From across the ditch, Happiness returns to HBO MAX for a second season.
At the end of season 1, we saw emerging Broadway director Charlie (Harry McNaughton), whose star was on the rise in New York, working with Sally Field until an NDA-level incident saw everything come crashing down. And to make matters worse, it was Charlie’s friend Jacqui (Jessie Lawrence) who spilt the story all over social media.
Charlie is naturally very distraught, dealing with a lamington addiction and a local theatre group that urgently needs saving as it attempts to put on a Sherlock Holmes musical. All the while, his mum Gaye (Rebecca Gibney) is trying to help.
It’s a challenging time ahead for musical composer Gloria (Marshayla Christie) since Sherlock doesn’t really scream “musical.” Meanwhile Connor (WHO) still hasn’t confessed that he isn’t cursed and that they can be together.
Elsewhere, former bestie Jacqui is putting on her own musical – Maligned Women of History – and it’s got all the glitz and glam that Sherlock lacks, thanks to the help of former director Adrian (Peter Hambleton).
Co-creator Kip Chapman builds on the show’s first season with more character development, and more catchy songs and performances.
It’s an encore worth the razzle dazzle.
4 Stars
Happiness is now streaming on HBO MAX, with new episodes every Thursday.
