Ep 1. The War on Easter

Happy! season 2 episode 1, The War on Easter, follows the returning beloved character Nick Sax, an ex-cop turned hitman, as he's drawn back into the world of violence and mayhem. Set in a dystopian New York City, Nick is struggling with his own demons, still haunted by his past and the violent events that occurred in season 1. But when his estranged daughter Haley is kidnapped, Nick must put aside his inner turmoil and team up with his unlikely partner, a relentlessly optimistic imaginary blue horse named Happy, to save her.

As Nick and Happy attempt to rescue Haley from her captors, they find themselves entangled in a bizarre and escalating battle between powerful Easter icons. The twisted plot sees the Evil Easter Bunny, a demented and murderous villain, waging war against the forces of the Happy Easter Chicken, a group determined to spread joy and cheer throughout the holiday season.

The episode is a frenetic, action-packed thrill ride that showcases the show's trademark blend of black comedy, subversive humor, and graphic violence. The writing is strong, with sharp dialogue and a twisted sense of humor that will appeal to fans of the first season. Additionally, the show's unique aesthetic, which blends gritty realism with hallucinatory imagery, is on full display, giving the episode a vivid and surreal quality that's both unsettling and exhilarating.

The returning cast members all deliver strong performances, particularly Christopher Meloni as Nick Sax, who brings a raw intensity and emotional depth to the character. Patton Oswalt also shines as the voice of Happy, infusing the character with an infectious optimism and childlike wonder.

In addition to the returning cast, the episode also introduces several new characters, including a mysterious assassin hired to take out Nick and a group of cult-like worshippers who believe in the power of the Evil Easter Bunny. These new additions add to the show's already rich and bizarre mythology, hinting at a larger world filled with dangerous and unpredictable characters.

Overall, Happy! season 2 episode 1, The War on Easter, is a satisfying and exciting continuation of the first season. It delivers on the show's promise of dark comedy and violent action, while also deepening the character development and expanding the show's universe. Fans of the first season won't be disappointed, and newcomers will find themselves instantly drawn into the show's twisted and unpredictable world.