Ep 9. Inside the Pretend

The Deuce is a television series that follows the growth of the porn industry in New York City during the 1970s and 80s. The show focuses on the lives of various characters within the industry, from sex workers to porn producers and everything in between. In the penultimate episode of season 2, titled Inside the Pretend, tensions continue to build in the wake of the police crackdown on the sex trade.

The episode opens with Vincent Martino (James Franco) struggling to keep his bar afloat, as the increased police presence has deterred many patrons from coming to the area. Meanwhile, Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is dealing with her own struggles as a filmmaker, trying to balance her creative vision with the demands of her producers.

As the episode progresses, tensions between the various characters reach a boiling point. Darlene (Dominique Fishback) confronts Larry (Gbenga Akinnagbe) about his controlling behavior, while Lori (Emily Meade) struggles to come to terms with her newfound fame and the impact it has on her personal life.

In the midst of all this chaos, the series takes a closer look at the police who are tasked with cracking down on the sex trade. Detective Chris Alston (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) is forced to confront the corruption within his own department, while fellow officer Hank (Chris Bauer) grapples with his own inner demons.

Ultimately, Inside the Pretend sets the stage for a dramatic season finale, as the characters are forced to confront the harsh realities of the world they inhabit. With tensions running high and the future of the sex trade hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen how everything will play out in the final episode of the season.