Ep 6. Arthur Ponzarelli

Arthur Ponzarelli is the sixth episode of the second season of the American comedy television series Black Monday. The show revolves around a group of Wall Street traders who caused the stock market crash of 1987, known as Black Monday. The second season follows the aftermath of the crash as the characters face legal and personal challenges and try to find their way back to success.

The episode starts with Mo Monroe, the ambitious and ruthless trader who orchestrated the illegal scheme that caused the crash, meeting with his mentor and former boss, Lenny Lehman. Mo is trying to convince Lenny to invest in his new venture, a digital currency called Georgina. However, Lenny is skeptical and tells Mo that he needs to prove himself before he can trust him again.

Meanwhile, Dawn Darcy, the only female trader in Mo's team, is dealing with her own problems. She is still mourning the death of her father, a Vietnam war veteran who committed suicide, and her relationship with her boyfriend, Blair Pfaff, is strained. Blair is a rich and privileged trader who seems to be more interested in his status than in her feelings.

At the same time, Keith Shankar, a socially awkward trader who is often bullied by his colleagues, is on a mission to improve his image. He hires a personal stylist, Arthur Ponzarelli, who claims to have worked with famous celebrities, to help him dress better and become more confident. Arthur is flamboyant, eccentric, and talks in a loud Italian-American accent. He becomes an instant hit among Keith's colleagues, who admire his style and wit.

As the episode progresses, the characters' storylines intersect and collide. Mo tries to impress Lenny by organizing an illegal poker game in his office, but things quickly get out of hand. Dawn gets involved in a risky deal with a shady businessman, trying to help her father's former platoon leader. Blair and his father, Sandy, have a heated argument about the future of their family business. And Keith realizes that Arthur might not be who he seems to be, and his new confidence is not as authentic as he thought.

The episode is a mix of comedy and drama, with witty dialogues, over-the-top performances, and sudden twists. It explores themes such as loyalty, identity, and the cost of ambition. The characters are flawed and sometimes unlikeable, but also vulnerable and relatable. The show maintains its fast-paced and irreverent style, using pop culture references, music, and visual effects to create a vibrant atmosphere.

Overall, Arthur Ponzarelli is a fun and engaging episode that showcases the strengths of Black Monday. It balances humor and pathos, tackles serious issues with a light touch, and keeps the audience entertained and intrigued. It also advances the plot and sets up new conflicts and challenges for the characters, leaving us eager to see what comes next.