SkimIt
This outstanding episode reminds us sibling rivalry is one of the most competitive kinds of battle, and no one understands this better than Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) and Jane (Eliza Coupe). When Alex convinces the gang to join her store's kickball team, Jane defects to play for another team. The sisters become embroiled in such fierce competition that winning becomes more important than hurting each other. Alex also tramples Dave's (Zachary Knighton’s) feelings and then realizes losing can be even sweeter than winning, when you’ve played your best with your best friends.
Happy Endings starring Elisha Cuthbert and Eliza Coupe airs Sundays on ABC at 10:00 pm ET.
Sister vs. Sister Let the Rivalry Begin
Alex finally sways the reluctant gang into representing her store, Xela, on a kickball team in a tournament against other neighborhood businesses.
Alex is shocked when Jane announces she already committed to another team -and she wants to play for a team that wins. Alex remembers how Jane once stole her limelight on the Baboo the Green Monkey Funky Hour TV show and it's let the games begin, every Kerkovich woman for herself.
Max (Adam Pally) insists on being team manager and we can't help but laugh as he assesses who he’s got to work with. The stellar cast delivers some truly hilarious physical comedy during the game, particularly Casey Wilson, as Penny attempts to play in six-inch heels because "kickball shoes make her look like a lesbian." Brad kicks the ball in typical "dainty Brad" fashion during warm up and Dave's bad case of the yips (after hitting Penny in the head in a previous game), render him much better at choosing a shade of eye black than kicking the ball.
They’re certainly a band of misfits and we understand why Max wants to throw in the towel. But Alex doesn’t want her sister to get all the glory and resolves to turn things around. One strong kick inspires the rest of the team and they pull out a win, which qualifies them for the semifinals-against Jane.
Odd Man Out
The gang is high on their victory and bent on beating Jane. Alex tells a shocked Dave in order to win, they have to replace him, with Chicago Bears Linebacker Lance Briggs.
Raise your hand if you know how tough it is to be the odd man out and weak link on the team! In short: It sucks. Dave's disappointment is written all over his face and our hearts ache for him.
We're quickly reminded that ill-gotten glory quickly fades. Jane plays dirty by distracting Alex with a Green Monkey t-shirt and her blunder costs them the game. Max is furious and everyone's morale is really low. We hate to say we told you so – but if the kickball shoe fits...
With Great Loss Comes Sweet Victory
Alex apologizes to the downtrodden gang for losing and admits she was so concerned about winning that she forgot playing the game with her friends was supposed to be fun. Then Jane surprises everyone by saying her team got disqualified, so they're back in the finals - and she's joining their team.
Dave is forced to play when Scotty is injured and after a pep talk from Penny, he lands a huge kick. The other team wins, but our beloved losers send up their own victory cry.
Lessons learned: Sometimes the humility gained in losing can be our biggest win. And, true sportsmanship comes from recognizing the unique value that every member of a team can bring. Plus, winning any kind of competition won't mean anything if you lose your friends in the process.
Best Lines
"Remember when you forgot the words to Gangsters Paradise? To this day you still can't perform a eulogy." – Brad
"Which eye black should I choose: Ebony Heat or Midnight Storm?"- Dave
"Is it the same recipe as I'm sorry you saw my mom naked soup?" – Dave
