if Melissa is like her dad, and he really breaks her down. But, thankfully, by the end, he builds her back up in such a way that it definitely looks like he manipulated and milked her and barely focused on Elijah’s situation.

Cast and Characters

Previously Introduced Character(s)	Actor
Melissa	Annaleigh Ashford
Ivy	Tamera Tomakili
90s Melissa	Kate Maree
June	Kathleen Duborg
Hazel	Khiyla Aynne
Ben	James Wolk
Dr. Greg	David Harewood

Elijah (Damon Gupton)

Elijah is the accused killer of Heather, Keith’s ninth victim, who is due to be executed soon, with his last appeal, despite minimal evidence, being rejected. All because he was a Black boy in love with a cute white girl in a rural, conservative Texas town.

Gabriela (Zabryna Guevara)

Gabriela is Elijah’s current lawyer, who is banking everything on Melissa’s testimony and Keith’s confession to get Elijah his freedom.

Predictions

1. Melissa coming out on national television about Keith is likely to have repercussions for her siblings, that will cause family strife.

Question(s) Left Unanswered

1. Was the man we saw at the end of the episode Melissa’s brother?

Review

Trajectory (78/100): Decline

Highlights

Melissa Subconsciously Being Drawn To Men Like Her Father [83/100]

There was something about watching Dr. Greg, with Ivy in his ear, break down Melissa in a way that almost reminds you of Keith. In a way, and I don’t know if this is intentional, it seemed Melissa was being manipulated in a similar fashion to what Keith does and it made me wonder how many men in Melissa’s life has she been drawn to with elements of her father?

Dr. Greg is her boss, and probably didn’t directly hire her, and yet he was able to convince her to take things this far. So, with that in mind, what was that special thing about Ben? Did Melissa’s brother have an influence over her in some way? The psychological angle is intriguing.

On The Fence

Hazel’s Storyline [74/100]

I appreciate Hazel’s contribution in bringing an outside perspective. Yes, Keith is her grandfather, but she has no relationship with him and didn’t know about him. Because of that, her slowly claiming him and talking about him allows for a different line as opposed to the shame Melissa has long held.

But, the teenage drama isn’t for me. From what she is being bullied about, paired with the once-a-friend to now frenemy, it just doesn’t add all that much. I’d even say I’d rather us get more scenes of Melissa dealing with things, post her father’s confession, than experience whatever Hazel, even Max in extension, has to offer.

I should note, though, that I’m very iffy on children in productions that are made for adults, with notably adult themes. Mainly since their roles often feel like they don’t prove more than the lead had sex before or had a relationship with their spouse good enough to have sex. And as much as Hazel could bring more than proof that Ben and Melissa love each other, and aren’t just roommates, I feel like enough is being done with Ben to not make the kids feel necessary.

Thus, it becomes more difficult to justify Hazel’s and Max’s existence, which this episode didn’t really do very strongly.

“Happy Face” Guide