Ep 4. I See Money

In The Deuce season 1 episode 4 titled "I See Money," the storylines of several characters converge as they navigate the gritty world of the New York City sex trade in the 1970s.

Vincent Martino (played by James Franco) continues to manage his bars while secretly running a prostitution operation with his brother Frankie (also played by James Franco). However, tensions rise between the brothers when one of Vincent's employees gets caught up in the dangerous world of pimping. Vincent finds himself facing a moral dilemma as he grapples with the consequences of his actions.

Meanwhile, Candy (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal) is still trying to make a name for herself as a pornographic film director. She struggles to balance her artistic ambitions with the realities of the industry, as well as the judgment and criticism she faces from those around her.

The episode also follows the experiences of the women working in the sex trade, including Darlene (played by Dominique Fishback) who is trying to break away from her pimp and assert her agency over her own body. We also see the consequences of violence and drug addiction in the lives of other women involved in the sex trade.

Throughout the episode, the character's paths cross and intersect in unexpected ways. The themes of power, exploitation, and survival are explored as the characters navigate a dangerous and unpredictable world. The Deuce offers a nuanced and unflinching portrayal of a time and place often overlooked in popular culture, highlighting the humanity and complexity of those who lived and worked in this world.