### *Happy Face* Review: An Engaging True Crime Drama That Delves into Family, Trauma, and Identity

Understanding our parents can often appear to be an insurmountable challenge as we traverse generational disparities and shared recollections that we perceive in profoundly different ways. Now, consider how much more intricate that would be if your father were an infamous serial killer. That’s the concept behind *Happy Face*, a new true crime drama crafted by *The Good Wife* creators Robert and Michelle King.

Annaleigh Ashford, recently acclaimed for her haunting Broadway role as Mrs. Lovett in *Sweeney Todd*, stars as Melissa Reed—a wife, mother, and skilled makeup artist who is also the estranged daughter of the notorious “Happy Face Killer,” Keith Jesperson (portrayed by Dennis Quaid). Years after his capture, Jesperson unexpectedly claims to have taken responsibility for a ninth, previously unidentified victim. However, he insists on sharing the details solely with his daughter, “Missy,” who currently works for a talk show eager for an exclusive interview with the serial killer.

While *Happy Face* initiates an intriguing crime investigation, what genuinely distinguishes it is how showrunner Jennifer Cacicio harmonizes the murder mystery with an intensely personal, character-focused drama. Be forewarned: this series is unyieldingly captivating.

—

### *Happy Face* Is Inspired by a True Story

The inaugural episode of *Happy Face* presents viewers with the real-life offenses of Keith Jesperson, a truck driver who, during the 1990s, preyed on young women as he traveled. He sexually assaulted and strangled his victims, subsequently provoking the media with letters adorned with a simple yet haunting doodle—a happy face.

Quaid delivers a spine-chilling portrayal, encapsulating Jesperson’s unsettling duality. In the contemporary timeline, he appears almost buoyant when conversing with Melissa, despite being restrained in an orange jumpsuit. His demeanor possesses an unsettling warmth, projecting a disarming “dad vibe” even as he recounts his heinous acts. Flashbacks depict a seemingly typical blue-collar father—smiling in plaid shirts and baseball caps—until sudden flashes of menace interrupt his facade. Even in the present, his grin can slice like a blade.

Director Michael Showalter skillfully incorporates lively songs about “putting on a happy face,” enhancing the eerie dichotomy between Jesperson’s cheerful exterior and his grim reality. These melodies also act as a metaphor for Melissa, who has invested years in concealing her anguish to shield her husband (James Wolk) and children from the disgrace of her father’s actions. Yet, as she is pulled back into her past, the lyrics begin to resonate less as inspiration and more as a foreboding warning.

—

### A Narrative of True Crime and Personal Responsibility

At its essence, *Happy Face* revolves around remorse, redemption, and the challenge of reconciling one’s past. Melissa embarks on a mission to exonerate a man she believes was unjustly convicted of one of her father’s murders. However, achieving this requires relinquishing the anonymity that has safeguarded her family from the notoriety of her father’s offenses.

Ashford delivers a formidable performance, effortlessly shifting from everyday dilemmas—such as disciplining her rebellious teenage daughter Hazel (Khiyla Aynne)—to peeling back the unsettling enigmas of her history. Her role as a makeup artist for *Dr. Greg*, a *Dr. Phil*-style talk show, adds further layers of complexity. The show’s producer, Ivy (Tamera Tomakili), is committed to capitalizing on Melissa’s narrative for ratings while also acting as a voice of reason, compelling Melissa to confront the moral quandaries inherent in true crime media. Through their exchanges, *Happy Face* probes society’s fascination with true crime, questioning the roles of heroes and villains—and the reasons behind those designations.

The series also investigates generational trauma, paralleling Melissa’s strained connection with her father and her own trials as a parent. Flashbacks of her teenage years reflect Hazel’s experiences with bullying and loneliness, illuminating the cyclical nature of trauma. While few can relate to uncovering a serial killer within their family lineage, *Happy Face* makes Melissa’s emotional journey feel intensely relatable, rooting the narrative in familiar moments of family life, guilt, and self-awareness.

—

### A Gripping Performance and Unforeseen Twists

Ashford’s depiction of Melissa serves as the emotional core of *Happy Face*. She infuses the role with a raw intensity, balancing vulnerability with resolve. Her expressive eyes convey the same fervor as her father’s, but where his gaze is fraught with menace, hers reflects anguish and strength.

The initial four episodes are crafted with precision, packed with surprising twists and startling revelations. Nevertheless, it is Ashford’s compelling performance that renders the series thoroughly binge-worthy. Her authenticity and unpredictability keep viewers in suspense, rendering it impossible to foresee the direction of the story.

Based on the real-life experiences of Jesperson’s