Ep 7. Banana Split

Ray Romano stars in the critically acclaimed dark crime-comedy show Get Shorty which is in its second season. The latest episode of the season, "Banana Split," sees a new direction for the show as it continues to push the boundaries of the genre.

The show revolves around low-level gangster Miles Daly (Chris O'Dowd), who dreams of leaving his life of crime behind and becoming a Hollywood film producer. Season 2 sees Miles taking steps towards that goal, but his past and the criminal underworld he wants to leave behind threatens to catch up with him.

In "Banana Split," the seventh episode of the season, Miles finds himself in a complicated situation when Amara De Escalones (Lidia Porto), the head of the cartel he used to work for, sends him on a mission to retrieve an incriminating tape from a popular rapper, Tink (Omar Miller) who is known for his diss tracks and beefs.

To complicate matters further, Miles' business partner, Rick Moreweather (Ray Romano), has his own plans for Tink. Rick is hoping to get Tink to sign up with his new record label and is using Miles to set up a meeting.

As Miles tries to balance his responsibilities to Amara and Rick, he finds himself getting drawn deeper into the world of hip-hop and gangster rap. Meanwhile, the tensions between the different factions in the criminal underworld continue to mount, with everyone looking for a way to gain an advantage.

"Banana Split" is notable for the way that it pushes the show into new territory, introducing a range of fresh and exciting elements. One of the most notable aspects of the episode is the way it integrates hip-hop and rap music into the storyline.

As Miles navigates his way through the rap scene, he encounters a host of colorful and entertaining characters. These range from the egotistical Tink to his manager, the overstressed and underappreciated Randall (Seth Adkins), who provides a lot of the show's comedic moments.

Ray Romano also shines in this episode, proving once again that his performance in the series is one of the highlights. As Rick Moreweather, he is both hilarious and deeply flawed, a character who always seems to be in over his head but can somehow charm his way out of any situation.

The other strength of "Banana Split" is the way it advances the overarching plot of the series. As Miles becomes more involved in the world of hip-hop, the stakes continue to rise, and his relationships are put to the test.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to mount between the different factions in the criminal underworld. Amara's position as the cartel boss puts her in a precarious position, and there are those who are looking for a way to take her down.

All of this results in an episode that is full of tension and intrigue, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. As always, the writing is top-notch, and the direction is excellent. The show continues to excel at balancing its comedic elements with its darker, more serious ones.

In conclusion, if you're a fan of dark crime comedies, Get Shorty is a must-watch. Its blend of humor and tension makes for an incredibly entertaining viewing experience. And "Banana Split," in particular, is an episode that pushes the show to new heights, offering a fresh and exciting direction for the series.