Set in the North Side of Chicago, "Happy Endings" revolves around the intertwining lives of six friends. The show kicks off when the protagonist, Dave (Zachary Knighton), is left at the altar by his fiancee, Alex (Elisha Cuthbert), without any warning.
While this premise may not seem the strongest for the beginning of a comedy, it is simply a pretext and is all but forgotten by the middle of the first season.
Like many post-1990 comedy TV shows, "Happy Endings" utilizes a fairly basic formula, documenting the humor that comes when six 30-year-old best friends mingle and focus on anything other than marriage. If it sounds familiar, it should, as "Happy Endings" is an ensemble show that resembles "Friends" (1994-2004) while managing to incorporate spurts of stylized hilarity that can be traced back to the unique styles of "Will and Grace" (1998-2006) and ABC's own "According to Jim" (2001-2009). While "Happy Endings" borrows from these historic masterpieces, the show still approaches brilliance by maintaining a spark of originality that sets it apart from its predecessors. Sizzling with distinct flavors, it rightfully deserves a seat at the table among today's top comedies.
One rewarding aspect of "Happy Endings" is its presentation style. Thankfully, there is no laugh track, and gone are the days of stage-like settings where the audience could only see one side of any given room. By avoiding these cliched pitfalls, the show gives itself more freedom and comedic potential.
Further adding to the show's innovation is the manner in which "Happy Endings" is filmed. Shot much like a movie, the single-camera moves about freely, following the characters and their course of action without compromise. The result of this method is an aesthetically pleasing three-dimensional effect.
While these traits definitely bolster the show, its cornerstone is its phenomenal cast. Though there are six characters to flesh out, all around the age of 30, their unique personalities and dynamic interpersonal relationships culminate to form an original ensemble that only adds to the show's distinctiveness.
So who comprises this hilarious cast of characters? Dave leads the group of humorous friends as the owner of a food truck who, riddled with a variety of odd flaws, is in many ways a classic average Joe.
Then there is Max (Adam Pally), who, simply put, is a "bro" in every way imaginable. He might as well wear a Middlebury lacrosse jersey in every episode, complete with black high- ankle socks and poorly tied Nikes. But there is a twist with Max: he is gay.
Brad, played by the son of legend Damon Wayans, is the final guy in the group. Unlike Max, though, he is not depicted as a stereotypical bro.
Yet no questions about Brad's sexuality arise as he is married to the stunning Jane (Eliza Coupe), who is also the sister of Alex, the very same girl who abandoned Dave at the altar.
Over time, Alex becomes the bane of the show's existence, not only because of the tragedy she created preceding the show, but also because Elisha Cuthbert readily takes on the role of an annoying, dim-witted, pretty blonde and manages to do so perfectly.
In only one and a half seasons, "Happy Endings" has successfully presented a parade of entertaining scenarios, all of which are must-see. In all, the sitcom is well-written, competently acted and superbly presented.
However, one bothersome flaw plaguing the show is that it often comes off as overly contrived. Unfortunately, this strains the humor and adds an unnecessary element of predictability from time to time.
Regardless, these first episodes of "Happy Endings" have been far from disappointing. With the exception of an occasional dud, each has been better than the last in one way or another. Take some time and watch an episode, but be careful not to do it when you're pressed for time, because watching just one is nearly impossible.
