Ep 4. What Big Ideas

Set in the gritty and seedy world of Times Square in the 1970s, The Deuce centers around the rise of the porn industry and the interconnected lives of various characters involved in its creation and distribution. In season 2 episode 4, titled "What Big Ideas," the focus is on the shifting power dynamic within the industry as the advent of video threatens to disrupt the established order.

As always, the episode is structured around a series of interweaving storylines featuring the show's diverse cast of characters. There's Vincent Martino, the bartender turned porn producer played by James Franco, who finds himself caught between the competing interests of various industry figures and is forced to make a difficult decision about the future of his business. There's also Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal), the prostitute turned filmmaker who is struggling to make the transition from on-screen performer to behind-the-camera creator, all while juggling personal and professional pressures.

Meanwhile, other characters are grappling with their own challenges. Darlene (Dominique Fishback) is trying to find her place in the industry while dealing with a difficult personal situation, while Abby (Margarita Levieva) is struggling to reconcile her political ideals with her relationship with Vincent. And Bobby (Chris Bauer), Vincent's brother and a leading figure in the mob-controlled massage parlor scene, is dealing with his own power struggles within his criminal organization.

Amidst all this drama and tension, the episode also touches on broader themes related to the changing cultural and social landscape of the 1970s. From feminist protests to the emergence of punk rock, the episode deftly weaves these elements into the narrative without ever feeling preachy or didactic.

Overall, "What Big Ideas" is a gripping and thought-provoking installment in the ongoing saga of The Deuce. With its compelling characters, nuanced writing, and stunning period detail, the show continues to be one of the most compelling dramas on television today.