Paramount has launched an intriguing new drama series titled Happy Face, drawing inspiration from the true-crime story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, infamously known as the Happy Face Killer. However, the show takes creative liberties and does not aim for strict accuracy. Instead, it explores the emotional repercussions of her father’s heinous acts on his daughter, Melissa Moore, and the extensive impact on victims’ families and loved ones. The narrative is influenced by Melissa’s autobiographical writings and her related podcast, featuring authentic details interwoven within its unfolding storyline.
By the conclusion of the second episode, it became evident that the primary narrative of Happy Face was a dramatization rather than a faithful retelling of actual events. It’s crucial for audiences to understand that while the show is loosely based on real individuals, locations, and circumstances surrounding Jesperson, it is not a documentary. The characters depicted—many of whom were based on actual people—have been renamed, often complicating the distinction between fact and creative interpretation.
5 Melissa Never Stirred Up A Media Frenzy About A Ninth Murder
While Jesperson Continues To Be Investigated, He Has Never Been Connected With A Ninth Victim
For viewers engaging with Happy Face, it’s key to note that the contemporary storyline is largely fictionalized. There was never a mysterious ninth murder awaiting resolution, making the surrounding narratives primarily fictitious. Nevertheless, the series does incorporate substantial real-life details, creatively blending exaggeration with factual elements. For instance, Melissa’s memory of witnessing her father’s violent behavior toward animals is poignantly depicted during a dinner scene in Episode 3.
Additionally, a young couple had previously confessed to Jesperson’s first confirmed murder, a twist which led to his notorious letters signed with smiley faces, establishing his chilling reputation. However, the storyline about a media frenzy surrounding a wrongful conviction for one of his murders is more fiction than fact, despite some factual basis. Melissa did participate in media discussions regarding her father’s crimes and their toll on her life, but these never related to a fictitious ninth murder.
4 No Confession Was Ever Unearthed In A Letter From Keith To Melissa
She Did Receive Many Letters, Most Of Which Remain Unread
Image via Paramount+
In the third episode, a subplot unfolds where Ivy searches through numerous letters from Keith, hoping to locate a confession regarding the nonexistent ninth murder. In reality, Keith Jesperson is indeed an extensive correspondent, and Melissa possesses many letters from him—most remain unread. Those she has reviewed are filtered by her husband to shield her from Keith’s more sinister thoughts, as she has previously conveyed on her podcast, Happy Face.
3 Melissa’s Daughter Never Sold Keith Jesperson’s Art
There Is No Evidence Her Daughter Had Any Sort Of Fascination With Her Grandfather
Image via Paramount+
The subplot involving Melissa’s teenage daughter, Hazel, and her interest in her grandfather, Keith, is largely fictional. In truth, Melissa’s daughter, Aspen, learned about her grandfather’s identity at the age of 10 and has never shown interest in forging a relationship with him, nor has she contemplated selling his art like Hazel in the series. This dramatic element may have been introduced to illustrate Melissa’s concerns regarding her father’s potential influence on her family’s well-being.
2 Melissa’s Meeting With The Son Of Her Father’s Victim Was Very Different
She Did Have A Face-To-Face, But It Was Far More Controlled And Pleasant
The confrontation depicted in Episode 3 between a character representing Ashton McBride, the son of Keith Jesperson’s last victim, and his mother’s killer, is far more dramatic than what actually transpired. In reality, the son of the last victim, Don Findlay, did confront Jesperson in court and advocated for the death penalty. Melissa Moore also indeed met with Findlay, but this meeting happened differently than how it’s portrayed in the series.
As disclosed in her podcast, Melissa shared that the producers of a previous show, Monster In My Family, facilitated her meeting with Don. They informed her about his previous animosity towards her, which likely inspired the explosive scene depicted in the show. Contrary to this portrayal, Melissa and Don’s first encounter took place at a cafe, characterized instead by a heartfelt embrace and a calm discussion.
1 There Is No Evidence Keith Jesperson Had A Secret Cell Phone
It Keeps A Line Of Communication Open Between Melissa And Her Father
Image via Paramount+
The portrayal of Keith Jesperson possessing a secret cellphone to communicate with Melissa is likely a dramatization added for narrative effect in Happy Face. This device serves to depict the continuing manipulation he attempts from behind bars. However, real-life Melissa had much less regular contact with her father after his confessions, and any characterization of ongoing communication is misaligned with the reality of their strained relationship. As she noted, she has not maintained significant contact with him in over ten years.
For further insights, visit the Happy Face podcast.