Ep 7. Hank's Sex Tape

In The Larry Sanders Show season 4 episode 7 titled "Hank's Sex Tape," Hank Kingsley, the sidekick to the titular talk show host, finds himself in hot water after a sex tape he made with a former girlfriend leaks to the press. As Larry and the show's staff navigate the fallout, Hank tries to do damage control by reaching out to old flames and former colleagues who might be able to help him spin the story.

At the same time, Larry is dealing with the aftermath of his divorce from his wife Jeannie, who has been picking up work as a television producer and refusing to let him move on. While Larry tries to put on a brave face and focus on his show, tensions between him and Jeannie continue to simmer, threatening to boil over at any moment.

As the episode unfolds, we see Hank spiraling out of control as he tries to do whatever he can to salvage his reputation. From making apologies on air to calling up past flings, he's desperate to clear his name and find a way back into the public's good graces.

Meanwhile, Larry struggles to balance the demands of his professional and personal life, managing to keep up appearances on the show even as his personal turmoil threatens to overflow. With Jeannie constantly lurking in the background and Hank's scandal dominating the news cycle, Larry finds himself turning to his assistant Beverly for support and guidance.

Throughout the episode, we see the characters grappling with themes of identity, self-worth, and the impact of public perception on their private lives. From Hank wrestling with his own double standards around sex and honesty to Larry questioning whether his career is really worth the toll it's taking on his personal life, the episode offers a nuanced exploration of the pressures and pitfalls of fame and influence.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the episode is shot through with the show's signature deadpan humor and wry observations on the entertainment industry. As Larry and his team navigate the latest crisis to hit their already-harried world, they do so with a mix of cynicism, wit, and a certain degree of surprisingly heartfelt affection for one another.

All in all, "Hank's Sex Tape" is a standout episode in a series that continues to be celebrated for its sharp writing, strong performances, and unflinching depiction of the behind-the-scenes machinations of show business. Anchored by the incomparable Garry Shandling and a talented ensemble cast, the episode offers a funny, insightful, and thoroughly entertaining commentary on the messy, contentious, and endlessly fascinating world of television.