Ep 2. Comic Relief

In the second episode of season 3 of LA Ink, titled Comic Relief, the focus is on Kat Von D and her team as they welcome new clients with fun and quirky tattoo ideas. The episode starts with Kat receiving a special surprise from her boyfriend - a comic strip featuring her as the protagonist. It’s a heartwarming gesture that reminds viewers that, for all the drama that goes down in the tattoo shop, there is still camaraderie and genuine affection among the staff.

First up is a client named Jim who wants a tattoo of a cartoonish devil on his arm. Kat and her team brainstorm different designs and finally settle on a playful, zany character that captures Jim’s unique personality. The footage of Kat and the others chatting with Jim is charming and endearing, highlighting the rapport between tattoo artist and client.

Next, the team gets a visit from an old client, who brings along his girlfriend, Carla. Carla wants a tattoo that will surprise her boyfriend, so the team comes up with an inventive design - a mermaid riding a shark. As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the tattoo artists are just as invested in their clients’ lives and relationships as they are in the artwork. There’s a genuine sense of connection and closeness that makes for compelling viewing.

In between these appointments, the show delves into some of the personal struggles that the team members are facing. Kat confides in her friend and fellow tattoo artist, Hannah, about her concerns that she’s not living up to the expectations of those around her. Meanwhile, Hannah deals with her own insecurities, sharing her fears that she’s not experienced enough to handle some of the complex tattoo requests that come her way.

One of the highlights of the episode is the arrival of a young boy named Kolby, who’s come in with his dad to get his first tattoo. As he excitedly flips through a book of designs, Kolby admits to feeling nervous about the experience. But once he’s in the chair, he relaxes and starts chatting with Kat about his love of comics and superheroes. The whole scene is adorable - Kat’s tenderness towards the little boy is heartwarming and the team’s enthusiasm for making him feel comfortable is infectious.

From there, the episode picks up speed as the team tackles a plethora of offbeat requests. One client wants a tattoo of a slice of pizza, while another guy wants a portrait of Andre the Giant. One of the most memorable moments involves a client named Travis, who comes in wanting a tattoo of...well, it’s hard to describe, but let’s just say it involves a cartoonish creature playing a guitar. Suffice it to say that the team’s solution to the challenge is clever, hilarious, and genuinely impressive.

Throughout the episode, there’s a sense of levity and joy that makes it a pleasure to watch. Kat and her team clearly take pride in their work, but they also recognize the importance of having fun and not taking things too seriously. By the end of the episode, viewers will feel like they’ve gotten to know the team as people, not just as artists. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to balance drama with heart, making for a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.