Happy Endings – What’s your drunken superpower?

Eavesdrop on any drunken conversation and you’re bound to hear this line:

“I’m awesome at _____________ when I’m drunk. I’m better at it drunk than sober!”

Common activities that fit in this blank are things such as bowling, karaoke, or even driving (um, kids, don’t fall for that one). But on last night’s Happy Endings, Penny’s drunken ability was … speaking Italian? Who knew? And Alex’s is, apparently, competitive rib-eating.

Funny story. About six years ago I was hanging out with some friends really late. We were out at a bar, and suddenly this guy my friend knew came up to us. Somehow, it came up that he spoke Spanish (probably because he was in fact speaking Spanish). So what did I do? I dug deep into my high-school Spanish bank (the funds of which had been, at one point, plentiful, but never really used) and mustered up my best conversational Spanish. Did it work? Actually, yes! I mean, I wasn’t really thinking about what I was saying, I was just saying it. Which is what my fear of utilizing a foreign language is based upon. I don’t want to look like an idiot. Even though I probably would have made sense, I was too self-conscious of my mispronunciations and incorrect conjugations. So I never spoke the language.

But take away the barrier of my sober inhibitions? And you’ve got someone who can hold her own.

Of course, my conversation didn’t go on that long. It was probably something like, “Hola. My llamo Rachel. Como estas?” or something like that. But it was a breakthrough moment. And one I haven’t repeated since.

I liked the way Happy Endings took this to the extreme with Penny being fluent in Italian, but only while hammered. I did almost throw up when she and Alex threw back mimosas like they were at a floating bar at an island resort. I’m guessing that Penny’s just going to be that character who will be perpetually single. And not because she’s unattractive, boring, or annoying. It’s just that she happens to run into the worst luck.

The other story, involving Brad’s dad (Damon Wayans, Sr.) coming for a visit, was pretty funny, but had a sentimental story at its core: the “L” word. While we come across the struggle of TV characters saying “I love you” to one another all the time, they’re usually a couple in a relationship, not a father/son pair. So this was a cute twist on not being able to say the words, even if you’ve known someone your entire life.

Maybe it’s because I’m not really into games and toys in general, but could I be any less amused by the nerf gun war instigated by Max and Dave? Meh. However: a good cameo was had by Paul Scheer as a mini-kimono-clad perv who keeps getting it on in front of his window across the street.

Quotes:

“Ugh! You know that guy Jeremy that I thought was so a-MAH-zing? He just pexted me!” — Penny
“Huh? ‘Pext?'” — everyone, confused
“Penis text.” — Penny

“It’s not about intercourse; it’s about meeting someone who is cool and nice, and if intercourse happens to take place, no complaints.” — Penny
“Maybe you’re in a slump ’cause you keep using the word ‘intercourse.'” — Jane

“Tonight was a bust. Let’s go. I DVRed that new weight-loss show for clairvoyants, Large Mediums …?” — Alex

“You know what? You should take the day off work and you should take him on a dad date.” — Jane, encouraging Brad to get closer to his father
“Okay. But I’m not calling it that. ‘Dad Date’ sounds like a terrible Michael Keaton movie.” — Brad
“Or an amazing Ted Danson movie.” — Jane

I am getting into the groove of Happy Endings, and can’t wait for next week! Are you liking the show?

Clacked by Rachel Blum-Jose
on Apr 28, 2011 @ 14:00 EST5EDT